The Washington, DC area and its surrounding communities in Maryland and Virginia host lots of annual festivals and special events. All dates, prices, and activities mentioned are subject to change, so please check the official web site or call to confirm information. Please note that most of these events are held each year and the dates are updated as available.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
March 29 - April 13, 2008. See the blossoming of thousands of cherry trees on the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC. The capital welcomes spring with this annual tradition begun by the gift of 600 trees to the United States from Japan in 1912. Don't miss the parade, kite festival, concerts, fireworks and cultural events.
Sugarloaf Craft Festival
April 4-6, 2008. Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Gaithersburg, MD. Enjoy a wide selection of contemporary crafts and fine art at this popular festival.
MS Walk - National MS Society, National Capital Chapter
April 5-6, 2008. 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.
Silver Spring Restaurant Week
April 7-13, 2008. Restaurants will feature prix fixe lunch and dinner at reduced prices. Silver Spring Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to dine out and try some new restaurants.
Smithsonian Craft Show
April 10-13, 2008. This is your chance to buy unique crafts from the most prestigious exhibition of contemporary American arts in the nation.
Grand Opening of the Newseum
April 11, 2008. The opening will include a live broadcast of a portion of ABC's "Good Morning America" from the Newseum and free admission for the public that day. Special activities will continue throughout the opening weekend — musical entertainment, photo opportunities, historical actors, guest appearances, and games and activities for children and families.
Bethesda Art Walk
April 11, 2008, 6-9 p.m. Enjoy a free guided tour including 11 Bethesda, Maryland art galleries and studios that feature painting, sculpture, photography, pottery, jewelry and mixed media.
Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival
April 12, 2008, 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 12, 2008, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The huge Japanese street party includes live entertainment, food, arts, games and a Ginza Marketplace.
Library of Congress Experience
April 12, 2008, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Opening Day of the new interactive exhibit includes music, entertainment, children's activities, presentations and more.
White House Spring Garden Tour
April 12-13, 2008. Visit the White House grounds and explore the beautiful gardens.
DC Yoga Week
April 12-18, 2008. Try a free or $5 yoga class this week at one of DC's yoga studios.
Thomas Jefferson Birthday
April 13, 2008, at noon. Visit the Jefferson Memorial and attend the wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 263rd birthday of our third president.
Pope Benedict XVI Visits Washington, DC
April 15-17, 2008. The spiritual leader of the Catholic Church will make his first visit to the United States.
Bethesda Literary Festival
April 18-20, 2008. Dozens of authors and writers conduct readings, talks and other activities at galleries, bookstores and other sites in downtown Bethesda.
Big Band Jam!
April 18-27, 2008. The Blues Alley Society sponsors a 10-day jazz festival with performances and workshops at a variety of venues in Washington, DC. DC area High School and University jazz ensembles perform live on the National Mall at the Sylvan Theater, near the Washington Monument.
Virginia Historic Garden Week
April 19-27, 2008. A garden-lovers paradise! This annual event features tours of the gardens at Virginia’s most prestigious private homes and public attractions. See lush gardens, stunning architecture, and historic furnishings.
Earth Day
Throughout the month of April, celebrate Earth Day with special activities that make caring for the planet fun for all ages. Find activities in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum's Annual 18th Century Grand Ball
April 19, 2008. 8-11 p.m. Dance like it's 1779 and celebrate the arrival of spring at this one-of-a-kind event. To prepare for the ball, attend three dance classes taught by expert dance instructors.
Filmfest DC –Washington International Film Festival
April 24-May 4, 2008. See a wide range of extraordinary new films from around the world at a variety of Washington, DC locations.
Home & Design Luxury Expo
April 26-27, 2008, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sheraton Premiere Tysons Corner, 8661 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA. Meet the Washington, DC area's finest home designers and craftsmen. Admission is $10 per person.
Family Day at Glen Echo Park
April 26, 2008, noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy family activities and performances, carousel rides, outdoor activities, artist demonstrations and family dances.
More Washington, DC Area Event Calendars
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