Washington DC: Events

Washington is a world stage, with international media poised for an 'event' any time the president dons his jogging shoes. But besides these spontaneous little excitements, Washington also hosts big-scale, half-crazy, half-democratic events that reel in everyone from Texan brigades to teachers' unions, pro-lifers, priests and peaceniks, cult and world leaders. And some of these events have changed the nation's history...

Regular features on the DC calender include the beloved Cherry Blossom Festival in March/April and the Smithsonian's Folklife Festival in June. Independence Day is a grand event, including a troops parade, the reading of the Declaration of Independence, concerts and fireworks over the Potomac. Other highlights include Martin Luther King Jr Day on the third Monday in January, when orators recite King's 'I have a dream' speech at the Lincoln Memorial; the Smithsonian Kite Festival (late March), when kite designers, flyers and competitors gather on the Mall for this rite of spring; April's White House Easter Egg Roll, which the First Lady hosts for children aged between three and six; and the Festival of American Folk Life, hosted by the Smithsonian on the last weekend in June.

In September, Adams-Morgan Day is a raging international block party with global music, food and crafts along and around 18th St NW and Columbia Rd. This is also the month for the National Frisbee Festival (watch your head when wandering the Mall) and the DC Blues Festival (free concerts around town). On the second Thursday in December, the president illuminates the national Christmas tree and lights a menorah on the Ellipse. There's outdoor partying on New Year's Eve at the Old Post Office.