Washington DC Events

Though you know that there is a ton of sightseeing to be done when visiting Washington, D.C., you may want to visit during a specific time of year to ensure that you don’t miss any number of events that might be happening in and around town. There are plenty of events that always draw a crowd and if you would like to be part of the excitement, read on to decide in which events you would like to take part.

Lip Smacking Good!

Are you a lover of all things barbeque? You won’t want to miss this lip smacking event that happens in June. Safeway’s National Capital Barbeque Battle highlights great barbeque recipes from around the country and the men and women that create and cook them. Free samples are available at the Safeway Sampling Pavilion. There are activities for the kids, as well as music and fun for the whole family. Some of the delectable offerings that will be sizzling on the grill are brisket of beef, pulled pork, and tons of ribs along with trimmings galore right in the heart of the capital of the nation.

Springtime Blooms at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.

Each year during the early part of spring, a spectacular event occurs and with it comes the capital’s biggest celebration. In 1912, citizens of Tokyo, Japan gifted the American people with three thousand cherry trees. The trees surround the tidal basin and when the cherry blossoms burst into bloom it is one of the most splendid sights to be seen in Washington, D.C. Peak bloom dates can vary but usually the blossoms arrive on or about April 4th. The fluffy, pink blossoms can be viewed for approximately two weeks following their arrival but the timeframe may be shortened due to windy or cold weather conditions. Some of the best parts of the festival not to be missed are the specially planned events, live performances and art exhibitions. Trolleys transport guests to all the varied areas of the city and allows for the ultimate in sightseeing opportunities.

Come Join Your Fellow Americans in Celebration of a Capital Fourth

Each Fourth of July, Washington, D.C. plays host to Americans from across the nation with a special concert and culminates in a spectacular fireworks display over the Washington Monument. The concert is truly an event not to be missed and features some of the greatest artists ready to play and perform their music to an enthusiastic audience. See the National Symphony Orchestra, the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets and hear the booming thunder of cannonballs from the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery. There is no celebration greater than the Capital Fourth held in Washington, D.C. each year.

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival

While you are in town for a Capital Fourth, join the Smithsonian at their exposition featuring international live cultural heritages found outside of the National Mall of the U.S. in Washington. The Festival celebrates for two weeks each summer and overlaps the 4th of July. Demonstrations from around the world draw craftspeople, cooks, performers, musicians, storytellers and artists to demonstrate their skills so that visitors can better understand typical traditions based in specific communities. Every region of the U.S. is featured as well as over ninety nations. At the Festival guests can expect programs daily that feature sessions that discuss cultural issues, cooking and craft demonstrations, celebratory performances along with dance, song and music programs. You will leave the Festival with a greater understanding of not only what it means to be an American, but what citizens of other cultures and heritages are most proud.

Film Festivals

Movie buffs will want to attend one of Washington, D.C.’s festivals that celebrate the world of cinema arts. One celebration, Reel Aspirations happens in October and you can see a number of films that include some of the great performers of the past as well as get a taste of new films that may soon become classics. There are parties to attend, a women’s brunch and a schedule of movies throughout the ten day celebration. In April, Washington, D.C. is host to Filmfest DC. The best of independent films and international cinema from around the globe is featured at this prestigious event. International and national movie movers and shakers will be on hand to discuss their work and there will be movies in abundance to please every film aficionado.

When you make plans to visit Washington, D.C., keep in mind some of the annual events that take place at the nation’s capitol so that you can combine sightseeing with events that are one of a kind and are not to be missed.

Thank you to Francine Hunt for this "Washington DC Events" article.

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