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May 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.

More Washington, DC Area Event Calendars

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National Cathedral Flower Mart
May 4-5, 2012. Enjoy the grounds of the cathedral, floral displays, children’s activities and musical entertainment. Free admission.

Cinco de Mayo Festival
May 5, 2012, noon-6 pm. The annual Latino celebration features live music and family entertainment on the National Mall.

Passport DC - Open Houses at Washington, DC Embassies
2012 Dates to Be Announced. The multi-cultural event, sponsored by Cultural Tourism DC, features a wide range of performances, talks, and exhibits at DC's foreign embassies.

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.

Around the World Embassy Tour
May 5, 2012, 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.

Georgetown Garden Tour
May 5, 2012, 10 am-5 pm. The Georgetown Garden Club sponsors a tour of eight Georgetown gardens.

National Train Day
May 12, 2012. Union Station, Washington DC. Amtrak will be celebrating America's love for rail travel with family friendly activities.

Europe Week
2012 Dates to Be Announced. Events include speeches, seminars and workshops on issues; film screenings, concerts and cultural programs related to the European Union.

Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
May 12-13, 2012. See the works of 130 contemporary artists and enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities and downtown Bethesda restaurants.

Mother's Day
May 13, 2012. 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.

DC Design House Tours
Through 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.

DC Yoga Week
May 2012 May 13-20, 2012. Try a free or $5 yoga class this week at one of DC's yoga studios.

GI Film Festival
May 14-20, 2012. 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.

Mount Vernon Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
May 18-20, 2012. 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.

Food & Wine Festival at National Harbor
2012 Dates to Be Announced. Enjoy food and wine pairing, artisanal and organic products, lectures on culinary and wine trends and more.

Taste of Wheaton
2012 Dates to be Announced, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Grandview Ave. and Reedie Dr. More than 25 participating restaurants will offer samples of their dishes for $1 a taste. Musical entertainment and children's activities included.

Bike to Work Day
May 18, 2012. Join thousands of Washington, DC area commuters by bicycling to work as a fun and healthy way to get to work.

Artomatic
May 18-June 24, 2012. Crystal City, VA. The free Washington DC art extravaganza is well-known for transforming empty spaces into vibrant arts communities that celebrate creativity and create a unique and exciting event.

Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival
May 18-20, 2012. 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.

DC Dragon Boat Festival
May 19-20, 2012. 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.

Gaithersburg Book Festival
May 19, 2012, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The festival includes both national and local acclaim that will address and interact with readers at a free all-day, outdoor event set on the grounds of Gaithersburg’s City Hall. The festival will also include writing workshops, exhibitors, book sales, book signings, children’s entertainment and activities, food vendors, and a Coffee House featuring poetry readings and musical entertainment.

Andrews AFB Air Show
May 19-20, 2012. Andrews Air Force Base, MD. See Blue Angels pilots demonstrate their flight skills with aerial maneuvers.

National Asian Heritage Festival
May 19, 2012, 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.

Taste of Arlington
May 20, 2012, 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
2012 Dates to Be Announced, 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.

Stars & Stripes & Spokes
2012 Dates to Be Announced. RFK Stadium. New this year! A four-day festival will honor America’s Armed Forces and bring together thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts with live music, military vehicle and equipment displays, food and more. Admission is free.

Memorial Day in Washington, DC
May 26-28, 2012. Find out about special events, concert, parade for Memorial Day in the nation’s capital.

Delaplane Strawberry Festival
May 26-27, 2012, 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 26-28, 2012. Rockville, MD hosts a three-day street festival in celebration of Memorial Day with live music, children's entertainment, a parade and more.

Blue Angels Airshow
May 29, 2012. Annapolis, Maryland. Enjoy the annual Navy air show performed over the Severn River in honor of the U.S. Naval Academy’s graduation.

More Washington, DC Area Event Calendars

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

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