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!
American History Museum | On-Going FREE
The hands-on Spark! Lab is open from 11 am to 4 pm on select dates throughout the spring at the American History Museum. 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.
ARTECHOUSE DC ISEKIA Blooming Parallel Worlds | Thru June 1
ARTECHOUSE is definitely something different to see if you’re visiting the D.C. area! ISEKIA Blooming Parallel Worlds immerses you into a virtual world of cherry blossoms. It features a main immersive art space with changing, interactive scenery. This 7th annual Cherry Blossom installation was inspired by the Isekai style of anime.
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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.
Cirque du Soleil – May 17-25
Cirque du Soleil is a captivating spectacle where dreams take flight and the boundaries between reality and imagination blur! Its headed to the DMV and we have the inside scoop on discount Cirque du Soleil tickets!
Cirque du Soleil Corteo – May 17-25
Cirque du Soleil Corteo heads to EagleBank Arena in Fairfax this May. Embark on a journey through the joyous celebration of life and the eternal mysteries of the human spirit.
Can’t make it? Tickets are also on sale now for Cirque du Soleil Ovo touring from September 11th through 14th at the Capital One Arena in the heart of Washington D.C.
Broadway at the National Theatre | Thru May 19
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:
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Jesus Christ Superstar – May 17-19
There are just five performances for this timeless Broadway favorite that is celebrating its 50th anniversary in production!
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.
The Kennedy Center | On-Going
The John F. 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 8-June 5
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.
Capital Food Fight. 2024 Date TBD
Capital Food Fight brings together the best local chefs to battle it out in a competition to fight hunger. Taste food from over 60 local restaurants and feel good knowing that 100% of the event proceeds will go to DC Central Kitchen (DCCK). DCCK is a wonderful nonprofit that creates hands-on culinary job training for those in need to help combat both hunger and poverty.
National Cherry Blossom Festival | Thru April 13
One of the biggest annual spring events in Washington DC is the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This year marks over 110 years of the cherry blossom festival tradition in Washington D.C.! Top events include The Cherry Blossom Kite Festival on March 30, The National Cherry Blossom Parade on April 13, and the finale signature event, Petalpalooza, that includes art, music, family activities and a fireworks festival on April 6.
The Cherry Blossom Wine and Beer Festival is another fun pick! Located at Hook Hall in the Petworth area, this ticketed event includes unlimited tastings of over 50 wines and 30 beer vendors. 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 | April 27th thru Dec 31
April 27th kicks off the launch of 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!
NoMa in Bloom Pop-up Light Projection | Thru April 14
Nightly through April 14, check out the NoMa in Bloom Light Projection. This artistic nod to the cherry blossoms will dazzle you with its125-foot tall projection over The Burton apartment building (200 Florida Avenue NE).
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.
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!