Must-See Events in Washington, D.C. This Spring

You know the most famous Washington, D.C., spring events (Cherry Blossom Festival, anyone?), but there’s so much more to do in this town over the spring months than simply look at the trees.

“Springtime jumpstarts D.C.’s spectacular events calendar. Our mild weather and blooms are two more invitations to explore our neighborhoods,” said Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO, Destination DC. “The Wharf will be a major draw for cherry blossoms, as well as a destination for outdoor dining, concerts and nightlife. Trip around the world during Passport DC, bike the sights on car-free streets, share a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant and see the riveting new portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama at the National Portrait Gallery.”

So, while the National Cherry Blossom Festival ended April 15, here are some of our other favorite events you won’t want to miss before summer hits.

In early May, travelers can get a taste for other countries and start adding a few more to their bucket lists with Passport DC. This celebration includes embassy open houses, like the Around the World Embassy Tour May 5 and the EU Embassy Open House May 12. It’s free and you can expect various activities and amenities at each embassy.

If you plan your museum visits around interesting exhibitions, here’s what’s on. Through May 28, see “Sally Mann: A Thousand Crossings” at the National Gallery of Art. You can find “Woman House” at the National Museum of Women in the Arts for the same time period. “No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man” is on at the Renwick Gallery through Jan. 21. If art’s not your thing and you’d rather enjoy some sports history, visit the Library of Congress for “Baseball Americana,” starting June 29.

Get outdoors with the DC Bike Ride May 19. Twenty miles of scenic roadways are closed throughout the city for cyclists.

And, of course, the Washington Nationals home opener is April 5 with a kick-off against the Mets.