15 Fun Things to Do in Washington, DC This Spring and Summer

The cherry blossoms in Washington, DC hit peak bloom last week. The explosion of pink and white flowers signals that warmer weather is here to stay in the nation’s capital. It also means a ton of fun outdoor events are coming to rock your spring and summer. Whether you are a festival fanatic, concert addict, or sports enthusiast, Washington, DC has something to delight you. Here is a list of the most fun things to do in Washington, DC this spring and summer.

National Memorial Day Parade

The nation’s biggest Memorial Day event marches down Constitution Avenue to the delight of hundreds of thousands of spectators. The parade is a fitting tribute to the men and women who served in the military and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country.

When: May 28
Where: Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC
Website: http://www.americanveteranscenter.org/avc-events/parade/ 

Jazz in the Garden

Do you like jazz? Do you like art? Do you like free? If you answered yes to any of these questions, make plans to spend a Friday evening at Jazz in the Garden. An exciting roster of jazz musicians performs for free each Friday during the summer at the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art. Bring your own chairs or blankets and wind down after a long week with the soothing sounds of jazz.

When: Every Friday evening May 18 - August 24 from 5:00pm - 8:30pm
Where: National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, Washington, DC
Website: https://www.pavilioncafe.com/jazz-in-the-garden

Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle

The best BBQ chefs from around the country compete in this two-day championship. The real winners are the spectators who are treated to free samples of grilled meat and other goodies, special attractions, and live music throughout the weekend.

When: June 23-24
Where: Pennsylvania Ave, between 3rd and 7th St, Washington, DC
Website: http://bbqindc.com/ 

Funk Parade

The Funk Parade celebrates DC’s underrated music and arts scene. It is part day party, part parade, and fantastically funky. The events take place at various locations around the U Street neighborhood.

When: May 12
Where: U Street, Washington, DC
Website: https://www.funkparade.com/

Wolf Trap Summer Concert Series

Wolf Trap is a national park dedicated to the performance arts. They have many musical performances throughout the year, but their summer concert series brings many top acts to the area. Pack chairs, blankets, and a picnic basket and enjoy your favorite artist playing under the stars.

When: June 1 - September 8
Where: Vienna, VA
Website: http://www.wolftrap.org/tickets/summer.aspx 

Washington National Cathedral Flower Mart

For two days in May, the National Cathedral is nearly swallowed up by flowers. This family-friendly festival has an international flare. Many embassies display floral arrangements at the Flower Mart that represent the natural beauty of their country. There is also live music, plenty of food and children’s activities.

When: May 4-5
Where: Grounds of the National Cathedral, Wisconsin Avenue, Washington, DC
Website: https://cathedral.org/event/flower-mart-2017-2018-05-04/ 

Citi Open

The popular annual tennis tournament brings some of the most accomplished players in the world to the nation’s capital.

When: July 28 - August 5
Where: Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC
Website: http://www.citiopentennis.com/ 

Passport DC

Passport DC highlights the cultural contributions of the international community in Washington, DC. The jewel of this month-long celebration is the Around the World Embassy Tour on May 5. Embassies around the city open their doors and welcome the public with food, music, art, and dance. There are many other events planned for the month.

When: May 1 - 31
Where: Various locations in Washington, DC
Website: https://www.culturaltourismdc.org/portal/passport-dc1 

DC JazzFest

Enjoy this week-plus long festival that brings artists from a variety of jazz genres to town. Performances take place at venues across the city. Check out the DC JazzPrix final competition on June 16 to hear local, emerging jazz artists.

When: June 8 - 17
Where: Multiple locations
Website: https://dcjazzfest.org

Truckeroo

Truckeroo is the monthly meet up for food trucks. Food trucks have been a staple of the DC food scene for years. In fact, several popular local restaurants, like District Taco, started as trucks. Check it out and find what could be the next popular eatery in the city.

When: Monthly from April to September
Where: Half Street Fairgrounds, near Nats Park, Washington, DC
Website: https://thebullpendc.com/truckeroo/ 

Linganore Winecellars Festivals

The music festivals at Linganore are the most underrated summer event in the DC area. The location is probably partly to blame. The festivals take place in a rural area of Maryland, about an hour drive from the District. If you can get there, the music, gorgeous mountain location, and free wine samples make amends for the long drive.

When: Several weekends during the summer
Where: Mt. Airy, MD
Website: http://www.linganorewines.com/ 

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

The national celebration of contemporary culture takes place around the Fourth of July. The cultures and traditions of Armenia and Catalonia will be highlighted this year, along with a revival of the Sisterfire Concert that took place on the National Mall in the 1980s.

When: June 27 - July 1 and July 4 - 8
Where: National Mall, Washington, DC
Website: https://festival.si.edu/ 

NoMa Summer Screen

Travel + Leisure magazine named this one of the best outdoor movie theatres in the entire country. This year, the series’ theme is Wonder Women. Expect strong female leads in the films shown this summer.

When: Wednesdays, June 6 - August 29
Where: 1150 First St NE, Washington, DC
Website: https://www.nomabid.org/summerscreen/

Sunset Fitness in the Park

If you’re like me, you have a tendency to overindulge during the warmer months. Weekend BBQs, pitchers of margaritas, and heaps of ice cream can wreak havoc on waistlines. The Georgetown Business Improvement District sponsors a free 60-minute fitness class each Wednesday to help burn some of those extra calories.

When: Wednesdays, June 6 - August 29
Where: Georgetown, Potomac St and K/Water St, Washington, DC
Website: http://www.georgetowndc.com/events/signature-event/sunsetfitness 

Washington Nationals

Celebrate the nation’s favorite summer pastime by watching a baseball game at Nats Park. If the Nats aren’t playing so great, console yourself with a meal from Ben’s Chili Bowl or Shake Shack. Both have concession stands in the stadium.

When: Various dates in the summer
Where: Nats Park, Washington, DC
Website: https://www.mlb.com/nationals