The nation's capital is filled with exciting experiences this spring.
Make the most of springtime in the nation's capital. The city comes to life with an array of can't-miss events (including the famous National Cherry Blossom Festival), exhibits, festivals and shows over the next several months, with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities that are sure to liven up your calendar. After you’ve read through this list, make sure to check out our things to do for the week, weekend and month, as well as more than 100 free activities to enjoy in DC.
Awesome Con
DC’s Convention Center turns into a massive celebration of geek culture during Awesome Con. More than 70,000 fans will be able to see their favorite stars from comics, films, TV, toys and games throughout Awesome Con, a three-day festival that is Washington, DC’s own Comic Con. Expect plenty of costumed attendees and an array of activities to enjoy during one of the city’s most vibrant annual events.
Tickets
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001
National Cherry Blossom Festival – March 20 – April 14
DC celebrates the blooming of cherry trees with a month-long festival that commemorates the 1912 gift from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city. Peak bloom, defined as when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees at the Tidal Basin have fully opened, occurred on March 17, and blossoms can be visible for up to a week or more in ideal conditions. Check out popular festival events in the lead-up to the celebration, in addition to our guide to the celebration, how to get the most popular blossom spots and the best places to snap photos.
Filmfest DC
The largest and longest-running annual international film festival in Washington, DC, Filmfest DC returns with another varied lineup featuring quite the genre exercise: comedies, dramas, thrillers, shorts and documentaries will all be on display.
More Info & Tickets
Project GLOW
Festival goers can enjoy a transformation of one of the city’s most prominent recreational hubs, with two thoughtfully curated stages of music, exquisite food and beverage offerings and a collection of globally-recognized artists at the RFK Festival Grounds. True to the historic nature of the city, Project GLOW is the culmination of the past 20 years of Club Glow, representing its impact on the DC music scene while championing the superstar acts that will take to the festival stages.
Tickets
RFK Festival Grounds, 2400 East Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20003
Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals Baseball
The Washington Nationals, who have four National League East titles, five postseason appearances and a World Series championship since coming to DC in 2005, are one of the city's main attractions throughout the spring and summer. Head to Nationals Park to experience MLB action with an exciting schedule, plenty of home runs and, of course, Racing Presidents.
More Info & Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Passport DC – May 1-31
A month of programming across the city focuses on highlighting DC’s international culture. the Around the World Embassy Tour and the European Union Open House are annual highlights. Most events and tours can be enjoyed entirely free of charge.
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Financial Times Weekend Festival
Experience the Financial Times weekend paper come to life at the FTWeekend Festival: U.S. edition. Hear from Nancy Pelosi, Jake Sullivan, Jancis Robinson, Gucci Westman, Anne Applebaum, Colin King and your favorite FT writers and more, across four stages at the REACH at the Kennedy Center and online. From debates and performances to wine and whiskey tastings, this is a Saturday event not to miss!
Note: This event is an external rental presented in coordination with The Kennedy Center Campus Rentals Office and is not produced by The Kennedy Center.
More Info
The REACH at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 2056
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