Katie Dandridge, one of the cocktail experts from Quill, the lounge at Washington’s Jefferson Hotel, leads a hands-on class (and tasting) for amateur mixologists who want to learn how to shake things up at home.

Saturday, August 18, 2018 - 3:00 p.m.

Taiwan and its many smaller offshore islands may not be huge in area, but they contain vast history, traditions, cultures, and natural attractions. Get ready to explore many of the treats Taiwan has to offer and discover many of its indigenous cultures during a single spectacular evening, featuring Taiwanese music and food and drink samples.

Thursday, September 6, 2018 - 6:45 p.m.

When the Michelin Guide, a powerful arbiter of taste, arrived in Washington in 2016, it was widely interpreted as validation of the city’s culinary pedigree. Hear about the newly selected Washington “stars” from Michael Ellis, Michelin’s international director. The program also features a conversation with several Washington chefs and a tasting.

Friday, September 14, 2018 - 11:00 a.m.

Sababa is Hebrew slang for great or cool. It is also the name of a new contemporary Israeli restaurant in Cleveland Park. Sababa opens exclusively to Smithsonian guests for a family-style lunch and a glass of wine—and author and culinary expert Joan Nathan adds a dash of cultural context to the proceedings.

Friday, September 21, 2018 - 12:00 p.m.

For Smithsonian Associates members at the Promoter ($100) level or below: Join us as we feature the National Zoo’s Asian elephant herd—and welcome its newest member, Spike—at this much-anticipated annual event. Enter the zoo before it opens to the public, enjoy breakfast, get up-close looks at the animals, and take in the memorable sights and sounds of Smithsonian’s wonderful zoo.

Saturday, September 22, 2018 - 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

For Smithsonian Associates members at the Advocate ($175) level or above. Join us as we feature the National Zoo’s Asian elephant herd—and welcome its newest member, Spike—at this much-anticipated annual event. Enter the zoo before it opens to the public, enjoy breakfast, get up-close looks at the animals, and take in the memorable sights and sounds of Smithsonian’s wonderful zoo. This ticket option includes VIP access at the Mane Grill across from Lion and Tiger Hill from 8 to 9 a.m.

Saturday, September 22, 2018 - 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

For Smithsonian Associates members at the Advocate ($175) level or above. Join us as we feature the National Zoo’s Asian elephant herd—and welcome its newest member, Spike—at this much-anticipated annual event. Enter the zoo before it opens to the public, enjoy breakfast, get up-close looks at the animals, and take in the memorable sights and sounds of Smithsonian’s wonderful zoo. This ticket option includes VIP access at the Mane Grill across from Lion and Tiger Hill from 9 to 10 a.m.

Saturday, September 22, 2018 - 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

For Smithsonian Associates members at the Advocate ($175) level or above. Join us as we feature the National Zoo’s Asian elephant herd—and welcome its newest member, Spike—at this much-anticipated annual event. Enter the zoo before it opens to the public, enjoy breakfast, get up-close looks at the animals, and take in the memorable sights and sounds of Smithsonian’s wonderful zoo. This ticket option includes VIP access at the Mane Grill across from Lion and Tiger Hill from 10 to 11 a.m.

Saturday, September 22, 2018 - 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Have you heard the new culinary term, “wine food”? It refers to matching a wider range of wines to food. Dana Frank and Andrea Slonecker, authors of Wine Food, discuss a range of distinctive flavors that natural wines offer, and how to match them with your favorite foods. Stay for a specially paired bite and sip.

Thursday, September 27, 2018 - 6:45 p.m.

Austrian-born wine importer Klaus Wittauer offers a guide to the country’s leading wine-producing regions, and leads a tasting of a number of products from these distinctive terrioirs.

Thursday, October 4, 2018 - 6:45 p.m.

Sicily bears fascinating traces in art, architecture, and cuisine of the many civilizations that have ruled it over the centuries. Food historian Francine Segan examines how a myriad of cultures influenced the flavors of this island’s iconic dishes. After the program, sample Sicilian history at a reception featuring the region’s desserts and wines.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018 - 6:45 p.m.

Chocolate has quite a history—and it’s delicious. Join food historian Francine Segan as she explores its evolution from ancient grainy bitter brew to the smooth and luscious treat we love today. And stay for a tasting of imported Italian chocolates paired with selected French red wine.

Wednesday, October 10, 2018 - 6:45 p.m.

Savor the lower Hudson Valley—a treasure trove of historic houses and home of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA)—in a 3-day excursion led by Bill Keene, a lecturer in history, urban studies, and architecture. The tour includes visits to the Kykuit Rockefeller estate, the CIA (for a 4-course Italian dinner), the Springwood family estate where Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born, and the magnificent Vanderbilt Mansion. 

Depart: Thursday, October 11, 2018 - 7:00 a.m.
Return: Saturday, October 13, 2018 - 9:30 p.m.

Food columnist, blogger, and photographer Nik Sharma joins the Washington Post’s Joe Yonan to discuss how he creates recipes shaped by a personal outlook on food that spans and mixes cultures, traditions, and cuisines.

Thursday, October 11, 2018 - 6:45 p.m.

Learn about growing, roasting, brewing, and serving coffee, along with details about its production and a few coffee myths from the founders and editors of Sprudge, the premier website for coffee content.

Sunday, October 21, 2018 - 1:00 p.m.

Food writers, cocktail fans, and musicians Andre Darlington and Tenaya Darlington teamed up to write Booze and Vinyl, showcasing iconic albums from the 1950s through 2000s, each matched with the perfect cocktails. If you’re feeling in the groove, join the Darlingtons at the Smithsonian Castle for a listening party—and learn how to mix a couple of perfect cocktails.

Monday, October 29, 2018 - 6:45 p.m.