Welcome to the Top 10 Events in DC
Explore the selection of the top 10 annual events and festivals, fairs and celebrations (listed in calendar priority) across DC.
White House Easter Egg Roll
March
Washington DC
This annual tradition dates back to 1878 and President Rutherford B. Hayes. Children ages 3 to 6 frolic on the South Lawn searching for more than 24,000 wooden eggs that have been hidden throughout the grounds.
There is also an Easter celebration at the Ellipse including entertainment, music, storytelling and food giveaways for the whole family to enjoy.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
March
Washington DC
DC's annual National Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of the coming of spring and commemorates the gift of 3,000 cherry trees given to the U.S. by Tokyo mayor, Yukio Ozaki in 1912.
The two-week festival includes many cultural, sporting and culinary events like the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and the Japan America Society of Washington, DC's Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival, presenting more than 80 organizations showcasing Japanese performances, arts, crafts and food.
For more information visit: www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
Passport DC
April/May
Washington DC
For a period of roughly 10-14 days in late April/early May, Passport DC celebrates Washington's international arts and culture with many of the Embassies participating in an open house with food, drink, dance, music and lectures. Cultural Tourism DC opens doors to more than 30 embassies, presenting Washington, DC as a world capital full of global culture.
For more information visit: www.culturaltourismdc.org
National Memorial Day Celebration & Parade
May 26
Washington DC
The National Memorial Day Parade pays tribute to America's veterans from the Revolutionary War to Operation Iraqi Freedom.
More than 150,000 spectators watch the parade of marching bands and veterans units from many of the 50 states as they march down Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets.
For more information visit: www.nationalmemorialdayparade.com
Capital Pride
June
Washington DC
The fourth-largest gay pride event in the country, Capital Pride events and the Capital Pride Festival is a nine-day celebration of diversity, cultural achievement, civil rights issues and entertainment by and for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals, families, and friends.
Capital Pride celebrates the uniqueness of all who participate in the annual celebration.
For more information visit: www.capitalpride.org
National Capital Barbecue Battle
June
Washington DC
Approaching its 16th year, the Barbecue Battle features serious competition between top BBQ competitors, great BBQ restaurants from the DC area and around the country, cooking demonstrations, free food samples, interactive cooking displays and children's activities.
Tens of thousands of people witness barbecue teams and restaurants from around the country compete to win in excess of $15,000 in cash and prizes and a chance to represent the Mid-Atlantic United States at the Barbecue World Championship, Memphis in May.
For more information visit: www.barbecuebattle.com
Smithsonian Folklife Festivals
June / July
Washington DC
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is a global celebration of contemporary living traditions including music, song, dance, crafts and cooking demonstrations, storytelling, and narrative sessions for discussing cultural issues.
The Festival encourages visitors to participate – to learn, sing, dance, eat traditional foods, and converse with people presented in the program.
Over the years, it has brought more than 16,000 musicians, artists, performers, craftspeople, workers, cooks and storytellers to the National Mall.
For more information visit: www.folklife.si.edu
Independence Day Celebration
July 4
Washington DC
DC is one of the most exciting places to be to celebrate the nation's birthday. Where better than in its capital.
The parade showcases more then 100 marching units stepping out at noon along Constitution Avenue. When that's over, popular music groups entertain from mid-afternoon until the fireworks. The National Symphony Orchestra, with guest stars and soloists, performs at 8 p.m. The fireworks show begins around 9:20 pm over the Washington Monument grounds.
Thousands congregate along the National Mall to watch the spectacular fireworks light up the DC sky.
Legg Mason Tennis Classic
August
Washington DC
Professional tennis action comes to the District in this annual tournament.
Past winners include Andy Roddick, Mike and Bob Bryan, along with five-time champion Andre Agassi.
Located in Rock Creek Park, the host facility is the William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center– a top-flight stadium with permanent seating for 7,500 spectators.
For more information visit: www.leggmasontennisclassic.com
National Book Festival
September
Washington DC
The National Book Festival is presented by the Library of Congress each year in September on the National Mall in Washington, DC, between 7th and 14th streets. The event celebrates the joys of reading and lifelong literacy. Festival-goers can meet and hear firsthand from their favorite authors, purchase books by festival authors, get books signed by authors, and participate in a variety of fun-learning activities. The festival is free and open to the public.
For more information visit www.loc.gov/bookfest/
Marine Corps Marathon
October
Washington DC
A tradition for over 33 years, the 26 mile, 385 yard, USATF certified course, also known as “The People’s Marathon” is relatively flat, winding through Arlington, Georgetown and the District of Columbia.
The "Marathon of the Monuments” course passes many of the area's attractions including the Capitol, Union Station, the Jefferson, Lincoln and FDR Memorials, the Pentagon, the Smithsonian museums and the Kennedy Center.
For more information visit: www.marinemarathon.com
National Christmas Tree Lighting & Pageant of Peace
December
Washington DC
For 85 years, the American tradition of lighting a national Christmas Tree has continued, interrupted only briefly in its history during moments of great national travail. The tree itself is a live 40-foot Colorado blue spruce transplanted from York, Pennsylvania to its present site on the Ellipse in 1978.
The Pageant of Peace includes live performances and the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. Each night during December, musical groups perform free concerts for the entertainment of visitors to the Ellipse.
For more information visit:
http://www.nps.gov/whho/national_christmas_tree_program.htm
