15 Fun & Exciting Things to Do in DC in April

cherry blossom trees in dc with Jefferson memorial far away


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

View of a Large Tulip Field

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

Boats Near Dock

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

Pathway Between Trees Towards House

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

South Asian People Covered in Colored Powder

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

Foods on the Picnic Blanket

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

busy outdoor market
via Asiantique 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

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