Washington, DC Special Events
January (and then again in July/August)
Reduced fixed-priced menus in many restaurants.
Throughout the city
Website: www.washington.org/restaurantwk
Black History Month
February
Celebrates diversity, and is dedicated to black leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr
Throughout the city
St Patrick's Day Parade
March
Impressive parades down Constitution Avenue, NW.
Website: www.dcstpatsparade.com
National Cherry Blossom Parade and Festival
March-April
Parade with carnival floats and marching bands.
Website: www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
White House Easter Egg Roll
April
Egg rolling.
White House lawn
Website: www.whitehouse.gov/easter
Filmfest DC - Washington International Film Festival
April-May
Various theatres throughout the city
Website: www.filmfestdc.org
Memorial Day Ceremonies
Late May
Wreath-laying at the Kennedy gravesite and Vietnam Veterans' Memorial
National Barbecue Battle
June
Free food samples, cooking demonstrations and competition between local and national BBQ restaurants,
Pennsylvania Avenue
Website: www.barbequebattle.com
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
June-July
A music, song and dance celebration to contemporary traditions.
National Mall
Website: www.folklife.si.edu
Independence Day
4 July
Day-long concerts and activities including parade and fireworks over the Washington Monument.
National Mall
Website: www.july4thparade.com
The Kennedy Center Prelude Festival
September
Celebration of the performing arts.
Kennedy Center
Website: www.kennedy-center.org
Adams Morgan Day
September
Live music, international food, cultural demonstrations and dances.
18th Street NW between Florida Avenue and Columbia Road and at Marie Reed Elementary
Website: www.adamsmorgandayfestival.com
Marine Corps Marathon
October
Starts and ends at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, VA
Website: www.marinemarathon.com
Veterans' Day Ceremonies
11 November
Presidential wreath-laying and memorial service honouring the nation's war dead.
Arlington National Cemetery
National Christmas Tree Lighting Pageant of Peace
Early December
The president lights the giant National Christmas Tree.
The Ellipse, President's Park South
Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony
7 December
Wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor.
US Navy Memorial
Tours of Washington, DC




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