D.C.'s Top Festivals

For a look at yearly events, visit www.washington.org, the website of the tourism bureau.

Winter

National Christmas Tree Lighting/Pageant of Peace (202/796–2500 www.thenationaltree.org, Dec.). Each year in early December, the president lights the tree at dusk on the Ellipse, with a G-scale model railway running around the tree's base and smaller decorated trees representing the states and territories providing a festive setting. Concerts are held through the month.

Restaurant Week (www.ramw.org/restaurantweek, Jan. and Aug.). More than 200 top restaurants offer lunch and dinner menus for around $20 and $35, respectively—often a steal.

Washington Auto Show (www.washingtonautoshow.com, Jan. and Feb.). Held at the convention center, this yearly event showcases the latest offerings from the world of automobiles.

Spring

National Cherry Blossom Festival (877/442–5666 www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org, late Mar.–mid Apr.). D.C.'s most eye-catching annual festival opens with an evening of world-class traditional and contemporary performances at the historic Warner Theater.

Georgetown French Market (202/298–9222 a30023963, late Apr.). Shop, eat, wander, and enjoy strolling mimes and live musicians in one of D.C.'s most beautiful neighborhoods.

National Cathedral Flower Mart (a30023964, late Apr.–early May). This long-standing free event on the cathedral grounds features food, music, kids’ activities and, of course, flowers.

Summer

Capital Pride Festival (202/719–5304 www.capitalpride.org, June). This weeklong festival with a parade celebrates LGBTQ+ citizens.

Smithsonian's Folklife Festival (202/633–6440 www.folklife.si.edu, late June–early July). This two-week festival on the National Mall celebrates traditional dance and music, storytelling, and food from around the world.

Independence Day Celebration (202/619–7222 a30023965, July). A parade sashays down Constitution Avenue, fireworks fly over the Washington Monument, and the NSO plays on the Capitol's West Lawn.

National Symphony Orchestra Labor Day Concert (202/416–8114 a31569098, Labor Day weekend). This free concert is held on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.

Fall

National Book Festival (202/707–5000 a31569099, early Sept.). This Saturday event attracts some of the world's top authors and poets to the convention center, where visitors can listen to readings and discussions and get books signed.

Washington International Horse Show (202/525–3679 www.wihs.org, late Oct.). Held at Capital One Arena, this annual show features jumping, dressage, barrel racing, and more.

Veterans Day (877/907–8585 for Cemetery Visitor Center, 202/426–6841 for National Park Service, Nov. 11). Services are held at Arlington National Cemetery, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the U.S. Navy Memorial, with a wreath laying at 11 am at the Tomb of the Unknowns.