1. National Cherry Blossom Festival
Saturday, March 18 – Sunday, April 16 | Various locations
The National Cherry Blossom Festival draws attendees from far and wide for good reason. The festival kickoff and the Blossom Kite festival have already happened, but you can still attend lots of events like Petalpaolooza, a day of interactive art installations, music, and fireworks, all for free. The National Cherry Blossom Festival features more than 50 events—check them all out here.
2. Bloomaroo
Saturday, April 1 | The Wharf (760 Maine Ave., SW)
Can you handle more cherry blossom festivities? See the Wharf’s waterfront lit up in pink during this free, family-friendly event. Attractions include cherry-blossom themed art, music, s’mores, and fireworks. For more details, visit here.
3. DC Beer Fest
Saturday, April 8 | Nationals Park (1500 S Capitol St., SE)
Sip on seasonal spring beers or craft brews from dozens of different breweries at this laid-back beer fest. General admission tickets grant guests access to unlimited samples from over 80 breweries, as well as access to live music, the dueling piano bar, and the food truck alley. VIP tickets allow visitors to check out the warning track and dugouts at Nationals Park, plus take home some commemorative goodies. Tickets start at $50 and are available here.
4. National Cannabis Festival
Saturday, April 22 | RFK Festival Grounds (2500 Independence Ave., SE)
Celebrate your favorite spring holiday (4/20, of course) and recognize tireless marijuana legalization activists at the seventh annual cannabis fest. Festivities kick off at high noon on Saturday: there will be hundreds of weed-themed swag vendors, a championship to crown the best bud grown in the DMV, and a public weed wedding on the main stage. NCF’s concert will feature headliners 2 Chainz, Juicy J, Free Nationals, and more. Plus, when you get hungry after a long day of festivities (cough, cough), visit the munchies zone to satisfy your cravings. Tickets start at $75 and are available here.
5. Project Glow
Saturday, April 29, to Sunday, April 30 | RFK Festival Grounds (2500 Independence Ave., SE)
The Project Glow festival, a two-day ode to club music, returns after its 2022 debut. Experience dance music across three different stages at the RFK Festival Grounds, which will be decked out with neon colors and glowing lights. The festival will feature musical artists Coco & Breezy, Dom Dolla, Benny Bennassi, Honey Luv, and more. Tickets start at $100 and are available here.
6. Charm City Bluegrass Festival
Friday, May 5 – Saturday, May 6 | Union Craft Brewing ( 1700 W. 41 St. #420, Baltimore)
The Charm City Bluegrass Festival will celebrate ten years of bluegrass in Baltimore this spring. Enjoy food and craft beer while you listen to a two-day lineup of tunes by acts like the Steel Wheels, Magic Beans. Grateful Dub, and more. Tickets start at $59 and kids under age ten get in free. More info here.
7. Cherokee Days Festival
Friday, March 31 | National Museum of the American Indian (4th St., SW)
Three Cherokee tribes—Cherokee Nation, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians—will share their history and culture in this one-day educational event. Guests can learn about traditional Cherokee basket weaving, pottery, dance, and more. The event is free, and you can learn more about it here.
8. Passport DC
Monday, May 1 – Wednesday, May 31 | Various locations
Celebrated during International Cultural Awareness Month, Passport DC is a month-long event that highlights the rich traditions of diplomacy in Washington. This year’s festival will feature the Around the World Embassy tour on May 6, where participants can experience the art, culture, food, and fashion around the globe by visiting as many of the 27 participating embassies as they can. Plus, check out the EU open house tour and the Fiesta Asai! fair with outdoor crafts, performances, and street food. For more details, visit here.
