Washington DC Official Visitors Guide - Washington DC Official Visitors Guide Spring/Summer 2026
There's Only One Capital Spring
2026-01-28 05:06:57
March 13
A stylish evening fundraiser at Union Station brims with globally inspired bites, creative cocktails, live entertainment and an exclusive silent auction. Themed spaces include Floral Fantasy, Bloom Couture and Springtime Retro (ticket required).
NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
March 20 – April 12
DC's signature springtime celebration commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees from the Mayor of Tokyo. In 2026, 250 trees will be planted in honor of America's 250th anniversary.
March 21
Immerse yourself in a cultural showcase at DAR Constitution Hall with celebrated Japanese artists and special performances that honor the festival's international spirit (ticket required).
March 28 (Rain date: March 29)
Kites of all shapes and sizes take flight on the National Mall during this free event. Enjoy thrilling demos, competitions, family-friendly activities and the chance to bring home a signature festival kite.
April 4
Capitol Riverfront blooms with live music, hands-on activities, large-scale art, all-ages entertainment and a dazzling fireworks display along the Anacostia River (free).
NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL PARADE
April 11
Constitution Avenue bursts with balloons, floats, celebrity performances and marching bands. Tickets are required for bleacher seating; standing along the route is free.
TIDAL BASIN WELCOME AREA & ANA STAGE HOSTED BY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
During Peak Bloom
Take in free performances from the ANA Stage and earn a Junior Park Ranger badge.
Museums BEYOND THE MALL
The Phillips Collection: America's first museum of modern art features the famous Rothko Room and an on-site cafe.
National Children's Museum: Playcentric and STEAM-focused exhibits combine education and fun.
Rubell Museum: See thought-provoking contemporary artworks inside a former historically Black public school.
National Law Enforcement Museum: The interactive museum includes more than 25,000 objects spanning more than 300 years of history.
PARKS & Gardens
• Twice the size of NYC's Central Park
• 13 miles of horseback riding trails
• 18-hole public golf course
• Ponds filled with 500-year-old lotus and water lilies
• Home to nearly 250 species of birds
• Access to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail
• 451 acres of natural beauty
• 22 picturesque Corinthian columns that once supported the U.S. Capitol
• National Bonsai & Penjing Museum houses a tree that survived the atomic bomb in Hiroshima
• Largest green space in downtown DC
• Includes a restored fountain plaza and a children's garden
• Originally established in 1832
http://washington.org/spring?utm_medium=eguide&utm_source=bluetoad&utm_campaign=DC2026
SEE WHAT'S Blooming
YOUR PERFECT SPRING GETAWAY STARTS HERE: WASHINGTON.ORG/SPRING
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