Calendar of Events

Sports

• Washington Nationals Baseball Season | Spring – Summer 2026

  Catch Major League Baseball at Nationals Park throughout the season with lively game-day traditions and family-friendly entertainment.

• DC Defenders Football at Audi Field | Spring 2026

  Experience high-energy professional football as the DC Defenders take the field at Audi Field with an electric home crowd atmosphere.

• Washington Spirit Home Opener vs. Portland Thorns FC at Audi Field | March 13

  The Washington Spirit kick off their 2026 National Women’s Soccer League season at Audi Field with a highly anticipated matchup against the Portland Thorns FC, featuring new matchday entertainment including the debut of the Spirit Crew, immersive stadium light shows and expanded fan experiences throughout the stadium.

• NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament East Regional | March 27 & 29

  Capital One Arena hosts the thrilling March Madness regional matchups featuring some of the top college basketball teams in the country.

• Washington Nationals Home Opener at Nationals Park | April 3

  Celebrate the return of baseball as the Nationals host the defending World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers for Opening Day. Pregame festivities include red carpet player introductions, a giant American flag unfurling, a flyover, a Joint Armed Forces color guard and a performance by the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band.

March

• 1776 at Ford’s Theatre | March 13-May 16

  An insightful, vibrant and humorous take on our founding fathers’ determination to do the right thing for their fledgling nation.

• Awesome Con at the Washington Convention Center | March 13-15

  Fans can see their favorite stars at this three-day festival that is DC’s own Comic Con.

• Pi Day at the National Children’s Museum | March 14

  Hands-on activations exploring math, science and art.

• Beauty and the Beast at the National Theatre | March 18 – April 5

  Disney’s first North American production of the beloved musical in over 25 years.

• National Cherry Blossom Festival | March 20 – April 12

  DC celebrates the blooming of cherry trees with a month-long festival honoring the 1912 gift of trees from Tokyo, featuring performances, cultural events and waterfront celebrations across the city.

• Miró and the United States at the Phillips Collection | March 21 – July 5

  Featuring 75 works by more than 30 artists.

• Sasha Velour’s The Big Reveal Live Show | March 24 – April 12

  The RuPaul’s Drag Race winner brings a multimedia performance celebrating queer history and resistance through lip-sync, video art and costume design.

• Revolution in Their Words at the DAR Museum | March 27 – Dec. 31

  The thoughts of people affected by the turmoil between the colonies and British leaders.

• BLOSSOM KITE FESTIVAL | March 28

  One of the most beloved National Cherry Blossom Festival traditions, where families and expert kite flyers gather at the Washington Monument grounds for a colorful spring spectacle.

• Bloomaroo at The Wharf | March 28

  A free waterfront festival celebrating spring with cherry blossom-themed art, music, fireworks and family-friendly entertainment along District Pier.

• Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Event | March 29

  An afternoon of honor, gratitude and celebration remembering the courage, sacrifice and service of our nation's Vietnam Veterans.

April

• PETALPALOOZA® AT NAVY YARD | April 4

  A free outdoor celebration featuring interactive art, live performances, family activities and fireworks along the Capitol Riverfront.

• JAZZ & BLOSSOMS | April 6

  A lively outdoor music festival in the heart of downtown celebrating spring with performances, food trucks, art activations and cultural programming.

• America’s State Flowers at the U.S. Botanic Garden | April 10 – Oct. 1

  See the official flowers of each U.S. state and territory.

• NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL PARADE® | Saturday, April 11

  Enjoy the spectacular “Nation’s Springtime Parade” as it fills one of DC’s most iconic streets with magnificent balloons, stunning floats, and electrifying performances.

• Dear America at the National Gallery of Art | April 11 – Sept. 20

  How artists have explored the American experience over the last 250 years.

• Emancipation Day Celebration | April 19

  Eight and a half months before he signed the Emancipation Proclamation, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill abolishing slavery in DC into law – now an annual celebration in the city. A free parade, concert and family-friendly activities will elevate the historic milestone and its role in shaping the nation’s story.

• Smithsonian Craft Show | April 22 – 26

  One of the nation’s premier craft exhibitions showcasing contemporary handmade works in ceramics, glass, jewelry, textiles and more.

• Georgetown French Market | April 24-26

  Sidewalk sales from more than 35 locally owned boutiques, cafés and galleries.

• Filmfest DC | April 24 – May 4

  DC's largest international film festival celebrates four decades of global cinema.

May

• Passport DC | May 1-31

  A month of programming, including the Around the World Embassy Tour and European Union Open House, highlights DC’s international culture.