Jul 10, 2020
There are plenty of interesting things to enjoy in Washington, D.C., and that includes a diverse selection of festivals. Keep your calendar free for the next time these annual festivals come to town.
1. National Cherry Blossom Festival
When the cherry blossoms are in bloom, it’s a magnificent display of delicate blossoms welcoming in the spring. In 1912, Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Japan gifted cherry trees to the U.S. Today, over 3,000 cherry trees create a colorful celebration of Japanese and American cultures enjoyed by nearly 2 million visitors to Washington annually. The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs for three weeks each spring and is a preview of what to expect in the upcoming summer months.2. Passport DC
The Passport DC festival is a month-long event that takes place in May. The festival focuses on international culture with first-hand experiences. During May, the first two Saturdays provide open house tours of a foreign embassy. More than 170 embassies line Embassy Row. Many embassies participate, allowing visitors to walk through multiple embassies not normally open to the public. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.3. DC Jazz Festival
The DC Jazz Festival has a positive presence throughout the year with concerts, educational programs, and support of music in the school curriculum. The festival is the culmination of the organization’s efforts to engage and expand more people to become jazz enthusiasts. When the festival is in town, it is the largest musical gathering in Washington with over 125 performances dispersed over more than 50 venues throughout the city. The festival takes place in June with multiple events featuring world-renowned artists as well as new artists.4. Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle
Food festivals are always popular, and the Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle is no exception. 2019 marked the 27th year when thousands of barbecue enthusiasts converge on Washington to celebrate. The two-day event includes plenty of barbecue, live music, cooking demos, exhibits, activities, and contests. Sampling pavilions provide free tastes of barbecue, grilled items, micro-brews, and wine. The annual event is a June event, which adds to more summer fun.5. Smithsonian Folklife Festival
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is a free event serving a menu of information about cultures from around the world. The kid-friendly festival provides live music, cultural activities, dance performances, and free music and dance classes. The June event takes place at the National Mall with activities, food trucks with a variety of food choices. Refreshing beverages are also available from local beer to sparkling cider.6. Fourth of July Celebration
Washington lights up the night with its Fourth of July event with a display of brilliant fireworks show seen from the National Mall. Throughout the city, assorted venues add to the festive atmosphere. Other events also take place on the West Lawn and at the Lincoln Memorial for a well-rounded night of entertainment. Washington, D.C. offers a plethora of fun activities with a variety of annual events during the summer. Keep your calendar open so you can enjoy all that the city has to offer.
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