Washington DC is the Nation's capitol and there is plenty to see and do in addition to seeing the Capitol Building, the White House, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. You can also enjoy many of the annual events that are open to the public in Washington, DC. Some of these events include the following.
Veteran's Day Celebration
Each Veteran's Day holiday, there is an annual celebration in the gardens of the estate of George and Martha Washington in Mt. Vernon. President Washington did not live in the White House, but the estate and gardens where the nation's first president lived have been preserved. The Veteran's Day celebration consists of traditional tunes from a Barbershop Quartet as well as foods and tours of the house. This event is open to the public, although there is a nominal fee to tour the Washington estate. There are also various Veterans' Day celebrations located throughout District of Columbia.
JFK Theater Expo
Each year, some of the most talented young actors and actresses participate in plays at the JFK Theater in Washington, DC. The JFK Theater Expo is held on the second weekend of December each year and features mini performances by some of the most talented young performers in the country. If you are in Washington DC during December, you will want to witness this event.
Hawaiian Treasures Night
The Barns at Wolf Trap is a very famous entertainment venue in Washington DC and hosts a Hawaiian Treasures night each March 15th. This includes Hawaiian music and food as well as art work from Hawaiian artists. This began about 10 years ago as a way to get people out of the doldrums of the ending winter season.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is probably the most well known of all of the Washington, DC events and takes place to commemorate the coming of Spring. It began in 1912 and still takes place throughout the area. The festival begins on March 21 and ends on April 12th each year. If you are in Washington, DC during this time, you should check out the celebration of the blossom of the cherry trees, as well as the Cherry Blossom Parade that occurs down the mall of the capitol.
Washington International Film Festival
During the second and third week of April each year, Washington DC has its own film festival. This occurs for 12 days each April and features films that are played throughout the area at the Avalon Theater, the Regal Cinemas Gallery Place and more. During the film festival, the national capitol becomes a mini version of Cannes.
Saengerfest
For the past 50 years, Washington DC has been hosting the national Saengerfest on Memorial Day weekend. This takes place from the Wednesday before Memorial day to the Tuesday after Memorial Day and includes music from Germany performed by singers from all over the world. This includes choirs as well as orchestra music. If you like German music, you need to check out Washington DC during Memorial Day weekend.
During the summer months in Washington, DC, there are art fairs and small festivals that take place throughout the city. With or without lost symbols, there is plenty to enjoy when you visit Washington, DC, especially if you take in some of the annual events.
