Spring is one of the most beautiful times of year in Washington DC. There’s tons to do in the capital in the spring, including tours of the city’s famous cherry blossoms, a variety of outdoor festivals, and your very own real-life Escape Room adventure. If you’ll be in Washington this spring, be sure to check out some of our favorite activities around the the DC area!
National Cathedral Flower Mart
If you love spring blooms, the National Cathedral Flower Mart is perfect for you. This festival takes place on May 5th, and it features eighty tents selling different types of flowers, handbags, books, gardening equipment, and jewelry. The festival also includes an international flower exhibit where embassies and international florists display beautiful flower arrangements featuring blooms from their countries. There’s also plenty to do for kids, including carnival rides, games, a climbing wall, a puppet show, and a restored antique carousel.
Passport DC
During the Passport DC celebration, seventy embassies throughout Washington open their doors to the public. This month-long celebration takes place in May, and it also features street festivals, performances, and plenty of different types of international cuisine.
Passport DC kicks off on May 6th with the Around the World Embassy Tour. During this festival, you can hop in and out of different embassies on Embassy Row. As you go into the embassies, you’ll get to try on traditional clothing, watch unique demonstrations, and see performances of traditional dances. There’s also a cultural parade and a marketplace featuring items from around the world. You’ll feel like you’ve gone on an international trip after attending this event.
The Passport DC festivities continue throughout the month of May. On May 13th, learn all about the EU at the Shortcut to Europe: European Union Embassies’ Open House. On May 20th, check out the National Asian Heritage Festival, which features performances, dance lessons, and delicious Asian Cuisine. Passport DC is a great opportunity to learn about cultures from all around the world without having to leave Washington DC.
The U.S. Botanic Garden
The U.S. Botanic Garden is great to visit all year long, but it’s particularly beautiful in spring, when many of the flowers are in bloom. The Botanic Garden also has some fun spring events throughout the months of May and June. Learn all about the Botanic Garden’s famous Conservatory on the Highlights of the Conservatory Tour. Or, sign up for a cooking demonstration where you can discover the best ways to cook spring greens. Take a look through the Botanic Garden’s calendar of events and book your spot for a few events, or head to the garden on your own for a stroll through the blooming flowers and trees.
Washington Nationals Game
If you’re a baseball fan, be sure to catch a game or two at the Nationals Park this spring. Even if you’re not the biggest baseball lover, you’ll still have a fun day out at this ballpark. There are plenty of tasty food options throughout the park, including local treats like crab cakes and half-smoke sausages. The park also has a number of distilleries selling local craft beer.
During the game, you’ll get to experience one of the Nationals’ unique traditions: the presidents’ race. This takes place after the fourth quarter, and it features a line-up of famous presidents doing a footrace around the field. The Nationals also have a fun tradition for kids—every Sunday, they can run the bases after the game is over. On a warm spring afternoon, head to the Nationals Park and take part in a classic all-American pastime.
National Memorial Day Concert and Parade
If you’ll be in the nation’s capital on Memorial Day weekend, check out the Memorial Day parade and concert. The free concert takes place on May 28th on the Capitol Building’s lawn. The concert starts at 8 PM and the gates open at 5 PM, giving you plenty of time to find a good spot. The concert will feature performances by the National Symphony Orchestra and a variety of military groups, and it will be hosted by actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise. About 300,000 people typically attend this annual concert.
On Monday, May 29th, Washington DC will host the annual National Memorial Day Parade. This parade will go along Constitution Avenue, starting at the National Archives and ending at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 17th Street. Before the parade begins, there will be musical performances in front of the National Archives. The parade will feature military men and women in uniform, patriotic floats, military vehicles, and more. This parade is a great way to spend Memorial Day in Washington DC.
Jazz in the Garden
On Friday evenings throughout the spring and summer, head over to the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden for a relaxing evening full of jazz. Starting on May 19th, there will be performers every Friday. Each show features different local artists, providing you with a new show every time you go. While you’re listening to the smooth sounds of jazz, enjoy snacks and drinks from the Pavilion Café. Also, be sure to take a tour through the lovely sculpture garden. If you love art and jazz, this laidback weekly event is perfect for you.
Paddle Boats in Tidal Basin
Experience the famous Tidal Basin in a unique way by hopping into a paddle boat. Paddle boating is perfect for the whole family, and it’s a great way to see the monuments surrounding the Tidal Basin. Both traditional pedal boats and electronic motor swan boats are available for you to use. Simply strap on your lifejacket and head out for a nice day on the water. After you’re finished paddling, end the fun day out with a picnic on the Tidal Basin’s shore.
Washington DC is full of activities in the spring, and there are plenty of festivals and events that will allow you to spend time outside enjoying the warm weather. With so many activities available, any visitor is sure to have an amazing time in the nation’s capital this spring.