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Washington knows how to mark a season properly. From cherry blossoms and embassy celebrations to holiday markets, rooftop gatherings, and cultural festivals, the District’s social calendar stays delightfully full year-round. Here are a few annual traditions worth planning your stay around. 

Two D.C. United soccer players celebrate on the field with bold text reading 2026 D.C. United Schedule and the team’s logo above.

D.C. United MLS Soccer

D.C. United is Washington's professional soccer club and one of the founding members of Major League Soccer. With four MLS Cup titles to their name, the Black-and-Red have a rich history and play their home matches at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.

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A person in a floral kimono stands under blooming cherry blossom trees with pink and white flowers against a bright blue sky.

National Cherry Blossom Festival

DC’s signature spring tradition fills the city with blooming cherry trees, waterfront walks, parades, outdoor art, and festival energy.

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Circular logo for Passport DC with a globe background, colorful overlapping arcs, and text: events DC presents Passport DC, May 1–31.

Passport DC

Embassies across Washington open their doors for a citywide celebration of international culture, music, art, cuisine, and diplomacy.

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A pile of official Major League Baseballs with red stitching and MLB logos stacked closely together.

Washington Nationals Baseball

Catch the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, just minutes away  one of DC's best live experiences all spring and summer long.

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Person in colorful cosplay with blue hair, holding a large staff, smiling at a convention center with people and banners in the background.

Otakon

Whether you're a seasoned convention-goer or a first-timer, Otakon offers something for every kind of fan. Registration and hotel blocks for 2026 are already open.

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A diverse group of people at a pride parade hold LGBTQ+ flags and banners, smiling and celebrating together.

Capital Pride

DC's biggest LGBTQ+ celebration takes over the city every June parade, festival, concerts, parties, and a full month of community events. One of the most vibrant Pride celebrations in the country.

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Three people smiling and sitting close together outdoors at an event, with a blue sky in the background. The man in the middle wears sunglasses and a hat.

DC Jazz Festival 2026

Two days of world-class jazz along DC's stunning Potomac waterfront acclaimed artists, emerging talent, and the electric energy of Labor Day weekend at The Wharf. Tickets sell out fast.

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A group of people sit outdoors at night, watching colorful fireworks light up the sky. Some wear clothing with the American flag pattern.

A Capitol Fourth & Independence Day Celebration

DC's legendary Fourth of July fireworks light up the sky over the monuments watch from the Mall, a rooftop bar, or the Georgetown waterfront.

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A smiling woman in a navy America 250 T-shirt stands outdoors with mountains and greenery in the background.

America 250 Celebration

Washington celebrates America’s 250th birthday with monumental events, performances, exhibitions, fireworks.

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Smiling woman with curly hair and blue sunglasses stands outdoors, wearing a white sweater. Houses and a clear blue sky are in the background.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Free performances, crafts, and music celebrating cultures from across the U.S. one of DC's most beloved summer traditions, right on the National Mall.

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Three Washington Capitals hockey players in red jerseys pose with hockey sticks on a blue background. The Capitals logo appears in the top right corner.

Washington Capitals NHL Hockey

The Washington Capitals are one of D.C.'s most beloved sports franchises, bringing elite professional hockey to the nation's capital. The Caps won their first Stanley Cup Championship in 2018, and Alexander Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record in 2025.

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Eleven female basketball players in Washington Mystics uniforms pose for a team photo on an indoor court with the Mystics logo.

Washington Mystics WNBA Basketball

The Washington Mystics are D.C.'s WNBA team and reigning champions of 2019, offering world-class women's basketball in an intimate arena setting. The 2026 home season opened on May 10 hosting the New York Liberty.

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Five basketball players in Washington Wizards uniforms stand together, posing in front of Robinhood and Wizards logos on a dark background.

Washington Wizards NBA Basketball

The Washington Wizards are D.C.'s NBA team, playing fast-paced professional basketball in the heart of downtown. The franchise won the NBA Championship in 1978 and plays at Capital One Arena, one of the most central and accessible arenas in the city.

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Three Washington Commanders football players pose in uniform against a red background with Washington Commanders text at the bottom.

Washington Commanders NFL Football

The Washington Commanders are the D.C. area's NFL franchise, bringing high-octane professional football to the nation's capital every fall. The 2026 season features four primetime games and even a home game in London against the Indianapolis Colts.

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A smiling runner in a red shirt holds a medal at a race finish line, with a #RunWithTheMarines banner in the background.

Marine Corps Marathon 2026

The marathon weekend includes multiple events the MCM 8K on October 24, followed by the full Marathon on October 25, plus a Kids Run and a Health & Lifestyle Expo.

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Maroon graphic with stars reading “Uniting Book Lovers for 25 Years” in bold, stylized text.

The National Book Festival

One of America's largest and most celebrated literary events bestselling authors, book signings, readings, and family activities, all free for a full day at the Washington Convention Center.

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Logo with the text Events DC Walking Town, featuring a walking figure and a location pin, framed by a dashed-line path.

Events DC WalkingTown

Eight days, eight wards, 50+ free guided walking and biking tours across every corner of Washington DC history, architecture, culture, and hidden stories you won't find anywhere else.

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Three women walk and laugh on a sunny sidewalk, holding shopping bags and drinks, surrounded by trees and storefronts.

Taste of Georgetown

Georgetown's beloved annual food festival 30+ restaurants, live music, craft beer, wine, and a cook-off, all on K Street. A delicious afternoon in DC's most charming neighborhood.

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A chef decorates a tall, white cake with blue flowers, surrounded by assorted desserts and red flower arrangements in a bakery kitchen.

DC Design Week

A week-long celebration of design, creativity, and community across Washington DC talks, workshops, studio tours, and more. Perfect for creatives of all levels.

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Crowd of people walking through a festive outdoor holiday market at dusk with white tents, string lights, and decorated stalls.

Downtown Holiday Market

A festive outdoor holiday market in the heart of Dupont Circle 35+ local artisans, boutique brands, handcrafted gifts, and seasonal treats, running from mid-November through December 23.

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A large Christmas tree glows with lights near the White House at night, as a crowd watches a musical performance on an outdoor stage.

National Christmas Tree Lighting

One of America's most iconic holiday traditions the National Christmas Tree lights up the Ellipse near the White House every December, surrounded by trees from all 50 states.

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Three people sit at a table with bowls of colorful food; one person is being served a dish with grilled meat and vegetables.

Winter Restaurant Week

Twice a year, 200+ DC-area restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus at unbeatable prices the perfect excuse to explore the city's world-class dining scene. Lunch from $25, dinner from $40.

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A joyful crowd dances outdoors; a woman in a yellow Love letter to DC shirt smiles, holding a patterned hat, surrounded by people enjoying the event.

DowntownDC Holiday Market

Seasonal shopping, festive lights, artisan gifts, live music, and warm drinks bring downtown Washington its annual holiday charm.

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