Festivals & Special Events (Listed A-Z)

The AIDS Memorial Quilt serves as a memorial for those who have died of AIDS and a community project to educate the public about the devastating impact of the disease. See photos and learn about the Quilt.

The parade marches down Pennsylvania Avenue in the heart of Washington DC to celebrate the anniversary of freedom granted to DC slaves in 1862.

Find 4th of July fireworks in the Washington DC Area, Maryland and Virginia. A wide variety of Independence Day celebrations are held on the National Mall and around the capital region.

The 4th of July is a great holiday to celebrate with a patriotic, flag-waving parade. See a guide to the 4th of July parades in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia

See photos of A Capitol Fourth, the free Independence Day Concert held on the Capitol grounds in Washington, DC, Pictures of the performers, fireworks and more.

The A T & T National Golf Tournament, hosted by Tiger Woods, is a first class event featuring 120 top PGA TOUR professionals competing at one of the highest-ranked courses in the country, Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.

Abbey Road on the River is a Beatles Tribute Festival which is coming to the Washington DC area with More than 50 bands from around the world, Abbey Road on the River will include two indoor stages, four outdoor stages, seminar gatherings, and a Fab Four merchandise marketplace.

Enjoy sidewalk cafes, colorful vendors, cultural demonstrations and dances at Adams Morgan's annual street festival in Washington, DC

Gather information on hundreds of adventure travel destinations, attend educational seminars, meet travel writers and participate in free hands-on activities

The National Zoo and Friends of the National Zoo host an African American Family Celebration each year on Easter Monday. The Washington, DC event includes traditional Easter activities for families, such as an Easter egg hunt, Easter-themed games and a visit from the Easter bunny!

Alexandria's Annual Cambodian Community Day Festival displays traditional Cambodian arts, crafts, paintings and souvenirs, and Cambodian food. The festival features traditional cultural dance troops from the Cambodia Buddhist Society Cultural Group in Maryland and the Cambodian American Heritage, Inc. in Washington, DC; the Phleng Mohori...

The Alexandria Festival of the Arts transforms the streets of Old Town Alexandria into an outdoor gallery featuring 200 of the nation's top award-winning artists.

The Alexandria Film Festival is a tribute to cinematic art, featuring emerging and established filmmakers from all over the world. The festival includes 39 independent, short and feature length films, documentaries, animation and narrative films screened at a variety of locations in and around the City of Alexandria, Virginia.

During Alexandria Restaurant Week more than 40 restaurants will be offering special menus and pricing to entice visitors to dine in Alexandria, Virginia, just five miles south of Washington, DC. Alexandria Restaurant Week is a great time to try a new restaurant at reduced prices.

See an Alexandria Summer Event Calendar, Alexandria, Virginia is bursting with activity all summer long, schedule of concerts and festivals

Alexandria, VA hosts a lot of wonderful events throughout the year. The historic town, with its prime location on the Potomac River, is a great setting for lively festivals, concerts and holiday celebrations. Here is a calendar of the top events in Alexandria.

Find out about this annual waterfront festival in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia

The art and wine festival in Alexandria's West End neighborhood features the artwork of dozens of juried artists, a Wine Garden with a variety of wines, food from local restaurants and live entertainment.

Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian Celebrates American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month in Washington, DC

America will celebrate the founding of Jamestown in 1607, the first permanent English settlement in North America with 18 months of events in 2006 and 2007.

America’s Polo Cup World Championships is one of the world’s premier televised charity polo sporting events that hosts the largest United States polo experience in the Washington DC Capitol Region

The annual air show and Joint Service Open House is held each spring at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington DC. See the schedule, transportation details, and more.

Animal Planet Expo features high-flying Frisbee dog shows, interactive trivia games, live animal presentations, kids activities and breathtaking programming

The Annapolis Arts and Crafts Festival is a two-day celebration of the arts in Annapolis, Maryland featuring the juried works of more than 150 fine artists and craftsmen, wine tastings, food, live entertainment and activities for the entire family.

Annapolis Boat Shows, find hours and ticket information for the Annapolis Sailboat Show and the Annapolis Powerboat Show.

County Fair in Crownsville, Maryland features carnival rides and games, animal exhibits, monster trucks, pony rides, garden tractor pulls, pig races, pie eating contacts, a talent show, live music and much more.

See a guide to the major annual craft shows in Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Everyone loves a parade! The Washington, DC area hosts several holiday parades throughout the year. Here is a calendar of annual parades held in Washington, DC and the suburbs of Maryland and Virginia.

The Arlington County Fair is a summer family event complete with carnival rides, live animal shows, musical entertainment, arts and craft exhibits, and a variety of international foods.

Learn about the Army Ten-Miler, an annual race in Washington DC. The race weekend includes a two-day race expo, fitness clinics, youth runs, post race party and HOOAH tents from Army installations around the world.

The Around the World Embassy Tour is a signature event of Passport DC, an annual celebration of international culture in Washington DC that showcases embassies from Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and the Americas, with artists and artisans, performers, lecturers, teachers, and others.

Artomatic in Washington, DC is a one-of-a-kind art extravaganza, featuring regional artists and performers. Artomatic is a free art festival including paintings, sculpture, photography, music, theater, poetry, dance and workshops. See photos of Artomatic.

Arts on Foot Festival, a visual and performing arts festival featuring Washington, DC artists at a variety of venues in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of Washington, DC.

The Arts on N Festival is a new summer event in Washington DC sponsored by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to provide a free affordable art festival featuring work by District artists, organizations and local businesses.

The Asian festival in Reston, Virginia showcases unique music, cultural performances, food, gifts, and entertainment of Thailand, China, India, Philippines, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, etc.

The Bay Bridge Boat Show on Kent Island in Maryland kicks off the boating season each spring with a display of hundreds of new and late model brokerage boats and boat equipment displays. Learn about the Bay Bridge Boat Show, tickets, location, hotels near Kent Island and more.

The free festival opens the museum season in Frederick County, Maryland with special events, tours, music, living history programs, and various bell-themed activities.

The Bethesda Art Walk, held the second Friday of every month, is a free guided tour including 11 art galleries and studios that feature painting, sculpture, photography, pottery, jewelry and mixed media.

Bethesda Fine Arts Festival, a two-day event, highlights 130 contemporary artists showcasing painting, drawing, photography, furniture, jewelry, mixed media and ceramics.

Downtown Bethesda will host the annual Bethesda Literary Festival featuring local and national authors, journalists and poets, as well as poetry slams, writing contests and a children’s book party.

The Bethesda Row Arts Festival is a fall festival in Bethesda, Maryland featuring the works of more than 180 of the nation’s finest artists, street performers, musical acts, food, and hands-on children’s art activities.

Big Apple Circus, New York’s original one-ring circus, entertains audiences of all ages under its Big Top by presenting world-class circus artistry where no seat is more than 50 feet from the ring. Learn about the performances and find tickets to an upcoming Big Apple Circus in the Washington DC area.

Learn about annual bike rides and special events in the Washington DC area, including events in Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Each May thousands of Washington, DC commuters participate in Bike to Work Day, an annual celebration sponsored by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Commuter Connections to encourage bicycling as a clean, fun and healthy way to get to work.

Celebrate the importance of family at this annual festival in Washington, DC.

Washington, DC celebrates Black History Month and remembers the contributions of African Americans in the United States with numerous events and cultural programs. Visit the special exhibits and learn about the many contributions of African-Americans throughout American history.

Learn about Black History Month in Williamsburg, Virginia

The Blue Angels Airshows demonstrate choreographed flight skills of U.S. Navy Aviators. The shows include graceful fast-paced aerobatic maneuvers of four planes flying in formation. The Blue Angels are scheduled to fly at approximately 35 air show sites in the United States each year.

Boo at the Zoo, a Halloween event at the National Zoo in Washington, DC, features trick-or-treating, animal encounters, keeper talks, festive decorations, and haunted trails among real live creatures at the National Zoo.

The Capital Fringe Festival, find out about this new performing arts festival in Washington, DC, featuring more than 400 performances in over 28 venues around the Penn Quarter neighborhood of Washington, DC.

Need some inspiration to get ready for spring? The Capital Home and Garden Show at the Dulles Expo Center is a great place to get some fresh ideas. The popular annual Capital Home and Garden Show features more than 750 exhibits showcasing all types of products and services for your home and garden, as well attractive garden landscape displays,...

Capital Pride is an annual ten day event celebrating the spirit and strength in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) communities in Washington, DC. Capital Pride Parade, Capital Pride Street Festival

See pictures of the Capital Pride Parade in Washington DC, the annual Gay-Lesbian Pride Event in the nation's capital. Capital Pride includes ten days of special events

Each June, Capital Pride ends a week of special events with its Capital Pride Street Festival in Washington DC. The event includes entertainment, music, food, drink, education, and celebration.

The Capitol Riverfront BID and the Yards are launching the first annual Riverfront Festival to attract visitors to the newly developed...

The Celebrate Fairfax! Festival is Northern Virginia’s largest annual community-wide celebration featuring live entertainment including a variety of music, children’s activities, a community market place, a laser show and fireworks.

Find the 2006 schedule for Celebrate Gaithersburg - Olde Towne Gaithersburg Street Festival

During the National Cherry Blossom Festival, biking, health, fun and fitness take center stage at the free Rally & Ride, Children and adults of all ages will enjoy a range of hands-on activities led by the Washington Area Bicyclists Association.

Each spring on the first Sunday in May, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge closes the eastbound span to traffic to let pedestrians walk the 4.5 miles across the bridge. Find here the schedule, where to park and more.

Chestertown Tea Party Festival, a weekend of fun for the whole family in Chestertown Maryland including a tea toss reenactment, colonial parade, cocktail party, raft race, street performances, colonial crafts, strolling musicians, local fare, 5k & 10 mile run and more.

The annual event includes live Asian performances, educational tours, children's games and crafts, door prizes, calligraphy, Chinese medicine consultation, Asian food, craft exhibition, dragon parade and more.

Washington, DC celebrates the Chinese New Year with a Chinese New Year Parade, Chinese Dragon Dances,live musical performances, and more.

The National Cinco de Mayo Festival in Washington, DC is an annual Latino celebration featuring live music, dance, children’s arts and crafts workshops, food, games and activities. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

See pictures of Cirque Dreams Holidaze and get a glimpse of Cirque Dreams Holiday Show, a musical extravaganza of ornaments that come to life when costumed characters perform astonishing feats that celebrate Christmas and the holiday season with whimsical dreams.

Cirque du Soleil Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations. See pictures and get a glimpse of the show.

In 2011, America will mark the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War and Washington DC will play a key role in the commemoration offering special exhibitions and events. Learn about Civil War 150th Anniversary Events in the Washington DC Area

The parade is the largest celebration of Fat Tuesday in the Washington DC area. See photos and learn about the event.

Columbia Heights Day is a community festival with live music, food, vendors, guest speakers, children's activities and more. Columbia Heights is a rapidly developing neighborhood of Washington, DC located east of the National Zoo.

Find Corn Mazes in Maryland and Virginia, within a short drive from the Washington, DC area.

Find the county fair schedule for Maryland and Virginia county fairs, including Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, Prince George's County Fair, Howard County Fair, Loudoun County Fair, Fairfax County 4H Fair, Arlington County Fair, and Prince William County Fair.

See photos of the Haunted Halloween Trail in Centreville, Virginia, featuring a Cornightmare, night-time hayride, a giant slide by torchlight, outdoor classic horror movie, bonfire and snacks.

See pictures of Cupid's Undie Run in Washington DC, Washingtonians run around the U.S. Capitol Building in their undies to raise money for the Children's Tumor Foundation.

Dance the night away at downtown Bethesda studios! Join Bethesda's dance studios for FREE lessons, parties and performances at Dance Bethesda.

The annual Dance DC Festival, sponsored by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities highlights the folk traditions of the world through live music and dance, this year celebrating the many styles of hip-hop. The events are held at various locations throughout Washington DC and are FREE and open to the public.

The dance festival features a variety of performances by local dance groups and dance instruction for all ages.

Day of the Dead / Los Días de los Muertos is a Mexican custom honoring and remembering those who have died. The celebration begins on midnight on October 31, the night of Halloween in the U. S.

DC Caribbean Carnival is Washington, DC's Annual Caribbean Parade & Festival

DC Design House is an annual project that brings together Washington, DC’s top interior designers to transform and showcase a house using the best in today’s home renovation and design ideas. This year’s DC Design House is also a featured home on the Georgetown House Tour.

The DC Drag Queen Race, a Washington, DC Halloween event, thousands of spectators flock to Dupont Circle to watch costumed drag queens show off their elaborate outfits and race down 17th Street. See photos of the DC Drag Queen Race.

Each April, DC commemorates when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act, granting freedom to 3,100 enslaved persons in the District of Columbia.

The weeklong event highlights fashion design, clothing merchandising and modeling.

The DC Summer Carnival, featuring more than 100 thrilling rides, games and attractions, will bring family fun to the nation's capital this summer. Find the dates, times and ticket information about the summer carnival in Washington DC.

The Delaplane Strawberry Festival offers two full days of family-oriented fun in Northern Virginia each year over the Memorial Day weekend. The Delaplane Strawberry Festival is held at Sky Meadows State Park. Activities include live entertainment, children's games, pony rides and hayrides, a petting zoo, a 5K fun run, a raptor exhibit, antique...

Digital Capital Week is a ten day festival in Washington DC focused on digital technology and innovation. The event, hosted by iStrategyLabs & Shiny Heart Ventures, will bring a variety of people together to share ideas about technology, entrepreneurship, marketing, content creation, and much more. Anyone can participate in Digital Capital Week...

Discover Strathmore Festival is a free family event at the Music Center at Strathmore, in North Bethesda, Maryland, with live performances, demonstrations and hands-on activities to educate and entertain children.

The Washington DC Dragon Boat Festival is an annual event sponsored each May by the Chinese Women’s League of Washington, DC. The two-day festival features competitive dragon boat races on the Potomac River, colorful cultural performances and plenty of hands-on activities.

The annual festival features more than 100 jazz performances at concert venues and clubs throughout Washington, DC.

Dupont-Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend is an annual event offering free admission and special activities at the eight museums of the near Dupont Circle in Washington, DC.

The Washington, DC metropolitan area has a variety of Earth Day activities that make caring for the planet fun for all ages. Find Earth Day events in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Washington, DC will hold one of the largest Earth Day gatherings in U.S. history, the Green Apple Festival – a major day - long event on the National Mall to rally support for national action on global warming.

The Emancipation Day Parade commemorates the day (April 16, 1862) when Abraham Lincoln granted about 3,100 enslaved people living in Washington, DC their freedom, nine months before issuing the Emancipation Proclamation.

Europe Week events include speeches, seminars and workshops on issues; film screenings, concerts and cultural events related to the European Union.

Fairfax County Fair at Frying Pan Park, Herndon, Virginia is two family fun events - The Fairfax 4-H Fair and the Frying Pan Park Farm Show.

The fall is a great season for festivals in the Washington, DC area. Fall festivals offer great food, music and live entertainment for the whole family.

Fall for Fairfax Festival is Northern Virginia’s largest fall festival including more than 100 interactive activities and exhibits and programs Fall for Fairfax activities include a train ride, kids climbing wall, pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, inflatables and dozens of children’s performances.

The City of Falls Church, Virginia celebrates Memorial Day with a full day of activities for the whole family. Enjoy amusement and pony rides, arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, food and a community parade.

FotoWeek DC, the annual celebration of photography in Washington, DC features programs including a photo contest and juried exhibition, gallery openings, lectures, educational workshops, portfolio reviews, book signings and more.

The Frederick County Fair in Frederick, Maryland, also known as the Great Frederick Fair, features live entertainment, tractor pulls, carnival rides, an equine expo and showcase, agricultural events, educational activities, contests, food and lots more.

The Friendship Firehouse Festival is a family event celebrating the role of firefighters at the historic Friendship Firehouse in Old Town Alexandria.

Frostival is a winter-themed family festival in Fairfax, Virginia featuring interactive rides, games, attractions, crafts, storytelling, musical performances, exhibits and more.

See images of G-40, The Summit, an art exhibition near Washington DC which features influences like comics, graffiti, skate and surf culture and punk art to push the edges of artistic expression and appreciation. G-40, The Summit takes over a Crystal City, Virginia office building.

The Gaithersburg Book Festival is a brand new literary festival, modeled after the National Book Festival. Authors of both national and local acclaim 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,...

Gaithersburg City Youth Festival, an annual carnival at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg, Maryland the week of Memorial Day.

The Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade is sponsored by the City of Gaithersburg and celebrates with a parade including local dancers, fire engines, high school marching bands, giant balloons, horses, clowns and more.

The City of Gaithersburg hosts nearly 50 family-friendly free performances as part of its summer entertainment series. From a Dave Matthews tribute band to a musical zoo to outdoor movies and backyard concerts, the On Stage series brings summer fun to every corner of Gaithersburg. Venues include the City Hall Concert Pavilion in Olde Towne and...

Garden Tours in the Washington DC Area highlight the beauty of the season, explore gardens and historic homes in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia.

The Oktoberfest in Germantown, Maryland includes live music and performances, food, children’s games and inflatables, exhibits by local crafters, artists and businesses, roaming entertainment, beer, dancing and fireworks.

Celebrate the 400th Anniversary of Jamestown with a Landing Party and Festival featuring tours of the Godspeed, live music, children's entertainment, historic and cultural displays.

Visit hundreds of local and national exhibitors at one place in Washington, DC. The Great Bridal Expo is a consumer wedding resource providing information on everything for the wedding, home and honeymoon.

The annual Greek Festival in Washington DC features Greek food, coffees, beers, wines, and live music, as well as a Greek Marketplace offering books, jewelry and trinkets.

The H Street Festival, Washington, DC's annual street festival includes musical and dance performances, a fashion show, children's activities, luxury car displays, free health screenings, crafts, international foods and more.

See photos of the Halloween Haunt at Kings Dominion, pictures of the Halloween event at the Virginia amusement park

Washington, DC's Hip Hop Theatre Festival is a special event held each summer featuring national and international artists of hip hop music.

Find arts and craft shows in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. Craft shows are wonderful places to shop for unique gifts for the holidays. Here you will a variety of craft shows held in November and December in the Washington, DC area.

Hometown Holidays is Rockville, Maryland’s annual street festival celebrating Memorial Day. The three-day event includes entertainment for the whole family, a Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade.

The Howard County Fair is an American tradition of good, wholesome fun including livestock exhibits, carnival rides and games, musical entertainment, educational demonstrations, and an animal petting zoo.

The Hyattsville Arts Festival features local artisans, musicians, dancers, and street performers. Learn about the annual event in Hyattsville, Maryland.

Imagination Bethesda is a children’s street festival in Bethesda, Maryland celebrating children and the arts, including musical performances, dance troupes, roving entertainment and hands-on art & craft activities.

Find information about Inaugural Balls and Galas celebrating the inauguration of Barack Obama, Official inaugural balls, State Society Balls, unofficial galas and parties

Find details about the 2009 Presidential Inauguration Parade in Washington, DC, finding inaugural parade viewing information, parking, security information and more.

Meridian International Center hosts an International Children's Festival in Washington, DC promoting cultural exchange and introducing families to world geography, dress, and traditions.

International Motorcycle Show at the Washington, DC Convention Center, showcases the latest street bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, ATVs, personal watercraft and motorcycle apparel

INTERSECTIONS, a new arts festival at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Washington DC, features visual art, film screenings, literary readings and dance, musical and dramatic productions by more than 30 artists and cultural institutions.

The Italian Festival in Washington DC, Festa Italiana, celebrates Italian-American culture with a lively street festival featuring traditional Italian music, dancing, art, crafts and of course food – such as fresh pizza, pasta, sausage and peppers, Italian sandwiches, baked goods and much more.

Celebrate a new season of performing arts at the annual Kennedy Center Prelude Festival in Washington, DC. Enjoy a wide variety of performances from Washington, DC artists and get a glimpse of the the upcoming theater season.

Learn about the month-long performing arts festival for children with more than 150 free events staged through the cooperation of the 27 Washington-based European Union embassies and more than a dozen major local cultural institutions.

Washington DC will host Kids Restaurant Week with a week of kid-friendly cuisine and fixed-price menus at some of Washington, DC’s most popular restaurants. See the details about Kids Restaurant Week in Washington, DC

Washington, DC will celebrate all things Italian this spring with La Dolce DC, a citywide festival that coincides with the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy and exclusive engagements of Italian art at the National Gallery of Art and The Phillips Collection. La Dolce DC showcases Italian culture through architecture, art, dance,...

The National Symphony Orchestra performs a free Labor Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol

The Latino Festival in Washington DC, also known as Fiesta DC, is an annual celebration highlighting the Latino culture with a Parade of Nations, a children’s festival, a science fair, a diplomatic pavilion for embassies and consulates, arts & crafts, and international cuisine.

Historic Leesburg kicks of the spring season with the Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival showcasing lush landscapes and gorgeous gardens with a two-day family friendly event with food, music, children’s entertainment and crafts.

Legg Mason Tennis Classic, Washington, DC's US Open Tennis Tournament, find information about the location, tickets, parking, etc.

Lincoln Bicentennial in Washington, DC, See a guide to events honoring Lincoln's 200th birthday, a four month celebration featuring exhibitions, performances, lectures, and guided tours honoring Abraham Lincoln.

The Loudoun County Fair-Kiss A Pig contest is a famous special event at the annual agricultural fair at Loudoun County Fairgrounds in Leesburg, Virginia.

Live cherry blossom trees will bring the spirit of spring indoors at the Macy’s Cherry Blossom Show in Washington DC. Visit Macy’s Metro Center during the National Cherry Blossom Festival as the store is transformed from a vibrant retail landscape to a one-of-a-kind floral wonderland complete with live blooming cherry trees.

Manassas will host a four-day 150th Civil War Anniversary event in commemoration of the First Battle of Manassas, showcasing reenactments, parades, exhibits and interpreters.

Old Town Manassas, a historic town in Northern Virginia, celebrates fall with its Annual Fall Festival, the Manassas Fall Jubilee, an annual craft and artisan festival featuring vendors of hand-made items such as jewelry, quilts, clothing, soaps and more

The Manassas Veterans Day Parade pays tribute to all veterans and active military for protecting our nation at home and oversees. It is the largest Veterans Day Parade in Northern Virginia and in the Washington DC area. See photos and get a glimpse of the parade.

The Manassas Wine and Jazz Festival has become a popular Father’s Day event for many in Northern Virginia. Attendees bring a lawn chair or blanket to relax on the Pavilion lawn in Old Town Manassas with a bottle of wine and lunch from the gourmet food concessions while listening to live jazz performances.

The March for Life is an annual gathering of pro-life Americans held in Washington, DC each January on the anniversary of the date of the Supreme Court’s infamous 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

Celebrate Mardi Gras at a special event in Washington, DC, Mardi Gras parties, balls, parades, family days and more.

Marian Anderson Concert 2009 – Easter Concert at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC

A guide to the Marine Corps Marathon, Washington, DC route, transportation and parking, and weekend events including the Health and Fitness Expo, Healthy Kids Fun Run, Marine Corps Marathon 10K, Crystal Run and the Marine Corps Marathon Finish Festival

Martin Luther King Day of Service was designated by Congress in 1994 transforming the holiday into a national day of community service. Serve DC and the Office of the Secretary ask for volunteers to take part in a day that keeps alive the legacy of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Volunteers will participate in over 1300 projects...

Maryland Day is a celebration in Anne Arundel County sponsored each spring by Four Rivers: The Heritage Area of Annapolis, London Town and South County. Throughout the three-day weekend, historical and cultural institutions in Annapolis and southern Anne Arundel County open their doors to the public offering special tours, events, and programming

See pictures of Maryland Day, a celebration in Anne Arundel County sponsored each spring, photos of historical and cultural institutions in Annapolis and southern Anne Arundel County, special tours, events,

Step back in time at the Maryland Renaissance Festival, an annual fall event in Crownsville, Maryland, 30 miles from Washington, DC.

Read reviews or share your own experience at the Maryland Renaissance Festival, the annual festival in Crownsville, Maryland. The English Tudor village offers 25 acres of activities, crafts and food.See submissions

The Maryland Seafood Festival is an Annapolis tradition with great food, music, and family fun. Maryland’s greatest restaurateurs and chefs participate in a weekend festival showcasing great Maryland seafood including crabs, oysters, and a wide variety of fish.

The Mid-Atlantic Shamrock Fest is a community Saint Patrick's Day celebration taking over six city blocks in Arlington, Virginia featuring live music, food, drinks and dozens of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages.

The Military Bowl, previously entitled EagleBank Bowl, Washington DC’s college football bowl game will be presented this year by Northrop Grumman,” benefiting the United Service Organizations.

The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair in Gaithersburg, Maryland is an annual event with carnival rides, live animal shows, great entertainment and food.

Montgomery County, Maryland celebrates its agricultural heritage, promotes local farms, and provides residents the opportunity to indulge in seasonally fresh food during the Annual Montgomery County Farm Tour and Harvest Sale. The tour provides people with an opportunity to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants and other local...

See Photos of the Fall Harvest Festival at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate in Mount Vernon Virginia

Mount Vernon’s Wine Festival & Sunset Tour celebrates the history of wine in Virginia with special evening tours of the Mansion and cellar, appearances by “George and Martha Washington”, and live jazz on the east lawn of George Washington's Mount Vernon home.

At the Museum Shop Around at Strathmore, 19 non-profit organizations bring their museum gift shops to the beautifully decorated Mansion at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland.

The street fair is held in May in Washington, DC in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The Asian festival showcases Asian art and culture with live entertainment, Pan-Asian cuisine, martial arts and lion dance demonstration, a multicultural marketplace, cultural displays and interactive activities.

Meet your favorite author at the National Book Festival on the National Mall in Washington, DC, an annual festival of reading sponsored by the Library of Congress.

The National Cathedral Flower Mart is Washington's annual outdoor festival for garden enthusiasts and families.

Welcome spring with the 2005 National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. The capital celebrates with lots of special family activities on the National Mall and throughout the region.

National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off with a free family festival at the National Building Museum that includes hands-on activities exploring Japanese arts and design and performing arts, followed by ceremonial program with remarks by Washington dignitaries and special performance. See photos of the National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening...

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington, DC. Watch marching bands, dance and drumming performance teams from Japan and the United States, musical performances, clowns, horses, antique cars and mascots and much more.

National Harbor is joining in the celebration of spring with special events during the final weekend of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Live entertainment will include Japanese musicians and dancers, Sumo wrestling, kite making, face painting, video game demonstrations, a fashion show and a spectacular fireworks show over the Potomac River.

The dragon boat regatta is a family-friendly event featuring races along the Potomac River at National Harbor, near Washington DC.

Approximately 3,000 events are held on the National Mall in Washington, DC each year. Although most of them are small gatherings, such as sporting events, protests and rallies, about a dozen major annual festivals or events are held on the National Mall. See a guide to the major events on the National Mall.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC features a concert and festival series each summer promoting Native musicians, films, performers and artists from across the Western Hemisphere. The schedule of events at the American Indian Museum.

The National Powwow, by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, features a Native American dance and drum competition with more than 800 Native peoples from across North America.

National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance America’s public lands. Special events are planned across the country on National Public Lands Day to get volunteers to work together to build trails, bridges, remove trash and invasive plants, restore water resources and plant trees in a national...

The National Ski & Snowboard Expo at the Dulles Expo & Conference Center located 26 miles from Washington, DC. Ski show with the latest products and services for skiing, snowboarding, X country touring, and snowtubing.

National Train Day commemorates the anniversary of the transcontinental railroad's inception by bringing to life the rich history of how trains have transformed America. Find information about the National Train Day event in Washington DC.

The Nation's Football Classic™ is a black college football game held annually at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC. See the schedule of events for this year.

The NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo is held each January at the Washington Convention Center. The Health Fair provides free health screenings and information on products and services that relate to healthy living.

The arts festival features more than 200 artisans in 18 different categories, including oil and acrylic painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, jewelry, metal, leather, wood, furniture, wearable and fiber art.

Find Oktoberfests in the Washington, DC suburbs of Maryland and Virginia. Enjoy these fall folk festivals with German beer, food and entertainment.

Cultural Tourism DC’s Passport DC is a new annual celebration of international culture showcasing Washington DC’s embassies and cultural organizations with a wide range of performances, talks, and exhibits.

The Polar Bear Plunge at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis is a charity event sponsored by the Maryland State Police in support of the Special Olympics. Each January, thousands of Polar Bear Plunge participants of all ages are daring enough to take a dip in the wintry waters of the Chesapeake Bay. See details about how to participate or be a...

The Presidential Inauguration will be held on January 20, 2009. A week of festivities will include the Presidential Swearing in Ceremony, Inaugural Address, Inaugural Parade and a night of Inaugural Balls and galas honoring the new President of the United States.

Plan ahead for the 2013 Presidential Inauguration in Washington, DC, find information on the Presidential Swearing-in Ceremony, Inaugural Address, Inaugural Parade and Inaugural Balls and galas.

County Fair in Upper Marlboro, Maryland features carnival rides, live animals displays, family circus, fireworks, live entertainment, food, karaoke competitions and much more.

The Prince William County Fair dates back to 1949 and today is Virginia's largest County Fair. The annual county fair in Manassas, Virginia includes livestock exhibits, a Civil War encampment, a variety of midway shows, truck and tractor pulls, a rodeo, demolition derbies, baby contests, pet shows, live music, storytelling, games and rides.

The Prince William Forest Park Heritage Festival celebrates the park’s history as colonial-era farmland, a Civilian Conservation Corps work camp, and a World War II era spy training camp. The festival in Northern Virginia includes live music, cultural demonstrations, hands-on activities, crafts and games.

Washington, DC, Freedom Walk to remember the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, 9-11 attacks at the Pentagon, the World Trade Centers in New York City, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

See photos of the Rockville Antique Car Show, a fall festival with a display of more than 400 antique and classic automobiles in Rockville, Maryland

See photos of the Memorial Day Parade in Rockville, Maryland, a part of the weekend Hometown Holidays Memorial Day Celebration. The Rockville Memorial Day Parade includes drill teams, marching bands, community groups, military units, and more.

During the Rockville Restaurant Week, it is a good time to try something new. A wide variety of restaurants in Rockville, Maryland will offer pre-fixed meals, lunches for $10 and dinners for $25.

Rolling Thunder, an annual motorcycle rally held in Washington, DC during the Memorial Day weekend, Rolling Thunder calls for the government’s recognition of POWs and MIAs.

Rosslyn Jazz Festival, Rosslyn, Virginia, music festival just across Key Bridge from Washington, DC.

The Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival is the final major event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. The Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival is the biggest Japanese street party in the nation.

Bring the whole family to the National Mall in Washington, DC to watch free outdoor movies during this summer special event.

Washington, DC area memorial events honor the victims of September 11th terrorist attacks. Find events in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Step back in time at this annual arts and crafts festival held each September Seneca Creek State Park.

Washington, DC will pay a six-month tribute to William Shakespeare with more than 40 arts organizations coming together for a landmark festival of theatre, music, dance, films and art exhibits at venues throughout the Washington, DC area.

See photos of the Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon, Wine & Music Festival and learn about the annual fall festival in Shenandoah, Virginia.

Learn about Shirlington Restaurant Week and Shirlie’s Girls Night Out in Arlington, Virginia

The Silver Spring Big Cherry Block Party event is the first official Maryland celebration of the long-time cherry blossom festival celebration in Washington, DC. The street festival will bring the best in Japanese art, cuisine, dance, fashion, flowers, music and much more to Downtown Silver Spring. The Silver Spring Big Cherry Block Party is a...

A Haunted Train returns to Six Flags America for Fright Fest, Baltimore and Washington DC's biggest Halloween celebration. See photos of the Halloween event, Fright Fest, at Six Flags America in Mitchellville, Maryland.

The Smithsonian Craft Show is an exhibit of 120 exceptional craft artists in Washington, DC including basketry, ceramics, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art, and wood.

Explore a variety of cultures at Washington, DC's most popular cultural festival held on the National Mall.

The Smithsonian Kite Festival, an annual event that is a part of the festivities at the National Cherry Blossom Festival on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Kite enthusiasts show off their stunt skills and compete for awards in over 36 categories.

The Southwest DC Arts Festival brings together ten different organizations to present a cross-section of Southwest’s cultural community through a three-day festival including an art fair and market, performances and children’s activities, the Human Rights Film Festival, an outdoor art studio for children, and much more. Learn about the SW DC...

Stars & Stripes & Spokes, a four-day festival on Memorial Day weekend in Washington DC, will honor America’s Armed Forces and bring together thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts with live music, military vehicle and equipment displays, food and more.

Sugarloaf Crafts Festivals holds arts and craft shows in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Georgetown's Halloween costume party includes a costume contest, multiple performing areas & art installations, two performing stages, a special fire performance and dancing.

The Takoma Park Folk Festival is an annual festival featuring music and dance from around the world on eight stages in Takoma Park, Maryland.

Each spring, Takoma Park, Maryland celebrates the season with a self-guided walking tour of private homes and gardens with the Takoma Park House & Garden Tour.

The annual Taste of Arlington is a lively street festival featuring the cuisine of more than 40 restaurants, live entertainment, arts and crafts, children’s activities and a farmer’s market. Proceeds from Taste of Arlington will benefit the Virginia Hospital Center and Arlington Community Foundation.

Learn about the Taste of DC, a food, wine, beer and music festival in Washington, DC. Find out how to attend and the highlights of the Taste of DC.

The Thunderbirds, the United States Air Force Demonstration Squadron demonstrate their flight skills with aerial maneuvers at more than 70 airshows in the US, Puerto Rico and the Far East. See photos and learn more about the Thunderbirds.

Dozens of events are held in Washington, DC during the spring, including cultural events, spring garden tours, wine festivals, parades and more. Here's the top "don't miss" spring events in Washington, DC.

Join friends, family, co-workers and neighbors and participate in one of the Turkey Trots in Washington, DC, Maryland or Northern Virginia. Find the schedule of Turkey Trots, Runs and Races in the Washington, DC area

The Annual Turkish Festival, sponsored by the American-Turkish Association of Washington DC, is a family-friendly festival celebrating authentic Turkish art and culture with a rich variety of live musical and folk dance performances underscoring Turkey’s unique ties with the Balkans, the Middle East, the Caucuses and Central Asia.

The Uncle Sam Jam will be held this year at National Harbor in Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. Lindy Promotions presents the festival featuring three stages, including both indoor and outdoor entertainment.

The new event for 2008 to be held in Crystal City, Virginia will help members of the United States military who have sustained Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) during their service to our country.

The event, location in Washington, DC, is focused on encouraging the next generation of engineers, scientists, and technologists, and to increase public awareness of the importance of science and math education.

Virginia Historic Garden Week tours showcase formal gardens, walled gardens, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, annual and perennial gardens, herb gardens, water gardens, and even secret gardens.

Virginia Scottish Games, annual festival celebrating Alexandria's Scottish Heritage. Dance, fiddle, harp, Scottish Athletics, British Car Show, children's games, Celtic crafts and foods.

The ViVa Vienna Memorial Day Festival is a three-day community celebration in Vienna, Virginia, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Vienna, with food, crafts, music, carnival rides and a Memorial Day tribute

Every spring and fall, Cultural Tourism DC sponsors WalkingTown DC and BikingTown DC, a weekend of free guided tours of the neighborhoods of Washington DC. More than 100 walking tours and 11 bike tours are available during WalkingTown DC

See antiques at this special show in Washington, DC featuring a different theme each year. See period furnishings and decorative arts, vintage jewelry, porcelains, ceramics, silver, and architectural garden accents.

See 700 new makes and models of automobiles at the Washington Auto Show at the Washington Convention Center

See hundreds of boats an boat products at the Washington Boat Show at the Washington Convention Center.

The Washington Bridal Showcase is the largest bridal show in the Washington, DC area. See everything you need to plan an extraordinary wedding. The bridal show includes exhibits of bridal fashions, invitations, photographers, ceremony sites, music, wedding cakes, decorations, honeymoon travel and much more.

The Washington Craft Show at the Washington Convention Center features a wide variety of contemporary crafts and gifts for the holidays. Find here the 2006 Washington Craft Show schedule, ticket information and more.

At the Washington Home and Garden Show and the Capital Home Shows you'll see hundreds of displays of products for kitchens, baths, remodeling, flooring, granite & marble, professional grade appliances, and architectural antiques all in one convenient location. See the schedule of upcoming home and garden shows in the Washington DC area.

See hundreds of home and garden displays at the Home and Garden Show in Washington, DC

Washington International Horse Show at the Verizon Center in downtown Washington, DC, more than 600 horses and riders compete for $400,000 in prize money and championship titles.

Washington Soap Box Derby is annual race of children ages 8 to 17 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

The White House Spring Garden Tours have been an annual tradition since 1972 when Pat Nixon first opened the White House gardens to the public.

The world’s largest celebration of children’s creativity and imagination brings together hundreds of young artists and performers from around the world.

World Ranger Day will be celebrated around the world on July 31. The day is sponsored by the International Ranger Federation to honor the work of rangers as the key protectors of parks and conservation.

The Yacht Show at National Harbor showcases the Washington, DC area’s newest waterfront development while displaying impressive luxury yachts on the Potomac River.

ZestFest is a ten day event in Washington DC, bringing life and activity to the NoMa neighborhood with art, music and community gatherings. The NoMa Business Improvement District, partnering with the Pink Line Project, is organizing the fall festival to activate and beautify NoMa’s public spaces.

The self-guided tour highlights the historic B&Bs in Loudoun County, Virginia. Local wineries, restaurants, and caterers provide refreshments.

The annual spring tour is sponsored by the Georgetown Garden Club and features eight private gardens. See photos and learn more about the event.

Learn about air show performances by the U.S. Army Parachute Team.

The free summer festival in Herndon, Virginia features live entertainment, international foods, carnival rides and games, children's entertainment, a business exposition, 10k & 5k races, a Fitness expo, model railway exhibit, an arts and crafts show and two fireworks displays.