Seasonal DC

Throughout the year in Washington, DC there are constant seasonal events, concerts, gatherings - it is almost impossible to keep track of everything that is occurring.  The following are in no way a complete list of suggestions, just ones I've enjoyed.

Cultural Tourism DC runs Walking Town DC (September) and PorchFest in the fall, as well as organizing Passport DC in the embassy areas in May.  They are a fantastic organization that also has many other projects including permanent walking tour routes with signs throughout the city.  Sign up quickly for space on the most popular of the many free historical and cultural walks led by local experts everywhere from most historic neighborhoods, to fascinating cemeteries, and even on lesser known themed walks through the main tourist stretch - such as the Latino & Hispanic Heritage tour I joined starting at the Organization of American States.

Walk East Capitol Street during Halloween night to see the various over-the-top decoration schemes as well as more trick-or-treaters than you can shake a stick at!

The Library of Congress (besides being my very favorite building in the city) also runs a free concert series for which you need to be ready on the first day of each half year's session with your prioritized list of event choices to have a chance to sign up for these competitive events.  You can also show up on the day of each events for returned tickets. One of the best events I have ever attended in DC is the December Stradivari Anniversary Concert - four of the LoC's Stradivarius instruments are played by highly skilled guest string quartets.

The lighting displays over the holiday season in the National Zoo are worth the visit and stroll, no matter the temperatures.

The National Arboretum changes throughout the year, with each season having wonderful displays. I strongly recommend visiting often enough to watch the magnificent bonsai collection change between foliage, flowers and fruit. There are also extensive holly, magnolia, cherry and other blooming shrub collections besides the various show planting areas.  The reflecting pond with the original US Capitol columns stands on a small hill in the middle of wild meadowland. Any season is a good time to walk the many trails and it has some of the best birding in the city.

The beauty and profusion of DC's famous cherry blossoms can't be overstated and is truly breathtaking…however, so are the crowds. Be prepared.  Even well before sunrise you will have substantial company.

The Historic Congressional Cemetery is truly the most socially active cemetery anywhere! Depending on the time of year expect book clubs, outdoor horror films, yoga, concerts & creepy Soul Strolls around Halloween. Year-round it is a membership-only dog walking area.

Kennilworth Aquatic Gardens are now run by the National Park Service and still host impressive water lilly and lotus collections as well as beautiful marsh land board walks and trails. Spring photography and birding is spectacular. Plan to drive or be dropped off rather than walk from Metro.

Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks happens all summer and is free, but you should sign up in advance for tickets, or risk waiting for left over seats.  The precision marching, history lesson and music is spectacular and if you hit the first or last parades of the season, they finish off by firing their canons in the yard!

DC has a growing Diner en Blanc annual event (similar to the long running fundraiser Dinner in White in Colorado and the original in Paris) that happens on August 27 all-white clad, fine-byo-picnic-dining flash mob evening. I happened upon the mob gathering but it would definitely take advance planning to participate.

There are runs, rows, rides and races throughout the year - be aware of them even if you don't want to take part as they can significantly impact transport and transit across town. The Marine Corps Marathon and Rock and Roll Marathon were two which were very enjoyable from the sidelines. Over the Memorial Day weekend, if you are a motorcycle fan, the Rolling Thunder Run gathers an impressive number of riders going from the extensive Pentagon parking lots and looping around the mall. Stand on a bridge as they go by for truly impressive rumbling.