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Special Events in Washington DC
January
Chinese New Year Celebration
Held New Years Day
Chinatown, Washington, DC
202-789-7000
Admission Free
Annual parade of marching bands, lion and dragon dancers, clowns and other entertainers.
Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Observance
Held on January 17
Lincoln Memorial
202-727-6306
Admission Free
Wreath laying ceremony accompanied by a recorded presentation of King's "I Have a Dream" speech, local choirs, speakers and military color guard.
February
Abraham Lincoln's Birthday Observance
Held in mid-February
Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC
703-619-7222
Admission Free
Concerts by military bands, wreath laying and a dramatic reading of the Gettysburg Address.
March
Cherry Blossom Festival
Late March - early April
1500 Maine Avenue
Washington, DC 20003
202-484-0206
Making their appearance in late March or early April, the beautiful pink and white lacelike flowers surround DC's Tidal Basin. This yearly sign of spring is one of Washington, DC's natural highlights. The two-week festival features concerts, special exhibits, a street festival, a parade, the Smithsonian Kite Festival, performances, athletic competitions and other events at various DC locations.
Washington Boat Show
Held in mid-March
Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
804-425-6556
Admission Charged
Showcasing sailboats and motorboats.
April
Earth Day
Held in mid-April
Variety of venues
Admission Free
Annual event raising environmental awareness.
Smithsonian Craft Show
Held in mid-April
National Building Museum
401 F Street NW
Washington, DC
202-357-4000
Admission Charged
Exhibition and sale of contemporary American crafts from more than 100 artists.
Thomas Jefferson's Birthday Observation
Held in mid-April
Jefferson Memorial, Washington, DC
202-426-6841
Admission Free
A commemoration with military drills and a wreath-laying ceremony.
White House Easter Egg Roll
Held at Easter Time
White House, Washington DC
202-456-2200
Admission Free
Annual event for children, ages 3 to 6, accompanied by an adult, on the South Lawn. Eggs and entertainment are provided.
White House Garden Tour
Held in mid-April
White House, Washington DC
202-456-2200
Admission Free
Tour the garden and public rooms of the White House.
May
Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival
Held in early May
Venues throughout Washington, DC
202-727-3120
Admission Free
Memorial Day Ceremony
Held during Memorial Day weekend
Vietnam Veterans Memorial and US Navy Memorial
202-426-6841
Admission Free
Events include speeches, military bands and keynote addresses.
June
Capital Jazz Fest
Early June
Held in the D.C. suburbs
Jazz lovers get an outdoor treat: The Capital Jazz Fest, which slants towards contemporary jazz but manages to keep just about everyone happy. The weekend festival typically includes a headline act with more than a dozen other musicians jamming throughout the weekend.
July
Army Blues Jazz Ensemble
Held on July 4
Washington Monument Grounds, Washington, DC.
703-696-3399
Admission Free
August
Georgia Avenue Day
Held in late August
Washington, DC
202-723-5166
Admission Free
Parade, rides and ethnic cuisines highlight this neighborhood festival.
September
Black Family Reunion
Held at the National Mall
15th Street at Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-426-6841
A massive gathering that takes place on the National Mall at summer's end, the Black Family Reunion was conceived of by legendary civil rights activist Dorothy Height in the early 1980s to show the world the positive side of black life in America. The two-day reunion is a mix of informative booths and musical performances.
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