Breathe in the first weeks of spring in the nation's capital as the National Cherry Blossom Festival begins and springtime events fill the calendar.
Springtime in DC means lively festivals, dynamic theater and a historic city painted in pink, but regardless of the season, you're bound to have an unforgettable experience. Be sure to check out special discounts and packages, from luxurious outings to budget-friendly options. After you’ve read through this list, make sure to check out our things to do during the week, must-hit weekend events and accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.
Honor Women’s History Month in DC
The nation's capital offers ways to celebrate the achievements of women year-round, from dining and shopping at women-owned businesses to visiting museum exhibitions that spotlight women's contributions, including displays at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Each March, the city honors Women's History Month with events, exhibitions, performances and programs that showcase women's art, stories and accomplishments.
Washington Capitals
Attend a Capitals, Wizards or Go-Go Game
March brings exciting indoor sports action to the District. The NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards play at Capital One Arena, while the Capital City Go-Go, part of the NBA G League, take to the court at CareFirst Arena.
Schedules & Tickets: Capitals, Wizards, Go-Go
George Washington: A Revolutionary Life
Mount Vernon’s interactive exhibition explores George Washington’s life through nine galleries, immersive media, rare artifacts, original documents and hands-on experiences. Highlights include Washington’s Revolutionary War camp bed, his dentures and archaeological discoveries from the estate. The experience is included with admission.
Hours & Admission
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
National Gallery of Art
Celebrating American Art – Ongoing
The National Gallery of Art offers a fresh look at its American art galleries, featuring iconic works and exploring how artists told the American story from the colonial era through the 20th century. New interpretive texts, digital tools and hands-on activities invite visitors of all ages to engage with the collection.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Camouflage: Designed to Deceive
The International Spy Museum’s self-guided experience traces the history of camouflage and its connections to espionage. Through real stories, artifacts and immersive media, the exhibition reveals how animals, soldiers and spies have employed the strategy of hiding in plain sight.
Hours & Admission
International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024
Coastal Athletic Association Basketball Championships – March 5-14
Kick off March Madness with 10 consecutive days of high-stakes college basketball at CareFirst Arena in Congress Heights. The men’s tournament takes place March 5-9, followed by the women’s tournament from March 10-14. The winner of each championship earns an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
CareFirst Arena, 1100 Oak Drive SE, Washington, DC 20032
The National Cherry Blossom Festival – March 20 – April 11
DC celebrates the blooming of cherry trees with a four-week festival that commemorates the 1912 gift from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city. Check out popular festival events, in addition to the festival guide, for tips on making the most of the celebration, visiting popular blossom spots and finding the best places to snap photos.
St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Washington DC – March 20
The race that brings the fun to the run returns to the District. Choose between half-marathon and 5K distances, enjoy the sounds of a musical running tour and take in monumental views along the course.
Registration and Information
National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony – March 20
Co-presented with the Japan Foundation, the Opening Ceremony celebrates the 115th anniversary of the gift of trees and pays tribute to the longstanding relationship between Japan and the United States. The artistic celebration features acclaimed performers with ties to both countries.
5-6:30 p.m. | More Information
DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom
Peak bloom occurs when 70% of the Yoshino cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin are open. The timing varies each year based on weather conditions, and the National Park Service announces its forecast closer to spring. The best viewing is usually in the days leading up to peak bloom and up to a week afterward. Please help protect the trees by never picking the blossoms. Plan ahead and read up on the best spots to see the blossoms.
Blossom Kite Festival – March 27
Head to the Washington Monument grounds for this free, family-friendly kite-flying celebration, one of the most anticipated events of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Pack a picnic, launch a kite alongside thousands of participants and enjoy kitemaking activities, music, competitions and performances.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Free Admission | More Information
Washington Monument Grounds, 130 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
Bloomaroo at The Wharf
Bloomaroo returns with a free spring festival featuring cherry blossom-themed art, live music, fireworks and family-friendly activities along the waterfront. The date will be announced by The Wharf.
More Information | Free Admission
760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Photo by Gary Staab
Bronze Bison – Ongoing
More than a century ago, bison roamed outside the Smithsonian Castle. The National Museum of Natural History commemorates this history with three larger-than-life bronze bison created by sculptor Gary Staab. The pieces, which are at 125% scale and modeled after taxidermy specimens, stand outside the museum.
Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Big Things for Big Rooms – Through July 4
Explore the evolution of immersive, large-scale art from the late 1960s to today. Drawn largely from the Hirshhorn’s collection, the presentation offers a multisensory investigation of how artists create installations that expand the boundaries of an artwork and the role of the visitor.
Hours | Free Admission
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20560
National Museum of American History
How Can You Forget Me: Filipino American Stories – Through Nov. 28
An exhibition at the National Museum of American History, presented by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, explores California’s “Little Manila,” a community of Filipinos that thrived from the 1910s to the 1970s. Through more than 50 artifacts found in preserved steamer trunks, including three on display in the gallery, visitors can gain insight into what was once the largest population of Filipinos living outside their home country.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise – Ongoing
The U.S. Botanic Garden invites visitors to see the ferocious side of flora. Many plants have evolved defenses against infection, herbivores and competition. The multisensory display showcases this evolution and explores how these plants can be both harmful and helpful to humans.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
Places to Stay
The Riggs Hotel
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