Top Signature Events in America's Capital Region
Experience authentic American culture and celebrate the music, food and heritage of the Capital Region at these signature events in Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland.
TOP WASHINGTON, DC EVENTS
National Cherry Blossom Festival
The annual March/April festival commemorates the 1912 gift of Japanese cherry trees from Tokyo’s mayor with a parade, fireworks and cultural events.
DC Jazz Festival
The multi-day June festival celebrates jazz with more than 100 performances at venues throughout the city. Washington, DC, the birthplace of Duke Ellington, is known for its jazz history.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Every June and July, thousands gather on the National Mall to witness the celebration of a living culture’s music, song, dance, crafts and other demonstrations.
TOP MARYLAND EVENTS
Kinetic Sculpture Race
Hosted by the American Visionary Art Museum, human-powered sculptures make their way across 14 miles of Baltimore’s land and harbour each May, trying not to capsize along the way.
J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake
Hungry festivalgoers come out to Crisfield in July for all-you-can-eat steamed clams and crabs, corn on the cob, sweet-potato fries, watermelon and other Maryland food specialties.
Maryland State Fair
Classic American fun rules the town of Timonium each summer with rides, local food (peach sundaes, crab patties, chicken on a stick) and everyone’s favourite celebration of local agriculture — the birthing centre, where visitors can meet calves, piglets and newly hatched chicks.
TOP VIRGINIA EVENTS
Historic Garden Week
Visitors in April are invited to tour more than 250 beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks draped in floral arrangements at the peak of springtime blooms.
Mountains of Music Homecoming
A nine-day June celebration of the culture, music and natural beauty of southwest Virginia along its Heritage Music Trail, this festival is packed with ways to experience old-time, bluegrass and gospel music in 50 communities.
Craft Beer Month
August gives visitors the chance to appreciate the more than 100 craft breweries that call Virginia home, with scenic beer trails to explore and award-winning brews to taste.