11 Festivals to Check Out in Washington, DC

Starting this list of Washington, DC festivals is a fan-favorite: District Beer Fest. Every Spring, beer enthusiasts gather to celebrate the best beverage ever created…beer! With the next festival taking place on, you have lots of time to plan the perfect trip. The day-long event is hosted at Dock 5 at Union Market and features tons of beers from Washington's top brewers like Aslin Beer Co., DC Brau, Atlas Brew Works, Lost Rhino Brewing Company, Mobtown Brewing Company, Devils Backbone Brewing Company, Atomic Dog, LostBoy Cider, and many more. In addition to pouring taster and pint glasses of refreshing brews, attendees can also enjoy tasty bites from local restaurants and live music.

This one is a springtime favorite! From March 20th to April 12th, flower fanatics can set their sights on the gorgeous pink blossoms blooming at different locations around the city. The National Cherry Blossom Festival also features plenty of celebratory events that showcase Japanese culture and local vendors. Each year, the festival takes place during "peak bloom," which is typically the last week of March and the first week of April. Components of the exciting festival include the Pink Tie Party fundraiser, the Blossom Kite Festival, Art in Bloom, the Opening Ceremony, and more. The festival is free and family-friendly.

The Spring Wellness Festival is an outdoor festival that takes place in. This year, it is scheduled for. At the rather relaxing and grounding event, festival goers can attend wellness sessions, find their inner zen at the meditation tent, catch food demos, and enjoy kid-friendly activities with their children. Admission to the festival is free, and there is also free parking on-site.

Every spring, electric music junkies head to Washington, DC, to get lost in the sounds of dozens of different DJs. The 2024 lineup (with the event taking place in April) featured world-renowned acts like Two Friends, Baby Weight, Illenium, Said the Sky, Deorro, Zedd, and TroyBoi. The planners of this festival are not afraid to stack a lineup with the hottest DJs who will keep attendees dancing for hours on end. Project GLOW is hosted at the RFK Festival Grounds, and there are several ticket options, depending on the type of experience you're looking for. If you plan on attending next year, be sure to pack all of your neon clothing and glow sticks.

Because it's so darn fun, the DC Wine Fest happens twice a year. Once in the spring and then again in the fall. If beer or spirits isn't really your thing, the DC Wine Fest will surely hit a home run. Wine tastings are included in your admission ticket, and you'll have the opportunity to experience sips from wineries like Chamisal Vineyards, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Well Crafted Wine & Beverage Co., District Winery, The Strange Fruit Collection, and more. The festival also features food vendors and live music.

The seventh annual DC Chocolate Festival took place this April, and the team is gearing up for another installation in 2025. At this one-day event, chocoholics can sink their teeth into the rich creations made by local treatmakers and chocolatiers. The festival aims to celebrate fine chocolate from the Mid-Atlantic, bringing together more than 30 vendors to provide attendees with a day of talking, tasting, and learning. Tickets are not yet on sale for the 2025 festival.

Despite the name, no vegetables are celebrated at this event. This year's Broccoli City Festival runs on July 27th and 28th at its new venue: Audi Field. The star-studded lineup includes artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, PartyNextDoor, Lil Yachty, and more. Every ticket comes with perks, so attendees are encouraged to pick the one that fits their style best.

The Capital Pride celebration takes place every June. This year, the parade will be on June 8th and the festival on the 9th. There are tons of events for LGBTQ+ folk and allies, like the Night of Queer Expression, Capital Pride Rooftop Pool Party, Crack of Noon Pride Parade Brunch, and more. The parade is free to attend, but tickets are required for many of the events.

This groovy festival takes place from August 30th to September 1st and fills several of Washington's most beloved venues with live jazz. Jacob Collier, Cimafunk, Carmen Lundy, Dianne Reeves, Reuben Rogers, and Galactic are just a few of the acts that will be performing, with more being added to the lineup as the festival approaches. Tickets to the DC Jazz Festival range in price depending on the event.

The Wharf is a popular event venue in Washington, DC, and in October, it hosts the ever-so-important Oktoberfest. On October 5th, visitors can learn how to polka dance, cheer on weiner dogs as they race, and participate in a stein-hoisting competition. There will be tons of local vendors at the event, serving up German fare that will perfectly accompany a large glass of cold Bavarian beer. This event is fun for the whole family, and entry is free.

Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit quite like the National Arboretum Winter Festival, which occurs annually in early December. At this cheerful event, visitors can purchase Christmas trees, other types of holiday greenery, and specially-made items from more than 40 local vendors. Each year, the festival also features several family-friendly activities that kids of all ages can enjoy, like arts and crafts. Admission is free, and the winter festival is a superb place to do some holiday shopping.

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