Sure, you can hold your own summer cookout. Or you can attend some of the delicious outdoor events this weekend. Check out a few of the yummiest:

The National Capital Barbecue Battle both Saturday and Sunday on Pennsylvania Avenue also includes non-stop music - including Soul Asylum and a tribute to Chuck Brown - and benefits the Metropolitan Police Boys & Girls Clubs.

The Northern Virginia Summer Brewfest happens also both Saturday and Sunday. In addition to craft beers and wine, there's plenty of food (from jambalaya to kettle corn) and music - all at Morven Park in Leesburg.

The Thai Embassy is hosting a Thai Village at Grace Church, across the street from the embassy on Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown. This Saturday-only event includes Thai food, music, dance and martial arts.

And, although time's up for registering for this year's event, imagine a catfish dinner and sweet tea on the National Mall. You may want to make a note for next year. It's called Mississippi on the Mall, and it takes place Sunday afternoon on the fields at 23rd and Constitution.