There are some great events over the coming weeks here in DC, and as usual local restaurants and food vendors come together in support of worthwhile causes. Whether it's a night out with friends or a fancy ball you're looking for, DC's food scene has you covered.

Dining out for Life: Thursday, April 24

The 18th Annual Dining out for Life returns April 24, dine at any of the participating restaurants in the DC Metro area and 25-110% of sales will be donated to Food & Friends, which provides nutrition services to people living with HIV/AIDS in the Washington area. There are dozens of restaurants participating including BlackSalt, Le Diplomate, Posto and 1905 to name a few, a full list can be found here.

Sound Bites: Sunday, May 4

DC Central Kitchen's Sound Bites food and music festival returns for its fifth year on May 5th, at the Ronald Reagan Building in Downtown DC. With live music to compliment the food and drinks provided my more than 25 local restaurants and mixologists this is a great event and cause, with a little competition to boot - a Mixologist Madness Competition will determine the best cocktail in the city.

Sound Bites: Ronald Reagan Building’s Woodrow Wilson Plaza on May 4, 1-5PM, $65

Blue Jeans Ball: Sunday, April 13

To step it up a notch, or belt buckle, the Capital Area Food Bank is presenting the 11th Annual Blue Jeans Ball at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Leave the tux at home and throw on a pair of those mom jeans as more than 40 local restaurants and food vendors serve up food and drinks while live music oversees then silent auction.

Blue Jeans Ball: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel on April 13, 6PM, $200-$300