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Enjoy Four Seasons of Fun in America's Capital Region

Looking for spring, summer, autumn or winter activities? Every season brings fun in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.

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Spring Blooms

One of the quintessential Washington, DC experiences occurs each year from late March to mid-April, as the Tidal Basin explodes with the pink blooms of cherry trees — a gift from Tokyo’s mayor in 1912. The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the occasion with free events, or you can book a tour to view the flowers by land or water.

Witness a northern Maryland tradition that goes back 100-plus years during steeplechase races on select weekends in April and May. Riders on horseback make their way through courses at various venues, up and over a series of timber fences, whilst spectators cheer them on at tailgate picnics.

Dubbed “America’s Largest Open House,” Virginia’s Historic Garden week is a chance to see more than 250 gardens, homes and historic landmarks during peak springtime colour. Spanning the state, the eight-day event takes place in April each year.

Summer Celebrations

Virginia’s Kings Dominion theme park in Doswell and Busch Gardens Williamsburg provide endless amusement with stomach-dropping roller coasters as well as family-friendly attractions.

There are fireworks displays, and then there’s the National Mall Fourth of July Celebration — a dazzling spectacle in honour of US Independence Day. Other festivities like a parade and concert lead up to the big show, which launches over the Reflecting Pool and can be seen throughout Washington, DC and northern Virginia.

It wouldn’t be summer in Maryland without visitors and residents alike flocking to the coast in search of blue crabs — the prime bounty of Chesapeake Bay — especially in the height of crab season, June through August. Grab a mallet and dig in at one of the many food festivals that celebrate the crustaceans. 

Want to make a splash while you're here? Check out these top 5 beaches near DC for summer fun.

Autumn Adventures

As the days grow shorter and the leaves change colour, it can only mean one thing: Autumn has arrived. Embark on a driving tour around Oakland, Maryland, to see spectacular autumn foliage, or attend the Catoctin Colorfest in mid-October.

Embrace the spirit of Halloween with a spooky walking excursion. Friday and Saturday evenings in October, Washington Walks in DC hosts The Most Haunted Houses tour. Hear stories about turbulent events, ghost-filled residences and other eerie hauntings.

Numerous farms in Virginia transform into harvest-time playgrounds throughout the season. Pick pumpkins and apples, explore corn mazes, take a hay ride and more, from northern Virginia to the heart of Appalachia.

Ready for more? Check out these top 5 autumn activities in the Capital Region!

Winter Wonderland

Glide amongst large-scale contemporary works of art in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC, the site of an ice-skating rink from mid-November to mid-March. Then, warm up with a hot tea or cup of cocoa at a local café.

As humpback, fin and minke whales migrate to warmer waters, winter is an ideal time for a whale-watching expedition in Virginia Beach. Bring your camera and don’t miss the opportunity to spot these majestic creatures up close.

Tucked away in the mountains of western Maryland is Wisp Resort, a golf resort that becomes a ski and snowboard haven in the winter, with beginner to expert slopes and a terrain park for all skill levels.

But why stop there? There are countless winter activities near DC to enjoy throughout your holiday!

For additional things to see and do every season of the year, check out our guide to four-season fun in the Capital Region and explore our events calendar for more travel-planning inspiration.

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27 May 2023 - 29 May 2023

Memorial Day Weekend Concert and Parade

Washington, District of Columbia

This National Memorial Day celebration honours America’s war heroes and those presently serving with a gathering along Constitution Avenue for the annual Memorial Day parade featuring marching band

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01 May 2023 - 31 May 2023

Passport DC

Washington, District of Columbia

Passport DC is a month-long journey around the world highlighting DC's thriving international diplomatic community and its lively and varied international culture. Celebrated annually in May, which

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04 Jun 2023

Planet Bethesda

Bethesda, Maryland

Held in conjunction with World Environment Day, Planet Bethesda features chefs from the Capital Region serving up their most cutting-edge, creative, and delicious plant-based foods.

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10 Jun 2023 - 11 Jun 2023

Frederick Festival of the Arts

Frederick, Maryland

This juried fine art and craft show features over 120 artists from across the country in more than a dozen mediums. Live music and dance performances take place on three stages.

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11 Jun 2023

Capital Pride Festival

Washington, District of Columbia

Join the LGBTQ+ community on America’s Mainstreet, historic Pennsylvania Avenue, for the Capital Pride Festival.

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11 Mar 2023 - 11 Jun 2023

PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies

Washington, District of Columbia

PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies invites you to step into a virtual world of cherry blossoms, discovering the ephemeral beauty of butterflies and thrilling exuberance of nature.

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10 Jun 2023 - 11 Jun 2023

Honfest

Baltimore, Maryland

Grab your boas and tease that beehive!

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04 Jul 2023

Independence Day Celebration

Washington, District of Columbia

Join the Independence Day celebrations in the nation's capital city!

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28 Jun 2023 - 09 Jul 2023

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Washington, District of Columbia

28 June-4 July and 6-9 June

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15 Jul 2023

Clustered Spires High Wheel Race

Frederick, Maryland

Come see the Nation's only high wheel bike race. Racers make as many laps as they can on a half mile course in beautiful Downtown Frederick.

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26 Jul 2023 - 27 Jul 2023

Chincoteague Pony Swim

Chincoteague, Virginia

The town of Chincoteague is known worldwide for its annual Pony Penning & Auction.

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04 Aug 2023

Annapolis Crab Feast

Annapolis, Maryland

The Annapolis Crab Feast is all-you-can-eat and drink, including large and #1 male crabs (the big ones) plus Maryland vegetable crab soup, sweet Maryland corn on the cob, beef barbeque sandwiches,

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09 Jul 2023 - 06 Aug 2023

Citi Open Tennis Tournament

Washington, District of Columbia

Hosted since 1969, Citi Open is one of DC’s longest-standing sports traditions.

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07 Aug 2023 - 12 Aug 2023

Old Fiddlers' Convention

Galax, Virginia

During the second week of August of each year the City of Galax has the world tapping its feet as the Old Fiddlers' Convention. Musicians and fans from around the world travel to Galax to perform a

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01 Aug 2023 - 31 Aug 2023

Virginia Craft Beer Month

, Virginia

With more than 200 craft breweries throughout Virginia and being named one of the Top Seven Beer Destinations by Travel Channel, it's no surprise that the state dedicates the entire month of August

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30 Aug 2023 - 03 Sep 2023

DC Jazz Festival

Washington, District of Columbia

One of DC’s most exciting annual events, DC JazzFest celebrates the sounds, stories and personalities that make this uniquely American art form sing and swing across its wealth of performances.

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24 Aug 2023 - 10 Sep 2023

Maryland State Fair

Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland

No other event provides so much food, fun & family entertainment for so little: tame & thrilling rides and games; traditional Fair & local farm fresh food; thousands of livestock, horse

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08 Sep 2023 - 10 Sep 2023

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

Bristol, Virginia

Known as the “Official Birthplace of Country Music”, the town of Bristol, Virginia celebrates its music heritage at the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion.

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16 Sep 2023

H Street Festival

Washington, District of Columbia

This high-energy block party in Washington, DC’s H Street neighbourhood stretches 11 blocks and has 14 stages featuring music, dance, poetry readings, programs, and more.

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20 Sep 2023 - 24 Sep 2023

Artscape

Baltimore, Maryland

Artscape is America's largest free arts festival, attracting 350,000+ attendees over three days to Baltimore, Maryland.

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22 Sep 2023 - 01 Oct 2023

State Fair of Virginia

Doswell, Virginia

Come see Virginia's finest animals and agriculture, exhibits and shows, toe-tappin' music, fine arts and crafts, blue ribbon competitions and more!

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29 Sep 2023 - 01 Oct 2023

Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend

Virginia Beach, Virginia

This end-of-summer festival hosted in Virginia beach features wine tastings, a world-class sandcastle competition, numerous athletic competitions, an open-air art show along the Boardwalk, an air s

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