Events You Won’t Want to Miss in Washington DC This Spring
Spring is one of the best times of year to visit the Nation’s Capital! The weather is mild with temperatures averaging in the 60s. Flowers are blooming and festivals are in full swing. Check out our list of family-friendly spring events in Washington D.C. this year!
We will be adding new events regularly, so be sure to check back again!
National Museum of American History | On-Going FREE
Smithsonian National Museum of American History has one of the best FREE childrens’ programs in the D.C. area! The hands-on Spark! Lab is open from 11 am to 4 pm on select dates throughout the spring . This is a wonderful option for indoor play. It allows children use their imagination to explore, and experiment with STEM-based building materials. It is targeted to kids ages six to twelve. For younger kids ages six and under, Wonderplace is a hands-on history-themed play area that is open on select dates as well. This museum is also an excellent place to cool off if the weather heats up or spring showers occur as you visit D.C. with your little ones!
ARTECHOUSE DC | TBD
ARTECHOUSE is definitely something different to see if you’re visiting the D.C. area! It immerses you into a virtual world of art with rotating themes. It features a main immersive art space with changing, interactive scenery. It is currently under renovations, but keep an eye out for upcoming ARTECHOUSE exhibit dates as they are announced!
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“Every city has avenue for fine arts, theater, music, or film. Our goal is to be a destination in every city for innovative 21st-century art that is created at the intersection of art, science, and technology; a place where one can always discover and experience the latest and best works of art + tech.” ~ Sandro Kerselidze Founder/Art Director.
The Fluffy Cloud at BERHTA | Mar 31-Apr 12
Have you been to BERHTA yet? This multi-acre indoor/outdoor art space is located in DC’s Ivy City neighborhood near Union Market. Spring is the BEST time to visit because a 15-ton, three-story immersive sound and light installation has transformed BERHTA into a fully 360° experience where sound is felt as much as heard.
Born at Burning Man, The Fluffy Cloud brings that larger-than-life festival energy to the East Coast—so you don’t have to travel out West to experience this spectacle. The residency features four unique formats:
Born at Burning Man, The Fluffy Cloud brings that larger-than-life festival energy to the East Coast—so you don’t have to travel out West to experience this spectacle. Inside, audiences can experience four distinct formats:
- ENTER CLOUDFALL (All-Ages immersive art journey)
- 15-TON SOUND BATH (science-based wellness experience, extremely limited capacity)
- FLUFFY CLOUD CONCERTS (secret lineups, including a Ministry of Sound collaboration)
- PSYCHOTIC JUKEBOX LOUNGE (interactive, Burning Man-inspired nightlife)
This is the first time the installation has been expanded beyond music into a full spectrum of experiences designed for all audiences! So cool : )
Broadway at the National Theatre | On-Going
The historic National Theatre is the nation’s oldest venue for live touring Broadway shows. Located in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., this historic theater has an awesome line-up of shows all year long. Here is our recommendations for spring! Get tickets now because this line-up of touring broadway shows will sell out!
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Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – March 18 – April 5, 2026
Be Our Guest at this enchanting return of Disney’s beloved musical, featuring stunning new sets, dazzling costumes, and iconic songs like “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
The Wiz – April 7 – 12, 2026
The Tony Award-winning musical returns in an all-new Broadway tour, bringing powerful performances, vibrant choreography, and a fresh take on this iconic story.
The Book of Mormon – April 28 – May 3, 2026
The nine-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical, hailed as one of the funniest shows of all time, delivers an unforgettable night of comedy and music.
The Great Gatsby – May 12 – 24, 2026
This Broadway extravaganza brings the Roaring Twenties to life with a dazzling story of love, wealth, and tragedy based on the classic novel.
Suffs – June 15 – 29, 2026
This Tony Award-winning musical tells the inspiring story of the women who fought for the right to vote in a powerful and entertaining production.
The 2026-2027 fall season at Broadway at the National has also been announced! If you love Broadway, this lineup is stacked — Hamilton, Dirty Dancing, Hell’s Kitchen, and more all coming to DC. Check out the full schedule and find out more about season packages for Broadway at the National here:
Passport DC Programs | Thru May
Passport DC runs the entire month of May as part of the International Cultural Awareness Month. Many Washington DC museums and affiliates are planning special exhibits and performances throughout the month. The full Passport DC events schedule can be found here and the best part is most events are FREE!
Signature events include:
- The Around The World Embassy Tour invites you inside dozens of non-European embassies the first Saturday in May. The event will feature food and drinks, music, and other cultural events.
- The European Union Open House happens on the second Saturday in May. Visit several European embassies and enjoy cultural performances, food, art, and more.
- The Fiesta Asia Street Fair is scheduled for the third Saturday in May. This massive event brings together over 1,000 performers for music, dancing, and other entertainment. Plus, you can enjoy a street fair with crafts, food, and kids activities.
Find out more about the D.C. Embassy tours and get tips on how to navigate the festivals here!
The Kennedy Center | On-Going
The Trump Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been a staple for cultural arts in Washington D.C. for over 50 years. Located near the Foggy Bottom metro station, the Kennedy Center offers over 2,000 free and fee-based programs annually for all ages.
CiNoMatic Outdoor Movies | Wednesdays May-June
Head to Althea Tanner Park in the NoMa neighborhood between Capitol Hill and the H Street NE Corridor to enjoy classic throwbacks starting at dusk. Check out the CiNoMatic NoMa movie series schedule here.
National Cherry Blossom Festival | Mid-March Thru Mid-April
One of the biggest annual spring events in Washington DC is the National Cherry Blossom Festival. For over 110 years, the cherry blossom festival has been a tradition in Washington D.C.! Top events include The Cherry Blossom Kite Festival, The National Cherry Blossom Parade, and the finale signature event, Petalpalooza, that includes art, music, family activities and a fireworks festival.
In addition to the main events, there will be art installations and cherry blossoms blooming all over the Capital District. Check out the National Cherry Blossom Official Guide for all the details. Throughout April, Washington DC restaurants, retailers, and entertainment venues will offer special menus, drinks, and merchandise to celebrate the festival too!
Metropolitan Beer Trail | May thru Dec
Grab some friends and hit the best trail in the D.C. area…..the Metropolitan Beer Trail. Get a FREE digital passport that will map out all eleven bars and breweries on the trail. Challenge yourself to “hop” around the bars and enter to win prizes! Follow the hashtag #DrinkMBT for specials too!
Napoleon: The Immersive Saga VR | On-Going
Step inside history this spring with Napoleon: The Immersive Saga, a cutting-edge virtual reality experience at Fever Hub. This one-of-a-kind attraction lets you follow the journey of Napoleon Bonaparte like never before—from the intensity of the battlefield surrounded by thundering horses and cannon fire to breathtaking views atop Paris’ Vendôme Column.
You’ll also explore iconic landmarks like the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe under a sky full of stars before embarking on Napoleon’s final voyage. With state-of-the-art VR technology, you don’t just watch history—you stand inside it, making this a must-do spring experience near DC for families with older kids and teens. Use exclusive discount code NAPOLEON10DC to save on tickets to the Napoleon VR experience!
National Geographic Museum | Thru May 1
National Geographic’s Greatest Wildlife Photographs – Thru May 1
Walk through several galleries that bring together over 60 of the National Geographic’s best wildlife photos along with stories of photographer’s accounts and interactive features.
Once Upon a Climb: Stories from Everest – Thru May 1
Perfect for adventure seekers or those that like to live vicariously through others, find out about the highest mountain on Earth. Plus, live the stories of Everest’s climbers, mapmakers, and scientists through a mix of interactive media including stunning photographs and film footage.
Additional Events in Northern Virginia
Paw Patrol Live! May 1-3
PAW Patrol fans, get ready! PAW Patrol Live! is bringing its high-energy, kid-approved fun to EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, and it’s the perfect first live show for young audiences. You’ll find ticket details at the link above.
Designed with little ones in mind, this interactive stage production is ideal for children ages 1–6 and introduces them to live theater in a fun, low-pressure way. Kids can expect lots of singing, dancing, clapping, and chances to join in, keeping them engaged from start to finish.
For an extra-special experience, VIP (Very Important Pup) packages are available. These include premium seating and a post-show meet-and-greet photo opportunity with two PAW Patrol characters. Families should note that the performance may include flashing lights and confetti toward the end of the show. ADA seating is available for all performances; accommodations vary by venue, so it’s best to contact the theater directly with specific needs.
PAW Patrol Live! will also be stopping at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore on May 9.
📍Location: EagleBank Arena, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax, VA
Which of these spring events in DC are you looking forward to the most? Drop us a comment below!
I love the sound of the Food Fight that is all about fighting hunger through DCCK. I’m also drawn to the cherry blossom celebrations via the walking tour.
They are certainly a great reason to visit DC!
This is a great list of things to do in the spring of Washington DC. I personally would love to see the Mean Girls production and see how it compares!
That definitely sounds like a fun one to watch!
great list of a must see events and places in Washington
Glad it is helpful : )
An excellent guide to spring attractions. I wish I could be in Washington DC at this time. I’d love to attend the Cherry Blossom Festival and see Broadway at the National Theater. Spring is the perfect time to travel for me.
Thanks for your comment!
Wow! There is truly so much to do!