8 Must-See Events and Festivals in Washington DC
Washington, DC has many and varied signature events and festivals that take place all year long. Many are family-friendly and free to attend. This wide variety of attractions is spread across the diverse city neighborhoods and includes everything from festivals and holiday celebrations to concerts, museum exhibits, concerts, and so much more. Discover these must-see events and festivals in the nation’s capital.
- National Cherry Blossom Festival
Wahington, DC’s National Cherry Blossom Festival rings in the arrival of spring in DC. The festival coincides with the blooming of the cherry blossom trees and marks the occasion. The 3,000-plus trees honor the bond between American and Japanese cultures that began when Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki gifted the trees back in 1912. The festival is held in March and April each year.
- Passport DC
Washington, DC’s month-long festival, Passport DC, occurs in May. It pays tribute to the thriving international culture in the nation’s capital. As part of the festival, open houses at the District’s many embassies are held the first two Saturdays in May. Tour a foreign embassy with the EU Open House and the Around the World Embassy Tour.
- DC Jazz Festival
The DC Jazz Festival is a can’t-miss summer event. People of all ages come together to celebrate all things jazz every summer. The event provides a diverse selection of national and international jazz artists performing in a variety of venues spanning every corner and quadrant of Washington, DC. Many of the concerts during the festival are free admission.
- Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Each summer, the National Mall hosts the family-friendly Smithsonian Folklife Festival. This massive, kid-friendly event celebrates cultures across the globe. According to car accident attorneys in Washington, DC This is a free festival and a can’t-miss event filled with activities and offerings you can only find in Washington, DC.
- Capital Pride Parade
The Capital Pride Alliance, held in June, celebrates Capital Pride. It features a popular collection of events, including the Pride Parade, Concert, and Festival. The events in this week-long festival celebrate Washington, DC’s LGBTQ community.
- Fourth of July Celebration
Washington, DC celebrates the Fourth of July holiday with more than just a bang. You can view the thrilling fireworks show on the National Mall, attend the free A Capitol Fourth concert, and celebrate the birth of America’s birthday in a multitude of ways. Indeed, summer’s biggest holiday is a not-to-miss experience in the nation’s capital.
- Memorial Day Celebration
Washington, DC on Memorial Day weekend is the place to be. Indeed, DC specializes in Memorials and celebrates them with unique and profound events and exhibits that recognize the service of America’s military and veterans. DC’s Memorial Day parade is the country’s largest and kicks off the start of summer.
- National Christmas Tree Lighting
The National Christmas Tree Lighting event in Washington, DC is hosted by the National Park Service and held in President’s Park on the White House grounds. The tree is lit for the first time in late November or early December, followed by a concert. Every night after that, the tree is lit, and more performances are held. Surrounding the National Christmas Tree is the “Pathway of Peace,” made up of trees from every state and territory in the nation decorated with beautiful and unique handmade ornaments.