Bethesda Row's neighborhood butcher shop is throwing a block-party-style cookout to celebrate a decade in business, and the first 150 guests eat free.

Butchers Alley will fire up the grill outside its storefront at 4961 Bethesda Ave. on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., serving hand-ground burgers at no cost to early arrivals, the MoCo Show reported. No ticket or purchase is required.

The shop announced the celebration on its Instagram account on Aug. 14, saying it can't wait to celebrate with the community and that raffle entries are already open through a link in its bio.

Beyond the burgers, the cookout will feature tastings and a raffle with three prizes: a Butcher's Pick Box containing spatchcock chicken, a New York strip and a rack of ribs; a paella party for four; and a $100 catering gift card.

A decade on the Row

Butchers Alley opened in 2016 as a chef-driven shop stocking locally and sustainably sourced cuts of beef, pork, poultry and lamb, along with house-made sausages, local bacon and prepared foods. The store holds a Silver-tier green business certification from Montgomery County and sources its pork from farms in Frederick, Maryland, according to county records.

It also serves as a CSA pickup location for Norman's Farm Market, a family farm that has served the D.C. region since 1987, where customers can pick up locally grown produce alongside meat orders.

Its sister business, Pescadeli, a fresh-fish and prepared-foods market, operates directly across the street at 4960 Bethesda Ave. Butchers Alley says Pescadeli has been open for more than 50 years, though Pescadeli's own website lists over 40 years. Either way, the two shops anchor a long-running food corridor on the block.

How to attend

The cookout is free and open to the public. Parking is available in 10 dedicated spots: eight in front of Butchers Alley and two in front of Pescadeli. Raffle entries can be submitted online through the link in Butchers Alley's Instagram bio (@butchersalleyfood) before the event.

Show up early. The burger line is first-come, first-served.

Upcoming community events

• Sunday, Aug. 23: Washington Folk Festival returns to Glen Echo Park.
• Saturday, Aug. 29: Butchers Alley 10th Anniversary Cookout, 4961 Bethesda Ave., 11 a.m.–2 p.m.