Spend some time with the cream of the crop.

EAT
Cheesetique Patio
What: Refresh outside with wine and charcuterie to complement the high-end cheeses.
Why: You love a bit of dairy-air.
When: Tues.-Thurs., 5-9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 5-10 p.m.; Sun., noon-2:30 p.m.
Where: 2411 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria (703-706-5300).

BUY
Fashion Olympics
What: Wear your finest for deals, refreshments, and a judged style competition.
Why: Gold is in fashion.
When: Fri., 6-9 p.m.
Where: Lettie Gooch Boutique, 1911 9th St. NW, b/t U & T Sts. (202-332-4242). Register online at fashionolympicsregistration.eventbrite.com.

Ginger Sale
What: Nab 50 percent off Calypso, Tevrow+Chase, and more.
Why: Add a little summer spice.
When: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 7114 Bethesda Ln., Bethesda (301-664-9242).

HEAR
Ben’s Chili Bowl Concert
What: The half-smoke haven celebrates 50 years with a free festival of performances, including Wes Felton & Friends, Pancake Mountain, and Mambo Sauce.
Why: Hot diggity dog.
When: Sun., 2-10 p.m.
Where: Nightclub 9:30, 815 V St. NW, at 8th St. (202-265-0930).

ANTICIPATE
District Sample Sale
What: Buy advance tickets for sure-to-sell-out shindig where supermodel Hilary Rhoda chairs and top boutiques offer up to 90 percent off to benefit the DC Rape Crisis Center.
Why: Get runway ready.
When: Tickets on sale now at districtsamplesale.com. Event, Sept. 9, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: 1155 21st St. NW, b/t L & M Sts.