Events in DC all year round
Check out these annual events in DC, from festivals to concerts, parades, fairs, tour days and more
Our ultimate DC events calendar is your guide to things to do in Washington, DC all year long. And believe us, there’s loads on offer when it comes to events in DC, with festivals, cultural celebrations, street parties, parades, kids activities and more popping up all annually over the city—and in the midst of some of the most iconic sights and attractions. So whether you’re looking for Easter egg hunts at the White House in spring, Independence Day concerts at the Capitol in summer, national book festivals in fall or holiday fun in winter, we’ve got you covered. Read on for the best events and things to do in Washington, DC in spring, summer, fall and winter.
Winter events in DC
National Christmas Tree Lighting
The President kicks off the holiday season by switching on the lights on the giant National Christmas Tree. (There’s a National Menorah, too, which gets lit on the appropriate night.) For a seat in the enclosure, you’ll need a ticket: apply at least six weeks in advance as they run out fast. The ticketless, though, can usually get a glimpse from the other side of the fence. The ceremony begins at 5pm; arrive early. After the tree lighting, until New Year’s Day, the Ellipse hosts Christmas performances. Transport: Federal Triangle Metro.
New Year’s Eve celebrations
Events around town range from relatively inexpensive celebrations at the Kennedy Center (music and dancing in the Grand Foyer) to dinners at some of the area’s more upscale restaurants costing hundreds of dollars. Festivities range from tame jazz performances and a champagne toast to debaucherous parties that stretch into the wee hours; check ads in the Washington City Paper and the Washington Post.
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Martin Luther King Day celebrations
A birthday celebration is held on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where Dr. King gave his famous “I have a dream” speech in 1963. That’s just one of many, many commemorations in DC. Among others: the Washington Performing Arts Society (WPAS) hosts an annual children’s concert with a gospel performance that combines African rhythms and rap into a cappella combinations. The Martin Luther King Jr Memorial also serves as a solemn place to celebrate King’s legacy.
Chinese New Year
Celebrations kick off with a bang—dancers, dragons, firecrackers and parades—and continue, a bit more muted, for ten days. Look out for details near the time or contact the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (703-851-5685). Transport: Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro.
Black History Month
The Smithsonian Institution holds special events, exhibitions and cultural programs throughout the month. For more information on the activities on offer, check newspaper listings or contact the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
Famous birthdays
A celebration of Abe Lincoln’s birthday (February 12) is held at the Lincoln Memorial, where Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is read and a wreath is laid. (Maybe sit this one out if history makes you snooz.) George Washington’s birthday celebration, with a patriotic military program and a George Washington impersonator, is held (on the third Monday in February) at Mount Vernon, Virginia. The Frederick Douglass birthday tribute is held on or near February 14 at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, 1411 W Street, SE, at 14th Street, Anacostia.
Spring events in DC
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Washington’s St. Patrick’s Day revelries draw kit-donning crowds with a parade of dancers, bands, bagpipes and floats along Constitution Avenue. In true Irish style, the partying continues well into the night in pubs around the city. When March 17 doesn’t fall on a Sunday, the festivities take place on the previous Sunday. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are also held in Alexandria, VA, where they’re organized by a charity called Ballyshaners. Transport: Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, L’Enfant Plaza or Archives–Navy Memorial Metro.
Annual White House Easter Egg Roll
Since 1878, when Congress kicked them off the Capitol lawn, kids aged three to six have been invited to hunt Easter eggs—the egg count is up to 24,000-plus these days—hidden on the South Lawn of the Executive Mansion. A festival on the Ellipse features storytelling, children’s authors, even astronauts sometimes—and, crucially for cranky parents, food. The event kicks off at the Southeast Gate at the corner of East Executive Avenue and E Street; it gets very crowded, so arrive early. Make sure the kids are with you around 7–7:30am, when the tickets are handed out (though the actual festivities run from 10am to 2pm). Transport: McPherson Square Metro.
Around the World Embassy Tour
Every May, nearly 40 foreign embassies fling open their door the public for a free look-see. Concentrated on Massachusetts Avenue, the stately mansions are usually accessible only to dignitaries and ambassadors on-duty. Prepare to be fully immersed in each country’s culture, including food, art, dance fashion and music. Transport: Dupont Circle and Van Ness Metro.
Blossom Kite Festival
Kite-lovers of all ages proudly show off their handmade contraptions (and the serious ones even take part in competitions). There are also demonstrations with novelty and sport kites by “kite-making masters.” Usually held on the first day of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Transport: Smithsonian Metro.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Much to locals' chagrins, the National Cherry Blossom Festival marks the kick-off of tourist season in DC. In 1912, 3,000 cherry trees were donated to the city by Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo as a symbol of friendship between Japan and the United States. These original trees were planted along the Tidal Basin; today, the path that rings the basin becomes clogged with visitors during bloom time. The city has become famous for the immigrant blossoms, and celebrates them with near-pagan worship and a weekend of special events, including a National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and the Sakuri Matsuri Street Festival, a celebration of Japanese art, food and culture held on 12th Street between Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues. Plan your visit carefully: the blossoms are here and gone within a month. Transport: Smithsonian Metro.
Memorial Day
On the Sunday evening, the National Symphony Orchestra performs a free concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol (there’s another one on Labor Day in September; see the Kennedy Center for info). On Monday, the presidential wreath-laying and memorial services take place at Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the US Navy Memorial. Rolling Thunder’s Ride for Freedom, a massive motorcycle parade on Sunday morning, remembers POWs/MIAs and honors servicemen who died in wars.
Memorial Day Jazz Festival
Quaint Old Town Alexandria is the location for this day-long affair, which features half a dozen or so jazz artists, plus food stalls. Transport: King Street Metro.
Black Pride
Exhibitions, workshops and concerts over four days, when around 10,000 African American gays and lesbians hit the city for Black Pride.
Capital Pride
Washington’s LGBT community marks Capital Pride Week with parties, pageants, political forums, a Pennsylvania Avenue street festival, the inevitable parade—and even a mini film festival.
Summer events in DC
Marine Band’s Summer Concert Series & Evening Parades
“The President’s Own”—once led by John Phillip Sousa—performs free, twice-weekly outdoor concerts at the Capitol and/or on the Mall June through August; the band’s repertoire ranges from classical music to brass-band favorites, and the action starts at 8pm. (See the band’s website for days and locations.) On Fridays May through August, the band anchors the showy Evening Parade, which includes impressive precision formation drills; it begins at 8:45pm on the manicured grounds of the Marine Barracks (8th & I Streets, SE), the corps’ oldest post. Reservations are required, though unclaimed seats are sometimes available at the time. Transport: Rosslyn Metro.
Capital Jazz Fest
Billed as “the Woodstock of jazz festivals,” this outdoor extravaganza in Columbia, Maryland, has served up food, crafts, and, of course, some of the best jazz musicians around for over 20 years. Dave Koz, Eric Benét, Walter Beasley, David Benoit, Incognito and India Arie are among past headliners.
Dupont-Kalorama Museums Consortium Walk Weekend
Hidden-treasure museums and historically important houses in Dupont Circle and the neighboring Kalorama area take part in an “off the Mall” museum day for the public. The event incudes free access to usually pricey venues, including the Phillips Collection and Woodrow Wilson House. Free food, music, tours and crafts are bonuses.
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
It’s said to be the biggest five-kilometer run/walk in the world. The Race for the Cure draws tens of thousands of participants every May to raise money for and awareness of breast cancer. Transport: Federal Triangle Metro.
DanceAfrica DC
A week of advanced dance classes culminates in a weekend festival celebrating African and African-American dance. Approaching 30 years, the festival includes free outdoor performances, a marketplace, crafts and food, plus ticketed mainstage events indoors. Note that an admission price is charged for some events. Transport: Brookland-CUA Metro.
National Capital Barbecue Battle
For more than two decades, barbecue wizards have gathered to compete for titles that now, astonishingly, carry more than $40,000 in prize money. Tens of thousands throng the nation’s Main Street to sample glorious ribs, chicken and every other form of barbecue imaginable. Celebs, music, children’s activities and much more to go with the food.
http://bbqdc.com. Transport: Metro Archives-Navy Memorial.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
This monster festival celebrates the arts, crafts and cuisines of selected U.S. states and other countries. Food and demonstration booths stretch down the National Mall, and there are evening celebrations and music performances. The atmosphere is cheerful, the weather usually hot and sticky. Previous themes include Hungarian heritage, endangered languages, and African-American dress and adornment. Transport: Smithsonian Metro.
Independence Day
Steer clear of this one if you hate crowds (nearly 700,000 people generally turn up). Official events begin at 10am at the National Archives, with a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, demonstrations of colonial military manoeuvres, and more. Just before noon, the Independence Day parade starts to wind its way down Constitution Avenue (from the National Archives to 17th Street), and later (5–9:15pm) the grounds of the Washington Monument host entertainment—folk music, jazz, marching bands, military singers—and hordes of revelers. The National Symphony Orchestra performs a concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol building at 8pm, traditionally concluding with a battery of cannons assisting in the finale of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture; then, at roughly 9pm, a stupendous array of fireworks is set off over the Washington Monument. Logistical hassles aside, it’s a grand sight. Walk to the festivities if you can: Fourth of July crowds eat up parking spots and test the limits of the public transportation system. For a side of booze with your bang, clamor for a spot on the W Hotel's Rooftop, which offers some of the best views in town.
Fall events in DC
Adams Morgan Day
For over a quarter of a century, thousands of DC residents have come out to celebrate this community, home to large Latino, white, African and African American populations. Musicians, crafts and ethnic foods are in ample supply. he longest-running street fair in DC, Adams Morgan Day includes local artists, bands and restaurants that bring 18th Street and Columbia Road to life. Transport: Dupont Circle or Woodley Park Metro.
National Book Festival
Sponsored by the Library of Congress, the Book Festival features dozens of authors, illustrators, poets and storytellers, all reading, performing and signing in block after block of pavilions themed around “Fiction and Imagination,” “History and Biography,” “Mysteries and Thrillers” and so on. Admission is free. Transport: Archives-Naval Memorial or Federal Triangle Metro.
Annual High Heel Race
Dupont Circle residents and gawkers from across the city swarm to 17th Street to catch this ultimate drag race, which features outrageously costumed contestants promenading up and down—then sprinting down a two-block stretch in the heart of the capital’s gay community. The event itself lasts mere minutes, but the street-party atmosphere is festive and the scenery fabulous. Don't even get us started about the afterparties. Transport: Dupont Circle Metro.
Crafty Bastards Arts and Crafts Festival
For more than 10 years, Crafty Bastards has served as a showcase for over 100 emerging and established local makers to show off goods like knitted cats and macramé wall hangings. It’s grown so large that a few years ago, it upgraded from a lot in Adams Morgan to Dock 5 at Union Market, a sprawling warehouse-like space in Northeast DC. Bring a list and get your holiday shopping done early. Or just do the more obvious thing and shop for yourself. Transport: NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro.
Marine Corps Marathon
The “Marathon of Monuments” draws around 30,000 runners from around the world, and no wonder: The Marine Corps Marathon course winds along the banks of the Potomac, through Georgetown and Rock Creek Park, past the city’s most famous sites and monuments, finishing at the Iwo Jima memorial in Arlington. Spectators and supporters turn the route into a 26-mile street party.
Veterans’ Day ceremonies
A solemn ceremony with military bands, in honor of the country’s war dead. Ceremonies are also held at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Mount Vernon (1-703 780 2000) and the US Navy Memorial. Transport: Arlington Cemetery Metro.
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