OCTOBER 24, 2026
INTERNATIONAL GOLD CUP 2026
Great Meadow, The Plains, VA
The Prestigious International Gold Cup Event!
The International Gold Cup 2026 at Great Meadow brings together top equestrian athletes for a thrilling competition. Spectators can enjoy world-class show jumping, elegant equestrian displays, and a festive atmosphere celebrating the sport of kings.
INTERNATIONAL GOLD CUP 2025 HIGHLIGHTS
OCTOBER 15-18, 2026
ANNAPOLIS SAILBOAT SHOW
City Dock,Annapolis, MD
Sailors from around the globe gather in beautiful downtown Annapolis every October for the Annapolis Sailboat Show.
This annual celebration of sailing features floating docks lined with sailboats from manufacturers around the world. Multihulls, monohulls, cruisers, racers, sailing dinghies and more. Show tents line the shore, stocked with the latest in nautical gear and accessories, electronics, communication equipment, sails, rigging, education, charter companies, clubs and more.
COME AND SEE CITY DOCK'S NEW LAYOUT
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October 8-11, 2026
ANNAPOLIS POWERBOAT SHOW
City Dock, Annapolis MD
October brings the transformation of Ego Alley and Annapolis Harbor into a boater’s dream, as floating docks create a temporary marina showcasing new and premiering boats and the latest in boating accessories, equipment and apparel during the Annapolis Powerboat Show.
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AUGUST 22-23, 2026
FREEDOM 250 GRAND PRIX
National Mall
Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping weekend as the Freedom 250 Grand Prix takes over the National Mall. Experience high-speed racing, thrilling entertainment, and a celebration of motorsports like no other!
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington DC will take place Aug. 22-23, 2026, marking the first‑ever NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on the National Mall. The free, two-day motorsports event will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with world‑class racing set against the backdrop of some of America’s most historic landmarks, including the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol.
LET FREEDOM REV!
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JULY 31 - AUGUST 2, 2026
OTAKON 2026
Washington Convention Center, Washington DC
Convention of Otaku Generation!
Otakon DC 2026 brings fans of anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture together for a weekend of panels, screenings, cosplay, and special events. Attendees can expect a vibrant celebration of all things Otaku, with opportunities to meet creators, participate in interactive experiences, and enjoy exclusive merchandise.
OTAKON 2026 HIGHLIGHTS
July 4, 2026
SALUTE TO AMERICA CELEBRATION & FIREWORKS
National Mall, Washington DC
The capstone of America’s 250th anniversary brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Washington Monument grounds and surrounding areas for a full day of performances, flyovers, first time aerobatic demonstrations over DC, and a live broadcast evening program—culminating with the largest fireworks display in history.
850,000 fireworks shells launched from 10 sites: Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, 8 Potomac River barges, and West Potomac Park
Fireworks Show ~10:30 PM ET · approximately 40 minutes
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JUNE 27-28, 2026
GIANT 34TH ANNUAL BARBEQUE BATTLE
Pennsylvania Avenue NW (3rd - 7th Street)
Award Winning Chefs * Celebrated Cookbook Authors *Champion Pitmasters * Food Vendors * Family Fun * Live Music *
Come on down and join them as they kick off summer in style at the 34th Annual Giant National Capital BBQ Battle. It’s a celebration of flavor, fun, and the heart of the nation’s capital you won’t want to miss!
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June 25 - July 10, 2026
GREAT AMERICAN STATE FAIR
National Mall, Washington DC
A world-class exposition and modern-day World’s Fair celebrating the people, traditions, innovations, and spirit that make America the greatest nation on Earth. Featuring more than 150 exhibits from all 56 states and territories, businesses, innovators, and civic organizations, the Great American State Fair will showcase the very best of America through state pavilions, industry displays, family-friendly attractions, movie screenings, musical performances, military ensembles, spectacular flyovers, daily cultural programming, and an iconic Ferris wheel on the National Mall.
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JUNE 14-22, 2026
CLIPPER ROUND THE WORLD RACE STOPOVER
The Wharf DC
Tentative schedule is as follows:
- June 14-16: Clipper Fleet Arrival is expected sometime between June 14 and June 16
- June 18-21: Clipper Fleet Week with interactive exhibits and crew meet-and-greets
- June 22: Clipper Fleet Departure Parade with fireworks and a send-off celebration that are expected to add to the energy of the day.
June 1-7, 2026
UPPERVILLE COLT AND HORSE SHOW
Upperville, VA
The 173rd anniversary of the oldest horse show in America runs June 1-7, 2026. During this week, the nation's top ranked hunters and jumpers will compete alongside the local ponies, sidesaddle ladies and the future of the sport in Hunter Breeding and leadline classes.
Additional, non-horsey, competitons include Horses & Horsepower Car Show and the Pup Parade!
MORE INFO2025 HIGHLIGHTS
New Venue: Bay Bridge Boat Show at Safe Harbor Narrows Point April 11-13 for a great day on the bay!
MARCH 19, 2026
STUMPY'S PETALS & PADDLES RACE
Tidal Basin Boathouse, Washington, DC
The 2nd Annual Stumpy’s Petals & Paddles Race will be held on March 19, 2026 from 4-7pm! The Boat Race promises an exciting celebration of spring in Washington, DC. This event invites participants of all ages to race pedal boats across the iconic Tidal Basin, a beautiful body of water surrounded by the famous monuments and memorials.
Paddle for a Purpose - 50% of net proceeds will be donated to the Trust for the National Mall Cherry Tree Endowment Fund, helping to preserve and protect the cherry trees for future generations.
2026 HIGHLIGHTS
FEBRUARY 22, 2026
MARDI GRAS
The Wharf DC
Mardi Gras at The Wharf will begin at 3pm and go through 7pm.
Come enjoy the parade featuring stilt walkers, jugglers, the King and Queen of Mardi Gras, plenty of beads, and fantastic floats from your favorite Wharf neighborhood partners.
Following the parade, the celebration continues on with a dance party and live music by the Naptown Brass Band on the District Pier Stage, JoGo Project on the Transit Pier stage, Too Much Talent Band on The Grove Stage, and DJ Troy on the M Street Landing Stage.
Firworks begin around 6:30pm
2025 HIGHLIGHTS
January 30-31, 2026
POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
Sandy Point State Park, MD
The Police & Public Safety Plunge and Corporate Plunge on Friday, 1/30, and the Maryland Plunge on 1/31, along with PlungeFest activities, are on as planned. They will continue to monitor the weather and park conditions to ensure the safety of their Plunge community.
Due to severe weather conditions, the decision was made to prioritize the safety of all participants, volunteers, athletes, and staff by rescheduling the 2026 Cool Schools Plunges.
The adjusted schedule is as follows: Wednesday 2/4 – Maryland Cool Schools (Plunges at 11:00am, 12:00pm, and 1:00pm) and Thursday 2/5 – Anne Arundel Cool Schools (Plunges at 11:00am, 12:00pm, and 1:00pm)
2025 HIGHLIGHTS
