Washington, DC Events 2009 - Calendar of Major Annual Events

January
Presidential Inauguration 2009
Date: 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.

Lincoln Bicentennial
Dates: January - April, 2009
Washington, DC will host a citywide four-month celebration marking the Lincoln Bicentennial, (February 12, 2009 - Lincoln’s 200th Birthday) with more than 80 exhibitions, performances, lectures, and guided tours honoring Abraham Lincoln. Major events include the reopening of the Ford's Theatre, a re-enactment of Marian Anderson's Easter Concert, Emancipation Day Parade and the Re-dedication of the Lincoln Memorial.

Late March - Early April
The National Cherry Blossom Festival
Dates: March 28 - April 12, 2009
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. Mark your calendar for the upcoming spring dates and plan to participate in the parade, kite festival, concerts, fireworks and cultural events.

April
White House Easter Egg Roll
Date: April 13, 2009
On Easter Monday, kids of all ages hunt for and race Easter Eggs on the White House Lawn. Enjoy a morning of storytelling and a visit with the Easter Bunny. Free tickets are usually distributed on the Saturday before and early on Monday morning.

May
Memorial Day
Date: May 25, 2009
Special events for Memorial Day include wreath laying ceremonies at several monuments and memorials in Washington, DC, a free National Symphony Orchestra concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol and a Memorial Day parade along Independence Avenue.

Late June - Early July
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Dates: June 24-June 28 and July 1-5, 2009
Every summer the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage sponsors this annual festival on the National Mall which celebrates cultural traditions around the world. The Festival includes daily and evening music and dance performances, crafts and cooking demonstrations, storytelling and discussions of cultural issues. The 2008 program will highlight diverse cultures of Bhutan and Texas.

July
Fourth of July
Washington DC is a spectacular place to celebrate July 4th! Independence Day celebrations in the nation’s capital start with a morning parade, concerts on the National Mall and the West Lawn of the Capitol and a huge fireworks display on the grounds of the Washington Monument.

September
National Book Festival
September 26, 2009
Celebrate the joy of books and reading at this an annual event held each September on the National Mall in Washington, DC, between 7th and 14th streets. The National Book Festival is sponsored by the Library of Congress and hosted by first lady Laura Bush. Visit with more than 80 award-winning authors, illustrators and poets.

December – January
The National Christmas Tree and the Pageant of Peace
Lighting Ceremony: December 3, 2009.
Each holiday season the White House Ellipse is surrounded by a path of decorated trees representing all 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia. The President traditionally lights the tree at a holiday program and musical groups perform each night until New Year's Day.