Capital Jazz Fest

10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044 410-715-5550

Description: At this festival, contemporary jazz and urban and neo-soul bands, ranging from local to national, provide the entertainment. On the festival's busiest day, musicians perform on all three stages, and there's also a Jazz Challenge Competition and Poetry Slam. Refreshment are available on site, and the marketplace is filled with art and crafts.
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Civil War Weekend

3610 Old Lee Hwy, Historic Blenheim Estate, Fairfax, VA

Description: Held each May, this event caters to Civil War and military buffs who want to see what life was like for people living during that time. The event is named for the Blenheim house, which opens just once a year during the festival to show the public the fascinating scrawling of Civil War soldiers that are still visible in the attic. Also look for pony rides for the kids, craft shows, quilting displays, military demonstrations, and lots of patriotic music.
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Galleries of Dupont Circle Open House

Connecticut Avenue NW, Dupont Circle, Washington, DC 20009

Description: On any given Friday, Dupont Circle is the epicenter of DC's nightlife scene. But on the first Friday of each month, area art galleries up the ante and vie for the attention of passersby as they open their doors to the public. The art set is out in full force, from collectors and aficionados to the artists themselves. Offering up free snacks and wine, the galleries leave their doors open late to attract locals and tourists alike.
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Independence Day Parade

Constitution Ave and 7th St, Washington, DC 20001

Description: What better place to celebrate Independence Day than in our nation's capital? The Fourth of July celebration on the Mall features numerous concerts in several locations, a glittering, patriotic parade, food and souvenir vendors, and street entertainers. The celebration ends with a magnificent fireworks display over the reflecting pool. A must for anyone in DC on the Fourth. METRO: The Smithsonian Metro station is closed on the Fourth; other nearby stations include Metro Center, Gallery Place-Chinatown, and Judiciary Square.
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Memorial Day Service

Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211 703-607-8000

Description: What better place to celebrate Memorial Day than in our nation's capital? Each year on this holiday, when we remember those who have fought for our country, Arlington National Cemetery holds this ceremony, including the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknowns and at the grave of President John F. Kennedy. Top political figures attend, and the president of the US typically makes a commemorative speech. Patriotic music follows.
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National Cherry Blossom Festival

Tidal Basin, Washington, DC

Description: More than a million tourists come from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the cherry blossom blooms each year in DC. The annual festival commemorates the 1912 gift of cherry trees to the city from Tokyo. The key to beating the crowds is knowing exactly what activities are on the calendar. Everything from an opening ceremony and a commemorative walk to art exhibits and fireworks celebrate the beautiful blooms.
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Smithsonian Craft Show

401 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001 202-272-2448

Description: The craft fair is one of the world's most prestigious juried exhibitions. The show focuses on traditional American crafts, and esteemed judges choose winners in a variety of media, including leather, glass, jewelry, basketry, ceramics and mixed media. Because of the great selection and high quality, this is the ideal place to stock up on gifts or artistic pieces for the home. METRO: Judiciary Square on Red Line
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