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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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01 Feb 2023 - 28 Feb 2023

FeBREWary

, Maryland

FeBREWary is Maryland's official month-long celebration for craft beer lovers, and with events on tap across the state, it's the perfect time for a beer lover's getaway.

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25 Feb 2023 - 05 Mar 2023

Annapolis Restaurant Week

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More than 40 establishments participate in Annapolis' annual restaurant week each year by offering fixed-price, multi-course menus; some restaurants offer bonus specials.

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25 Feb 2023 - 05 Mar 2023

Virginia Wine Expo

Richmond, Virginia

The Virginia Wine Expo presented by Publix is Virginia's premier, curated wine and food experience featuring nine days of wine, spirits, and cider paired with local cuisine. 

14 Jan 2023 - 05 Mar 2023

Intangible Forms by Shohei Fujimoto

Washington, District of Columbia

Blurring the lines between what is real, what is not, and what it means to be human, Intangible Forms offers you the opportunity to pause and exist outside of normal space and time. Powered by chor

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18 Mar 2023

United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Washington, DC

Washington, District of Columbia

Experience the nation’s capital during the popular Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series.

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11 Mar 2023 - 19 Mar 2023

Highland County Maple Festival

Monterey, Virginia

Take a step back in time to Highland County, “Virginia’s Sweet Spot.” Each year, tens of thousands of visitors are drawn to this unspoiled, rural region of Virginia to celebrate the “opening” of th

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23 Mar 2023 - 26 Mar 2023

Annapolis Film Festival

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The 11th Annual Annapolis Film Festival returns with a full slate of more than 100 films from over 35 countries.

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20 Mar 2023 - 16 Apr 2023

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Washington, District of Columbia

Washington, DC’s most anticipated annual festival celebrates the arrival of spring.

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15 Apr 2023 - 22 Apr 2023

Historic Garden Week in Virginia

, Virginia

For one week in April, visitors are invited to tour inspired private landscapes, public gardens, and historic sites across Virginia, enjoying our beautiful state at the peak of spring.

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20 Apr 2023 - 23 Apr 2023

Virginia International Tattoo

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In 1997, the Virginia Arts Festival presented the city with what has now become a staple to Norfolk’s performing arts scene: The Virginia International Tattoo.

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22 Apr 2023 - 23 Apr 2023

Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival

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The Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival features artisans from around the country selling coastal and sea-glass related jewellery, home décor, art, and more.

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28 Apr 2023 - 30 Apr 2023

Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show

Annapolis, Maryland

With a long sailing tradition in Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay, the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show rings in the new season by bringing together sailing enthusiasts from around the Mid-Atlantic.

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05 May 2023 - 06 May 2023

Flower Mart

Washington, District of Columbia

Since 1939, All Hallows Guild has held Flower Mart as a benefit for Washington National Cathedral’s gardens and grounds.

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06 May 2023

Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race

Baltimore, Maryland

Kinetic Sculptures are amphibious, human powered works of art custom built for the race.

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28 Apr 2023 - 07 May 2023

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival

Winchester, Virginia

Each year, hundreds of thousands of people gather to celebrate the arrival of spring and the apple blossoms blooming in the orchards surrounding the city of Winchester.

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20 May 2023

Preakness Stakes

Baltimore, Maryland

Experience the fast-paced action and Maryland traditions at the annual running of the Preakness Stakes in downtown Baltimore.

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19 May 2023 - 21 May 2023

Dominion Riverrock

Richmond, Virginia

Dominion Riverrock is the nation's largest outdoor sports and music festival, bringing athletes,  spectators, musicians, and even dogs to Brown’s Island in Richmond, Virginia for a three-day festiv

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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 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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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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26 Jul 2023 - 30 Jul 2023

Floydfest

Floyd, Virginia

This award-winning 5-day celebration of music and art nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia features more than 100 performers on 8 stages.

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20 Sep 2023 - 24 Sep 2023

Artscape

Baltimore, Maryland

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