Where to eat in June

June afternoons around Washington will bring streets lined with grills, smokers and happy diners as the outdoor eating season gets underway. Here's what your taste buds have to look forward to this weekend, and keep your eyes open early next week as we'll take a look ahead to the rest of the month.

It all starts with the Beltway BBQ Showdown. Taking over Watkins Regional Park, cooks will convene in Prince George's County to fight it out for the best in the biz and a chance at the national cook-off in Kansas City. Vendors will be selling their best pork, beef and chicken and visitors can vote on the best barbecue sauce. Music will be provided by Memphis Gold Band and the Channel Cats Blues Band. Kids aren't forgotten, either; there will be a play area and children's activities, as well as a car show (June 5).

For those with a more refined palate, Vintage Virginia is bringing a sampling of the state's vineyards to its 29th annual Wine Festival. As much a learning experience as a tasty one, you can buy wine and accessories while learning from the makers what exactly constitutes a quality wine. There are more than 300 wines to choose from and music throughout the two-day event. (June 5-6).

Most people in D.C. know that the government would hardly be able to run if it weren't for Hill interns. To welcome the summer arrivals, McFadden's is hosting a meet-and-greet party for summer interns. With free appetizers at 8 and drink specials until 9, this happy hour hopes to introduce interns to each other and the bar's specials (June 6).

Kicking off on June 7 is Jaleo's Paella Festival, a celebration of Spanish foods inspired by Chef María José San Román, head chef of several restaurants in the Alicante region of Spain. Chef San Román will work with the chefs of Jaleo to create the festival menu, exclusive to this event (June 7-20).

-- Kristen Boghosian