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Events
Events in DC run the gamut both culturally and in terms of activities. Celebrations of people, events, and things can fit into the delight of any number of people. Each month has a little something to celebrate, and you can expect some events to be bigger and grander than others.

In January, politicians and common folks alike celebrate the work done by Martin Luther King, Jr. on the day of his birth. With speeches and promoting of equality, you can expect Washington to be buzzing. When Chinese New Year rolls around, find some of the hot spots to celebrate the delivery of a new year with partying, dancing, and good food.

February is a short month, but with an important birthday to celebrate; that of Abraham Lincoln. A perfect time to visit the Lincoln Memorial if you’re in town.

March carries with it three fun events that you can’t ignore. The National Cherry Blossom Festival goes on (though because of Washington’s climate, they may not necessarily bloom in March), celebrating the beauty of cherry blossoms just as they do in Japan. Mid-March will provide an entertaining bit of partying when the St. Patrick’s Day Parade rolls down the street. Dress up in green and celebrate everything Irish! The Smithsonian Kite Festival may not be well-known outside of DC, but when you visit, don’t be surprised to see a myriad of colorful kites flying in the sky.

In April, it’s time for Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer to start up once more. Buy a ticket to a game and kick back while the athletes go for glory (and you enjoy nachos and a hot dog). Earth Day is getting bigger and better every year as the United States takes a tighter hold on its impact upon the Earth. When Easter rolls around, if you are so inclined, you can enjoy a wonderful Easter Sunrise Service.

May is a month of remembrance with three important events: Arlington Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony, National Memorial Day Parade. Americans will feel a tug on their heartstrings during some of these ceremonies, and visitors from abroad will see how much those who have fallen in the past are valued.

June is when things start to really kick off. A Caribbean Carnival Extravaganza will have you dancing, and if it doesn’t, then the Marine Band Summer Concert Series most certainly will. Enjoying a few drinks under the sun or in the moonlight will make you feel like you’re on an island, and don’t forget to get something to eat. The annual Barbeque Battle will fill you up with some of the most delicious bit of barbeque ever concocted. The Museum Walk Weekend and Soap Box Derby will bring out the kid in you again, and once you’re ready for something more grown up, you can move on to the Shakespeare Theatre Free-For-All.

Celebrate diversity in all its amazing forms during the month of July. Stand amazed at the display of fireworks, music, and fun during the Fourth of July Celebration commemorating United States independence. Then enjoy more freedom by dipping into French culture by celebrating Bastille Day. From there you can spread your cultural wings and enjoy the Festival of American Folklife and then head on to the Latin American Festival. Festivals are free and bring more to offer than you might have thought possible.

Wind down in August by perusing the Arlington Country Fair and see what Georgia Avenue Day has to offer you. Examine the wares offered and if you are staying until autumn, then take the rest of the month off for a little downtime and get ready for the excitement to come.

September has a large number of things to do and places to see. The National Football League starts up once more and all the athletes gear up as they fight for a chance at the Superbowl. Visit the Adams Morgan Festival or catch a glimpse of the Ambassador’s Ball. There’s the Hispanic Designers Gala Fashion Show and you can hike around during Rock Creek Park Day. Celebrate all things written word with the National Book Festival or indulge your green thumb at the Farm Fun Festival.

October has the leaves turning deeper shades and readying the stage for winter, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still plenty of things to do. Start at Lombardi Gala before moving on to delight your palate with the Taste of Baltimore. Bring your pocketbook and your particular tastes to see what you can find at the St. James' Art, Antique & Craft Auctions. And before you leave for home, snack on some apples at the Apple Harvest Festival or choose a pumpkin for fall during the Pumpkin Festival.

November is an eclectic month, celebrating the serious as well as the slightly trivial (but still fun!). The Marine Corps Marathon is a sight to see, as is the Veterans Day Ceremony. After you’ve paid your respects, switch gears to laugh at the Waterfowl Festival or stuff yourself silly at the Bakery Festival.

December, the last month of the year, has some unique and highly traditional festivities ready and waiting. The Washington Jewish Film Festival will show you pictures you’ve never seen before, the Capital Area Auto Show will show you cars you’ve never seen before (and may never again), the International Human Rights Day Dinner will leave you loving your fellow man, and of course, the National Christmas Tree Lighting will get you into the warm and fuzzy Christmas spirit, no matter how much snow may be falling.

Events:

Here are just a few things you don’t want to miss.

Washington Capitals Hockey
Throughout January
Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.

St. Matthew Passion
February 21
Washington National Cathedral

National Cherry Blossom Festival
March 27-April 11
Throughout the City

Earth Day Celebrations
April 22
National Mall

National Memorial Day Parade
May 31
Constitution Ave

Washington DC Soap Box Derby
June 12
Capitol Hill

Smithsonian Folklife Festival
July 1-5
National Mall

Arlington County Fair
August 19-23
3501 South Second Street
Arlington, VA

National Book Festival
September 26
Library of Congress

National Apple Harvest Festival
First two weekends of October
South Mountain Fairgrounds on Route 234
Arendtsville, PA

Waterfowl Festival
November 13-15
40 S. Harrison Street
Easton, MD

Washington Jewish Film Festival
December 3-13
Morris Cafritz Center for the Arts
1529 16th Street NW Washington DC

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