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DC About.com article 15 Best Places to Go with Kids in Washington DC
15 Best Places to Go with Kids in the Washington DC Area.

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Kids Attractions Washington DC

WASHINGTON DC MUSEUMS FOR KIDS LIST

from http://www.washingtondc.com/attractions/museums.html

FREER GALLERY OF ART

Jefferson Dr. (at 12th St.), SW Washington DC; Tel. 202.633.4880 Hours: Daily, 10am-5:30pm. Admission: Free.

The Freer Gallery of Art opened in 1923 as the first Smithsonian museum of art. Its eclectic collection began with a donation by Charles Lang Freer: over 9,000 works of American and Asian art. Chinese jades and bronzes, Persian metalwork, Buddhist sculptures and Japanese screens share the gallery’s Italian Renaissance-style building with works by American artists, most of whom were influenced by Asian art, such as John Singer Sargent, Thomas Wilmer Dewing and James McNeill Whistler. Perhaps the most unusual work in the collection is an entire room known as “The Peacock Room,” which was created by Whistler for the London dining room of a wealthy patron and later purchased by Freer and shipped to Washington.

HIRSHHORN MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDEN

Independence Ave. (at 7th St.), SW Washington DC; Tel. 202.357.2700. Hours: Daily, 10am-5:30pm. Admission: Free.

Washington, DC’s Hirshhorn Museum is housed in a four-story cylindrical building as controversial in its design as the contemporary works of art contained inside. This Washington, DC museum is named after its original benefactor, Joseph H. Hirshhorn, who donated his extensive collection of contemporary art to the Smithsonian Institution, which has since added to the original bequest. The museum includes works by 19th and 20th century modern artists such as, Matisse, Rodin and Degas but the emphasis is on contemporary art created during the last 25 years. The galleries have the sparse feel of a minimalist airport lounge, an appropriate backdrop for paintings by Gerhard Richter, Francis Bacon and Willem de Kooning mobiles by Alexander Calder and sculptures by Henry Moore and Alberto Giacometti. Across the street from the Hirshhorn and about halfway down the National Mall is the sculpture garden, a perfect stopping point for those walking between the Washington Monument and the Capitol Building. The sculptures range from traditional to abstract.

NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM

7th St. and Independence Ave., SW Washington DC.; Tel. 202.357.2700 Hours: Daily, 10am-5:30pm. Admission: Free.

Chronicling man’s fascination with flight from his earliest attempts to become airborne to Apollo 11′s voyage to the moon, the National Air and Space Museum is one of Washington, DC’s most popular attractions. Fortunately, its hangar-like building can accommodate considerable numbers of visitors along with its hundreds of historic aircraft. The “Milestones of Flight” gallery near the Museum’s main entrance includes the plane in which the Wright brothers made their first successful flight in 1903; the “Spirit of St. Louis,” in which Charles Lindbergh made the first solo transatlantic flight in 1927; and the “Mercury” capsule in which John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth in 1962. One of the most fascinating exhibits, “Apollo to the Moon,” displays some of the equipment and technology used for the Apollo missions, including Neil Armstrong’s and Buzz Aldrin’s spacesuits, navigation aids and survival equipment.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART

Constitution Ave. (between 3rd and 9th Streets), NW Washington DC; Tel. 202.737.4215 Hours: Mon Sat, 10am 5pm; Sun 11 am 6pm. Admission: Free

The National Gallery of Art outgrew its first building, known as the West Building in the 1970s and was joined by an underground concourse to the East Building, which is as daring in its architectural design as the original building is conservative. The West Building features European paintings and sculptures from the 13th to 19th centuries, including one of the best Impressionist collections outside of Paris with works by Manet, Renoir, Monet, and Cezanne. A highlight of the ground floor sculpture galleries, which recently underwent a four-year renovation, is a collection of Degas’ wax statuettes of young ballet dancers. The imposing East Building accommodates the Gallery’s 20th century art as well as a variety of temporary exhibitions. The central atrium is so voluminous that finding the galleries nestled into its far-flung corners can be a challenge.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART

950 Independence Ave., SW Washington DC; Tel. 202.357.4600 Hours: Daily, 10am-5:30pm. Admission: Free.

A haven of quiet compared to the bustling National Museum of Natural History on the other side of the Mall, the National Museum of African Art is often overlooked, perhaps because it is mostly housed underground. About half the Museum’s space is devoted to exhibits focusing on specific regions, but the 7,000-strong permanent collection includes objects from all over the continent. Objects often combine religious and cultural expression with a functional purpose and the collection includes everything from Nigerian carved-ivory cult figures to Zairean mother-and-child fertility fetishes. This Washington, DC museum’s gift shop sells colorful textiles and African crafts as well as an extensive selection of books covering African art, culture and history.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY

14th St. and Constitution Ave. NW Washington D.C.; Tel. 202.357-2700 Hours: Daily, 10am-5:30pm. Admission: Free

The mission of the National Museum of American History is to display objects that reflect the experiences of the American people. The result is a chaotic collection of Americana set among exhibits with the worthy aim of recounting America’s colorful past through the eyes of its diverse citizens. Objects range from the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz, to Mohammad Ali’s boxing gloves, to George Washington’s wooden teeth. The first floor of the Museum covers the history of science and technology. The second is devoted to social and cultural history and includes the original flag that inspired the national anthem and an exhibit that examines the evolving role of First Ladies. The top floor houses political memorabilia as well as an exhibit that displays some of the 25,000 tokens of remembrance left by visitors to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and another that deals with the experiences of Japanese-Americans held in detention camps during World War II.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CRIME & PUNISHMENT

575 7th St. NW, Washington, DC 20004; Tel. 202.393.1099

At Washington DC’s National Museum of Crime & Punishment, mankind’s conflict between good and evil is dissected for all to see. Learn both the past and modern methods of law enforcement agencies, and delve into the evolution of crime and the criminal mastermind from the times of medieval knights, piracy, gunslingers and even modern day hackers. In addition to three floors of fascinating and educational displays, intense, highly interactive exhibits allow visitors of all ages to enjoy truly unique simulations. This Washington DC museum includes a crime scene lab and the filming studios forAmerica’s Most Wanted.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

10th St. and Constitution Ave., NW Washington DC; Tel. 202.357.2700 Hours: Daily, 10am-5:30pm (Extended Summer Hours: 10am-7:30pm). Admission: Free.

The first stop for Washington, DC museum-goers with children in tow is usually the “Dinosaurs” exhibit on the ground floor of the National Museum of Natural History. Barring flights of family-phobia brought on by squealing children and their frazzled parents, the looming, reassembled skeletons and reproductions of dinosaurs are as fascinating to adults as they are to kids. The Mammal Hall, which was becoming outdated, has been renovated and is set to reopen in the fall of 2003. In the meantime, the creepy-crawlies filling the Insect Zoo on the second floor will probably be enough to keep the kids entertained, along with the 3D bugs and dinosaurs on view at the IMAX theater. The biggest draw for adult visitors to this Washington, DC museum is probably the 45-carat Hope Diamond, which once belonged to Marie Antoinette and can now be found in the Gem and Mineral Hall along with other legendary jewels.

THE MALL AND WASHINGTON DC MUSEUMS

Bordered on either side by nine of Washington DC’s 14 Smithsonian museums, The Mall, a green, tree-lined expanse that stretches from the Capitol’s eastern end to the Washington Monument’s western end, could very well be the hub of the nation’s cultural life. As all of these Washington museums are free and close to one another, it’s tempting to try to see them all in one day. But even with an endless supply of energy and comfortable walking shoes, exploring all that the Mall has to offer could take closer to a week. If you only have a day or two to spare, it’s advisable to begin at the Smithsonian Information Center, the red, castle-like building about halfway down the Mall, and to plot a course of action from there. Parking is limited but you can save your feet for the museums by taking the Metrobus or Metrorail to various points along the Mall.

UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM

100 Raoul Wallenburg Place, SW Washington DC; Tel. 202.488.0400. Hours: Daily, 10am-5:30pm (open until 7:50pm Tuesday only, April 1-September 9). Admission: Free (Timed Passes required for visiting the Permanent Exhibit can be obtained on the day of your visit from the Museum).

Not for the faint of heart, a visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is just as emotional as it is educational. Most first-time visitors begin with the Permanent Exhibit, which takes them on a self-guided tour through the history of the Holocaust, from Hitler’s rise to power and his systematic persecution of Jews, homosexuals and the disabled, to the “Final Solution” realized by the Nazi concentration camps. The exhibit features historic film footage, audio-taped testimonials from concentration camp survivors and many original artifacts including piles of belongings and clothing confiscated from prisoners as they arrived at the camps. The exhibit ends at the Hall of Remembrance, where an eternal flame burns as a memorial to Holocaust victims. “Remember the Children: Daniel’s Story” is an exhibit aimed at children between the ages of 8 and 12 and tells the story of the Holocaust from the point of view of a young Jewish boy.

Kids Events Washington DC

January: College Baseball; From the crack of the bat to the slide on into home, NCAA baseball packs a wallop of home run frenzy for what’s oft called America’s favorite pastime. Diamond action starts in January, continuing through most of June.; CUA Cardinals, Coppin State Eagles, George Mason Patriots, George Washington Colonials, Georgetown Hoyas, Howard Bison, Maryland Terrapins, Navy Midshipmen, Towson Tigers, UMBC Retrievers; Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday; A military color guard salutes memory of the slain civil rights leader at the Lincoln Memorial, where Dr. King delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech. Call (212) 619-7222 for more information.; Chinese New Year Parade; In January or February, depending on the moon, Washington’s Chinatown takes on renewed life in the streets with traditional firecrackers, drums and colorful dragon dancers. Action concentrates on H Street NW, between 5th and 8th streets. Call (202) 638-1041 for more information.; Robert E. Lee’s Birthday Celebration; The doors of Robert E. Lee’s Arlington, Virginia house open for an afternoon of 19th-century music and displays in a tribute to one of the South’s military heroes. Call (703) 557-0613 for more information.; March for Life; Towards the end of January, Ave Maria University Students for Life, dedicated to promote the dignity of the individual human being from the moment of conception to natural death, present a mass in the Oratory followed by dinner and a presentation at AMU’s The Bean on Annunciation Circle to share stories of this year’s March for Life, organized by the Ave Maria University Founders Club. Call (239) 353-1632 for more information.; Sugarloaf Crafts Festival; On the last weekend in January, the Dulles Expo Center hosts 300 of the country’s best artists and craftsmen, where visitors can talk with the artists and purchase their works, including pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, furniture, home accessories, garden items, and photography, and watch pottery throwing demonstrations, stone carving, metal spinning, furniture making, wood turning, paper making, live entertainment, and enjoy gourmet food samples and children’s activities. Call (800) 210-9900 for more information.

February

Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday; A wreath-laying ceremony and a reading of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address highlight this salute to the nation’s 16th president at the memorial bearing his name. Call (202) 619-7222 for more information.; Washington Boat Show; This five-day event at the Washington Convention Center showcases upcoming models from dinghies to yachts, along with nautical accessories. Call (202) 789-1600.; The Capital Home and Garden Show; During the last week in February, Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, VA hosts the largest home and garden show in the area, featuring how-to workshops, presentations by experts, and vendor expositions of every aspect of home furnishing, decorating, maintenance of indoor and outdoor areas. Call (703) 378-0910.
March: Washington DC Independent Film Festival; For the first 2 weeks in March, area theaters screen new independent films, various venues host workshops on music, acting and cinematography, and professionals hold public seminars on the state of the independent film industry. Call (202) 717-0700 for more information.; Dinner with an Artist; In mid-March, the Fillmore Arts Center sponsors a benefit in which the area’s eminent artists are paired with the perfect patron host for a dinner limited to 8 guests. Call (202) 337-3748 for more information.; St. Patrick’s Day Parade; Green prevails at this downtown parade featuring floats and bagpipers on a route from 7th to 17th Streets and Constitution Avenue NW. Call (202) 637-2474 for more information.; Smithsonian Kite Festival; Next to the Washington Monument, colorful kites signal arrival of spring with kite designers and flyers of assorted ages competing for trophies and other prizes. Call (202) 357-2700 for more information.; National Cherry Blossom Festival; Depending on nature’s whim, the capital’s fabled cherry blossom trees bloom from late March through early April. Festivities are capped by the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, often in early April. Call (202) 661-7599; (877) 44-BLOOM for more information.
April: Major League Baseball; Nothing signals advent of spring more than baseball with a capital B, tightly meshed into American culture with historic firsts, icon performances, record-setting events, and traditions from hot dogs slathered in mustard to unexpected curveballs, and seventh-inning stretches. Books and movies about baseball are fine and dandy, but nothing beats Major League Baseball action, playing out each season from April through the World Series.; Baltimore Orioles - To book seats to root for your Baltimore Orioles, click here.; Washington Nationals - To book seats for the Washington Nationals, click here.; Major League Soccer; There’s no end to the excitement each season as Major League Soccer teams from both the eastern and western conferences vie for glory in regular season matches, on to the play offs and cup finals.; D.C. United - To get in on the action, and book seats for the D.C. United, click here.; National Cherry Blossom Festival; Depending on nature’s whim, the capital’s fabled cherry blossom trees bloom from late March through early April. Festivities are capped by the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, often in early April. Call (202) 661-7567; (877) 44-BLOOM for more information.; Sugarloaf Crafts Festival; On the first weekend in April, Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg, MD hosts 300 of the country’s best artists and craftsmen, where visitors can talk with the artists and purchase their works, including pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, furniture, home accessories, garden items, and photography, and watch pottery throwing demonstrations, stone carving, metal spinning, furniture making, wood turning, paper making, live entertainment, and enjoy gourmet food samples and children’s activities. Call (800) 210-9900 for more information.; Earth Day Celebration; From April 20 through Earth Day on April 22, exhibits, speakers and international musicians are featured in a concert of jazz fusion and world rhythms to celebrate global awareness. Call (202) 518-0044 for more information.; America Online Make-A-Wish Scavenger Hunt; Aiding Make-A-Wish Foundation, AOL’s hunt involves three- to six-person teams sleuthing for people, places and things in D.C. Teams must each raise minimum $100 pledges to help finance wishes, averaging $7,000. Registration includes breakfast, clues, all-day Metro card, lunch coupon, t-shirt, and post-reception. Call (301) 962-9474 for more information.; Easter Sunrise Service; The Memorial Amphitheatre at Arlington National Cemetery serves as an inspiring setting for Easter worship conducted by prominent Washington ministers. Call (703) 607-8052 for more information.; Filmfest D.C.; The two-week Filmfest D.C., also known as the Washington International Film Festival unfolds at various theaters and reception halls. Call (202) 724-5613 for more information.; Shakespeare Birthday Celebration; This birthday fete for the bard at Folger Shakespeare Library includes theater, music, children’s events, food and exhibits. Call (202) 544-4600 for more information.; Fair Housing Symposium; Celebrating Fair Housing month, the Equal Rights Center, the D.C. Office of Human Rights, and the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development present the Fair Housing Symposium to further fair housing in the District of Columbia. Call (202) 347-9151 for more information.; Smithsonian Washington Craft Show; More than 100 juried exhibitors show crafts of ceramics, glass, jewelry, wood, leather and more, at the National Building Museum. Call (202) 357-2700 for more information.; White House Spring Garden and House Tours; Tours include the Jacqueline Kennedy Rose Garden and the West Lawn Gardens, commencing from the White House Visitor Center. Call (202) 456-2200 for more information.; White House Easter Egg Roll; Children and their parents gather on the White House South Lawn for the annual Easter Egg Roll. Festivities include concerts, storytelling and costumed characters. Call (202) 456-2200 for ticket information.; Open-Air French Market; Over the last weekend in April, the Book Hill neighborhood of Georgetown hosts a shopping event along Wisconsin Avenue Northwest, between P Street and Reservoir Road, where area boutiques, antique shops, galleries and restaurants offer sidewalk specials to strolling visitors. Call (703) 237-2922 for more information.
May: Georgetown Garden Tour; Private gardens from this renowned neighborhood are showcased on guided and self-guided tours. Call (202) 333-4953 for more information.; Apple Blossom Festival; Enjoy a country excursion to South Mountain Fairgrounds in Biglersville, PA over the first weekend in May when apple blossoms cover South Mountain, local craftsmen, musicians and food vendors showcase their products, kids enjoy a variety of activities and programs, and the PennsylvaniaApple Queen is crowned, sponsored by the Adams County Fruit Growers Association. Call (717) 677-7444 for more information.; National Train Day; May 8 is National Train Day, and Union Station is filled with displays of railroad technology, history, model trains, and presentations by the national spokesperson for Amtrak. Call (800) 872-7245 for more information.; International Children’s Festival; In early to mid May, children have a wonderful opportunity to explore a host of international cultural exhibits and activities, musical and dance performances, provided by many of the foreign embassies in the DC area, at the Meridian International Center. Call (202) 939-5591 for more information.; Arlington Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony; Wreaths are placed at the John F. Kennedy grave and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier followed by a service at the Memorial Amphitheatre with the keynote address often given by the President. Call (703) 697-2131 for more information.; Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony; Military bands and keynote addresses mark this day of remembrance at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Call (202) 393-0090 for more information.; Washington National Cathedral Flower Mart; Each year the mart salutes a different country with themed entertainment, demonstrations and booths, on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral. Call (202) 537-6200 for more information.; Gaithersburg Book Festival; From mid to late May, the grounds of Gaithersburg City Hall will host authors discussing and signing copies of their books, writing contests and workshops, a Coffee House with songs and poetry readings, a Children’s Village, dealers and individuals with lots of new and used books for trade or sale. Call (301) 258-6350 for more information.; Charity Homes Tour and Marketplace; In late May, Clifton Community Woman’s Club sponsors of tour of homes in the Clifton / Fairfax Station area, and a silent auction, boutique, art show and sale by local artists, with proceeds going to the Club’s Charitable Trust which benefits recipients throughout northern Virginia. Call (703) 266-5791 for more information.; The Commandant’s Own; From May through August at the U.S. Marine Corps Barracks, Friday nights bring performances by the United States Drum and Bugle Corps and the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon starting with United States Marine Band concerts. Tuesdays at sunset, May through August at Arlington National Cemetery’s Iwo Jima Memorial, attract visitors with blankets and picnics to enjoy the Drum and Bugle Corps and the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. The Potomac River serves as a backdrop. Call (202) 433-4173 for more information.; The President’s Own; Throughout May, free concerts are presented by the U.S. Marine Corps Chamber Orchestra, known for performing at diplomatic receptions and state dinners. Call (202) 433-4011 for more information.; National Memorial Day Parade; Organized as a tribute to veterans and war dead from the American Revolution to Iraq, the National Memorial Day Parade includes floats, celebrities, equestrian units, and more, moving from 5th and Constitution toward the White House. Call (202) 408-0944, ext. 227 for more information.
June: DC Jazz Festival (formerly Duke Ellington Jazz Festival); During the first half of June, more than 40 venues throughout the DC area host musicians in a continuous festival of jazz, bebop, blues, swing, soul, Latin, and world, including free concerts on the National Mall. Call (202) 457-7628 for more information.; Caribbean Carnival Extravaganza; Kicking off with a Saturday parade along Georgia Avenue, the two-day Caribbean Carnival features food, crafts, and entertainment at Banneker Recreation Park. Call (347) 671-1673 for more information.; Susan G. Komen National Race for the Cure; In early June, more than 50,000 competitors, including over 3,000 breast cancer survivors, gather at the National Mall and participate in a 5K race for the Komen Foundation with proceeds supporting breast cancer research and community outreach organizations involved with breast health. Call (703) 416-RACE for more information.; Marine Band Summer Concert Series; Museum Walk Weekend; With exhibitions, live music, food and fun, the Dupont Kalorama Museums Consortium invites walking exploration of Dupont Circle, home to museums, galleries, embassies, restaurants, and more. Call (202) 387-4062 for more information.; Marine Band Summer Concert Series; From June through August, Marine Band Summer concerts take place on Wednesday and Sunday evenings at the U.S. Capitol‘s west terrace and White House Ellipse Visitor Pavilion. Call (202) 433-4011 for more information.; Gay Football (Soccer) World Championships; In mid-June, The Federal Triangles Soccer Club (FTSC) of Washington, D.C. and the International Gay / Lesbian Football Assocation (IGLFA) sponsor annual championship soccer games in the D.C. area at Trinity University Soccer Stadium and RFK Stadium Starplex. Call (202) 448-9473 for more information.; Soap Box Derby; Area youth from age 8 to 17 race gravity-powered vehicles down Capitol Hill in a Soap Box Derby competition where division winners move on to compete in July’s All American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio. Call (410) 531-5268 for more information.; Martial Arts Championships; In mid-June, Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk, VA hosts the Battle of 7 Cities where all competitors in all styles of martial arts are welcome to participate in championship contests of form, sparring and weapons. Call (757) 671-1020 for more information.; Shakespeare Theater Free-For-All; Free professional performances of Shakespearean masterpieces unfold during a two-week period drawing enthusiastic crowds to the Carter Baron Amphitheater. Call (202) 334-4790 for more information.; KOL Kids’ Extravalooza; Northern Virginia Antiques & Modernism Show and Sale; On a weekend in mid to late June, the Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington hosts an antique show and sale, with free parking and shuttles operating from the Virginia Square Orange Line Metro. Call (240) 295-1307 for more information.; KOL Kids’ Extravalooza; Free family fun at the National Children’s Museum, presented in conjunction with AOL, includes celebrity appearances each year. Call (202) 675-4175 for more information.; WINS Powwow; American University‘s Washington Internships for Native Students (WINS) hosts a powwow in late June which features native dancing, authentic native food, music, and jewelry for sale, on campus across from the Kay Spiritual Center. Call (202) 885-5934 for more information.; Safeway National Capital Barbecue Battle; Safeway’s Barbecue Battle, the last weekend in June, celebrates great food, music and family fun as contestants vie for the National Pork Barbecue Championship title and $40,000 in cash prizes. More than 30 national and regional bands perform on three stages, and NBA players lead kids’ basketball games all weekend. Along Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest between 9th and 14th Streets. Call (202) 828-3099 for more information.
July: Smithsonian Folklife Festival; From the end of June through the second week after Independence Day, the Smithsonian Institution hosts the annual Folklife Festival which showcases American and other cultures, featuring live entertainment, food and crafts, children’s activities, and a variety of programs throughout the greater Washington, D.C. area, all centered among the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall. Call (202) 633-6440 for more information.; Bastille Day; A Gallic Independence Day celebration features live entertainment and waiters running tray races to the Capitol and back. Call (202) 296-7200 for more information.; Festival of American Folklife; American folklife heritage plays out in lectures, concerts, working villages and exhibits at theNational Mall. Call (202) 357-2700 for more information.; Fourth of July Celebration; Fourth of July on the National Mall, between Independence and Constitution avenues, includes a parade, colonial military maneuvers, concerts at the Sylvan Theatre, and a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra on the U.S. Capitol’s west steps. Fireworks, viewed from both sides of the Potomac River, cap off festivities. Call (202) 619-7222 for more information.; Latin-American Festival; Latin-American music, dance, art, food and more star at this two-day heritage festival at theNational Mall. Call (301) 588-8719 for more information.; First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run); Over the weekend closest to July 21, the city of Manassas commemorates the first battle of the War between the States (Civil War) with live battle reenactments between North and South, period music, food and kids’ activities, parades and more. 2011 marks the 150th anniversary. Call (703) 257-8200 for more information.
August: Arlington County Fair; Arlington County’s four-day fair includes crafts, exhibitors and food at the Thomas Jefferson Center. Call (703) 228-6400 for more information.; U.S. Army Band “1812 Overture”; Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” performed by the U.S. Army band gets firepower backing from the Salute Gun Platoon of the 3rd U.S. Infantry on the White House Ellipse Visitor Pavilion. Call (202) 208-1631 for more information.
September: National Football League; If it’s fall and you’re ready for some football, count on the National Football League to deliver non-stop grid action, leading to playoffs, and the incomparable Super Bowl. The NFL has come a long way since its 1920 founding in Canton, Ohio at Ralph Hay’s Hupmobile dealership. NFL action was first televised in 1939 when NBC broadcast within New York City. The NFL’s Longest Day was on Christmas, 1971, in a playoff between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins, and Miami’s 17-0 Perfect Season unfolded the following year. But that’s history, and prospects for new milestones start in September.; Baltimore Ravens - To book seats for the Baltimore Ravens, click here.; Washington Redskins - To book seats for cheering on your Washington Redskins, click here.; College Football; NCAA Football, created in 1997 to promote college football ideals, makes no bones about the importance of each game. Losing at any time during the season can thwart a team’s chances for postseason action or an NCAA Championship. No wonder NCAA Football marketers have adopted a tagline of “NCAA Football: Every Game Counts.”; Maryland Terrapins, Navy Midshipmen, Towson Tigers, CUA Cardinals, Coppin State Eagles, Georgetown Hoyas, Howard Bison, Morgan State Bears; Maryland Terrapins - To cheer on your favorites and book seats for the Maryland Terrapins, click here.; Navy Midshipmen - To book seats for the Navy Midshipmen, click here.; Towson Tigers - To book seats for the Towson Tigers, click here.; Adams Morgan Festival; Expanding from a day into a weekend, Adams Morgan celebrates with multicultural music — reggae, jazz, R&B and salsa — as well as international cuisine, featuring a Green Pavilion, Pet Zone and DJ Pavilion, along 18th Street Northwest. Call (202) 232-1960 for more information.; Ambassador’s Ball; The Ambassador’s Ball, which has raised more than $8 million for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, kicks off Washington’s glittering social season, at the Grand Hyatt Washington at Washington Center. Call (202) 296-5363 for more information.; National Black Family Reunion; Attracting more than 500,000 to the National Mall and supported by the National Council of Negro Women, the two-day Black Family Reunion celebrates with free gospel concerts, health screenings, food, fun and an international marketplace. Call (202) 383-9130 for more information.; Hispanic Designers Gala Fashion Show; Drawing Hispanic entertainers and politicians, this fashionable gala helps fund scholarships for Hispanic design students. Call (202) 619-7222 for more information.; Kalorama House and Embassy Tour; Tours begin at the Woodrow Wilson House, a museum property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and include the Kalorama Guest House at Kalorama Park. Call (202) 387-4062 for more information.; Kennedy Center Open House; The annual open house of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington’s premier performing arts center, includes free concerts and performances. Call (202) 467-4600 for more information.; National Frisbee Championships; Disk-catching canines, top dogs and others are judged on showmanship, leaping agility and execution, on the grounds of the Washington Monument. Call (800) 423-3268) for more information.; Rock Creek Park Day; Environmental, recreational and historical programs dominate this daylong tribute to Rock Creek Park, one of the world’s largest urban parks. Call (202) 426-6829.; Capital Home Show; Over 500 home design and remodeling experts converge at the Dulles Expo Center to offer advice, demonstrate products and exhibit the latest in green and money saving ideas and services. Call (800) 274-6948 for more information.; National Book Festival; Over the last weekend in September, the First Lady hosts an annual festival along the National Mall, sponsored by the Library of Congress, where thousands of book lovers gather to celebrate literature and literacy, and listed to over 70 well-known authors make presentations and read from their works. Call (202) 828-5063.; Farm Fun Festival; When the Shenandoah Valley is in full bloom, Winchester’s pet-friendly Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market stages its Farm Fun Festival with hot dogs and country ham sandwiches, a bounce house, apple pitch, and other family activities. No admission. Call (540) 662-1980 for more information.
October: National Hockey League; The National Hockey League’s rough and tumble world packs a motherlode of milestones, from 1917’s NHL opener, to when Maurice Richard was first to score 50 goals in one season in 1944-45, to when Clint Benedict was the first goalie to put on a mask after a shot knocked him unconscious, to when Manon Rheaume made headlines in 1992 as the first woman playing in one of the four major sports leagues, goaltending for the Tampa Bay Lightning against the St. Louis Blues. From October on, it’s non-stop action in the world of hat tricks — three goals in a game by a player — and sudden death overtime.; Washington Capitals - To book for the Washington Capitals, click here.; Lombardi Gala; Benefitting the Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown University Medical Center, the Lombardi Gala features dinner and a silent auction, at the Hilton Washington and Towers. Call (202) 687-1067 for more information.; Taste of Baltimore; Highlighting Baltimore foods, wines, family fun, and musical entertainment, Taste of Baltimore showcases radio personalities and more than 70 area restaurants with a sampling pavilion in Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Call (410) 296-1019 for more information.; St. James’ Art, Antique & Craft Auctions; To celebrate a sense of community on Capitol Hill, St. James’ Episcopal Church hosts its art, antique, and craft auction including lithographs, watercolors, photographs, and prints by Matisse, Miro, Pastore, and more. Auction items range from fine arts to weekend getaways. Call (202) 546-1746 for more information.; Army Ten Miler; As America’s largest 10-mile race, the Army Ten Miler starts and finishes at the Pentagon, passing national treasures such as the Lincoln Memorial, Capitol, and the Washington monument. A 200M Youth Run Walk is also staged. Call (202) 685-3361 for more information.; Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday Celebration; This celebration on the 88-acre Theodore Roosevelt Island honors the nation’s 26th president, known for conservationism. Call (703) 289-2530 for more information.; Apple Harvest Festival; Winchester’s Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market, about an hour from Washington, D.C., stages its Apple Harvest Festival with 20 ready for pickin’ varieties. The shindig includes apple caramel sundaes, pies, and cobblers, with wagon rides and more. Call (540) 662-1980 for more information.; Pumpkin Festival; Winchester’s Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market’s Pumpkin Festival features searches for the Great Pumpkin, along with pumpkin pie, hot apple cider, and renowned apple-cider doughnuts. Call (540) 662-1980 for more information.
November: National Basketball Association; Toronto, Canada was the site of the National Basketball League’s first game on Nov. 1, 1946, with the Huskies hosting the New York Knickerbockers at Maple Leaf Gardens. Thirteen original rules were drafted by Dr. James Naismith, creator of basketball. Pro basketball suffered in popularity in the early 1950′s, but one rule change — that of the 24-second clock — transformed the sport from a dull, stalling game to an exciting, offensive showcase. Icons along the way, from Bob Cousy and Wilt Chamberlain to Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, have immortalized what’s now the National Basketball Association’s game, creating long-standing rivalries from coast to coast.; Washington Wizards - To book seats to root for your Washington Wizards, click here.; College Basketball; First devised by James Naismith in 1891, with the first recorded collegiate game in 1893, legions testify there’s no sound so soothing as a basketball whooshing through the net after a flick of the wrist. NCAA basketball brings grass roots hoop dreams to an entirely new level each fall, building toward March Madness, the NCAA Division Basketball Championships.; George Mason Patriots, Georgetown Hoyas, Maryland Terrapins, Morgan State Bears, Navy Midshipmen, Towson Tigers, American Eagles, CUA Cardinals, Coppin State Eagles, Gaucher Gophers, George Washington Colonials, Howard Bison, Loyola College Greyhounds, UMBC Retrievers; George Mason Patriots - To book seats for the George Mason Patriots, click here.; Georgetown Hoyas - To book seats for the Georgetown Hoyas, click here.; Maryland Terrapins - To book seats for the Maryland Terrapins, click here.; Morgan State Bears - To book seats for the Morgan State Bears, click here.; Navy Midshipmen - To book seats for the Navy Midshipmen, click here.; Towson Tigers - To book seats for the Towson Tigers, click here.; Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League (MAGDRL) Scavenger Hunt; Early in November, the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League organizes an all day scavenger hunt, beginning at Port Java City Coffee House at 701 North Carolina Av, SE, and ending at RFD, 810 7th St, NW in Chinatown. Proceeds benefit the League. Call (703) 784-2225 for more information.; Marine Corps Marathon; In a race that begins and ends at the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery, thousands of runners snake through downtown streets and parks in one of the nation’s most prestigious marathons. Call (703) 784-2225 for more information.; Veterans Day Ceremony; Military brass, veterans and the public gather at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in a salute to men and women serving their nation. Call (202) 619-7222 for more information.; Waterfowl Festival; The town of Easton, MD hosts celebrated waterfowl artists and craftsmen in a variety of venues throughout the city, with lots of food, presentations and activities for the kids. Call (410) 822-4567 for more information.; Bakery Festival; Winchester’s Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market’s Bakery Festival, about an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C., tantalizes with homemade cakes, more than a dozen kinds of pie, and scenic wagon rides through the valley. Call (540) 662-1980 for more information.
December: Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade; During the first weekend in December, all of the Scottish clans represented in the greater Washington, D.C. area parade through the streets playing bagpipes as part of the annual celebration of Scottish culture, sponsored by the Campagna Center and government of Scotland, with most of the exhibition and holiday shopping opportunities in and around the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Call (703) 224-2344 for more information.; Holiday Market; Dozens of artists and craftsmen will exhibit their work for sale, accompanied by local musicians, throughout the month of December, with the center of festivities in front of the National Portrait Gallery, along F Street between 7th and 9th Streets Northwest. Call (703) 417-2700 for more information.; Washington Jewish Film Festival; With titles over the years including Jericho’s Echo: Punk Rock in the Holy Land, the Washington Jewish Film Festival, presented by the Morris Cafritz Center for the Arts at the District of Columbia Jewish Community Center and other venues, entertains and informs with thought-provoking works, some in Hebrew or other languages with English subtitles. Call (202) 777-3248 for more information.; Capital Area Auto Show; Capital Area Auto Show at the Washington Convention Center introduces the public to next year’s models as well as to concept cars that some day may hit the market. Call (301) 670-1110 for more information.; International Human Rights Day Dinner; Commemorating the International Human Rights Day set by the United Nations, this dinner at theCapital Hilton provide supporters with insider perspective on current human rights issues. Call (202) 393-1000 for more information.; Christmas Celebration and Services; Washington National Cathedral conducts a Christmas celebration and services, with passes required for Christmas Eve services at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Call (202) 537-6200 for more information.; National Christmas Tree Lighting; The nation’s chief executive opens the holiday season with lighting of the National Christmas Tree accompanied by the Pageant of Peace. From early December to New Year’s Day, the White House Ellipse Visitor Pavilion features lighted trees from each state and territory, a nativity scene, live reindeer, a burning yule log and choral concerts. Call (202) 619-7222 for more information.; Matzo Ball; From a humble start in a Boston bar, Matzo Ball bashes in more than a dozen cities including San Francisco and Manhattan have arrived in Washington, D.C. at Lulu’s Club Mardi Gras as a holiday party for Jewish singles on the night before Christmas. Call (202) 861-5858 for more information.; First Night Alexandria; On New Year’s Eve, Old Town Alexandria celebrates with live music, dancing and magic in shops and other venues from the Masonic Memorial to the waterfront, beginning with a Fun Hunt at 3pm and culminating in a fireworks display at midnight. Call (571) 289-7108 for more information.

This page is intended to be an overview only. For a complete list of current Washington, D.C.-area events, please have a look at the Washington, D.C. EventGuide.