2008 Calendar of Events
January
11-13 The Washington Antiques Show. Featuring more than 45 dealers of the highest quality from the United States, Canada and Europe, this prestigious annual antiques show is in its 52nd year.
14-20 Washington, DC Restaurant Week. Throughout the nation’s capital, many of the finest restaurants feature specially prepared multi-course lunches and dinners at very reasonable fixed prices.
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Event (dates vary) Tributes and special programs take place in and around the nation’s capital, in observance of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
February
Black History Month Explore Washington, DC’s rich African American heritage through ongoing special events, tours, museum exhibitions and much more.
10 Chinese New Year Parade. Each year, the Chinese New Year is celebrated with a traditional Chinese Parade in Chinatown.
14-18 The Washington Boat Show. A tradition for 47 years, The Washington Boat Show features more than 500 boats.
March
13-16 The Washington Home & Garden Show. With more than 800 booths and 24 plus landscaped full-sized gardens, the 47th Annual Washington Home & Garden Show ranks among the largest and grandest home and garden shows on the East Coast.
Women’s History Month. The theme for 2008 Women’s History Month “Women’s Art: Women’s Vision” recognizes and pays tribute to the creativity, imagination and vitality of women throughout US History.
16 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Attended by thousands, the Washington, DC, St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a full-scale parade, featuring all things Irish.
24 White House Easter Egg Roll. Geared for younger children, thousands of people attend this largest of the White House annual public events, in which children search the South Lawn of the White House for colorful wooden eggs that have been hidded throughout the grounds.
28 National Cherry Blossom Festival March 28-April 13, 2008. (Parade on Saturday, March 29) Washington, DC welcomes spring by celebrating Japan’s gift of the beautiful cherry blossom trees during this popular cultural event.
April
National Cherry Blossom Festival March 28-April 13, 2008. Continued from March
10-13 Smithsonian Craft Show. (Preview Night Gala on April 9, 2008, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM) The Smithsonian Institution presents this prestigious and popular juried exhibition and sale of contemporary American crafts each year.
Filmfest DC – Washington International Film Festival April 24-May 4, 2008. The Washington, DC International Film Festival presents an outstanding array of films in various venues around the nation’s capital, for 12 days every April.
17-20 Cherry Weekend. Attracting several thousand local residents and visitors, this popular weekend features a Saturday night dance party and raises funds for several local and national gay and lesbian beneficiaries.
May
26 Memorial Day Events May 26, 2008 and weekend. Many Memorial Day tributes and the National Symphony Orchestra Memorial Day Concert will take place in Washington, DC throughout the Memorial Day Weekend.
June
6-15 Capital Pride. This nine-day festival which celebrates diversity and cultural achievement in the LGBT community, features a parade and street fair with entertainment by and for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals, families and friends.
21-22 National Barbecue Battle. Each year, tens of thousands of people enjoy the festivities surrounding this competition of barbecue teams and restaurants from around the country, as they battle to win cash and prizes and the title of National Pork BBQ Champion.
25-29 Smithsonian Folk Life Festival. June 25-29, 2008 and July 2-6, 2008. One of the most popular festivals and now in its 42nd year, the Smithsonian Center for Folk Life and Cultural Heritage presents this annual exploration and celebration of contemporary living traditions.
28-29 DC Caribbean Carnival. More than 25 bands of colorful masqueraders and participants representing every Caribbean country combine to make this one of the fastest growing Carnivals in North America.
July
2-6 Smithsonian Folk Life Festival. One of the most popular festivals of the year, the Smithsonian Center for Folk Life and Cultural Heritage presents this annual exploration and celebration of contemporary living traditions.
4 Independence Day Celebration. Known as America’s largest birthday party, Independence Day Celebrations in the nation’s capital include a parade, a concert and a dazzling fireworks display.
August
Washington, DC Summer Restaurant Week (dates to be announced). Throughout the nation’s capital, many of the finest restaurants feature specially prepared multi-course lunches and dinners at very reasonable fixed prices.
Kennedy Center Prelude Festival (August 30-October 5, 2008). This grand opening series of events celebrates the new season of performing arts at the Kennedy Center.
September
1 Labor Day Concert. The annual National Symphony Orchestra Labor Day Concert, which is free to the general public, takes place on the West Lawn of the US Capitol Building.
6-7 Black Family Reunion. The 23rd Annual National Council of Negro Women’s Black Family Reunion Celebration, which is held on the National Mall is a celebration of the enduring strengths and traditional values of the African American Family, is recognized as one of the most significant family events in the nation, attracting more than 500,000 participants.
14 Adams Morgan Day. Adams Morgan Day celebrates the cultural diversity and creativity of this popular Washington, DC neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife and interesting restaurants and shopping.
27 National Book Festival. The National Book Festival features authors, illustrators and poets from many genres, celebrating the joy of reading.
October
Kennedy Center Prelude Festival (August 30-October 5, 2008). This grand opening series of events celebrates the new season of performing arts at the Kennedy Center.
26 Marine Corps Marathon. A weekend of fun surrounds this annual race through a beautiful course, which has appropriately earned the nickname, “The Marathon of the Monuments.”
November
7-9 Washington Craft Show. This popular event features a wonderful selection of the nation’s leading craft artists.
11 Veterans Day Celebrations. War veterans are honored at many of the war memorials throughout Washington, DC.
December
National Christmas Tree Lighting and Pageant of Peace (Dates to be announced). Festivities center around the beautiful National Christmas Tree, during the Christmas season.
Lighting of the National Menorah (Dates to be announced). Each year the lighting of the National Menorah marks the winter Jewish Festival of Hanukkah.
