Taste of Rio Restaurant Week is underway in Gaithersburg, leading up to the annual Taste of Rio festival on Sunday, September 27.
New this year, Taste of Rio Restaurant Week runs from September 18-26, with 15 Rio restaurants and eateries offering special deals, limited-time menus and discounts.
Among the featured offers are a lobster meal for two at Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, a crab cake special at Charley’s Chesapeake Chophouse and 10% off at Guapo’s, along with additional specials from participating restaurants.
Guests who dine at a participating restaurant during Restaurant Week can save their receipt and bring it to the Taste of Rio festival on September 27 to receive one free tasting ticket, while supplies last. Receipts must be dated September 18-26.
The main Taste of Rio festival will take place Sunday, September 27 from 2-6pm along the boardwalk overlooking Rio’s lakefront. More than 15 Rio restaurants and eateries will participate, offering samples of signature food and beverage items throughout the afternoon. Admission to the festival, live music and entertainment are free, with tasting tickets required to purchase featured food and drinks.
Each tasting ticket is valued at $5, and participating restaurants will offer items for one or more tickets, with at least one tasting available for a single ticket. The entertainment schedule includes a DJ, games and food-themed competitions from 2-4pm, followed by Run For Cover performing ’90s and 2000s rock and pop hits from 4-6pm.
A $39 VIP package is also available while supplies last. The package includes three tasting tickets, access to the MoCo Eats Indoor Lounge from 1-6pm, a welcome cocktail, early ticket pickup, dedicated VIP lines, a MoCo Eats swag item and a complimentary copy of Bethesda Magazine.
Taste of Rio is a cashless event, and tasting tickets can be purchased in advance or onsite while supplies last. Free parking is available throughout Rio, including its four parking garages. The event is family-friendly, and well-behaved leashed dogs are permitted in Rio’s outdoor areas, though individual businesses may have their own policies.
