Special Events in Washington DC
January
Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Observance
Wreath laying ceremony accompanied by a recorded presentation of King's "I Have a Dream" speech, local choirs, speakers and military color guard.
February
Washington's Birthday Ceremony
Observance with 202 speeches and music.
March
Cherry Blossom Festival
Making their appearance in late March or early April, the beautiful pink and white lacelike flowers surround DC's Tidal Basin. This yearly sign of spring is one of Washington, DC's natural highlights. The two-week festival features concerts, special exhibits, a street festival, a parade, the Smithsonian Kite Festival, performances, athletic competitions and other events at various DC locations.
April
White House Easter Egg Roll
Annual event for children, ages 3 to 6, accompanied by an adult, on the South Lawn. Eggs and entertainment are provided.
May
Filmfest DC
Tickets, popcorn, and politics: It's all in a night at the movies at Filmfest DC, where political landscapes and inventive cinema come together in late April. The international festival offers 12 days of more than 100 feature, documentary and short films from around the world in theaters throughout the city.
June
Capital Jazz Fest
Jazz lovers get an outdoor treat: The Capital Jazz Fest, which slants towards contemporary jazz but manages to keep just about everyone happy. The weekend festival typically includes a headline act with more than a dozen other musicians jamming throughout the weekend.
July
July 4th along the George Washington Memorial Parkway
Celebrate July 4th along the shoreline of the Potomac River in Virginia, including fireworks.
August
National Frisbee Festival
World Frisbee champions and disc-catching dogs take part in this festival on the grounds of the Washington.
September
Black Family Reunion
A massive gathering that takes place on the National Mall at summer's end, the Black Family Reunion was conceived of by legendary civil rights activist Dorothy Height in the early 1980s to show the world the positive side of black life in America. The two-day reunion is a mix of informative booths and musical performances.
October
DC 101 Chili Cookoff
Add a little spice to your life: Grab your favorite spoon and head downtown to DC101's annual Chili Cook-Off. What has proven to be one of DC's best street parties of the year keeps kicking it up a notch. Vendors from the city's best restaurants line up to hawk samples of their zesty recipes. Grab a bowl or two and cruise the streets with fellow revelers to check out some of today's hottest bands on DC101's main stage.
December
The National Christmas Tree
Thousands of spirited patriots turn out for the annual lighting ceremony of the National Christmas Tree in early December, and thousands more make a trip to the Ellipse to see the tree throughout the rest of the month. The festivities are all part of the Christmas Pageant of Peace. The National Christmas Tree, with a large-scale model train running around it, is a must-see for Washingtonians and tourists alike. Fifty-six smaller trees representing the 50 states, five territories and DC surround the main tree, each decorated by state-sponsored organizations. A Yule log burns nightly to keep warm, and local groups put on shows on a performance stage. It's a fabulous way to celebrate the holidays in our nation's capital.