April in Washington, D.C., is such a vibrant time! Here are some awesome things you can do around the city during spring. You can throw paint and powder during a Holi celebration or learn how to waltz at the Viennese Ball at the Austrian Embassy. For a family-friendly event, consider exploring the Jacqueline Woodson Block Party at the Kennedy Center.
Tulip Fields at Burnside Farms
Experience a taste of Holland in Virginia at Burnside Farms. Tickets sell out quickly, so buy them in advance and make sure to watch the weather channel. Their Tulip season is suspected to end on April 13th, so timing is crucial.
- When: Early April to mid-April.
- Where: 11008 Kettle Run Rd , Nokesville , VA , 20181
Bad Bunny Concert
Bad Bunny has quickly become one of the most prominent figures in Latin music in recent years. Known for his unique blend of reggaeton, Latin trap, and hip-hop, he has sold out stadiums all across the globe and is now in Washington, DC.
- When: April 9th
- Address: Capital One Arena
National Gallery Nights
National Gallery Nights allow people to engage with art in a more informal and social setting, and they often attract a diverse crowd of art enthusiasts, families, and young professionals. It’s a chance to explore the museum’s collections in a new light and enjoy a variety of cultural offerings all in one place. This month’s theme is about cherry blossoms. Guests can create useable floral art, dance to a local DJ, and take aesthetic photos throughout the gallery.
- When: The Lottery opens on April 1, but the event is on April 11th
- Where: National Gallery of Art
Petalpalooza
Petalpalooza is a free festival that is celebrated during spring. Thre will be family-centered hands-on activities, entertainers, and sports mascots. Fireworks will start around 8 pm.
- When: April 6th
- Where: Capitol Riverfront
Solar Eclipse Festival on the National Mall
Although DC won’t be able to see the solar eclipse in totality, join hundreds of locals as they experience the solar eclipse on the National Mall. The climax will be at 3:20 pm but lasts between 2:04 pm and 4:32 pm.
- When: April 8th
- Where: National Mall
Annapolis Boat Shows
The Annapolis Boat Shows are a series of boat shows held annually in Annapolis, Maryland, on the Chesapeake Bay. These boat shows are among the largest and most prestigious in the United States, drawing boating enthusiasts, industry professionals, and exhibitors from around the world.
- When: April 12-14, April 26-28
- Where: Bay Bridge, Annapolis Spring
Filmfest DC
Filmfest DC is an annual event that showcases a diverse selection of international and independent films. It’s one of the largest and longest-running film festivals in the Washington, D.C. area. Filmfest DC features a wide range of films from around the world, including narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and experimental works. The festival highlights films that explore cultural diversity, social issues, and artistic innovation.
Attendees have the opportunity to watch screenings of both acclaimed and lesser-known films, often followed by Q&A sessions with filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals.
- When: April 18 – 28
- Where: All across DC
Historic Garden Week Virginia
During Historic Garden Week, visitors have the opportunity to tour some of Virginia’s most exquisite gardens, private homes, and historic landmarks. The event is organized by the Garden Club of Virginia, and proceeds from ticket sales often go towards the preservation and restoration of historic gardens and landscapes throughout the state.
- When: April 20- 27th
- Where: All over Virginia
Austrian Embassy Viennese Ball: A Night in Vienna, Live Orchestra, Dancing
A Grand celebration of Viennese music, food, drinks, and dancing. Experience the splendor and spirit of Vienna and elegance of the waltz.
- When: April 19 · 7 – 11:30 pm
- Where: Embassy of Austria
- 3524 International Court Northwest Washington, DC 20008
Holi Dance Party
Holi is a vibrant and colorful Hindu festival celebrated primarily in India and Nepal, although it’s also observed in many other parts of the world with Hindu communities. It marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. The festival is most famously known the throwing of colored powders and water at each other.
- When: April 21
- Where: Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods
Georgetown French Market
Experience the art, music, and cuisine of France.
- When: April 26-28
- Where: Georgetown
DC Chocolate Festival
40+ chocolate vendors will present their goodies at the Embassy of France, where chocolate connoisseurs can learn to make chocolate during guided workshops.
- When: April 27
- Where: 4101 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007
The Asiantque Market
Imagine a Thai midnight market, but its during the day and filled with food vendors from all across of Asia.
- When: April 28th
- Address: 6911 Columbia Pike Annandale, Virginia 22003
Sakura Matsuri- Japanese Street Festival
The Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival is an annual event held in Washington, D.C. as part of the larger National Cherry Blossom Festival. The Sakura Matsuri, which translates to “Cherry Blossom Festival” in Japanese, celebrates Japanese culture, arts, and traditions in a lively street festival format.
- Where: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW – Between 3rd and 7th Street
- When: Saturday, April 13, 10:30 am – 6:00 pm Sunday, April 14, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
Fun Things to do With Kids in DC in April
Jacqueline Woodson Block Party
This cultural celebration is a highlight to the famed author, Jacqueline Woodson games, roller skate and double Dutch demos, chalk art, and a step dance workshop from Step Afrika
- When: April 13th
- Where: Kennedy Center
D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival
The D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival, officially known as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, is a celebrated annual event in Washington, D.C. It commemorates the gift of cherry blossom trees from Japan to the United States in 1912, symbolizing the friendship and enduring bond between the two nations.
- Where: Citywide
- When: Mid-March to Mid-April
