NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL & SAKURA MATSURI JAPANESE STREET FESTIVAL
As DC’s signature springtime event, the festival celebrates the 1912 gift of the cherry trees from the people of Japan to the people of the US. Held in late March and early April, the two-plus-week festival features cultural performances on the Tidal Basin, culinary events, themed tours and more. The Japan America Society holds a day-long street festival, Sakura Matsuri, on Freedom Plaza near the White House following the parade. The festival showcases Japanese performing artists, anime, cuisine and more. Read more...
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALS
Throughout the year, you’ll find film festivals that celebrate cinematic achievements from countries throughout the world. Each April or May, the Washington, DC International Film Festival captures the best, most exciting new productions from around the world and presents them to DC audiences with lectures, discussions and receptions.
SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Each April, the Folger Shakespeare Library puts on a party to commemorate the Bard’s birthday, complete with birthday cake, costumed historic characters, face painting, family activities and more. Read more...
NATIONAL CATHEDRAL FLOWER MART
Held the first weekend in May, the Washington National Cathedral honors the horticultural traditions of a different country each year. Read more...
PASSPORT DC & EMBASSY OPEN HOUSES
DC’s embassies open their doors to the public each spring in celebration of European Union Day, highlighting a multi-week celebration of diplomatic Washington.
DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
Vividly-colored dragon boats race on the Potomac River in this May tradition. The boats launch from Thompson Boat Center; spectators will find the best vantage points from the Georgetown Waterfront. Read more...
SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL
During the weeks before and after the Fourth of July, the Smithsonian throws the spotlight on two or three cultural traditions from around the world. Artisans, musicians and other cultural figures delight thousands of locals and visitors with crafts, performances, cuisine and more. Past festivals have explored the Silk Road, the Mekong Delta and Northern Ireland. Read more...
DC CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL
Caribbean cultures come together in this annual celebration with thousands of performers, zesty cuisine and upbeat music. Held each year in late June, the highlight of the carnival is the street parade, which takes place along Georgia Avenue, with dozens of masquerade groups clad in brightly-colored traditional attire. Read more...
FESTA ITALIANA
Italian-American culture comes to life in downtown DC with this summer event, spotlighting Italian-Americans' contributions to the DC area. Festival-goers will enjoy Italian music and delicious dishes, including fresh pizza, pasta, sausage and peppers, Italian sandwiches, wine, and baked goods. Read more...
BASTILLE DAY
DC was designed by a Frenchman, Pierre L’Enfant, and the city lives up to its French traditions on Bastille Day. Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens, the historic home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, brings the customs and amusements of eighteenth-century France to DC through dance, drama, art activities and garden strolls at its annual French Festival, held each year in mid-July. For more fun, stop by Brasserie Les Halles to watch waiters race on Pennsylvania Ave. with trays in hand.
WATER LILY FESTIVAL & FOUNDERS DAY
DC’s Asian influences are on display when the exotic plants at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens reach full bloom in July. The festival draws gardening enthusiasts from around the world and includes photography contests, tours and more. Read more...
GREEK FESTIVALS
Each September, Greek Orthodox churches including St. Sophia’s and St. Constantine’s celebrate Greek cooking, culture and traditions in an annual festival. Feast on gyros, baklava and more as you enjoy lively music, arts and crafts.
ADAMS MORGAN DAY
This eclectic, multicultural neighborhood is the site of an annual street festival and cultural celebration, held the second Saturday in September. Read more...
FIESTA DC
DC’s Latin American traditions are on display in this international festival, held in September in the Columbia Heights neighborhood. Read more...
RUSSIAN WINTER FESTIVAL
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens pays tribute to its Russian traditions each year with its Russian Winter Festival. Children can meet Grandfather Frost and his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden, as they enjoy traditional folk tales, arts and crafts, tours, lectures and more. Read more...
