Calendar of Events

March

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist | March 9 - July 6, 2025

The National Gallery of Art presents a new exhibit this winter, honoring Elizabeth Catlett’s inspiring career as a black artist and activist.  The exhibit will feature over 150 of Catlett’s works, reflecting her talent as an artist and her commitment to social justice issues.

• 4th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565

 

National Cherry Blossom Festival | March 20 - April 13, 2025

Nothing signifies the end of winter and the arrival of spring in the nation's capital, quite like the blooming of the beloved cherry blossom trees and the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Visitors descend upon Washington, DC each year to admire the 3,000-plus trees. The festival is full of events that honor American and Japanese cultures and represents a close bond forged between the two countries that began in 1912.  

 

Mary J. Blige: For My Fans Tour | March 26

Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and actress Mary J. Blige is set to perform at Capital One Arena on March 26 as part of her For My Fans Tour. The tour will blend familiar fan favorites, like “Family Affair” and “Everything” while also promoting her new album Gratitude. She’ll be joined by special guests Ne-Yo and Mario for a night of unforgettable entertainment.

• 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

Washington National’s Home Opener | March 27

The Washington Nationals will kick off their 2025 season on March 27, marking the earliest start to the season in Nationals history. The Nationals will go head-to-head with division rival Philadelphia Philles at Nationals Stadium in Navy Yard. Head to Nationals Park this baseball season to experience MLB action with an exciting schedule, plenty of home runs and, of course, Racing Presidents. The Nats, as they are lovingly called by locals, celebrate their 20th anniversary in the nation's capital with a year filled with special events.

• 1500 South Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC 20003

 

DC Cocktail Fest | March 29

DC Cocktail Fest brings a premiere cocktail tasting experience to Union Market with tastings from the city’s top mixologists. With the purchase of tickets, visitors can redeem 15 different beverage samples while enjoying the event’s live music and paired bites.

• 1309 5th St. NE, Washington, DC 20002

 

Blossom Kite Festival | March 29

Take in the sights of swirling kites among the backdrop of the Washington Monument and Capitol Building as hundreds of people head to the National Mall for the annual Blossom Kite Festival. The free family-friendly festival presents an array of activities, live music and competitions for kite lovers.

• 2 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20024

 

April

Tyler, the Creator | April 1

American rapper Tyler, the Creator tours his recent album Chromakopia, stopping at Capital One Arena on April 1. Known for his genre-defying sound and dynamic performances, Tyler is best recognized for his critically acclaimed albums IGOR, which won a Grammy for Best Rap Album, and Flower Boy, the 2017 release often regarded as his breakthrough. Joining him on stage will be openers Lil Yachty and Paris Texas, ensuring an unforgettable night of hip-hop.

• 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004 

 

Awesome Con | April 4 - 6

More than 70,000 fans will be able to see their favorite stars from comics, films, TV, toys and games throughout Awesome Con, a three-day festival that is Washington, DC’s own Comic Con. Celebrity guests include actors Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom, Sean Astin, Nick Frost, Simon Peg, Steve Burns, and many more. Expect plenty of costumed attendees and an array of activities to enjoy during one of the city’s most vibrant annual events.

• 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen | April 4, 2025 - Jan. 3, 2027

Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen presents a series of his conceptual paintings and moving works in Pendleton’s first solo exhibit in DC. The exhibit will be on view at the Hirshhorn Museum from April 2025 to January 2027.

• Independence Ave. &, 7th St. SW, Washington, DC 20560

 

National Cherry Blossom Festival Petalpalooza | April 5 

The one-day neighborhood takeover features live music across multiple stages, interactive art installations, family-friendly activities, a beverage garden, local cuisine and more. Petalpalooza will take place in Capitol Riverfront and is free for all ages to attend. Be sure to stay for the official National Cherry Blossom Festival fireworks show. 

• Capitol Riverfront Navy Yard Metro (Dept of Transportation Exit)

 

Annie | April 11 - April 20

Back by popular demand, Tony Award®-winning musical Annie returns to The National Theatre in April. The beloved family classic follows the adventures of the spirited orphan Annie, whose boundless optimism helps her overcome life’s challenges. Audiences can choose from eight performances and secure tickets in advance through The National Theatre’s website.

• 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® | April 12  

Witness DC's grandest petal procession with the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC. Catch everything from giant helium balloons to elaborate floats to live musical performances. Enjoy prime performance viewing in the grandstand (tickets are $25-$40) or stand along the parade route – which runs for 10 blocks along Constitution Avenue NW – for free. 

• Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC (between 7th St. & 17th St.) 

 

 

Washington Capitals 50th Anniversary Season: Last Home Game | April 13 

Representing Washington, DC in the National Hockey League, the Washington Capitals celebrate a milestone year as the 2024-2025 season marks the team’s 50th anniversary. Visitors can cheer on the team by catching the last home game of the regular season against the Columbus Blue Jackets.  

• 601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004 

 

FilmFest DC | April 24 – May 4 

The largest and longest-running annual international film festival in Washington, DC, Filmfest DC returns with another varied lineup featuring quite the genre exercise: comedies, dramas, thrillers, shorts and documentaries will all be on display. 

• 555 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 

 

National Symphony Orchestra: Matilda in Concert | April 25 - 26 

Hosted by director and star Danny Devito, experience the classic Matilda like never before as David Newman conducts the National Symphony Orchestra in a captivating live musical score of the film. Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved novel, the film adaptation follows a young girl with magical powers and extraordinary intellect as she navigates challenges at home and in school. 

• 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

Georgetown French Market | April 25 - 27 

The 22nd edition of the Georgetown French Market transforms Wisconsin Ave. into a Parisian pop-up this April with numerous boutiques and restaurants taking to the sidewalks and participating in the open-air market. Peruse more than 35 local businesses selling an array of items, like French pastries, flowers and art, and enjoy free entertainment, like live music and stilt walkers. 

• Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016 (between O St. and Reservoir Rd.)

 

May

Passport DC | May 1 - 31 

Passport DC presented by Events DC is a month-long festival in May that pays tribute to Washington, DC's thriving international diplomatic community and diverse culture. Visitors can use the festival as a chance to stroll Embassy Row – a stretch of Massachusetts Avenue NW that runs through Dupont Circle and Upper Northwest – and visit some of the more than 170 embassies and cultural institutions based in the nation's capital. 

 

Passport DC Around the World Embassy Tour | May 3  

During the first weekend of Passport DC, visitors can go to non-European Union embassies and experience a variety of cultural activities. This unique event includes food, art, dance fashion, and goods from each participating country. Participating Embassies are expected to be released in April 2025.  

 

Flower Mart | May 2 - 3 

During Passport DC’s first weekend, the Washington National Cathedral hosts its annual Flower Mart, a two-day event that allows visitors to shop for plants and gifts, eat fun festival food, enjoy children’s activities, ride a historic carousel and take in the beauty of the International Floral Exhibit. 

• 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016 

 

The Running of the Chihuahuas | May 3 

The Wharf celebrates Cinco de Mayo with this too-cute-to-be-true chihuahua race. Watch the little pups run their way to glory at one of the most exciting places in DC. Guests will also be able to enjoy a beer garden, a 360-degree pet photo booth, a DJ, an adoptable pet parade, an all-breed costume contest and music throughout the afternoon. 

• 760 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20024 

 

Financial Times Weekend Festival | May 10 

Experience the Financial Times’ weekend paper come to life at the FTWeekend Festival: U.S. edition. In previous years, the lineup has been both online and in-person, featuring your favorite FT writers in conversation with names like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Anthony Scaramucci. The event will feature everything from debates and performances to wine and whiskey tastings. 

• 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 

 

We Are Gathered & Love Takes Center Stage | May 16 - June 15 

Arena Stage is producing the world premiere of Oscar-winner Tarell Alvin McCraney’s new play, We Are Gathered, a modern-day twist on classical Shakespearean wedding plays and queer love. Starring are Kyle Beltran, Nic Ashe and Nikkole Salter, with Ket Gash directing. In addition to an extraordinary play, on select nights, the Love Takes Center Stage immersive experience will offer couples the chance to get married under the spotlight, during the performance. This will be a deeply moving and unforgettable experience.  

• 1101 6th St SW, Washington, DC 20024

 

Anacostia River Festival | May 17 

Spend the afternoon outdoors taking in the beauty of the 11th Street Bridge Park during the annual Anacostia River Festival. The free, family-friendly event is hosted right next to the river and includes a market as well as live music and plenty of activities. 

• 1900 Anacostia Dr, Washington, DC 20020

 

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World | May 18 - Nov. 5 

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World comes to the National Gallery of Art in May, exploring the fascinating role of insects and other animals in early European art. Featuring a diverse array of detailed and informative works, the exhibition highlights the rich connections between humans and animals during this period. 

• 4th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565 

 

Capital House Music Festival | May 24 

The Capital House Music Festival is a free annual celebration of local music, art, and community, held in Alethia Tanner Park. Featuring an eclectic mix of live performances and food vendors, the festival brings together residents and visitors to celebrate the best of DC’s cultural scene. 

• 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, DC 20002

 

National Memorial Day Parade | May 26

Our Sacred Honor tells the story of American military sacrifice from the Revolution to today. Along Constitution Avenue, the parade includes onsite historical re-enactors, veterans, and active-duty military personnel, joined by musical performances and celebrity appearances. The in-person parade takes place live in Washington and will be filmed for a television special that will air on ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox stations nationwide.

• Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC (between 7th &17th St.)

 

Capital Cup Sports Festival | May 30 - June 4  

Washington, DC is home to one of the world’s largest and most vibrant networks of LGBTQ+ sports teams and leagues. In collaboration with Team DC, these leagues - along with their athletes, administrators and volunteers - invite athletes from across the globe to participate in the inaugural Capital Cup Sports Festival. 

• Multiple Venues  

 

WorldPride Welcome Ceremony + Concert | May 31

WorldPride 2025 kicks off with a Welcome Ceremony at Nationals Park. The event begins with remarks from key dignitaries and the welcoming of the Capital Cup athletes, highlighting the rich history and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in DC and around the world. Afterwards, global superstar Shakira will headline for her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour. This is her first tour since 2018. 

• Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003 

 

Project GLOW | May 31 - June 1 

Project GLOW is the staple electronic music festival in the DC music scene. This year, the festival features three meticulously designed stages showcasing renowned artists and local talent, along with an expanded site plan and an upgraded VIP experience. Headliners include Alan Walker, Loud Luxury, Subtronics, Tiësto and many more. 

• 2500 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003 

 

Armed Forces Cycling Classic | May 31 - June 1  

The Armed Forces Cycling Classic includes two days of closed course biking open to enthusiasts of all abilities. Cyclists can keep it low-key with amateur, non-competitive events like the Challenge Ride and Kids Race or choose to challenge themselves at the Women’s and Men’s Pro/AM Races (including the famous Clarendon Cup). Everyone who completes more than one lap gets a medal. 

 

June

WorldPride Human Rights Conference | June 4 - 6 

The Capital Pride Alliance (CPA) is joining forces with leading human rights organizations for the International WorldPride Human Rights Conference. Focused on inclusion, diversity and accessibility, the conference will feature guest speakers and workshops exploring topics such as queer history, erasure and visibility, and critical issues affecting our global community. 

• 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 

 

WorldPride Music Festival | June 6 - 7  

The ultimate global dance party, this two-day music festival spans three stages with diverse talent, cutting-edge art, and immersive experiences. Headliners include Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, Zedd, Galantis, Grimes, Kim Petras, Paris Hilton, Rita Ora, RuPaul, Sofi Tukker, Tinashe, Trisha Paytas and many more artists. 

• 2500 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003 

 

WorldPride Parade | June 7  

The beloved Capital Pride parade tradition will transform into the WorldPride Parade. This event honors LGBTQ+ history while respecting the origins and importance of the fight for equality. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. 

• 14th St & Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20004

 

International March on Washington & Rally | June 8  

Inspired by the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., Marian Anderson, and countless other trailblazers who have fought for freedom, the march will feature prominent LGBTQ+ activists and leaders from around the world.