Events in DC all year round

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.    

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.   

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.

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. 

Exhibitions, workshops and concerts over four days, when around 10,000 African American gays and lesbians hit the city for Black 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.

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.

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.  

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.   

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. 

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.