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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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07 Oct 2023

Chincoteague Oyster Festival

Chincoteague, Virginia

Celebrating the arrival of the oyster season and the local seafood industry, the Chincoteague Oyster Festival features oysters all ways – raw, steamed, fritters, singled fried, and more.

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21 Sep 2023 - 08 Oct 2023

Theatre Week

Washington, District of Columbia

What will you discover? During Theatre Week you can see a show for $20, $40, or $60 in venues throughout the region. You'll be delighted with the choices and many fabulous shows to choose from.

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11 Oct 2023 - 15 Oct 2023

Autumn Glory Festival

Oakland, Maryland

This annual five-day festival celebrates the beauty of autumn foliage with concerts, corn mazes, art exhibits, craft vendors, parades, and more.

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13 Oct 2023 - 15 Oct 2023

Richmond Folk Festival

Richmond, Virginia

The Richmond Folk Festival is one of Virginia's largest events, drawing visitors from all over the country to downtown Richmond's historic riverfront.

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26 Aug 2023 - 22 Oct 2023

Maryland Renaissance Festival

Annapolis, Maryland

The Maryland Renaissance Festival provides a unique outdoor entertainment experience to patrons from all over the world.

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23 Oct 2023 - 29 Oct 2023

Washington International Horse Show

Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Founded in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is one of the most prestigious, competitive, and exciting equestrian sporting events in North America.

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01 Oct 2023 - 31 Oct 2023

Virginia Wine Month

, Virginia

Virginia celebrates its more than 300 wineries and vineyards throughout the month of October with wine specials and events at wineries, restaurants and retailers across the state.

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03 Nov 2023 - 04 Nov 2023

Urbanna Oyster Festival

Urbanna, Virginia

The “official” oyster festival of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Urbanna Oyster Festival draws oyster-lovers from near and far.

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10 Nov 2023 - 12 Nov 2023

Waterfowl Festival

Easton, Maryland

Discover the best of local wildlife, nature, art, heritage, food, and fun at the Waterfowl Festival.

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02 Dec 2023

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Alexandria, Virginia

Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine for the 22nd Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon as more than 50 boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac Rive

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02 Dec 2023

Memorial Illumination

Sharpsburg, Maryland

Antietam National Battlefield presents the Annual Memorial Illumination honour the 23,000 casualties from the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862.

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17 Nov 2023 - 23 Dec 2023

Downtown Holiday Market

Washington, District of Columbia

Washington, DC’s annual outdoor shopping village fills two entire blocks of the city’s Downtown neighbourhood, just steps away from the buzzing Capital One Arena and Smithsonian National Portrait G

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19 Nov 2023 - 31 Dec 2023

ICE!

National Harbor, Maryland

There's no better way to celebrate the holidays than by gathering your family for Christmas at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

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17 Nov 2023 - 31 Dec 2023

Kings Dominion WinterFest

Doswell, Virginia

Kings Dominion transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of shimmering lights, breath-taking décor, and lavish displays.

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02 Dec 2023 - 01 Jan 2024

National Christmas Tree Lighting

Washington, District of Columbia

In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge walked from the White House to the Ellipse to light a 48-foot fir tree decorated with 2,500 electric bulbs in red, white and green, as a local choir and a “quarte

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10 Nov 2023 - 07 Jan 2024

Busch Gardens Christmas Town

Williamsburg, Virginia

The World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park will once again be transformed by the season with over 10 million twinkling lights, one of the largest light displays in North America.

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20 Nov 2023 - 07 Jan 2024

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights

Richmond, Virginia

Part of the magic of winter nights is how a twinkle of light can transform the darkness. In the natural world, seeds hold a similar mystical power.

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