12 Top Events for Every Month of the Year

January

You might break any diet resolutions you made for the new year, but Washington, DC’s Restaurant Week will be good for your budget. For one week in January (and again in August), more than 200 of the city’s best restaurants offer prix fixe meals at lunch and/or dinner.

February

February is Black History Month in the US, and you'll find ample events and exhibits celebrating Black history and culture throughout the Capital Region. At DC Public Library, take in author talks, lectures, arts and crafts, children's story times and more; or explore this list of ways to experience Black History Month in DC. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission hosts an array of educational programmes in February and in Virginia, you can join ranger-led tours in numerous state parks. 

March

The Virginia Wine Expo celebrates Virginia's extraordinary wines and the Richmond region's culinary, historic and cultural excellence. Meet the owners and winemakers who have made Virginia an internationally renowned wine region as you enjoy dozens of events like the Walk-Around Grand Tasting.

April

First hosted in 1924, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival is a six-day-long spring celebration known for its many celebrity guests. The festival features more than 40 events, including band competitions, dances, parades, a carnival, circus, wine and cider tastings, and more.

May

Passport DC is a month-long journey through the world highlighting DC’s thriving international diplomatic community. Travel around the world without leaving the city as you visit more than 50 embassy open houses and attend street festivals, performances, exhibitions and workshops.

June

In Baltimore, "hon" is a term of endearment short for honey, and HonFest is an annual celebration in honour of the working women of the city. Locals and visitors alike vie to become Baltimore’s Best Hon, a version of '60s-era women complete with bee-hive hairdos, bright blue eyeshadow and anything leopard print! Fit right into the festivities by getting your own beehive at the festival’s Glamour Lounge.

July

For an authentic American experience, join the Independence Day Celebration in the nation’s capital city. Festivities include the National Independence Day Parade, a musical exhibition featuring the National Symphony Orchestra and celebrity performers from the West Lawn of the US Capitol Building, plus a spectacular firework display that illuminates the iconic monuments and memorials along the National Mall.

August

Maryland crabs are a must-eat for any visitor to the Capital Region. Get your fill of this regional speciality at the annual Annapolis Crab Feast, the world’s largest crab feast. Hosted in the state's capital city, this is an all-you-can-eat-and-drink event featuring steamed crabs, crab soup, sweet Maryland corn on the cob and more.

September

Known as the “Official Birthplace of Country Music,” the town of Bristol, Virginia, celebrates its music heritage at the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. Hosted on historic State Street, this three-day music experience digs deep into the roots of Appalachia to present a festival bursting with creative passion, electricity and soul.

October

Boo at the Zoo is Washington, DC's favourite not-so-spooky Halloween tradition. With more than 40 treat stations, animal demonstrations, keeper chats and decorated trails, this event is frightfully fun for the whole family.

November

November is Virginia Oyster Month, a time when the commonwealth celebrates its distinction as the oyster capital of the east coast with numerous festivals and events. Join the celebrations at the Urbanna Oyster Festival, the largest and longest-running oyster festival in the US. The event features a parade, oyster-shucking contest and more than 50 vendors offering oysters in a variety of presentations.

December

Ring in the new year during Big Night DC, a premier all-inclusive party hosted at Gaylord National Hotel and Resort at National Harbor in Maryland. Located across the water from DC, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the city skyline as you shimmy the night away on one of five dance floors. Fifteen party areas feature first-class cuisine and a huge midnight celebration that will make it a New Year’s Eve to remember.

Find more things to do in DC, Maryland and Virginia with our Guide to Regional Food Festivals and Events and Events Calendar. And for updates on the latest in happenings in the Capital Region, sign up for our enewsletter.