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Events

St Patrick’s Day Parade

Due to its increasing popularity this annual event has been dubbed 'The Nation's St Patrick's Day Parade' and is a family day in celebration of the Irish culture. The festivities include Irish musicians, dancers and singers, marching bands, pipe bands and floats.

Venue: Constitution Avenue; Date: 16 March 2008; Website: www.dcstpatsparade.com

Smithsonian Kite Festival

Traditionally part of the Cherry Blossom Festival festivities, the annual Kite Festival is one of Washington DC's most popular events where kite aficionados can show off their skills and compete for a variety of awards, both serious and fun. Kite enthusiasts come from around the US, and the world, and compete in a stunt kite flying competition, as well as the final Rokkaku Battle in which individuals or teams try to cut or ground the other kites.

Venue: Washington Monument; Date: 29 March 2008; Time: 10am to 4pm; Website: www.kitefestival.org

Cherry Blossoms

National Cherry Blossom Festival

One of Washington DC’s most famous events, the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the arrival of spring, and commemorates the original gift of 3,000 cherry trees to the city from the people of Tokyo in 1912 as a symbol of friendship between the two countries. Visitors flock to the city to admire the beautiful pink and white blossoms that surround the Tidal Basin and to join in the festivities that include a cultural blend of music, dance and art demonstrations and performances from Japan and Washington, a fireworks display and parade. The Parade is the festival’s biggest event with spectacular floats, marching bands, costumed dance groups and giant helium balloons. A Japanese Street Festival after the parade exhibits the traditions, arts and food of Japan.

Venue: Tidal Basin; Date: 29 March to 13 April 2008; Parade 12 April; Website: www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

Fourth of July fireworks

National Independence Day Celebration

One of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in the country, the capital puts on a grand show to celebrate the nation’s birthday, with the city’s biggest and most impressive parade, music concerts, arts and crafts, an evening performance by the National Symphony Orchestra on the steps of the Capitol building, and one of the country’s largest fireworks displays.

Venue: National Mall; Date: 4 July 2008; Time: Parade 11.45am; fireworks 9pm; Website: www.july4thparade.com

Smithsonian Folklife Festival © Washington, DC Convention and Tourism Corporation

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

The Folklife Festival is a unique Washington DC tradition and is the largest annual cultural event in the city. It is a living cultural exhibition that celebrates the heritage of different states and regions as well as international communities, and includes music and dance performances, craft demonstrations, storytelling, exhibits, traditional food and cooking demonstrations, and workshops.

Venue: National Mall; Date: 25-29 June and 2-6 July 2008; Time: 11am to 5.30pm; Website: www.folklife.si.edu

Chinese New Year Parade

Welcoming in the Chinese Lunar New Year are spectacular lion and dragon dancers accompanied by the celebratory sounds of drummers, musicians and firecrackers. The colourful festivities wind through the streets of Chinatown where authentic food is laid on by the local restaurants. For more information contact the Washington DC Convention and Tourism Corporation on 202 789 7000. The year 2008 is the Year of the Rat.

Venue: Chinatown; Date: 26 January 2009, TBC; Time: 2pm