7 Best Annual Cultural Events in Washington DC June to December

Washington, DC is famous for its annual celebrations of international arts and customs. Indeed, the nation’s capital offers some of the best cultural events in the country. Since the city is home to 175 foreign embassies, residences, diplomatic missions, and chanceries, it attracts a diverse cultural population to live and work in the region. Washington, DC is proud and excited to bring international cultural, culinary, craft, and historical treasures to the heart of the nation’s capital. Here are some of the largest and most popular cultural events in the Washington, DC area, running from June through December. These festivals provide a family-friendly and fun way to experience the food, arts, music, and food traditions of other countries.
  1. Smithsonian Folklife Festival
The Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage sponsors a large cultural festival on Washington DC’s National Mall each summer. The theme changes yearly. However, it typically highlights three different cultures with special programming that includes crafts and cooking demonstrations, music and dance performances, storytelling, and much more. According to Injury Lawyers Washington DC, This massive, kid-friendly festival is free and filled with activities and offerings you can only find in Washington, DC. The festival starts in late June and extends through the 4th of July holiday. 
  1. Virginia Scottish Games
Over Labor Day, the Virginia Scottish Games Association holds a festival in Northern Virginia The festival celebrates Scottish heritage with highlands dancing, piping and drumming, highland dancing, fiddling competitions, sheep-herding demonstrations, children’s activities, live entertainment, an antique car show, and Scottish food and drink.
  1. Latino Festival (Fiesta DC)
This annual September celebration highlights and celebrates Washington, DC’s Latino culture with a Parade of Nations, international cuisine, a science festival, a children’s festival, arts and crafts, and a diplomatic pavilion for embassies and consulates. Fiesta DC coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month.
  1. Turkish Festival
September brings a Turkish Heritage Month celebration to Washington, DC. The city’s American-Turkish Association sponsors this festival. It celebrates Turkish art and culture with live music and folk dancing, hands-on, immersive activities, arts and crafts vendors, art demonstrations, guest speakers, and Turkish food.
  1. Oktoberfests
Held throughout September and October, these German fall festivals have become a staple in many areas of the country, and Washington, DC is no exception. Octoberfest celebrations around the nation’s capital. These family and adult-focused events involve German food, music, dancing, and beer, of course.
  1. Kids Euro Festival
This autumn performing arts festival includes over 200 free events for kids. It features artists from around the world and is sponsored by the Washington-based European Union embassies and many major local cultural institutions. From October through November, the programming provides a fun and captivating way for kids to learn about a wide variety of diverse cultures. 
  1. Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend
A popular holiday favorite in Northern Virginia, this December event brings together Scottish clansmen to parade with their bagpipes through Old Town Alexandria. The weekend activities include a Celtic Concert, a tour of local historic homes, a children’s tea party, and a Christmas Marketplace.