Your D.C. Weekend: Spring fairs, festivals & markets edition
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Get a taste of soon-to-open DMV restaurants at New Kitchens on the Block. Photo: Courtesy of Albert Ting
From French markets to Icelandic pop-ups, this weekend is packed with cool fairs and festivals — and many great excuses to wander, browse and snack.
Why it matters: There's something for everyone — families, foodies, history buffs, book-lovers and beyond.
🇮🇸 Taste of Iceland (through Saturday): A citywide series of pop-ups brings Icelandic food, music and culture to D.C. Highlights include a chef collaboration dinner at Mallard (Thurs-Sat), a guided cocktail experience at Allegory (Sat) and "Iceland Unfiltered" comedy (Sat). Mix of free and ticketed events
🛍️ Smithsonian Craft Show (through Sunday): One of the country's top juried craft shows lands at the National Building Museum with artists from across the U.S. Expect everything from fine jewelry to textiles, furniture, knives, and museum-worthy pieces. Tickets $25+
🎥 Filmfest DC (through Sunday): It's your last shot to catch international films, docs and shorts from around the world at venues across the city. Tickets $15+ per screening, $110 for a festival pass
🏕️ 18th Century Market Fair (through Sunday): Step back in time at Fort Frederick State Park (about 90 minutes from D.C.), where hundreds of artisans in period dress sell handmade goods from canvas tents. It's immersive — and huge, so wear walking shoes.
🇫🇷 Georgetown French Market (Friday–Sunday): Wisconsin Avenue turns into an open-air, Parisian-style market with sidewalk sales, live jazz, strolling mimes and plenty of pastries, wine and café bites at participating restaurants. Free
🍫 DC Chocolate Festival (Friday–Saturday): The Embassy of France hosts dozens of chocolatiers offering tastings, demos and hands-on workshops. Tickets $30, free for kids under 10
📚 Independent Bookstore Day (Saturday): The national celebration of indie shops is celebrated in D.C. with a self-guided bookstore crawl, and events and sales at Solid State Books, Bold Fork, Wonderland Books and many more.
- If you're into books and cocktails, Alexandria's Morrison House hosts a Banned Book Speakeasy (through Saturday) with drinks themed around challenged works. Tickets $2 benefit the Virginia Library Association
🍽️ New Kitchens on the Block (Saturday): The popular food fest spotlights some of the DMV's hottest restaurants before they open — ideal if you like being "early" on the next big thing. Tickets (sessions 12pm or 3pm), $136+
🌎 Living Earth Festival (Saturday): The National Museum of the American Indian marks Earth Day with tours, performances and programs honoring Nora Naranjo Morse's "Always Becoming" sculpture and tribal culture. Free
🍷 DC Wine Fest (Saturday): Sip your way through spring at Union Market with dozens of wines to try, plus food vendors and photo opps. Tickets $39+