What’s on in Washington DC

National Cherry Blossom Festival

20 Mar — 14 Apr 2024

Tidal Basin

One of Washington D.C.'s most famous events is the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrating the arrival of spring. Visitors flock to the city to admire the beautiful pink and white blossoms that surround the Tidal Basin, the original gift of 3,000 cherry trees to the city from the people of Japan in 1912 as a symbol of friendship between the two countries. Festivities show off both Japanese and Washingtonian culture, as well as a fireworks display. The parade is the festival's biggest event, with spectacular floats, marching bands, costumed dance groups and giant helium balloons. A Japanese street festival after the parade exhibits the traditions, arts and food of Japan.

Website www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

22 — 26 June and 30 June — 4 July

National Mall

The Folklife Festival is a unique Washington D.C. tradition and is the largest annual cultural event in the city. It's a living cultural exhibition that celebrates the heritage of different states, regions and international communities, and includes music and dance performances, craft demonstrations, storytelling, exhibits, workshops and traditional cooking demonstrations. Festival-goers should be prepared to spend plenty of time outdoors in the hottest part of the year, but visiting the air-conditioned Smithsonian Museums is a good way to cool off and further indulge all cultural impulses.

Website www.festival.si.edu

National Independence Day Celebration

4 July annually

National Mall

One of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in the country, the capital puts on a grand show to celebrate the nation's birthday. The city celebrates the day with the state's biggest and most impressive annual parade, music concerts, an evening performance by the National Symphony Orchestra on the steps of the Capitol building and one of the country's largest fireworks displays. There are also arts and crafts activities on offer. The official website listed below includes all necessary details for planning attendance to the festival. As one would expect, there is no better place in the US to indulge in an extravaganza of patriotism than Washington D.C. on the Fourth of July.

Website www.july4thparade.com

Washington DC