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April Festivals and Special Events in the Washington, DC Area

By , About.com Guide

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 website or call to confirm information. Please note that most of these events are held each year and the dates are updated as available.

More Washington, DC Area Event Calendars

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National Cherry Blossom Festival
March 20 – April 27, 2012. 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 centennial celebration including the parade, kite festival, concerts, fireworks and cultural events.

Washington Nationals Baseball
April 3, 2012. Washington's baseball team will host the Boston Red Sox in an exhibition game at Nationals Park. Opening Day is April 12, 2012. The Nationals 2012 schedule includes 81 home dates. The major league baseball team plays through September.

Anniversary of Assassination of Martin Luther King
April 4, 2012, 6:30 p.m. Martin Luther King Memorial, Washington, DC. The Memorial will host a public celebration of Dr. King's life with a candlelight vigil and wreath laying ceremony including a host of dignitaries and civil rights leaders.

International Pillow Fight Day
April 7, 2012. National Mall. Massive pillow fights breakout in cities around the world.

Passover in Washington, DC
April 7-13, 2012. Find resources for planning and celebrating the Jewish holiday in the Washington DC area, including kosher markets, restaurants, synagogues and more.

Easter in Washington, DC
April 8, 2012. See a guide to celebrating the holiday in the nation’s capital including the schedules and suggested venues for Easter brunch, Easter egg hunts, religious services and other special events.

White House Easter Egg Roll
April 9, 2012, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Bring the kids to hunt for Easter Eggs and visit with the Easter Bunny on the White House lawn. See also Easter Egg Hunts in Maryland and Virginia.

African American Family Celebration at the National Zoo
April 9, 2012, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At this year's multicultural tradition, the Zoo will offer an Easter egg roll/hunt, crafts, live entertainment, a food bazaar, and more family-friendly fun. Talk with Smithsonian scientists, who will share their work with such African animals as the kori bustard, cheetah, gorilla, and gaboon viper.

Grand Opening of the Howard Theatre
April 9, 2012. 620 T Street NW Washington, DC. The remodeled historic theater opens with a community event featuring live music performances, memorabilia displays and tours.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

DC Emancipation Day
April 16, 2012. The year 2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Act, when Lincoln granted freedom to 3,100 enslaved persons in the District of Columbia. A year-long celebration will kick off with educational and cultural events throughout the city.

Smithsonian Craft Show
April 19-22, 2012. This is your chance to buy unique crafts from the most prestigious exhibition of contemporary American arts in the nation.

Bay Bridge Boat Show
April 19-22, 2012. Kent Island, Maryland. The show kicks off the boating season each spring with a display of hundreds of new and late model brokerage boats and boat equipment displays.

Bethesda Literary Festival
April 20-22, 2012. Dozens of authors and writers conduct readings, talks and other activities at galleries, bookstores and other sites in downtown Bethesda.

Big Band Jam!
April 20-30, 2012. The Blues Alley Society sponsors a 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.

White House Spring Garden Tours
April 21-22, 2012. Visit the White House grounds and explore the beautiful gardens. Tickets are required.

Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival
April 21-22, 2012. Historic Leesburg, Virginia. The family friendly event displays landscape designs, gardening supplies, outdoor living items, plants, flowers, herbs and much more!

Virginia Historic Garden Week
April 21-28, 2012. 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.

National Park Week
April 21-29, 2012. The National Park Service encourages everyone to enjoy the natural wonders found in parks across the country. Special activities will take place around the region.

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.

USA Science & Engineering Festival
April 28-29, 2012. The nation’s largest celebration of science and engineering will feature leading science celebrities, hands-on activities, live performances, a book fair, a career pavilion and many special events.

Anacostia River Jazz Festival
April 28, 2012. Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion, Washington, DC. The event includes live music, kids' activities, paddling trips, and exhibits along the Anacostia River.

Loudoun Bed & Breakfast Open House and Self-Guided Tours
April 29, 2012, 1–5 p.m. Explore the scenic roads of Loudoun County, Virginia and visit a variety of charming and historic B&Bs and event venues. Local wineries, restaurants, and caterers provide tastings at the various destinations.

More Washington, DC Area Event Calendars

Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June
Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

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