Washington DC Events - Top Things to Do This Weekend

See a guide to the top events going on this weekend in the Washington, DC area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia.

• National Cherry Blossom Festival - Through April 27, 2012. The capital welcomes spring with this annual tradition begun by the gift of 600 trees to the United States from Japan in 1912. See the calendar of events including the parade, concerts, fireworks and more.
  
  
• Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival - April 14, 2012, 10 a.m. See wonderful entertainment for the whole family including decorated floats, gigantic colorful helium balloons, marching bands, clowns, horses, antique cars, military and celebrity performances, and more.
  
  
• Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival - April 14, 2012, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The huge Japanese street party includes live entertainment, food, arts, games and a Ginza Marketplace.
  
  
• Navy Memorial Blessing of the Fleets - April 14, 2012, 1 p.m. The Navy Memorial hosts its annual tribute event following the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.
  
  
• Thomas Jefferson Birthday - April 13, 2012, 11 a.m. Visit the Jefferson Memorial and attend the wreath-laying ceremony to mark the birthday of our third president. The event will feature a military color guard, patriotic wreath tributes and the sounding of "Taps".
  
  
• Filmfest DC - April 12-22, 2012. See a wide range of extraordinary new films from around the world at a variety of Washington, DC locations.
  
  
• DC Emancipation Day Events - April 14-16, 2012. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Act and includes a year-long celebration of educational and cultural events and activities throughout the city. Events this weekend include speakers, a parade, street festival and fireworks.
  
  
• DC Design House Tours - April 14-May 13, 2012. Washington, DC's premiere residential design showcase features a home renovated by the region's top interior designers. Tours are available and raise funds for Children's National Medical Center.
  
  
• Ford's Theatre Commemorates the Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's Assassination - April 14-15, 2012. 10th and E Sts. NW Washington DC. Events include an 8:45 a.m. wreath-laying ceremony on April 14 and interpretive talks by the National Park Service, as well as performances of the one-act play One Destiny and History on Foot walking tour, both of which chronicle the events leading up to the Lincoln assassination.
  
  
• MS Walk - National MS Society, National Capital Chapter - April 14, 15 and 21, 2012. This walk, sponsored by Booz Allen Hamilton, is a fun, family oriented event, taking place in six different neighborhoods in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. You can participate in Washington, DC, Manassas, Reston, Potomac, Oxon Hill, or Bowie. Learn about more upcoming charity walks in the Washington, DC area.
  
  
• Sugarloaf Craft Festival - April 13-15, 2012. Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Gaithersburg, MD. Enjoy a wide selection of contemporary crafts and fine art at this popular festival.
  
  
• Nationals Opening Day - April 13, 2012, 1:10 p.m. The Nationals open the season playing against the Cincinnati Reds at Nationals Park.
  
  
• Easter Egg Hunts in the Washington DC Area - Through mid-April. Find family Easter fun at a farm in Maryland or Virginia.
  
  
• Arlington Home Show & Expo - Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 S. 16 St., Arlington, VA. April 14, 2012, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The show offers a convenient one-stop shop to "Ask an Expert" and learn of new ways to update your home.
  
  
• Wolf Trap Run for the Arts - April 14, 2012. The event features a scenic 5k, one mile fun run/walk, live entertainment along the course and a post-race set from acclaimed D.C.-based modern-rock band Honor by August.

More Upcoming Washington, DC Events

April Festivals and Events in the DC Area

Earth Day Events in Washington DC