National Memorial Day Parade
Date: Memorial Day
Time: Afternoon
Location: Usually starts at Third and Madison, NW
More Info: NationalMemorialDayParade.com
The Skinny: The Memorial Day Parade was given new life in 2005 when the American Veterans Center brought it back to the District. More than 250,000 people watch the parade on a yearly basis to see marching bands, active and retired military units, floats and veterans from past and current wars.
Veterans, volunteers, organizations and groups interested in participating in the parade can do so online: Click Here.
D.C. Caribbean Carnival
Date: Usually June
Times: Varies per event
Location: Varies per event
More Info: DCCaribbeanCarnival.org
The Skinny: The Carnival was started in 1993 and has grown to include many bands, food and crafts. The parade is also a big draw, complete with elaborate costumes and fun.
Capital Pride
Date: Usually June
Times: Varies per event
Location: Varies per event
More Info: CapitalPride.org
The Skinny: The annual LGBT celebration for the Washington metro area is a weeklong event filled with educational, civic and social events, culminating with a parade and street festival. The parade route usually runs through Dupont Circle.
National Capital Barbecue Battle
Date: Usually June
Time: Varies
Location: Pennsylvania Avenue between 9th and 14th Streets
More Info: BBQDC.com
The (Not So) Skinny: The annual BBQ battle in D.C. pits some of the country's best cooks against each other for cash and prizes. But the real winners may be the people who show up to eat the food. There are also a number of bands that show up to play for the crowds. The real attraction, though, is the food. Ribs, chicken, beef ... rain or shine, the event goes on. So bring an appetite. And bring some cash. There is no Smithsonian Museum of Barbecue, so that means there's an admission fee. But the event benefits the Metropolitan Police Boys & Girls Clubs, so it's cool.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Date: Two weeks every summer overlapping Fourth of July holiday
Time: Varies
Location: National Mall between 7th and 14th streets
More Info: Official Web Site
The Skinny: There is a lot to do on the National Mall during the Folklife Festival, as organizers usually choose three diverse areas to
highlight each year -- international, regional and state themes. From food to music, dance and crafts, there is plenty to look at and taste on the National Mall during the free event. Festival organizers encourage attendees to participate with the presenters by singing, dancing, eating traditional foods and even just by talking to the people who are proudly showing their culture and heritage.
An insider's tip: The festival is held during one of the hottest times of the year in D.C., and there is little shade on the Mall, so dress and plan accordingly. Tents are set up where you can cool off, but it's still a hot and humid experience.
Independence Day Celebration
Date: July 4
Time: Parade usually begins around noon. Fireworks usually start at about 9 p.m.
Location: Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th streets
More Info: Parade Web Site
The Skinny: It's a full day of events in the District, as expected in the Nation's Capital. From a parade in the afternoon to fireworks
at night, there is plenty to see and do as you celebrate our country's independence on July 4. The parade includes lots of marching bands, armed forces units and a few celebs. The Capitol Fourth concert is held on the West Lawn of the White House and is aired live across the country on PBS. If you've watched it, you know what it's all about. There's singing and dancing -- all with a wholesome family flavor. If you've watched on TV, you know it ends with the beginning of the fireworks display. The TV show usually ends before the fireworks are done, which can be annoying, but if you're there in person you won't miss a thing. Seeing the fireworks from near a national monument is quite the sight.
An insider's tip: There are many places to see the fireworks ... not just from the National Mall or on the Capitol lawn. Check around town. You'll find many other grassy areas and even restaurants with good views if you don't want to mingle with the large crowds in the popular areas.
Capital Fringe Festival
Date: Usually in July
Time: Varies
Location: Varies
More Info: CapFringe.org
The Skinny: It's a celebration of the arts -- all of them. You never know what you're going to see at the Fringe Festival on a yearly
basis. The event is held at numerous venues across the city, and includes some of the best up-and-coming performers, artists and ideas the District has to offer. The idea is to give these artists and performers exposure, while at the same time helping the District maintain a place on the national (and international) arts map. There is probably something for just about everyone at Fringe.
Legg Mason Tennis Classic
Date: Late July-Early August
Time: Varies
Location: William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center, Rock Creek Park (NW Washington)
More Info: LeggMasonTennisClassic.com
The Skinny: The Legg Mason is a staple on the ATP Tour, and attracts some big names in tennis each year. But the Classic isn't just for the pros. Some proceeds from the event benefit local grass-roots tennis communities.
Kennedy Center Prelude Festival
Date: Usually in September
Time: Varies
Location: John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts
More Info: Kennedy-Center.org
The Skinny: Each year the Prelude celebrates a new season of performing arts at The Kennedy Center. The Prelude highlights the new season at the Center, and includes a lot of free performances.
Black Family Reunion Celebration
Date: Usually September
Time: Varies
Location: National Mall
More Info: Official Web Site
The Skinny: The National Council of Negro Women's Black Family Reunion Celebration is a three-day cultural event celebrating the
enduring strengths and traditional values of the African American family. There are numerous activities combining service, information and entertainment with workshops, issue forums, exhibits, health checks and demonstrations, according to the NCNW. Live music, ethnic food and crafts also are a highlight of the event.
Adams Morgan Day
Date: Second Sunday in September
Time: Varies
Location: Adams Morgan
More Info: AdamsMorganDayFestival.com
The Skinny: A street festival in Adams Morgan can only lead to good times. Anyone who knows how eclectic a place Adams Morgan is will understand that there's probably some unique goings-on during the event. There is plenty of live music, plenty of wares to buy and a hefty dose of food to sample.
Duke Ellington Jazz Festival
Date: Usually in the fall
Time: Varies
Location: Varies
More Info: DEJazzFest.org
The Skinny: If you didn't know, Washington, D.C., has always been known for its jazz scene. And Duke Ellington was a big part of that. The Jazz Festival not only celebrates the life of one of its most famous musical sons, but also relives the vast history of jazz in the District. Concerts are set up across D.C. (especially in the U Street neighborhood). The events culminate with an all-day free concert on the National Mall.
