What's on in Washington, D.C.
Festivals, holidays and the seasonal happenings worth planning a trip around — the whole year, in date order, across the capital and the wider DMV. Filter it down and build a trip around the city's rhythm.
Every date ahead
23 events
July 20263
Jazz in the Garden 2026
The National Gallery of Art's free Friday concert series runs through 14 August in the Sculpture Garden. The 2026 American Sounds programme spans jazz, blues, Americana and other traditions, with admission allocated by weekly lottery plus limited day-of passes.
Great American State Fair on the National Mall 2026
The Great American State Fair closes its 16-day National Mall run on 10 July, with state and territory exhibits, cultural programming, family attractions and a Ferris wheel between 14th and 4th Streets.
Mubadala Citi DC Open 2026
Washington's combined ATP and WTA 500 tennis tournament runs from qualifying on 25–26 July through the main draw on 27 July–2 August at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.
August 20263
DC Summer Restaurant Week 2026
Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington's summer dining promotion returns across D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia with participating restaurants offering fixed-price brunch, lunch and dinner menus.
Library of Congress National Book Festival 2026
The Library of Congress brings more than 80 authors, conversations and family programming to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on 22 August. Admission is free, but the 2026 festival requires a free entry ticket.
Maryland Renaissance Festival 2026 (50th Season)
The Maryland Renaissance Festival marks its 50th season on selected weekends and Labor Day from 29 August to 25 October, with jousting, theatre, music, artisans and food in its Crownsville village near Annapolis.
September 20263
DC JazzFest 2026
The DC JazzFest brings national and local jazz artists to venues across the city, anchored at The Wharf, over Labor Day weekend. The 2026 edition is themed around America's 250th — 'The Future of Jazz'.
Labor Day
Labor Day is the federal holiday on Monday 7 September. Federal offices close, while attraction, business and transit hours vary; it also closes the long weekend immediately after DC JazzFest.
Fiesta DC 2026
Fiesta DC's official two-day festival celebrates Latino cultures on Pennsylvania Avenue with live music, dance, food, artisans and family activities on 26–27 September.
October 20264
Richmond Folk Festival 2026
The free Richmond Folk Festival returns to the downtown riverfront from 9–11 October with six stages, more than 30 artists, traditional crafts, storytelling, dance and food.
Army Ten-Miler 2026
The 42nd Army Ten-Miler starts at the Pentagon on 11 October and follows a landmark course through the nation's capital for registered runners aged 13 and over.
Annapolis Sailboat Show 2026
The Annapolis Sailboat Show fills City Dock from 15–18 October with in-water boats, marine equipment, education and charter exhibitors.
Marine Corps Marathon 2026 (51st)
The 51st Marine Corps Marathon runs on 25 October from Arlington through Washington's landmark corridor, finishing near the Marine Corps War Memorial. Registration is open through the official organiser while places remain.
November 20262
Veterans Day
Veterans Day is the federal holiday on Wednesday 11 November. Washington's military memorials and Arlington National Cemetery are natural places to reflect, but ceremony schedules should be confirmed separately.
Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday 26 November. Federal offices close and many restaurants operate limited hours, but most Smithsonian museums in Washington remain open; Smithsonian lists December 25 as their normal annual closure.
December 20262
National Christmas Tree Lighting 2026
The National Christmas Tree Lighting is an annual ticket-lottery ceremony on the Ellipse, followed by free public viewing of the National Christmas Tree and surrounding state and territory trees. The 2026 ceremony date is not yet announced.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day falls on Friday 25 December and is a federal holiday. Most Smithsonian museums close on this date, and many restaurants, shops and services use reduced or holiday hours.
January 20272
New Year's Day
New Year's Day is the federal holiday on Friday 1 January. Federal offices close, while most Smithsonian museums follow their normal open-every-day-except-December-25 policy.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the federal holiday on Monday 18 January. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial remains an important visit; any ceremonies or volunteer programmes require separate confirmation.
