Long-Lead Inspiration

Yearlong Anniversaries, Events, & Celebrations

Washington Capitals 50th Anniversary Season | Ongoing – April 17

Representing Washington, DC in the National Hockey League, the Washington Capitals celebrate a milestone year as the 2024-2025 season marks the team’s 50th anniversary. Visitors can cheer on the team by catching a home game at Capital One Area before the regular season concludes in April.

• 601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

WorldPride 2025 | May 17 – June 8

The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Pride in Washington, DC and the city celebrates by making it an all-out international experience. Join the momentous celebrations as the nation’s capital is painted with pride, featuring a variety of events to inspire, empower and connect the international LGBTQ+ community and their allies.

 

FIFA Club World Cup | June 15 – July 13

DC’s Audi Field was named as one of twelve stadiums across the United States to host games for the FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament will draw the world’s best soccer clubs to DC as teams compete across the country from June 15 to July 13.

• 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

 

The Mayflower Hotel 100th Anniversary | 2025

Recognized as “Washington’s Second-Best Address” by President Harry Truman, The Mayflower Hotel celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025. Situated near Dupont Circle and downtown, the historic hotel has hosted numerous esteemed guests over the past century, including political icons such as Ronald Reagan and Winston Churchill. In 1989, the hotel rightfully earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places. While steeped in a century of history, The Mayflower also blends classic elegance with modern design and thoughtful amenities. Guests can choose from six distinct room and suite options and enjoy exceptional dining at Edgar Bar & Kitchen or Tolson Restaurant. With 27 versatile event spaces, the hotel is also the perfect venue for gatherings, offering private rooms that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. Celebrating its rich past and vibrant future, The Mayflower continues to stand as a landmark hotel.

 

The Washington Nationals 20th Anniversary | 2025

The Washington Nationals, DC’s Major League Baseball franchise, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025. March 27 marks the earliest start to the season in franchise history with a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies. In celebration, the club will debut a new jersey, incorporate giveaways, and host a Homecoming Gala on March 24.

 

April

Tyler, the Creator | April 1

American rapper Tyler, the Creator tours his recent album Chromakopia, stopping at Capital One Arena on April 1. Known for his genre-defying sound and dynamic performances, Tyler is best recognized for his critically acclaimed albums IGOR, which won a Grammy for Best Rap Album, and Flower Boy, the 2017 release often regarded as his breakthrough. Joining him on stage will be openers Lil Yachty and Paris Texas, ensuring an unforgettable night of hip-hop.

• 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

Awesome Con | April 4-6

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.

• 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen | April 4, 2025 – Jan. 3, 2027

Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen presents a series of his conceptual paintings and moving works in Pendleton’s first solo exhibit in DC. The exhibit will be live at the Hirshhorn Museum from April 2025 to Jan. 2027.

• Independence Ave. &, 7th St. SW, Washington, DC 20560

 

National Cherry Blossom Festival Petalpalooza | April 5

The one-day neighborhood takeover features live music across multiple stages, interactive art installations, family-friendly activities, a beverage garden, local cuisine and more. Petalpalooza will take place in Capitol Riverfront and is free for all ages to attend. Be sure to stay for the official National Cherry Blossom Festival fireworks show.

 

Annie | April 11 – April 20

Back by popular demand, Tony Award®-winning musical Annie returns to The National Theatre in April. The beloved family classic follows the adventures of the spirited orphan Annie, whose boundless optimism helps her overcome life’s challenges. Audiences can choose from eight performances and secure tickets in advance through The National Theatre’s website.

• 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® | April 12

Witness DC's grandest petal procession with the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC. Catch everything from giant helium balloons to elaborate floats to live musical performances. Enjoy prime performance viewing in the grandstand (tickets are $25-$40), or stand along the parade route – which runs for 10 blocks along Constitution Avenue NW – for free.

• Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC (between 7th St. & 17th St.)

 

FilmFest DC | April 24 – May 4

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.

• 555 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

National Symphony Orchestra: Matilda in Concert | April 25-26

Hosted by director and star Danny Devito, experience the classic Matilda like never before as David Newman conducts the National Symphony Orchestra in a captivating live musical score of the film. Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved novel, the film adaptation follows a young girl with magical powers and extraordinary intellect as she navigates challenges at home and in school.

• 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

Georgetown French Market | April 25-27

The 22nd edition of the Georgetown French Market transforms Wisconsin Ave. into a Parisian pop-up this April with numerous boutiques and restaurants taking to the sidewalks and participating in the open-air market. Peruse more than 35 local businesses selling an array of items, like French pastries, flowers and art, and enjoy free entertainment, like live music and stilt walkers.

• Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016 (between O St. and Reservoir Rd.)

 

May

Passport DC | May 1-31

Passport DC presented by Events DC is a month-long festival in May that pays tribute to Washington, DC's thriving international diplomatic community and diverse culture. Visitors can use the festival as a chance to stroll Embassy Row – a stretch of Massachusetts Avenue NW that runs through Dupont Circle and Upper Northwest – and visit some of the more than 170 embassies and cultural institutions based in the nation's capital.

 

Flower Mart | May 2-3

During Passport DC’s first weekend, the Washington National Cathedral hosts its annual Flower Mart, a two-day event that allows visitors to shop for plants and gifts, eat fun festival food, enjoy children’s activities, ride a historic carousel and take in the beauty of the International Floral Exhibit.

• 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016

 

The Outwin 2025: American Portraiture Today | May 3, 2025 – March 1, 2026

The Outwin 2025: American Portraiture Today at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery showcases a diverse range of contemporary portraiture by artists across the United States. The exhibit features finalists from the prestigious Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, highlighting the power of portraiture to address identity, culture, and personal experience in today's world.

• 8th & F St. NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

Financial Times Weekend Festival | May 10

Experience the Financial Times weekend paper come to life at the FTWeekend Festival: U.S. edition. In previous years, the lineup has been both online and in-person, featuring your favorite FT writers in conversation with names like Nancy Pelosi and Jake Sullivan. The event will feature everything from debates and performances to wine and whiskey tastings.

• 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World | May 18 – Nov. 5

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World comes to the National Gallery of Art in May, exploring the fascinating role of insects and other animals in early European art. Featuring a diverse array of detailed and informative works, the exhibition highlights the rich connections between humans and animals during this period.

• 4th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565

 

Capital House Music Festival | May 24

The Capital House Music Festival is a free annual celebration of local music, art, and community, held in Alethia Tanner Park. Featuring an eclectic mix of live performances and food vendors, the festival brings together residents and visitors to celebrate the best of DC’s cultural scene.

• 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, DC 20002

 

National Memorial Day Parade | May 26

Our Sacred Honor tells the story of American sacrifice from the Revolution to today along Constitution Avenue through live, on site historical re-enactors, veterans, and active duty military personnel, joined by musical performances and celebrity appearances. The in-person parade takes place live in Washington and will be filmed for a television special that will air on ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox stations nationwide.

• Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC (between 7th &17th St.)

 

Capital Cup: Sports Festival | May 30 – June 4

Kickstart the festivities with the Capital Cup, a multi-day sports festival organized by Team DC, the city’s network of LGBTQ+ sports teams and leagues. Expected sports include dodgeball, pickleball, rugby, volleyball and even the IGLA Swimming Championship 2025.

 

Project GLOW | May 31 – June 1

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.

• 2500 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

 

Running of the Chihuahuas | May TBD

The Wharf celebrates Cinco de Mayo with this too-cute-to-be-true chihuahua race. Watch the little pups run their way to glory at one of the most exciting places in DC. Guests will also be able to enjoy a beer garden, a 360-degree pet photo booth, a DJ, an adoptable pet parade, an all-breed costume contest and music throughout the afternoon.

• 760 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20024

 

Anacostia River Festival | May TBD

Spend the afternoon outdoors taking in the beauty of the 11th Street Bridge Park during the annual Anacostia River Festival. The free, family-friendly event is hosted right next to the river and includes a market as well as live music and plenty of activities. •    1900 Anacostia Dr, Washington, DC 20020

 

June

Broadway Center Stage: Legally Blonde | June 6-15

The iconic Elle Woods comes to the Kennedy Center this June for Broadway Center Stage’s production of the classic feminist musical. The performance tells the story of Elle, a seemingly stereotypical sorority girl who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School and eventually realizes her true potential in law and life. The hilarious and inspirational musical features songs like, "Omigod You Guys” and “Bend and Snap”.

• 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

WorldPride Parade | June 7

Experience the WorldPride Parade as decorative floats, festive groups and diverse displays make their way down Constitution Avenue. Spanning nearly 20 blocks, celebrate the LGBTQ+ community as the monumental backdrop of the nation's capital is decked out with pops of color and vibrant fanfare.

 

Les Misérables | June 11 – July 13

Experience the timeless classic Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center, as this beloved musical returns to the stage with its unforgettable story of love, sacrifice and redemption. Set in 19th-centrury France, the tale follows the struggles of its iconic characters as they fight for freedom. The inspiring music, impressive performances and powerful themes continue to captivate audiences generation after generation.

• 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

DC/DOX Film Festival | June 12-15

The annual DC/DOX Film Festival will take place at theater venues across the District. Expect four days of visionary documentaries and conversations with the talent behind dozens of innovative and acclaimed works of non-fiction storytelling.

 

Savannah Bananas | June 27-28

The viral Savannah Bananas baseball team comes to National’s Park in June, bringing an evening of baseball and entertainment to the nation’s capital. The exhibition baseball team combines their unique rules with choreographed dance breaks for an engaging game of banana ball. Fans can look out for players on stilts, grooving umpires and other performative bits throughout each inning of the two-hour game.

• 1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003

 

Armed Forces Cycling Classic | June TBD

The Armed Forces Cycling Classic includes two days of closed course biking open to enthusiasts of all abilities. Cyclists can keep it low-key with amateur, non-competitive events like the Challenge Ride and Kids Race or choose to challenge themselves at the Women’s and Men’s Pro/AM Races (including the famous Clarendon Cup). Everyone who completes more than one lap gets a medal.

 

Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle | June TBD

Rib roasters and sauce bosses show off their delicious wares during the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle. Dozens of pit masters, local restaurants and live music shut down Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th streets NW for a lively street party in late June. Cooking demos and free tastings make for a delicious (and filling) experience.

• Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20004 (between 3rd & 7th St.)

 

 

photo credit- Roshan Patel