The nation's capital is filled with exciting experiences this spring.
Make the most of springtime in the nation's capital. The city comes to life with an array of can't-miss events (including the famous National Cherry Blossom Festival), exhibits, festivals and shows over the next several months, with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities that are sure to liven up your calendar. After you’ve read through this list, make sure to check out our things to do for the week, weekend and month, as well as more than 100 free activities to enjoy in DC.
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Sister Act – March 14 – May 17
Based on the smash hit 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act makes for divine musical comedy at Ford’s Theatre this upcoming spring. The Tony-nominated musical follows a nightclub singer who takes to a convent to hide from the mob. Self-discovery and glorious group harmonies ensue. The play features original music by the legendary Alan Menken.
Tickets
Ford's Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
National Cherry Blossom Festival – March 20 – April 13
DC celebrates the blooming of cherry trees with a month-long festival that commemorates the 1912 gift from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city. On average, peak bloom occurs between the last week of March and the first week of April, but the date changes year-to-year. Check out popular festival events in the lead-up to the celebration, in addition to our guide to the celebration, how to get the most popular blossom spots and the best places to snap photos.
Washington Nationals Baseball – Home Opener: March 27
The Washington Nationals are celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2025! Since coming to DC in 2005, the Nationals have earned four National League East titles, five postseason appearances, a World Series championship and continue to be one of the city's top attractions. This milestone season at Nationals Park promises thrilling MLB action, special events, promotions and the iconic Racing Presidents.
More Info & Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Friday Night Concert Series: Shaq AKA DJ Diesel – March 21
The Washington Wizards host a post-game concert featuring DJ Diesel on the 1's and 2's. Okay, we buried the lede. DJ Diesel is NBA legend and entertainment icon Shaq (you can probably tell from the picture above), so you'll be grooving to sounds from an all-time superstar after you watch the Wiz take on the Orlando Magic. The concert experience is free with the purchase of a game ticket.
Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Evening of Comedy at Wolf Trap – March 21-22
Wolf Trap welcomes three top-tier comedians of Seinfeld, Saturday Night Live and That’s So Raven fame for hilarious onstage hijinks. Four shows mean four times the laughs! Be there as The Barns fill with glee thanks to Carol Leifer, Rich Hall and Rondell Sheridan.
Tickets
Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Mary J Blige – March 26
Calling all 90s lovers (and who isn’t): make your way to Capital One Arena on March 26 for the Queen of Hip Hop Soul herself. Mary J. Blige will have the place percolating as she brings her For My Fans tour to the nation’s capital in support of her latest album, Gratitude. With special guests NE-YO and Mario, this is sure to be a show full of “real love.”
Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Awesome Con – April 4-6
DC’s Convention Center turns into a massive celebration of geek culture during Awesome Con. More than 70,000 fans will be able to see their favorite stars from comics, films, TV, toys and games throughout Awesome Con, a three-day festival that is Washington, DC’s own Comic Con. Expect plenty of costumed attendees and an array of activities to enjoy during one of the city’s most vibrant annual events.
Tickets
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001
This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance – Through April 20
Guest curated by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hilton Als, the National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibit focuses on one of the most important American writers of the 20th century. James Baldwin beautifully spoke out against injustice throughout his stirring career. He and other queer artists had to keep their sexuality hidden even while speaking up for civil rights. In addition to portraits of Baldwin, the exhibit also highlights many of his contemporaries including Lorraine Hansberry, Barbara Jordan, Bayard Rustin, Essex Hemphill and Marlon Riggs.
Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Filmfest DC – April 24 – May 5
The largest and longest-running annual international film festival in Washington, DC, Filmfest DC returns with another varied lineup featuring quite the genre exercise: comedies, dramas, thrillers, shorts and documentaries will all be on display.
More Info & Tickets
Bond In Motion – Through April 25
Across more than six decades of films, James Bond has become the on-screen embodiment of spies for millions. The International Spy Museum pays homage to the fictional character, along with his allies and adversaries, with a breathtaking display of iconic vehicles from the movies. In total, visitors can fix their eyes on 17 pieces, including cars, motorcycles, submarines and even more from the Q Branch Garage.
Hours & Admission
International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024
Passport DC – May 1-31
A month of programming across the city focuses on highlighting DC’s international culture. the Around the World Embassy Tour and the European Union Open House are annual highlights. Most events and tours can be enjoyed entirely free of charge.
More Info
In the Heights – through May 4
One of the most beloved and energetic American musicals will light up Signature Theatre this spring. Between beloved Latin beats, colorful choreography and favorite numbers like “96,000,” “Paciencia y Fe,” and “Carnaval del Barrio," In the Heights will immerse viewers in the characters, community and culture of Washington Heights.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Financial Times Weekend Festival – May 10
Experience the Financial Times weekend paper come to life at the FTWeekend Festival: U.S. edition. Hear from Anthony Scaramucci, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Gillian Tett, Roula Khalaf, Gideon Rachman, Jancis Robinson and your favorite FT writers and more, across four stages at the REACH at the Kennedy Center and online. From debates and performances to wine and whiskey tastings, this is a Saturday event not to miss!
Note: This event is an external rental presented in coordination with The Kennedy Center Campus Rentals Office and is not produced by The Kennedy Center.
More Info
The REACH at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 2056
Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line – Feb. 22 – May 18
A new exhibit at The Phillips Collection reappraises the work of Art Nouveau pioneer Alphonse Mucha and explores his impact on graphic art over the last 60-plus years. Visitors can experience Mucha’s distinct style and learn how psychedelic artists of later generations rediscovered his work and used it to inspire a wide range of media, from comics to manga and murals.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Project GLOW – May 31 – June 1
Festival goers can enjoy a transformation of one of the city’s most prominent recreational hubs, with two thoughtfully curated stages of music, exquisite food and beverage offerings and a collection of globally-recognized artists at the RFK Festival Grounds. True to the historic nature of the city, Project GLOW is the culmination of the past 20 years of Club Glow, representing its impact on the DC music scene while championing the superstar acts that will take to the festival stages.
Tickets
RFK Festival Grounds, 2400 East Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20003
WorldPride 2025 – May 17 – June 8
Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of DC's Capital Pride, this momentous occasion will bring together millions from around the world to honor and uplift the LGBTQ+ community through a spectacular series of events, parades and cultural festivities. Set against the iconic backdrop of Washington, DC, WorldPride 2025 promises an unforgettable experience filled with electrifying energy, historical significance and a unifying spirit.
