Your guide to upcoming events in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia — from festivals and food events to cultural celebrations, waterfront happenings, sports, conventions, and America 250 experiences.
The 173rd anniversary of America’s oldest horse show brings top hunters, jumpers, local ponies, sidesaddle riders, and equestrian tradition to one of Virginia’s most historic sporting events.
Event Details
Throughout June and July, a FIFA Fan Zone will be open to the public on the National Mall. This public celebration, held during the FIFA World Cup, will provide fans a place to gather and watch matches live on a giant screen while enjoying food and drinks in a vibrant festival atmosphere.
Event Details
The Clipper Race returns to Washington, DC with a waterfront stopover at The Wharf, bringing ocean-racing yachts, crew stories, and maritime energy to the Potomac. Arrival is expected sometime between June 14 and June 16, with public events and ship tours during the stopover, and a departure parade on June 22.
Event Details
A series of maritime events, ship tours, waterfront programming, and naval-inspired experiences will bring extra energy to The Wharf during the Clipper stopover.
Event Details
The racing yachts depart The Wharf with a fleet parade along the Potomac, giving spectators a final waterfront view before the crews continue their round-the-world journey.
Event Details
One of the boldest America 250 celebrations planned for the National Mall, featuring pavilions representing all 50 states and U.S. territories.
Event Details
A celebration of flavor, music, vendors, and summer festival energy in the heart of DC, stretching along Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd to 7th Streets NW.
Event Details
The National Mall continues its large-scale America 250 celebration with state and territory pavilions, cultural showcases, and national birthday energy.
Event Details
A major Independence Day celebration expected to anchor America’s 250th birthday with performances, patriotic programming, and a grand fireworks display over the capital.
Event Details
Throughout June and July, a FIFA Fan Zone will be open to the public on the National Mall. This public celebration, held during the FIFA World Cup, will provide fans a place to gather and watch matches live on a giant screen while enjoying food and drinks in a vibrant festival atmosphere.
Event Details
While peak bloom varies from year to year, the best time to see the lotus blossoms and water lilies is in mid-July. The annual Lotus & Water Lily Festival is the most popular event at the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, and will be held July 18-19, 2026 with the expected lotus flower peak bloom.
Event Details
Washington, DC’s major anime convention returns with panels, screenings, cosplay, music, fashion, gaming, artist alley, and a massive marketplace for anime and manga fans.
Event Details
Otakon continues into August with fan programming, cosplay, concerts, panels, workshops, shopping, and convention energy across downtown DC.
Event Details
The Great American Farmers Market will take place on the National Mall during National Farmers Market Week (August 3–8, 2026). It will unite farmers, ranchers, and producers to showcase American agriculture, reinforce our shared commitments to “Make Agriculture Great Again” and “Make America Healthy Again,” and pay tribute to our nation’s growers.
Event Details
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 US Capitol.
Event DetailsSeptember events are being updated. Check back for festivals, museum programs, performances, cultural events, and fall happenings across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
October events are being updated. Expect fall festivals, cultural celebrations, Halloween-season events, food experiences, and arts programming.
November events are being updated. Check back for holiday openings, cultural events, performances, markets, museum programs, and seasonal guides.
December events are being updated. Expect holiday lights, markets, performances, winter festivals, family events, and seasonal things to do around the capital region.
