Washington DC Events and Holidays

Washington DC is a very event-driven town. Between political fundraisers, international embassy activities, and political action assemblies, the Washington DC events calendar would be chock full even without its normal dose of holidays and celebrations. There is always something interesting to do here, but to get the specifics on events in DC during your planned visit, see the Cultural Tourism DC website at www.culturaltourism.org.

There are annual events in Washington DC that are as tried and true as the national history that provides a backdrop for them, like the lighting of the national Christmas tree and the massive July Fourth events in DC. Easter sunrise services at the Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin and the White House Easter Egg Roll are traditional and meaningful events in DC every year, as well.

There are other annual events in Washington DC that are more contemporary in their nature, but just as important to Washingtonian and national life, like the Capital Pride events in June, the Aids Walk, and Washington DC"s Restaurant Week in January. The August Legg Mason Tennis Classic is a must-see for many DC visitors, and the colorful cultural celebration Adams Morgan Day in September is another favorite on the Washington DC events calendar.

There are many events in Washington DC that are particularly meaningful to the military and those who love them. Annual Memorial Day events in DC are, in fact, the official memorial events for the nation, and are very inspiring. The same goes for Veterans Day events in DC, especially due to the current war status. Every year in October the Washington DC events calendar is happy to see the return of the Marine Corps Marathon. Who could not find inspiration watching military marathon runners endure past the statue of Iwo Jima?

By far the most popular events in Washington DC for visitors are the annual Cherry Tree Festival and the Independence Day birthday bash for the nation. The Cherry Festival is every year around the first week in April, and celebrates the return of spring via the 3000 gorgeous flowering trees given the US by the Japanese as a gift of friendship between the nations. There are many events throughout the week sponsored by different organizations, and there are cultural events every day at noon at the Tidal Basin lined with the cherry trees. There is an annual parade for the Cherry Festival, for which grandstand tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster. The Japanese street festival Sakura Matsuri takes place right after; a wonderful cultural celebration. Many hotels and restaurants invent specials and vacation packages around the Cherry Festival events in DC.

There is nothing like celebrating the nation"s birthday by joining with a million other people on the National Mall to take part in the Capitol Fourth events in DC for Independence Day. Free concerts, vendors, festivals, and one million diverse Americans celebrating their freedom together - it is a unique and powerful experience. The fireworks display on the Mall every year is a stunner, prompting many a riverboat cruise charter on the Potomac River, and plenty of elegant rooftop parties around town. For the week prior to and including Independence Day, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival entertains and brings people together, in a series of quintessentially American cultural events in DC on the mall.

No matter when you plan to visit our city, check the Washington DC events calendar, and the events of any political groups you may belong to, to make sure you aren"t missing history being made around the corner!