Can't-miss spring events around D.C.
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A D.C. rite of spring: the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. Photo: Chen Mengtong/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images
Temps are warming, snowcrete is vanishing and our spring calendar is packed with tons of fun festivals and events.
Why it matters: After this long winter, the city's ready to get back outside — and there's no shortage of ways to do it.
Here's our can't-miss event guide through May.
⚽ Washington Spirit opener | March 13 | Price varies
- The NWSL club kicks off its season at home against the Portland Thorns, bringing pro women's soccer back to Audi Field.
☘️ Ireland at the Wharf | March 14 | Free
- The Wharf goes green with live Irish music, dance performances and plenty of Guinness-fueled St. Patrick's Day spirit.
🌷Tulip Day | March 15 | Free
- Celebrate spring with thousands of tulips in bloom on the National Mall — and the chance to pick your own (register here).
⚡Awesome Con | March 13-15 | Tickets start at $74
- The three-day comic con — a "celebration of geek culture" — at D.C.'s convention center brings together 60,000 fans, tons of activations and celebs like Gillian Anderson and Paul Giamatti.
🌳DC Environmental Film Festival | March 19-28 | Free/varies
- The environmental film fest celebrates 33 years with over 60 programs — many free, though tickets required — at venues across the city.
🌸 The National Cherry Blossom Festival | March 20–April 12 | Most events free
- D.C.'s biggest spring festival features events for everyone — adults, kids and the culturally curious. Signatures include the pre-festival Pink Tie Party (March 13), Opening Ceremony (March 21), Blossom Kite Festival (March 28), Petalpalooza at Navy Yard (April 4) and National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade (April 11).
🏀 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional | March 27 & 29 | Price varies
- March Madness lands at Capital One Arena as top teams battle for a spot in the Final Four.
⚾ Nationals home opener | April 3 | Price varies
- The Nats take on the LA Dodgers, the defending World Champions, with plenty of festivities before, during and after the game.
🌹America's State Flowers at the U.S. Botanic Garden | April 10–Oct. 12 | Free
- We're flower-crazy in spring, and this colorful America 250th celebratory exhibit packs a lot in — magnolias, bluebells, cacti and more.
🏈 UFL DC Defenders home opener | April 11 | Price varies
- Break out the beer snake — football is back at Audi Field as the Defenders launch their season against the St. Louis Battlehawks.
🥁 Emancipation Day Celebration | April 19 | Free
- The city marks the anniversary of D.C.'s abolition of slavery with a parade, concert and family-friendly events.
📽️ Filmfest DC | April 16–26 | Price varies
- The city's largest international film festival celebrates 40 years of global cinema with screenings and special events across D.C.
🎨Smithsonian Craft Show | April 22-26 | Tickets start $25
- More than 120 contemporary artists show and sell their work at the National Building Museum during the country's leading craft show, presenting furniture, jewelry, ceramics, and more.
🥖 Georgetown French Market | April 24–26 | Free
- More than 35 locally owned boutiques, cafes and galleries bring sidewalk sales and European flair to Book Hill and beyond.
🍎 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival | April 24–May 3 | Price varies
- Move over cherry blossoms — this 10-day Winchester festival packs in sports, pie baking, wine tastings, a carnival, fireworks and more.
🌏 Passport DC | May 1–31 | Most events free
- A monthlong celebration of international culture, highlighted by the Around the World Embassy Tour (May 2) and EU Open House (May 9).
⚡Project GLOW | May 30 & 31 | Price varies
- The massive music festival celebrates 20 years of dance and electronic party vibes.