Special Events in Washington

January
Chinese New Year Celebration
Chinatown, Washington, DC
Annual parade of marching bands, lion and dragon dancers, clowns and other entertainers.

February
Abraham Lincoln's Birthday Observance
Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC
Concerts by military bands, wreath laying and a dramatic reading of the Gettysburg Address.

March
Cherry Blossom Festival
1500 Maine Avenue
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.

April
Earth Day
Annual event raising environmental awareness.

May
Georgetown Garden Tour
Georgetown, Washington, DC
Tour beautiful public and private historic gardens.

June
Capital Jazz Fest
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
Independence Day Parade
Held on July 4 at 11:45 am
Parade featuring floats and entertainment, traveling down Constitution Ave. at 7th St.

August
Georgia Avenue Day
Parade, rides and ethnic cuisines highlight this neighborhood festival.

September
Black Family Reunion
Held at the National Mall
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.