DC Summer Restaurant Week kicks off today, with 200+ restaurants rolling out fixed-price menus today through Sunday (8/24).

Two Potomac standouts are in the mix. The Grove is serving a $25 three-course lunch and $40 dinner that features steak-and-cheese egg rolls and pan-seared branzino in green gazpacho sauce. It is a light and summery lineup for those not ready to give up warm-weather flavors. See The Grove’s full Restaurant Week menu.

Duke's Grocery Potomac is showing why its Proper Burger has been voted DC’s best since 2016. Their $25/$40 menus also feature white truffle mac and cheese and bourbon BBQ ribs. Burger lovers, click here for Duke’s full Restaurant Week menu.

Across Montgomery County, 23 more restaurants are participating. Highlights include Morton’s Steakhouse in Bethesda with a $65 dinner menu starring lobster ravioli, and Joy By Seven Reasons in Chevy Chase where tres leches French toast could redefine brunch.

Brunch and lunch menus start at $25 or $35. Dinner options run from $40 to $65, and some restaurants include wine or cocktail pairings. It is a rare chance to try that place you’ve been meaning to visit or splurge without the usual splurge.

Browse Bethesda Magazine's comprehensive guide for Montgomery County, or visit the official Restaurant Week website if you want to adventure further.

🎭 The Barns turn 300 (yes, really). Wolf Trap’s beloved venue marks the milestone with a 2025–26 season featuring Natalie Merchant, Chicago’s Second City, and The Del McCoury Band. Tickets drop Friday, we’ll remind you ;) See the lineup

🥐 Bethesda just got sweeter. Paris Baguette has opened on St. Elmo Avenue, serving fresh pastries, breads, cakes, and Lavazza coffee daily from 6 a.m.–9 p.m. Cakes serving more drama than RHOP

🍂 Rockville’s Fall 2025 Recreation programs are now open to non-members, offering all the familiar arts, sports, and fitness favorites plus extra perks for seniors, like health-focused seminars and delightfully quirky seasonal classes you won’t find in the county programs. Browse the full list

💉 Missing a vaccine before school starts? Montgomery County is covering the cost through September for kids pre-K–12. Potomac’s nearest site: Rockville. See how to sign up

🥪 Yelp just named two Maryland sandwich shops among the nation’s best. Full On Craft Eats (#44) in Annapolis (with a second location in Rockville) and Ekiben (#35) in Baltimore (Frederick location coming soon) both made the list, but which one’s worth a wait in line? Check the full list (including four from Virginia)

Women of Determination. 10:30-11:30am @ Online via Rockville Community Center
From seamstress-turned-White House insider Elizabeth Keckley to virologist June Almeida, this program highlights four trailblazing women whose resilience and brilliance reshaped history. Register in link 👩🏾‍🔬

End of Summer Hike. 6pm @ Seneca Creek State Park, Chickadee Trailhead
A volunteer naturalist leads a gentle evening walk to spot wildflowers, salamanders, and monarch butterflies, the perfect way to close a summer night. All ages welcome, bring water & sturdy shoes 🌅

The Age of World’s Fairs. 6:45-8:15pm @ Online via Smithsonian Associates
Art historian Jennie Hirsh revisits Chicago 1893 and Paris 1900 to show how world’s fairs shaped modern architecture, culture, and optimism. Register in link 🌏

Dine for a Cause with CSAAC. 5 pm to close @ Dogfish Head Alehouse
Enjoy dinner while supporting autism services. Mention CSAAC and 15 percent of your bill goes directly to programs that empower local families. Dine in or carry out, mention CSAAC when ordering 🤝

Community Teach-In: Democracy & the States. 7pm @ Politics & Prose, Conn Ave
Hear Governor Wes Moore lead a teach-in on how states strengthen or weaken U.S. democracy, perfect material for your next book group or dinner table debate. Free, first-come, first-served seating + livestream link online 💬

Potomac Library Advisory Committee Meeting. 7–8 pm @ Potomac Library & Zoom
Share your voice on community priorities at the Potomac Library’s monthly advisory meeting, open to all residents both in-person and online. Join in person or via link 📚

Rockville Science Café: Stories of the Naval Observatory. 7–8 pm @ Zoom
Join Dr. Sethanne Howard, former Chief of the Nautical Almanac Office, for insider stories of the U.S. Naval Observatory’s science and celestial discoveries. Register in link 🔭

Book Discussion: The Secret History of Bigfoot. 6:30–7:30 pm @ Potomac Library
Discuss John O’Connor’s witty exploration of Sasquatch folklore, from Pacific Northwest forests to cryptozoology conventions, and unpack why Bigfoot still stalks America’s imagination. No RSVP required 👣

Disabled Writers Mixer. 5:30–7 pm @ The Writer’s Center
An informal mixer for DMV-area writers who identify as disabled—bring a drink or an appetizer to share and some friendly writing conversation. RSVP in link ✍️

Paddle with Me! Guided Paddle. 5:30–7 pm @ Seneca Creek State Park Boat Center
Glide across Clopper Lake in a kayak or canoe provided by the park while soaking in shore-side wildlife and summer’s golden light. Ages 12+, no experience required, register in link 🚣‍♀️

Senior Cinema: Bad Shabbos. 10:30 am @ Avalon Theatre
Catch Bad Shabbos, a heartfelt comedy with open captions, at this $5 senior screening that feels like brunch with friends. $6 tickets, no reservation required 🎬

Maryland State Fair Opening Day. 5 pm @ Timonium Fairgrounds
The fair launches three weekends of fun with opening-night highlights that include glass-blowing, otter shows, pig races, and mirror-suited performers. Buy tickets in advance in link for best price 🎡

Movies in the Park: IF. Dusk (~8 pm) @ Woodley Gardens Park
Spread a blanket under the stars for IF, a family-friendly film about imaginary friends. Bring chairs, blankets, and snacks 🎥

ASC Field Trip: Expert-Led Trail Run Workout. 6:30–7:30 am @ Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
Push yourself with a 3-mile guided trail run featuring bodyweight and core exercises at one of the DMV’s most scenic spots. $40/person, details & registration in link 🏃‍♂️

King Arthur: Ask the Baker. 11 am–2 pm @ Shops at Wildwood
Meet King Arthur’s bakers at their Bethesda pop-up, ask your baking questions, and pick up pro tips along with fresh bread. 🍞

Fridays at the Farm Crab Feast & BBQ Buffet. 5:30–8:30 pm @ Smokey Glen Farm
Enjoy a country-view buffet with all-you-can-eat crabs, ribs, mac and cheese, pies, and more, the perfect way to spend a summer Friday evening. Tickets in link 🦀

^{*Dates & times subject to change based on weather and/or venues making your life more difficult}

Now forward this to that neighbor who hasn’t tried a Duke’s Proper Burger yet (and win a $50 gift card to buy your own if you’re the first to 5 referrals!)

-Potomac Loop Team