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 local sports to live entertainment to special events 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!
Kites (and people galore at the Blossom Kite Festival
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Where: Around the DC Area
When: March 20 – April 12
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!)
Capitol One Arena wil host some of the madness!
March Madness Sweet 16
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 27-29
Admission: Ticket prices vary (check for seats)
The March college basketball hoop-la is coming to DC as the East Regional Sweet 16 will be held at Capitol One Arena. While it remains to be seen which teams will be playing, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be an exciting weekend of madness!
The azalea bloom at the National Arboretum
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.
Egg-cellent adventures await
Easter Fun
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Through early April
Admission: Varies by activity
If you’re looking for Easter 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.
We’ve got Spirit, yes we do!
The Spirit of Women’s Soccer
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: March 25 | April 24 & 29 | May 20
Admission: Tickets start at $25 (check for deals)
So, the NWSL season actually kicked off during winter, but spring is a great time to enjoy some soccer action as the weather warms up, and the Washington Spirit has several matches at home during that time. I highly recommend going to a game — you’ll get to see some amazing play on the pitch and support women in sports! Check for theme nights when there is extra fun to enjoy.
Kick it at Audi Field
Vamos United!
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: April 4 & 25 | May 13, 16, & 23
Admission: Varies (check for deals)
Of course, DC United is back in action, too. And spring will be a good time to see a match before they pause in June while the World Cup is happening. Games are always fun and a great way to enjoy a day or evening outdoors. Concessions at the stadium, but you can make a longer outing of it and grab a bite 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.
On the Arena Stage through April 5
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 (or already in) town. A few to check out:
* 1776 at Ford’s Theatre (look for a ticket deal)
* Inherit the Wind at Arena Stage
* Hamnet by Shakespeare Theatre Company at Harman Hall
* 44:The Musical by Shakespeare Theatre Company at Klein Theatre
* Appropriate at Olney Theatre
* I & You at Olney Theatre
* Travesty at Woolly Mammoth
* A Good Day to Me Not to You at Arena Stage (look for a ticket deal)
* The Motion at Arena Stage
* Bridgette Everet: Big Titties, Big Dreams at Warner Theatre
* Lily Allen Performs West End Girl at Warner Theatre
* The Wiz at National Theatre (look for a ticket deal)
* The Book of Mormon at National Theatre
* The Great Gatsby at National Theatre
* Concerts galore at The Anthem, 9:30 Club, and more venues.
A butterfly hang at Brookside
The Butterfly Experience
Where: Brookside Gardens | Wheaton, MD
When: April 1 – September 7
Admission: $14/age 13+, $9/age 3-13, free/2 & under
This exhibitions of live butterflies at Brookside Gardens is absolutely delightful! Numerous species of butterflies and caterpillars from North America, Costa Rica, Africa, and Asia are not just be on display, but flitting about the space filled with plants and flowers, and you can walk among it all. Get a glimpse at what to expect in this KidFriendly DC post. And see more about the wonderful Brookside Gardens here.
Great way to enjoy a spring day
Nats are Back
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Starting April 3
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!
Relax at Catboat Pizza Bar after a walk along the water
Hike & Hang
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Ongoing (but especially great in spring)
Admission: Varies by place
It’s so great to follow a hike with some food and sips at fun places. You can do this at some spots year-round, but it’s especially nice in spring weather. Not to mention, a few don’t open until April or may, like Catbird Pizza Bar and Island Time Bar & Grill. So hit the trail, then have a good time at one of them!
Sidewalk sales on Wisconsin Ave.
Bon Jour, Georgetown!
Where: Book Hill Neighborhood | Georgetown, DC
When: April 24-26
Admission: Free
The Georgetown French Market returns to the Book Hill neighborhood bringing the signature European open air market back for its 23rd year. More than 40 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 power and much more at National Cathedral
Flower Mart
Where: National Cathedral | Northwest DC
When: May 1-2
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.
Cultural fun at the embassies
Passport DC (at the Embassies)
Where: Local Embassies | Dupont Circle, DC
When: May 2 & May 9
Admission: Free
This series of events is like a local passport to countries around the world as embassies from all over open their doors to the public. The Around the World Embassy Tour and EU Open House are free showcase sof 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.
Strawberry Season
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.
Head to Lincoln’s old digs for music and fun [Photo courtesy of Lincoln’s Cottage]
Where: President Lincoln’s Cottage | Petworth, DC
When: May 2-3, 1-5pm
Admission: $50-70/adult, $35/age 7-20, free/6 & under
Admission: $65/adult, $35/age 7-17, free/6 & under
Lounge on Lincoln’s lawn, sip bourbon, and enjoy live bluegrass music at the 11th Annual Bourbon & Bluegrass event! Admission includes an afternoon of live bluegrass music from local musicians, bourbon and beer tasting, an exterior preservation tour of Lincoln’s Cottage. It promises to be extra special this year in honor of America’s 250th. All proceeds from the event go towards preservation efforts at President Lincoln’s Cottage to help keep the historic gem open and available to share Lincoln’s untold stories.
Liion and dragon dances are part of the Fiesta
Fiesta Asia
Where: 3rd-7th Streets NW | Pennsylvania Ave, DC
When: May 16
Admission: Free
This street fair is a showcase of Asian art and culture with music and dance performances, martial arts demos, a parade, yummy food, a marketplace, hands-on activities, and more. While admission is free, be prepared to spend on food and in the marketplace.
What are some of your favorite spring things?