Washington DC Event Planner Guide - Do NOT DELETE
Events: What’s Happening
2017-03-30 08:05:25
Capital Pride Festival
Washington, DC hosts an incredible lineup of events during spring and summer. Read on for highlights, including festivals, exhibits, performances and only-in-DC events.
MARCH
Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors
Through May 14 | Hirshhorn Museum
The Instagram-ready exhibit shows off the acclaimed Japanese artist’s mirrored, funhouse-like rooms and paintings.
Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament
March 8-12 | Verizon Center
Objects of Wonder: From the Collections of the National Museum of Natural History
March 10 through 2019 | National Museum of Natural History
This new exhibit will display rare artifacts from the museum’s collection of 145 million specimens.
Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Marathon & Half Marathon
March 11 | Citywide
National Cherry Blossom Festival
March 20-April 16 | Citywide
One of the season’s biggest highlights, this renowned festival features dozens of events centered on the famous blooming of thousands of cherry blossom trees along DC’s Tidal Basin, including a parade on April 8. See more on page 16.
APRIL
Washington Nationals Home Opener vs. Miami Marlins
April 3 | Nationals Park
The 2016 National League East champions begin the defense of their crown against the rival Miami Marlins.
April 17 | White House Ellipse
April 25 – May 28 | Sidney Harman H
Shakespeare Theatre Company presents an innovative take on the classic play.
MAY
Passport DC
May 1-31 | Citywide
DC embassies open their doors as part of this month-long celebration of international cultures.
Kingman Island Bluegrass Festival
May 13 | Kingman Island
An annual salute to bluegrass and folk music with local vendors and good vibes on the gorgeous Kingman Island along the Anacostia River.
DC Bike Ride 2016
May 14
A family-friendly, 20-mile ride on two wheels through the nation’s capital.
May 18 | Smithsonian National Zoo
Local restaurants serve gourmet cuisine and fine wines at this annual fundraiser.
Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom
May 28 | National Mall
Hundreds of thousands of motorcycles take to the National Mall for the 30th anniversary of this demonstration.
National Memorial Day Parade
May 29 | Constitution Avenue
See more on Memorial Day on page 14.
JUNE
Celebration of Pride
June 8-11 | Citywide
This citywide event celebrates the LGBTQ community with street festivals, concerts and a much-anticipated parade.
DC Jazz Festival
June 9-18 | Citywide
This annual showcase brings together some of the world’s best jazz musicians for more than a week of performances across the District.
June 16-18 | Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Pop culture lovers unite at Washington DC's Comic Con, featuring numerous celebrities, comic creators and cosplayers.
Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle
June 24-25 | Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Bands perform as chefs compete to see who can cook the best BBQ brisket, chicken, pork, lamb, ribs and sauce.
Quicken Loans National Golf Tournament
June 26-July 2 | TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm
June 29-July 4, July 6-9 | National Mall
The 50th anniversary of this DC spectacle will highlight the circus arts and the National Heritage Fellowship.
JULY
A Capitol Fourth Independence Day Concert
July 4 | West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
Capital Fringe Festival
July 6-31 | Citywide
Plays, musical acts and performance art take center stage during this weeks-long festival that utilizes venues across the city.
July 11-Aug. 6 | The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The classic Tony Award-winning musical that also spawned an Oscar-winning film celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special run at the Kennedy Center.
July 13 | Smithsonian National Zoo
Adults can enjoy beers from more than 50 breweries at this fundraiser for wildlife conservation.
Citi Open
July 29-Aug. 6 | Rock Creek Park Tennis Center
Tennis stars from around the world compete for the trophy in one of the District’s most popular sporting events.
AUGUST
Summer Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week
TBD | Citywide
DC’s top restaurants offer discounted, prix-fixe meals during this annual end-of-summer promotion.
National Memorial Day Concert Photo by Mathieu Marquer
SUMMER HOLIDAYS IN THE DISTRICT
MEMORIAL DAY, MAY 29
The National Memorial Day Concert (May 28) is a free holiday tradition featuring celebrity guests and musicians on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The largest Memorial Day parade in the country marches down Constitution Avenue (May 29).
A Capitol Fourth Photo by Fred J Maroon & FOLIO
INDEPENDENCE DAY, JULY 4
The National Archives celebrates the nation's birth with a reading of the Declaration of Independence on the building's steps. The U.S. Capitol hosts A Capitol Fourth showcasing the National Symphony Orchestra and fireworks (events are free).
United States Navy Band
LABOR DAY, SEPTEMBER 4
The National Symphony Orchestra plays patriotic classics on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol during the Labor Day Capitol Concert (September 3), a free-to-attend event.
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