Below is a list of major annual events in Washington, D.C. To view a complete list of events throughout the year in Washington, D.C. visit Washington.org. 

Click the month you are visiting for a listing of events in Washington, D.C. during that time.

January
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December


January:


Washington DC Restaurant Week:
Description: Dozens of Washington’s most famous restaurants offer delicious three-course, prix-fixe lunch and dinner specials.
Date: TBD
Time: Time varies dependent on individual restaurant hours.
Location: 180 restaurants throughout the Washington, DC area.
Cost: Restaurants offer a three-course fixed-price lunch special for $20.09; a three-course dinner special will be offered for $35.07.
Attendance: Most of the restaurants participating offer online reservations. To make reservations, visit: http://www.opentable.com.
Event Producer: The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington and Destination, DC.
Additional Information: To see the list of restaurants and learn more information, visit: the Annual Events page at washington.org.


Washington Auto Show:
Description: Washington DC’s premiere auto show. The show will feature more than 700 new cars, trucks, mini-vans, and sport utility vehicles from over 42 domestic and import automakers. New technologies, concepts, modeling instructions, and even celebrities will be present.
Date: January 28-February 6, 2011
Time: 10 AM - 9 PM Monday-Thursday; 10 AM - 10PM Friday & Saturday; 10 AM - 7 PM Sunday
Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Cost: Adults (including children 13 or older): $12; Senior Citizens (65+ years): $10; Children (6-12): $5; Children under 6: Free.
Attendance: Tickets can purchased at the Washington DC Convention Center ticket kiosk or online: www.washingtonautoshow.com
Event Producer: Autotrader.com, Comcast, State Farm
Additional Information: For more information, visit: washingtonautoshow.com/ or the Annual Events page at washington.org.

Back to Top



March:


St. Patrick’s Day Parade:
Description: Washington’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which has been around since 1971. Includes marching bands, pipe bands, the Nation’s Military, Police, and Fire Departments, as well as floats, novelty groups, and marchers wearing green.
Date: March 13, 2011
Time: Noon to 3 p.m.
Location: The parade makes its way down Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets.
Cost: Free. Grandstand tickets are $5.
Event Producer: The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee of Washington, DC
Additional Information: For more information, visit: dcstpatsparade.com/ or the Annual Events page at washington.org.


White House Easter Egg Roll:
History: The story of the White House Easter Egg Roll, which begins at one end of Pennsylvania Avenue and continues at the other, is one of the oldest and most unique traditions in presidential history. Over the years, the Egg Rolls have evolved and changed, with different games and amusements popular in different years. Near the end of the nineteenth century, children played "Egg Picking," "Egg Ball," "Toss and Catch, " and "Egg Croquet." Soon the event evolved into a more elaborate affair, with bands, entertainers and food. President Rutherford B. Hayes officially opened the White House grounds to local children for egg rolling on Easter Monday in 1878. Successive Presidents have continued the tradition of inviting children to the South Lawn for egg rolling and other activities and entertainment.
Description: Easter Egg Roll activities begin on the Ellipse with food and entertainment. Children of all ages can enjoy the reading corners, egg coloring, art activities, face painting, music, magicians, and other activities.
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: South Lawn of the White House
Cost: Free
Event Producer: The White House
Additional Information: For more information, call: (202) 456-7041 or visit whitehouse.gov or the Annual Events page at  washington.org.


42nd Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival
Description: This Kite Festival, one of the kite world’s well-known kite events, is sponsored by The Smithsonian Associates and National Air and Space Museum. The Festival features kite fliers from across the United States and the world. Traditionally a part of the festivities at cherry blossom time in the Nation’s Capital, the Smithsonian’s colorful Kite Festival is one of the most popular annual events held on the National Mall.
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: National Mall
Additional Information: For more information, visit www.kitefestival.org/start.htm or the Annual Events page at washington.org 


National Cherry Blossom Festival:
Description: A festival in honor of the coming of spring and the 3,000 cherry trees gifted to America by the Tokyo mayor, Yukio Ozaki, in 1921. The event includes a parade and festival featuring a number of facets of Japanese culture including arts, crafts, and food. The Parade showcases entries from across the country and around the world, including American Idol Finalist Anthony Federov, Disco Diva Martha Wash and Grand Marshal Pat Sajak. Lavish floats, gigantic helium balloons, exciting international performance groups and marching bands join in the celebration. Immediately following the Parade is the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival presented by the Japan-America Society of Washington, DC presenting over 80 organizations highlighting Japanese performances, arts, crafts and food.
Date: March 26-April 10, 2011
Time: The times of individual events varies. The parade begins at 10 AM; the Japanese festival runs from 11 AM – 6  PM.
Location: Individual event times vary. Daily cultural performances at the Tidal Basin at Noon. National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade begins at 10 am and runs down Constitution Avenue. Sakura Matsuri Festival runs 11 am - 6 pm.
Cost: Admission varies with individual events. Grand Stand tickets for the parade are $15 each and  available at http://www.ticketmaster.com.
Event Producer: Many events throughout the festival dates are produced by separate organizations. Coordinating producer is the Downtown BID at 202-547-1500.
Additional Information: Restaurants create special “Cherry Blossom Specials” and certain hotels provide special packages for visitors.  For more information, visit: nationalcherryblossomfestival.org or the Annual Events page at washington.org.

Back to Top



April:


Smithsonian Craft Show
Description: Often regarded as the nation’s most prestigious juried exhibition and sale of American craft. All proceeds benefit education, research, and outreach programs within the Smithsonian Institution.
Date: April 14-17, 2011
Time: Check website for times.
Location: The National Building Museum: 401 F Street, NW.
Cost: Daily Admission: $15; Seniors, Students, Military, and Smithsonian Associates: $12; Children under 12: free; Group Rate (12 or more by advanced purchase): $10.
Attendance: To purchase tickets, call: (888) 832-9554 or visit: smithsoniancraftshow.org.
Event Producer: The Smithsonian Women’s Committee
Additional Information: No strollers are allowed. For more information, visit: smithsoniancraftshow.org or the Annual Events page at washington.org.


The Washington International Film Festival:
Description: For 12 days, filmgoers take a cinematic journey around the world without ever leaving the nation’s capital. The festival features more than 100 features, documentaries, short films, and special programs.
Date: TBD
Time: Times vary with each showing.
Location: Most films will be shown at 4000 Wisconsin Avenue, NW.
Cost: General admission is $10.
Attendance: Tickets may be purchased by calling Tickets.com at (800) 955-5566 from 9 AM – 9 PM, Monday – Sunday, or by visiting tickets.com. No tickets may be purchased on the day of the show. Tickets are also available at any time at Records or CD Game Exchange stores. Tickets may also be purchased an hour before the show at the designated theater.
Event Producer: The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
Additional Information: For more information, visit: filmfestdc.org or the Annual Events page at washington.org.



Back to Top



May:


National Police Week:
Description: National Police Week will recognize, remember, and honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. Also includes the Annual Candlelight Vigil, during which names of recently fallen officers are formally dedicated on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
Date: May 15-21, 2011
Time: Time varies with events. A schedule can be viewed here: nleomf.org.
Location: Varies depending on day and event. Visit the schedule above for a list of locations.
Cost: Free
Event Producer: The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, and Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary
Additional Information: For more information, visit: nleomf.org or the Annual Events page at washington.org.


National Memorial Day Parade:
Description: The parade of the nation’s capital to honor all who served our country. The event features over 40 bands and 150 other units representing veterans of America’s conflicts all the way back to World War I.
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: The National Memorial Day Parade will step off at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW. It will proceed west down Constitution, past the White House, ending at 17th Street.
Cost: Free
Event Producer: American Veterans Center
Additional Information: For more information, visit: nationalmemorialdayparade.com or the Annual Events page at the Annual Events page at washington.org.

Back to Top



June:


Caribbean Carnival:
Description: A parade and carnival featuring crafts, music, dance, and food representative of the Caribbean culture. The parade consists of over 25 color bands of masqueraders accompanied by Caribbean music.
Date: TBD
Time: Check website for times.
Location: Parade begins at Georgia and Missouri Avenues and heads south down Georgia, culminating at Banneker Recreation Park. The carnival opens at Banneker Park.
Cost: Parade is free. Admission to the carnival is $10.
Event Producer: DC Caribbean Carnival, Inc.
Additional Information: For more information, visit: dccaribbeancarnival.org the Annual Events page at washington.org.


National Capital Barbecue Battle:
Description: Barbecue teams and restaurants from around the country compete to win over $25,000 in cash and prizes and the title of National Pork BBQ Champion. Cooking demonstrations, free samples, interactive cooking displays, and children’s activities are all included.
Date: June 25-26, 2011
Time: Saturday: 11 AM – 9 PM; Sunday: 11 AM – 7:30 PM.
Location: Pennsylvania Avenue between 9^th and 14^th Streets.
Cost: Adults: $10; Kids (6-12): $5; 5 and Under: Free. Group discounts are available for groups of 20 or more.
Attendance: Tickets may be purchased online at: instantseats.com. Tickets are also available at the gate on each show day. Group tickets may be purchased by calling: (301) 860-0630.
Event Producer: Barbecue Battle, Inc.
Additional Information: For more information, visit: bbqdc.com or call (202) 828-3099.  Also visit the Annual Events page at washington.org.


Smithsonian Folklife Festival:
Description: A national, even international, celebration of contemporary living traditions. The festival includes daily and evening programs of music, song, dance, celebratory performance, crafts and cooking demonstrations, storytelling, illustrations of workers’ culture, and narrative sessions for discussing cultural issues.
Date: June 30 - July 4, 2011; July 7 - 11, 2011
Time: 11 AM – 5:30 PM daily; evening events begin at 5:30 PM.
Location: The National Mall
Cost: Free
Event Producer: The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
Additional Information: For more information, visit: folklife.si.edu or the Annual Events page at washington.org

Back to Top



July:


Independence Day Celebration:
Description: Celebrate the nation’s birthday in the nation’s capital. The celebration features a parade with more than 100 marching units, followed by a concert with the most popular music groups. A fireworks show is also included.
Date: July 4, 2011
Time: Parade begins at 11:45 am. Concert is from 8-9:30 pm on the West Lawn of the Capitol. Fireworks begin around 9:15 and last for 30 minutes.
Location: Parade runs down Constitution Avenue between 7^th and 17^th Streets.
Cost: Free
Event Producer: The National Park Service
Additional Information: For more information, visit Washington.org

 Back to Top



August:


Legg Mason Tennis Classic:
Description: A series of tennis matches whose proceeds will benefit the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation (WTEF), a non-profit organization that strives to improve the life prospects of the DC-area youth.
Date: TBD
Time: Session times may vary.
Location: William H. G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center, 16^th and Kennedy Streets, NW.
Cost: Individual tickets are $10 to $70 depending on the session. To see the list of ticket packages, visit: https://www.leggmasontennisclassic.com/tickets/default.aspx.
Attendance: Tickets must be purchased in advance. To do so online, visit: leggmasontennisclassic.com. A convenience charge and handling fee are added to single session tickets.
Event Producer: The Washington Tennis and Education Foundation
Additional Information: visit: leggmasontennisclassic.com or the Annual Events page at washington.org.

Back to Top



September:


Black Family Reunion Celebration:
Description: A festival which celebrates the enduring strengths and traditional values of the African American family. There are a number of themed pavilions, including but not limited to: Children, Health, Sports and Fitness, Day Spa, Sons and Brothers, etc.
Date: September 11, 2010
Time: 8:30 AM – 8 PM.
Location: The Washington National Mall
Cost: Free. Opening Ceremony and Prayer Breakfast tickets: $35.
Attendance: To purchase Opening Ceremony and Prayer Breakfast tickets, call: (202) 383-9142.
Event Producer: The National Council of Negro Women, Inc.
Additional Information: For more information, visit: ncnw.org or the Annual Events page at washington.org.


Adams Morgan Day:
Description: A popular cultural festival based on Adam Morgan’s international character and famous murals. The even features live music, samples of international food, cultural demonstrations and dances, interactive science exhibits, and much more.
Date: Always the 2^nd Sunday of September.
Time: 12 – 7 PM.
Location: Main Stages: 18^th Street, NW between Florida Avenue and Columbia Road. Cultural
Stages: Columbia Road, NW at Champlain Street, NW; and at Marie Reed Elementary.
Cost: Free
Event Producer: Adams Morgan Main Street Group, Inc.
Additional Information: For more information, visit: ammainstreet.org or the Annual Events page at washington.org.


The National Book Festival:
Description: A festival which will feature more than 70 award-winning authors, poets, and illustrators in a number of genre pavilions. These pavilions include: History and Biography, Teen, Fiction & Fantasy, Mysteries & Thrillers, etc. The festival will also represent reading and library promotion programs from all over the country.
Date: September 25, 2010
Time: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: The National Mall
Cost: Free
Event Producer: The Library of Congress
Additional information: For more information, visit: loc.gov or the Annual Events page at washington.org.

Back to Top



October:


Marine Corps Marathon:
Description:A 26-mile, 385-yard marathon passing many of the most famous monuments and attractions. The course is relatively flat and USATF certified.
Date: October 31, 2010
Time: The marathon will begin at 7:50 AM with the wheelchair and hand cycle participants. Runners will start at 8 AM.
Location: Start line is located on Route 110 (all lanes) just South of Arlington Memorial Bridge.
Cost: $88 entry fee
Attendance: Registration is required. Register online by visiting: marinemarathon.com.
Event Producer: Marine Corps Marathon
Additional Information: For more information, visit: marinemarathon.com or the Annual Events page at washington.org.

Back to Top



November:


Veterans Day Celebration:
Description: Veterans of the nation’s wars are honored at various war memorials throughout Washington, DC.
Date: November 11, 2010
Time: 11 AM at Arlington National Cemetery and African-American Civil War Memorial; 1 PM at the U.S. Navy Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Location: Various locations throughout Washington, DC.
Cost: Free
Event Producer: National Park Services
Additional Information: For more information, visit: nps.gov or the Annual Events page at washington.org.


Washington Craft Show:
Description: The show features functional and purely fantastic work by 190 of the nation’s leading craft artists. The nation’s premier events of contemporary American craft.
Date: November 19 - 21, 2010
Time: November 19: 10 AM to 8 PM; November 20: 10 AM to 6 PM; November 21: 11 AM to 5 PM
Location: The Washington Convention Center
Cost: General admission: $15; Seniors: $13; Students: $8 Children under 12: Free. $10 per person for groups of greater than 10 with advance purchase. Only cash accepted.
Event Producer: Crafts America, LLC
Additional Information: For more information, visit: craftsamericashows.com or the Annual Events page at washington.org.

Back to Top



December:


National Christmas Tree Lighting and Pageant of Peace:
Description: Since 1923, the United States has held a tradition of lighting a National Christmas Tree in Washington, DC. In 1978, a live 40-foot Colorado blue spruce was transplanted from York, Pennsylvania to its present site on the Ellipse, the grassy area south of the White House. In 1954, a "Pathway of Peace," 56 smaller, decorated trees representing all 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia were planted surrounding the National Christmas Tree.
Date: December 9, 2010
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: The Ellipse near the White House
Cost: Tickets required
Event Producer: The National Christmas Tree
Additional Information: For more information, visit: www.thenationaltree.org or the Annual Events page at washington.org

Back to Top