Smithsonian Folklife Festival Fascinating
and entertaining cooking, storytelling, craft-making, dancing, music,
and art fill the National Mall for two weeks around Independence Day
(July 4). One of the largest and best cultural events in the world. National Cherry Blossom Festival The
Tidal Basin is surrounded by beautiful Japanese cherry trees, which
originated with 3,000 specimens given to the city in 1912 by the mayor
of Tokyo. The festival celebrating their spring bloom includes a parade,
performances, and such offbeat events as a sushi-making contest. Shakespeare Free for All The
first two weeks of June bring free performances of works of Shakespeare
in the outdoor theater in Rock Creek Park. Presented by the Shakespeare Theater, the productions are of excellent quality. Free tickets available at several sites. Washington Flower and Garden Show At
the end of winter, locals and visitors alike are revitalized by the
early jolt of spring provided by the riot of colorful flowers and
inviting landscapes recreated indoors. The air itself is restorative,
scented by blossoms. Washington Convention CenterTaste of D.C. This
three-day event in October fills a seven-block section of Pennsylvania
Avenue (between 7th and 14th Sts) with vendors preparing and selling
most of the myriad types of cuisine available in this international
city. Hundreds of other activities pulse at dozens of venues – music,
dance, poetry, children’s games, comedy acts, and crafts demonstrations
and sales. Over a million people attend this exciting food festival. Washington National Cathedral Christmas Services In early December, the cathedral
inaugurates the Christmas season with an open house featuring bagpipes,
group singing, pageantry, and stunning seasonal decorations. Then,
throughout the season, music and concerts are presented, culminating
with the elaborate celebrations of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Filmfest D.C. This
top-quality and lively film festival has brought the best of world
cinema to the city for over 15 years. The most exciting new films are
shown during two weeks in April at various venues, and discussions and
film-oriented events are held at theaters, auditoriums, and cafés. Wolf Trap Jazz and Blues Festival This
three-day festival presents top performers of both traditional and
contemporary jazz and blues. The all-day Saturday show is a blast. Wolf Trap Filene CenterWashington Nationals Big
league baseball has returned to Washington after a 30-year absence. The
Washington Nationals, a national team, fill the stands of the Nationals
Park from March to October. Chinese New Year Ten
days of parades, fireworks, special menus at the restaurants, and
unique events in Chinatown. Simply pass through the ornate arch at 7th
and H streets, NW.
Top 10 One-Day Events
Smithsonian Kite Festival Competitions include home-built kites, fighting kites, and others. National MallIndependence Day The celebration culminates with a fireworks display synchronized with patriotic music. National MallWhite House Easter Egg Roll White House staff dye eggs for children to seek out on the lawn. National Christmas Tree Lighting The decorations are joyous. The EllipseNational Frisbee Festival The Frisbee dogs always steal the show. Washington MonumentMary McLeod Bethune Annual Celebration Gospel choirs celebrate the African-American educator. Lincoln ParkNational Symphony Labor Day Concert The official end of summer. US CapitolInternational Gold Cup Steeplechase Races Take place at the peak of fall’s colored foliage. Great Meadows Events CentersSt Patrick’s Day A parade on Constitution Ave, SE. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Church services held. Check local papers for details.
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