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May 2013 Festivals and 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.

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National Cathedral Flower Mart
May 3-4, 2013. Enjoy the grounds of the cathedral, floral displays, children’s activities and musical entertainment. Free admission.

Passport DC - Open Houses at Washington, DC Embassies
Throughout May. The multi-cultural event, sponsored by Cultural Tourism DC, features a wide range of performances, talks, and exhibits at DC's foreign embassies.

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
Through May 5, 2013, Winchester, VA. The annual celebration of spring showcases the blooming apple trees in the Shenandoah Valley with more than 45 events including the Coronation of Queen Shenandoah, the Grand Feature Parade, band competitions, dances, a carnival, a 10K run, Firefighters events and more.

Virginia Gold Cup
May 4, 2013. The Plains, VA. The annual steeplechase in Virginia horse country features horse races, Jack Russell Terrier races, tailgate competitions and more.

Charity Walks in the Washington, DC Area
Improve your own health and raise money for worthwhile Washington, DC area charities at the same time. A variety of events are held throughout the spring season.

Outdoor Movies in the Washington, DC Area
Watching movies on a large screen outdoors has become a popular outdoor activity. Find the schedules of outdoor movie festivals in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia

Washington Nationals Baseball
The Major League Baseball's National League East plays 81 home games each season at Nationals Park. Enjoy a fun-filled day cheering on DC's baseball team.

DC Yoga Week
Through May 5, 2013. Try a free or $5 yoga class this week at one of DC's yoga studios. Practice with other yoga enthusiast on the National Mall on May 5.

Around the World Embassy Tour
May 4, 2013, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The event showcases embassies from Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and the Americas, with artists and artisans, performers, lecturers, teachers, and others.

DC101 Chili Cook-off
May 4, 2013. RFK Stadium Grounds. Enjoy a full day of music while 101 chili cooks compete in four categories: Red Chili, Green Chili, Freestyle and Salsa.

National Harbor Food & Wine Festival
May 4-5, 2013. Enjoy food and wine pairing, artisanal and organic products, lectures on culinary and wine trends and more.

Cinco de Mayo Festival
May 5, 2013, noon-6 pm. The annual Latino celebration features live music and family entertainment on the National Mall.

GI Film Festival
May 6-12, 2013. See classic and premier films celebrating the heroic stories of the American Armed Forces including a variety of films presented by award-winning Hollywood actors and directors. Participate in panel discussions with soldiers, journalists, authors, and filmmakers.

Georgetown Garden Tour
May 11, 2013, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Georgetown Garden Club sponsors a tour of eight Georgetown gardens.

National Train Day
May 11, 2013. Each spring, Amtrak hosts train focused festivities at Union Station including live entertainment, interactive and educational exhibits, kids' activities, model trains and more.

Europe Month
Throughout May. Events include speeches, seminars and workshops on issues; film screenings, concerts and cultural programs related to the European Union.

Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
May 11-12, 2013. See the works of 140 contemporary artists and enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities and downtown Bethesda restaurants.

Annapolis Wine Expo
May 11, 2013. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland. The event features wine and food tastings.

Mother's Day
May 12, 2013. Looking for a special way to spend Mother’s Day this year? Here are some ideas of ways to spend some family time with mom on Mother’s Day in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.

National Police Week
May 12-18, 2013. The annual event honors the service of U.S. law enforcement officials. A candlelight vigil and memorial service are open to the public.

DC Design House Tours
Through May 12, 2013. 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.

Mount Vernon Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
May 17-19, 2013. An elegant evening of wine, live entertainment, reenactments, and tours of the rarely open cellar vaults of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. Advance tickets are required.

Bike to Work Day
May 17, 2013. Join thousands of Washington, DC area commuters by bicycling to work as a fun and healthy way to get to work.

Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival
May 17-19, 2013. Reston Town Center, Reston, VA. See artwork by more than 200 painters, sculptors, fine-crafters and jewelers. Also enjoy musical performances, festive foods, beer garden, and artist demonstrations.

Maryland Craft Beer Festival
May 18, 2013. Frederick Fairgrounds, Frederick, MD. More than 15 breweries present over 80 different brews. This family-friendly festival features live music by popular regional artists, kids' activities, exhibitors and a variety of food.

National Asian Heritage Festival
May 18, 2013, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with an Asian street fair in the heart of DC. Enjoy live entertainment and interactive displays.

Gaithersburg Book Festival
May 18, 2013, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Gaithersburg, Maryland. The annual festival features 100 best-selling and award-winning authors who will participate in panel discussions and book signings throughout the day. Other activities include interactive writing workshops, a Children’s Village, musical entertainment and more.

DC Dragon Boat Festival
May 18-19, 2013. Thompson's Boathouse Center, 2900 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington DC. Sponsored by the Chinese Women's League of Washington, DC, the event features dragon boat races on the Potomac River, cultural performances and hands-on activities.

Marine Corps Historic Half, 10K and & Semper Fred 5K
May 19, 2013. Fredericksburg, VA. The 13.1 mile Historic Half course runs from the retail hub of Central Park through Fredericksburg's historic downtown with impressive landmarks and splendid scenery. The new Historic 10K traverses the final 6.2 mile portion of the Historic Half course. Also new in 2013, the Semper Fred 5K (3.1 miles) becomes a point-to-point run incorporating the challenge of Hospital Hill.

Taste of Arlington
May 19, 2013, noon-5 pm. Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA. Enjoy a lively street festival, complete with local entertainment, children's activities and, of course, lots of food!

Sunset Celebration at Mount Vernon
May 25-26, 2013, 6-9 p.m. George Washington's estate is opening its doors for a special evening event. Stroll the lantern-lit grounds and enjoy 18th-century music, dancing, and colonial games.

Memorial Day in Washington, DC
May 25-27, 2013. Find out about special events, concert, parade for Memorial Day in the nation’s capital.

Delaplane Strawberry Festival
May 25-26, 2013, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane, VA. The annual festival includes live entertainment, children's games, pony rides, hayrides, a petting zoo, a 5K fun run, a raptor exhibit, antique cars, food, crafts and strawberries.

Rockville's Hometown Holidays
May 25-27, 2013. Rockville, MD hosts a three-day street festival in celebration of Memorial Day with live music, children's entertainment, a parade and more.

Herndon Festival
May 30-June 2, 2013. Downtown Herndon, Virginia. The free summer festival features live entertainment, international foods, carnival rides and games, children's entertainment, a business exposition, 10k & 5k races, a Fitness expo, fireworks and more.

More Washington, DC Area Event Calendars

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

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