Spring Things to Get Excited About Around DC (2024)

Spring is always a much anticipated time of year.  The emergence from cold weather, the return of color to the landscape, and the end of bulky clothes and extra layers are some of the reasons why.  It’s also when many of DC’s best events and activities occur or restart for the warm months.  From big blooms and their celebrations to new exhibits to live entertainment to local sports to warm weather recreation, there are so many things to get excited about around DC during the season.  Here’s a round-up of them to help you plan for it all.  Happy Spring!

 

National Cherry Blossom Festival
Where: Around the DC Area
When: March 20 – April 14
Admission: Varies by activity
The National Cherry Blossom Festival presents all kinds of fun and enriching activities over a few weeks every spring. Signature events include the Blossom Kite Festival, National Cherry Blossom Parade, Sakura Matsuri, Bloomaroo, and Petalpalooza, and there are many more blossom inspired happenings around the area. Visit the website for specifics. And see a round-up of the best events and activities for families on KidFriendly DC. And, of course, the cherry blossom peak is an iconic DC attraction. If you’re planning to see them, I very strongly recommended reading these tips for viewing them. (While they were originally geared toward families with young children, most of the tips are helpful for anyone!)

 

Bloom Town
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Varies by locale
Admission: Varies by locale
We all know about the cherry blossoms that brighten up the land and cityscape during the season.  But there are even more big blooms to enjoy around the DC area, and they’re literally coming up soon. Magnolias, bluebells, azaleas, tulips, and roses are what you can stop, smell, see, and relish in the loveliness of during spring. This post has details on where and when to enjoy them at their best.

 

Vamos United!
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Throughout spring
Admission: Varies (check for deals here)
So, the MLS season actually kicked off during winter in February, but spring is a great time to catch some soccer action on the pitch as the weather warms up.   While there are good concessions at the stadium, you can also make a longer outing of it, and grab a bite to eat before or after matches. There are a lot good dining options in the Capitol Riverfront area, just a short walk away, for family-friendly recommendations see this round-up on KidFriendly DC.

 

We’ve Got Spirit, Yes We Do!
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Starts March 23
Admission: Tickets start at $25
Even more exciting soccer is starting as the Washington Spirit, our local women’s pro soccer team, also kicks off their season in spring.  This year, Audi Field is their home turf, so all matches will take place right in the city.  You’ll get to see some amazing play on the pitch and support women in sports!

 

Easter Fun
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Through early April
Admission: Varies by activity
If you’re looking for Ester fun for kids around the area, you’ve got a basketful of options. Numerous places host egg hunts, Easter bunny visits, and much more spring fun this time of year. Even if you’re not big on the holiday, there are attractions and activities beyond bunnies and candy-filled eggs that will have the whole family hopping with joy. See a round-up of them on KidFriendly DC.

 

Show Time
Where: Theaters Around DC
When: Various dates
Admission: Varies by show
The new season brings new live entertainment to local stages, and there are some great shows coming to town. A few to check out:
* Little Shop of Horrors at Ford’s Theatre (look for a ticket deal)

* Larry David at The Anthem (find tickets here)
* Jon Batiste: UNEASY Tour at Warner Theatre (find tickets here)
* Super Freak: The Rick James Story
* Peter Pan at The National Theatre (look for a ticket deal)
* Unknown Soldier at Arena Stage (look for a ticket deal)
* Wanda Sykes: Please and Thank You Tour at Warner Theatre
* Ammigone at Woolly Mammoth
* Concerts galore at The Anthem, 9:30 Club, and more venues.

 

Nats at Bat!
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Starting April 1
Admission: Varies
MLB Opening Day is March 28, but the Nats’ first home game is April 1  against the Pirates.  If you followed KidFriendly DC, then you know I highly recommend rooting for our home team, especially as a great way to spend a family day out. I discussed it in the very early KFDC days, include ballgames in Weekend Round-Ups whenever they play at home, have endorsed the Jr. Nationals Kids Club for years, and know it all well enough to have plenty of tips for spending less on a day at the ballpark.  This is all to say, check your Natitude — and the useful promo schedule — and get ready for spring ball!

 

Solar Eclipse Festival
Where: 4th – 12th Streets | National Mall, DC
When: April 8, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
A solar eclipse will be visible all across North America on Monday, April 8, and the National Air and Space Museum along with other Smithsonian museum, NASA, NOAA, the National Science Foundation, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory are celebrating with a big festival on the National Mall. Join them to observe the eclipse and explore activity stations.

 

White House Spring Garden Tours
Where: White House Grounds | Downtown DC
When: TBA (early April)
Admission: Free with tickets
Here’s a chance to see the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Kitchen Garden, and South Lawn at the White House. The annual Spring Garden and Grounds Tours are a tradition that dates back to 1972 when Pat Nixon first opened the gardens to the public. It’s a perfect “DC” activity and a lovely way to enjoy the emerging spring color — and gaining admission to the event is as easy as picking up tickets day-of. They will be distributed at a National Park Service tent located near the White House Visitor Center (1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW) each day starting at 8:30am. (That means you could be getting entry times for later in the day, so plan accordingly as best you can.) See more details and info on how to get tickets.

 

AdMo Art Walk
Where: Around Adams Morgan, DC
When: April 8-30
Admission: Free
Think of Adams Morgan as your own personal art gallery, thanks to this free way to experience art brought to you by the Adams Morgan Partnership BID, the DC Arts Center, local artists, and neighborhood businesses! Walk the streets of Adams Morgan and admire an impressive selection of artworks displayed in various storefronts in a self-guided tour or join the DC Arts Center for a guided tour — they’ll be offered on select weekends in April.

 

Bon Jour, Georgetown!
Where: Book Hill Neighborhood | Georgetown, DC
When: April 26-28
Admission: Free
The Georgetown French Market returns to the Book Hill neighborhood bringing the signature European open air market back for its 21st year.  More than 30 Georgetown boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, galleries, and more will be featured. But it’s not all about the shopping! Strolling mimes, hands-on activities, live music, and French cuisine from Georgetown cafes and restaurants offer something for all ages to enjoy. Visit the website to see the schedule of events and list of participating shops.

 

Flower Mart
Where: National Cathedral | Northwest DC
When: May 3-4
Admission: Free
This festival has been running for over 80 years, and it’s  a fun, flowery way to spend a spring day! Plant sales, floral and horticultural displays, and boutique booths are great to browse and shop. There’s also music and entertainment, games and carnival rides, National Cathedral tours, tasty foods, the All Hallows Guild antique carousel, and many more activities to delight Mart-goers of all ages. Read more about Flower Mart and the National Cathedral on KidFriendly DC.

 

 

Around the World Embassy Tour 
Where: Local Embassies | Dupont Circle, DC
When: May 4
Admission: Free
The wonderful  Around the World Embassy Tour is like a local passport to countries around the world as  embassies from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania open their doors to the public.  It’s a free showcase of art, music, traditional dress, and culinary delights from nations across the globe. (It’s also your chance to check out the interiors of those mansions along Mass Ave & International Drive that you usually just admire from the street.)  Read about one of our past globetrotting-in-DC experiences and get a glimpse of what to expect on KidFriendly DC.  And note that the EU Open House is on on May 11!

 

Strawberry Fields…in Springtime
Where: Farms around the DC area
When: Late April – early June
Admission: Varies by farm
Pick-your-own ops always start with strawberries in the spring, usually in late April, and always at Schlagel Farms in Waldorf, MD. Several more places around the area follow within a few weeks, welcoming visitors to reap the fruits of their labor. It’s always a good idea to check websites or call ahead to confirm availability the day you plan to go.  Find places and details to PYO in this KidFriendly DC post.

 

What are you excited for this spring?  Let us know in the comments!