The Washington, DC area and its surrounding communities in Maryland and Virginia host lots of annual festivals and special events. All dates, prices, and activities mentioned are subject to change.
Cinco de Mayo Festival
May 1, 2011, noon-6 pm. The annual Latino celebration features live music and family entertainment on the National Mall.
National Cathedral Flower Mart
May 6-7, 2011. Enjoy the grounds of the cathedral, floral displays, children’s activities and musical entertainment. Free admission.
Passport DC - Open Houses at Washington, DC Embassies
May 7 - 24, 2011. The multi-cultural event, sponsored by Cultural Tourism DC, features a wide range of performances, talks, and exhibits at DC's foreign embassies.
Charity Walks in the Washington, DC Area
Improve your own health and raise money for worthwhile Washington, DC area charities at the same time. A variety of events are held throughout the spring season.
Outdoor Movies in the Washington, DC Area
Watching movies on a large screen outdoors has become a popular outdoor activity. Find the schedules of outdoor movie festivals in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia
Washington Nationals Baseball
The Major League Baseball's National League East plays 81 home games each season at Nationals Park. Enjoy a fun-filled day cheering on DC's baseball team.
La Dolce DC
Through July 31, 2011. Washington, DC will celebrate all things Italian this spring a citywide festival that coincides with the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. The event showcases Italian culture through architecture, art, dance, design, fashion, music, theatre, film, food and wine.
Sensorium
Through May 22, 2011. Yards Park, Washington DC. Enjoy a unique new dining and sensory experience that will combine culinary playfulness with theatrical costumes, lighting and music.
National Train Day
May 7, 2011. Union Station, Washington DC. Amtrak will be celebrating America's love for rail travel with family friendly activities.
Georgetown Garden Tour
May 7, 2011, 10 am-5 pm. The Georgetown Garden Club sponsors a tour of eight Georgetown gardens.
Europe Week
May 7-13, 2011. Events include speeches, seminars and workshops on issues; film screenings, concerts and cultural programs related to the European Union.
Mother's Day
May 8, 2011. Looking for a special way to spend Mother’s Day this year? Here are some ideas of ways to spend some family time with mom on Mother’s Day in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
DC Design House Tours
Through May 8, 2011. Washington, DC's premiere residential design showcase features a home renovated by the region's top interior designers.
GI Film Festival
May 9-15, 2011. See classic and premier films celebrating the heroic stories of the American Armed Forces including a variety of films presented by award-winning Hollywood actors and directors. Participate in panel discussions with soldiers, journalists, authors, and filmmakers.
Mount Vernon Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
May 13-15, 2011. An elegant evening of wine, live entertainment, reenactments, and tours of the rarely open cellar vaults of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. Advance tickets are required.
Langley AFB Airshow
May 13-15, 2011. Langley Air Force Base, VA. See USAF Thunderbirds pilots demonstrate their flight skills with aerial maneuvers.
Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
May 14-15, 2011. See the works of 130 contemporary artists and enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities and downtown Bethesda restaurants.
Around the World Embassy Tour
May 14, 2011, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The event showcases embassies from Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and the Americas, with artists and artisans, performers, lecturers, teachers, and others.
Food & Wine Festival at National Harbor
May 14-15, 2011. Enjoy food and wine pairing, artisanal and organic products, lectures on culinary and wine trends and more.
Taste of Wheaton
May 15, 2011, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Grandview Ave. and Reedie Dr. More than 25 participating restaurants will offer samples of their dishes for $1 a taste. Musical entertainment and children's activities included.
DC Yoga Week
May 15-21, 2011. Try a free or $5 yoga class this week at one of DC's yoga studios.
Bike to Work Day
May 20, 2011. Join thousands of Washington, DC area commuters by bicycling to work as a fun and healthy way to get to work.
DC Dragon Boat Festival
May 21-22, 2011. Thompson's Boathouse Center, 2900 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington DC. Sponsored by the Chinese Women's League of Washington, DC, the event features dragon boat races on the Potomac River, cultural performances and hands-on activities.
Gaithersburg Book Festival
May 21, 2011, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The festival includes both national and local acclaim that will address and interact with readers at a free all-day, outdoor event set on the grounds of Gaithersburg’s City Hall. The festival will also include writing workshops, exhibitors, book sales, book signings, children’s entertainment and activities, food vendors, and a Coffee House featuring poetry readings and musical entertainment.
Andrews AFB Airshow
May 21-22, 2011. Andrews Air Force Base, MD. See USAF Thunderbirds pilots demonstrate their flight skills with aerial maneuvers.
Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival
May 21-22, 2011, 10 am-6 pm. Reston Town Center. See artwork by more than 225 painters, sculptors, fine-crafters and jewelers. Also enjoy musical performances, festive foods, beer garden, and artist demonstrations.
National Asian Heritage Festival
May 21, 2011, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with an Asian street fair in the heart of DC. Enjoy live entertainment and interactive displays.
Taste of Arlington
May 22, 2011, noon-5 pm. Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA. Enjoy a lively street festival, complete with local entertainment, children's activities and, of course, lots of food!
Blue Angels Airshow
May 25-27, 2011. Annapolis, Maryland. Enjoy the annual Navy air show performed over the Severn River in honor of the U.S. Naval Academy’s graduation.
Sunset Celebration at Mount Vernon
May 27-29, 2011, 6-9 p.m. George Washington's estate is opening its doors for a special evening event. Stroll the lantern-lit grounds and enjoy 18th-century music, dancing, and colonial games.
Stars & Stripes & Spokes
May 27-30, 2011. RFK Stadium. New this year! A four-day festival will honor America’s Armed Forces and bring together thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts with live music, military vehicle and equipment displays, food and more. Admission is free.
Memorial Day in Washington, DC
May 28-30, 2011. Find out about special events, concert, parade for Memorial Day in the nation’s capital.
Delaplane Strawberry Festival
May 28-29, 2011, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane, VA. The annual festival includes live entertainment, children's games, pony rides, hayrides, a petting zoo, a 5K fun run, a raptor exhibit, antique cars, food, crafts and strawberries.
Rockville's Hometown Holidays
May 28-30, 2011. Rockville, MD hosts a three-day street festival in celebration of Memorial Day with live music, children's entertainment, a parade and more.
Cinco de Mayo Festival
May 1, 2011, noon-6 pm. The annual Latino celebration features live music and family entertainment on the National Mall.
National Cathedral Flower Mart
May 6-7, 2011. Enjoy the grounds of the cathedral, floral displays, children’s activities and musical entertainment. Free admission.
Passport DC - Open Houses at Washington, DC Embassies
May 7 - 24, 2011. The multi-cultural event, sponsored by Cultural Tourism DC, features a wide range of performances, talks, and exhibits at DC's foreign embassies.
Charity Walks in the Washington, DC Area
Improve your own health and raise money for worthwhile Washington, DC area charities at the same time. A variety of events are held throughout the spring season.
Outdoor Movies in the Washington, DC Area
Watching movies on a large screen outdoors has become a popular outdoor activity. Find the schedules of outdoor movie festivals in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia
Washington Nationals Baseball
The Major League Baseball's National League East plays 81 home games each season at Nationals Park. Enjoy a fun-filled day cheering on DC's baseball team.
La Dolce DC
Through July 31, 2011. Washington, DC will celebrate all things Italian this spring a citywide festival that coincides with the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. The event showcases Italian culture through architecture, art, dance, design, fashion, music, theatre, film, food and wine.
Sensorium
Through May 22, 2011. Yards Park, Washington DC. Enjoy a unique new dining and sensory experience that will combine culinary playfulness with theatrical costumes, lighting and music.
National Train Day
May 7, 2011. Union Station, Washington DC. Amtrak will be celebrating America's love for rail travel with family friendly activities.
Georgetown Garden Tour
May 7, 2011, 10 am-5 pm. The Georgetown Garden Club sponsors a tour of eight Georgetown gardens.
Europe Week
May 7-13, 2011. Events include speeches, seminars and workshops on issues; film screenings, concerts and cultural programs related to the European Union.
Mother's Day
May 8, 2011. Looking for a special way to spend Mother’s Day this year? Here are some ideas of ways to spend some family time with mom on Mother’s Day in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
DC Design House Tours
Through May 8, 2011. Washington, DC's premiere residential design showcase features a home renovated by the region's top interior designers.
GI Film Festival
May 9-15, 2011. See classic and premier films celebrating the heroic stories of the American Armed Forces including a variety of films presented by award-winning Hollywood actors and directors. Participate in panel discussions with soldiers, journalists, authors, and filmmakers.
Mount Vernon Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
May 13-15, 2011. An elegant evening of wine, live entertainment, reenactments, and tours of the rarely open cellar vaults of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. Advance tickets are required.
Langley AFB Airshow
May 13-15, 2011. Langley Air Force Base, VA. See USAF Thunderbirds pilots demonstrate their flight skills with aerial maneuvers.
Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
May 14-15, 2011. See the works of 130 contemporary artists and enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities and downtown Bethesda restaurants.
Around the World Embassy Tour
May 14, 2011, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The event showcases embassies from Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and the Americas, with artists and artisans, performers, lecturers, teachers, and others.
Food & Wine Festival at National Harbor
May 14-15, 2011. Enjoy food and wine pairing, artisanal and organic products, lectures on culinary and wine trends and more.
Taste of Wheaton
May 15, 2011, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Grandview Ave. and Reedie Dr. More than 25 participating restaurants will offer samples of their dishes for $1 a taste. Musical entertainment and children's activities included.
DC Yoga Week
May 15-21, 2011. Try a free or $5 yoga class this week at one of DC's yoga studios.
Bike to Work Day
May 20, 2011. Join thousands of Washington, DC area commuters by bicycling to work as a fun and healthy way to get to work.
DC Dragon Boat Festival
May 21-22, 2011. Thompson's Boathouse Center, 2900 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington DC. Sponsored by the Chinese Women's League of Washington, DC, the event features dragon boat races on the Potomac River, cultural performances and hands-on activities.
Gaithersburg Book Festival
May 21, 2011, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The festival includes both national and local acclaim that will address and interact with readers at a free all-day, outdoor event set on the grounds of Gaithersburg’s City Hall. The festival will also include writing workshops, exhibitors, book sales, book signings, children’s entertainment and activities, food vendors, and a Coffee House featuring poetry readings and musical entertainment.
Andrews AFB Airshow
May 21-22, 2011. Andrews Air Force Base, MD. See USAF Thunderbirds pilots demonstrate their flight skills with aerial maneuvers.
Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival
May 21-22, 2011, 10 am-6 pm. Reston Town Center. See artwork by more than 225 painters, sculptors, fine-crafters and jewelers. Also enjoy musical performances, festive foods, beer garden, and artist demonstrations.
National Asian Heritage Festival
May 21, 2011, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with an Asian street fair in the heart of DC. Enjoy live entertainment and interactive displays.
Taste of Arlington
May 22, 2011, noon-5 pm. Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA. Enjoy a lively street festival, complete with local entertainment, children's activities and, of course, lots of food!
Blue Angels Airshow
May 25-27, 2011. Annapolis, Maryland. Enjoy the annual Navy air show performed over the Severn River in honor of the U.S. Naval Academy’s graduation.
Sunset Celebration at Mount Vernon
May 27-29, 2011, 6-9 p.m. George Washington's estate is opening its doors for a special evening event. Stroll the lantern-lit grounds and enjoy 18th-century music, dancing, and colonial games.
Stars & Stripes & Spokes
May 27-30, 2011. RFK Stadium. New this year! A four-day festival will honor America’s Armed Forces and bring together thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts with live music, military vehicle and equipment displays, food and more. Admission is free.
Memorial Day in Washington, DC
May 28-30, 2011. Find out about special events, concert, parade for Memorial Day in the nation’s capital.
Delaplane Strawberry Festival
May 28-29, 2011, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane, VA. The annual festival includes live entertainment, children's games, pony rides, hayrides, a petting zoo, a 5K fun run, a raptor exhibit, antique cars, food, crafts and strawberries.
Rockville's Hometown Holidays
May 28-30, 2011. Rockville, MD hosts a three-day street festival in celebration of Memorial Day with live music, children's entertainment, a parade and more.