Washington, DC hosts various festivals during the spring months, ranging from flower shows to wine tasting events and family days out in the National Park.
We’ve put together a list of the eight best festivals to attend, places to visit and things to do in Washington, DC during Spring. There’s something for everyone in the nation’s capital.
1) National Cherry Blossom Festival
Kicking off on March 20th, the Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the most iconic events in the country. Millions descend into the city to enjoy the stunning sight of over 3,000 cherry blossom trees blooming, which were gifted to Washington, DC by Yukio Ozaki, who was the Mayor of Tokyo in 1912.
The whole event lasts two weeks and features a variety of cultural street shows like the Japanese Street Festival and the Blossom Kite Festival.
2) Around the World Embassy Tour
Over two Saturdays in May, every international embassy will open their doors to the public. This is one of the most enjoyable Washington, DC tours as it gives an access-all-areas opportunity to see different cultures from around the world in one city. Each embassy will have special performers, food and fashion shows from their respective countries.
3) Hunt for Easter Eggs on the White House lawn
This family event is the perfect occasion to bring children of all ages, where they can race each other in friendly Easter egg competitions on the White House lawn. The annual fun day also includes a visit from the Easter Bunny, who tells stories to children and puts on a performance with his little helpers.
4) National Memorial Day parade
On May 28th, a moving timeline of American military history parades through downtown DC and past Capitol Hill. The procession pays homage to all those that have served their country, and celebrates the soldiers who gave their lives fighting for the United States.
A Memorial Day concert also takes place on the Capitol Grounds, featuring some of the United States’ most beloved rock bands.
5) Wine and Dine in Virginia
The Mount Vernon’s Wine Festival & Sunset Tours is an annual event celebrating the history of wine in Virginia. Visitors take a tour of George Washington’s wine cellar, and learn about the history of how the first President of the United States, along with the Founding Fathers, sold and stored their wine.
The event also features musical acts and a recreation of George and Martha Washington’s wine anecdotes. All proceeds go towards the preservation and restoration of Mount Vernon for future events.
6) Check out the DC Beer Festival
Head to National Park on April 21st and sample some of the finest craft breweries from around the world. Whether you’re a fan of draught, lager or ale, the DC Beer Festival will have everything your taste buds desire. Live music, food trucks and lawn games are also free-flowing on this extremely fun day.
7) Batter Up at Nationals Park
One of the most prestigious days in the sporting calendar is Opening Day, which welcomes the start of the new Major League Baseball season. There can be no place better than the nation’s capital to see the raw passion that American sports bring.
Opening Day for the Washington Nationals is April 5th, where they host the New York Mets in a grudge match.
8) Wrap-up Spring with the DC Jazz Festival
From June 15th to June 17th, celebrate one of the last spring festivals in DC as two days of jazz music events bring together some of the best artists from around the country. Held at The Wharf, one of the headline names will be Leslie Odom Jr., who recently won a Tony Award for his work in Hamilton.
Other high-profile Jazz performers like Derrick Hodge, Christian Scott and the son of Bobby McFerrin, Taylor, will also show off their talents.
From the tail end of March through to the opening weeks of June, Washington, DC is full of great outdoor events and festivals that feature world-renowned performers, patriotic parades and passionate sporting events. Whether you’re visiting DC with family, friends or on your own, the city has something for everyone.
