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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 Geographic Museum | On-Going

The National Geographic Museum has a rotating selection of exhibits that will fascinate all ages with photographs, artifacts, interactive exhibits, and behind-the-scenes stories. One of the best reasons to support this museum aside from the experience itself is that 100% of the proceeds from the exhibits support non-profit educational, conservation, and scientific work!

Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience – June 17 Thru Feb 6

The King Tut exhibit in Washington DC will commemorate the 100th anniversary of one of the most significant archeological discoveries in history. The National Geographic Museum in DC states that the Beyond King Tut exhibit “will take visitors on a time-traveling journey flooded with sight, sound, and intrigue through the world of King Tut—the boy who reigned as pharaoh of Egypt more than 3,000 years ago—and the discovery of his tomb and treasures in 1922.”

Plan ahead and get on the priority waitlist for tickets!

Gaylord National Harbor | May 21 Thru Sept 5

From May 21st through September 5th, visit Gaylord National Harbor for Pirates and Princesses events! This Marriott resort is a short drive from Washington D.C. making it a great home base for spring travels.

Gaylord National Harbor has an exciting kid-friendly line-up of fun including:

𝗣irates & Princesses Academy (Select 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 + 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 starting June 10)
Become a member of the swashbuckling crew in this interactive stage show in the Gaylord’s spacious atrium. The best way to see this family show is to reserve tickets online. Limited seating is available. NOTE: You can see the show from a distance for free if you are in the lobby or common areas, however it may be difficult to hear with the hustle and bustle of the resort.

Pirates and Princesses Art Studio (𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀-𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 starting June 10)
Little ones can choose a pirate or princess canvas and paint a vacation keepsake with the help of an on-site artist. Book your art experience in advance!

Live Animal Encounters (Weekends)
Meet live animals up-close and find out more about them at this complimentary resort activity. Check out the resort schedule for times upon arrival.

Atrium Movie Night (Weekends)
Enjoy a family-friendly movie night in Gaylord National’s beautiful atrium. Check out the resort schedule for times upon arrival.

Summer Nights Light Show (Daily)
Gaylord National goes ALL OUT with their lights shows! This is one pirate-themed display you won’t want to miss! Check out the resort schedule for times upon arrival.

Shiny Stash 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁 (𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆)
Search the resort for hidden treasures and get a prize! Book your daily resort scavenger hunt date online.

𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 (𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆)
Discover endangered animals on an augmented reality safari experience (presented by bubly). You can download the free Wildlife Rescue app and enjoy this activity at any of the four Gaylord properties.

**𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘦.

On top of all these fun events at the resort, Expedia Viewfinder Travel Blog named the National Harbor the𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘵 and we have to agree! One of the best places to enjoy the sunset is with a special Cherry Blossom milkshake at Replay – the resort’s 80s themed rooftop lounge. Situated on the resort’s 18th floor, this fun lounge has spectacular views of the harbor. It is open for all ages until 9 pm and then it turns into a 21+ only bar scene.

Six Flags America Viva La Fiesta | Thru May 22

Six Flags America has an exciting new spring festival called Viva La Fiesta! This event runs Saturdays and Sundays thru May 22. It features:

🎸Live music and Latin entertainment
🥘A special fiesta menu
🎊Special experiences
🎢Plus rides + roller coasters too

Smithsonian FUTURES Exhibit | Thru July 6

Step into the Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building for an interactive look into the future! Try out VR technology, see a model of an ocean colony, view a Hyperloop capsule and more! The Smithsonian FUTURES exhibit is one you will not want to miss!

Also, mark your calendar for the Smithsonian’s Into The Future of Fashion on May 12th. This free event kicks off at 6 pm and includes a panel discussion, runway fashions, music, and a cash bar with signature cocktails.

ARTECHOUSE DC PIXELBLOOM | Thru June 5

ARTECHOUSE is definitely something different to see if you’re visiting the D.C. area! PIXELBLOOM immerses you into a virtual world of cherry blossoms. It features a main immersive art space with changing, interactive scenery.

“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.

Broadway at the National Theatre | Thru May 15

The historic National Theatre is the nation’s oldest venue for live touring Broadway shows. Located in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., it has an awesome line-up of shows this spring season:

Rent The 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour – March 25-27
There are just four performances for this emotional Broadway favorite! 𝘜𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘥𝘦 𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙇 𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 25% 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴.

Come From Away – April 12-17
Dubbed best musical in North America, this is a theatrical re-enactment based on the true story of passengers stranded in a small Newfoundland during 9/11.

Hairspray – May 10-15
Hairspray is a Tony-award winning upbeat musical set in 1960s Baltimore.

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.

Signature events include:

  • The European Union Open House on May 14th. Visit several European embassies and enjoy cultural performances, food, art, and more.
  • The Fiesta Asia Street Fair is scheduled for Saturday May 21st. 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.

A Monster Calls – May 25-June 12

Recommended for ages 10+, this captivating story is based on a best-selling novel by the same name. It provides insight into love, loss, and healing. The Times describes it as “FIVE STARS! Heartbreaking, spectacular, soaring. A MONSTER HIT.” Click the link above to get discount tickets at the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater.

National Harbor Spring Events | On-Going

Cherry blossom season is underway at the National Harbor. You don’t need to travel into the city to see the blooms. National Harbor has two hundred beautiful trees to see plus lots of seasonal events to celebrate spring!

CocktailPRO Competition – March 24

The Sunset Room is the place to be from 8 to 11 pm

Sakura Sunday Festival – April 2

Head to National Harbor from 11 am to 6 pm to enjoy free Japanese culture activities including music, art and dance performances, a Japanese marketplace, and traditional food options.

Movies on the Potomac | On-Going Thursdays/Sundays

Head to National Harbor’s Plaza and watch a free outdoor movie on the big screen overlooking the Potomac River. Every Sunday is family movie night at 6 pm. Every Thursday night is date night with show time starting at 7 pm.

Bring a lawn chair and pack some food or order from one of the many eateries in the area. The May movie theme is animals. The June theme is travel movies. Click here for the full schedule.

CiNoMatic Outdoor Movies | Wednesdays May 11June 8

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.

Adams Morgan Outdoor Movies | Tuesdays Starting May 24

Tuesday nights, head to Marie Reed Soccer Field in Adams Morgan for classic movies. This Adams Morgan outdoor movie night series starts at 8 pm with dates through June.

Harriet Tubman Bicentennial | All Year

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has declared 2022 as “The Year of Harriet Tubman” to commemorate 200 years since Harriet Tubman’s birth. Harriett Tubman is a significant Maryland area heroine. Nicknamed the “conductor of the Underground Railroad, she escaped slavery and risked her life numerous times to return and guide others to freedom.

Around Washington D.C., several museums including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Portrait Gallery and the International Spy Museum have Harriet Tubman artifacts on display. There are also lots of Harriett Tubman bicentennial special events and exhibits happening throughout the state of Maryland.

Mark your calendar for next year!

Capital Food Fight| April 7

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 17

One of the biggest annual spring events in Washington DC is the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This year is the 110th anniversary of the cherry blossom festival! Top events include The Cherry Blossom Kite Festival on March 26, The National Cherry Blossom Parade on April 9, and the finale signature event, Petalpalooza, that includes art, music, family activities and a fireworks festival on April 16.

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 beers.

In addition to the main events, there will be art installations and cherry blossoms blooming all over the Capital District. Download 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!

Past Events:

Metropolitan Beer Trail Launch Party | May 14

Starting at 6pm at metrobar DC, enjoy five of DC’s best DJs to kick off the launch of Metropolitan Beer Trail. Get a FREE digital passport that will map out all seven bars and breweries on the trail. Plus be one of the first 300 to check in to all seven destinations and get a free Metropolitan Beer Trail t-shirt! Follow the hashtag #DrinkMBT for specials too!

NoMa in Bloom Pop-up Light Projection | Thru April 3

Nightly through April 3, 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).

Broadway at the National Theatre | Thru May 15

The historic National Theatre is the nation’s oldest venue for live touring Broadway shows. Located in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., it has an awesome line-up of shows this spring season:

Rent The 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour – March 25-27
There are just four performances for this emotional Broadway favorite! 𝘜𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘥𝘦 𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙇 𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 25% 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴.

Come From Away – April 12-17
Dubbed best musical in North America, this is a theatrical re-enactment based on the true story of passengers stranded in a small Newfoundland during 9/11.

Hairspray – May 10-15
Hairspray is a Tony-award winning upbeat musical set in 1960s Baltimore.

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.

Six Flags America Viva La Fiesta | Thru May 22

Six Flags America has an exciting new spring festival called Viva La Fiesta! This event runs Saturdays and Sundays thru May 22. It features:

🎸Live music and Latin entertainment
🥘A special fiesta menu
🎊Special experiences
🎢Plus rides + roller coaster

Gaylord National Harbor | Thru May 8

From March 5th through May 8th, visit Gaylord National Harbor for Once Upon a Spring. This Marriott resort is a short drive from Washington D.C. making it a great place to stay during Cherry Blossom season!

In addition to a beautifully decorated atrium and lobby, Gaylord National Harbor has a wonderful family-friendly line-up of fun! Activities include:

𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗲 𝗮 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗲 (𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 + 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀)
Fairytales come to live in this interactive stage show in the Gaylord’s beautiful atrium. The best way to see this family show is to reserve tickets online. Limited seating is available. NOTE: You can see the show from a distance for free if you are in the lobby or common areas, however it may be difficult to hear with the hustle and bustle of the resort.

𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗔-𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁 (𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆)
Work together as a family to search for clues around the resort and get a prize! Book your daily resort scavenger hunt date online.

𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀-𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀)
Kids will love designing these sweet treats to celebrate the season. Book your cookie decorating experience in advance!

Which of these spring events in DC are you looking forward to the most? Drop us a comment below!

Check out our list of family-friendly spring events in Washington D.C. this year! #familytravel #washingtondc #springevents #ustravel #uscities

funfitnessfamily

We are a travel and adventure obsessed family of four. We love to experience everything from local festivals and events in our ever-growing suburb of Columbia, Maryland in Howard County and neighboring cities of Baltimore, Annapolis, and D.C. to international extravaganzas, Caribbean guest fitness instructor vacations, ocean voyages, dream grants, city visits, and offbeat destinations.

MISSION: To inspire happy, healthy, active families by sharing local experiences and travel adventures, fitness tips, and wellness resources.

9 Comments

  1. 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.

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