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. Read our guide to all of the fun and get more details at Events DC’s site below.
More Info
Hideaki Miyamura / Smithsonian Craft Show
Smithsonian Craft Show – May 1-5
Revel in the talents of craft and design artists from all across the U.S. at the annual Smithsonian Craft Show. In addition to the five-day show, programming also includes a Preview Night benefit and party, a panel of award winners called “Trio in Glass” and a luncheon and talk on the topic of “Saving Culture and Art in Crisis”. All proceeds benefit Smithsonian programs and museums.
Tickets
National Building Museum, 401 F Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20001
International City Food Festival – May 3-4
Get a taste of DC’s global food and drink at the second annual International City Food Festival complementing the first weekend of Passport DC. The three-day event will include celebrations aimed at making culinary diplomacy accessible — with free admission — to all ages. The festival offers a timely launch point to travel the globe and understand other cultures, all in the heart of DC.
More Info | Free Admission
The Square, 1875 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006
Flower Mart – May 3-4
During Passport DC’s first weekend, the Washington National Cathedral hosts its annual Flower Mart, a two-day event that allows visitors to shop for plants and gifts, eat fun festival food, enjoy children’s activities, ride a historic carousel and take in the beauty of the International Floral Exhibit.
More Info | Free Admission
Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016
Financial Times Weekend Festival – May 4
Experience the Financial Times weekend paper come to life at the FTWeekend Festival: U.S. edition. Hear from Nancy Pelosi, Jake Sullivan, Jancis Robinson, Gucci Westman, Anne Applebaum, Colin King and your favorite FT writers across four stages at the REACH at the Kennedy Center as well as online. From debates and performances to wine and whiskey tastings, this is a Saturday event not to be missed. Register now and save 15% using the promo code DCFestival.
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.
Tickets
The REACH at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
M3 Rock Festival – May 4-5
Rock ‘n roll diehards can get the full ‘80s arena experience at the two-day M3 Rock Festival. Celebrating its 15th year, the can’t-miss event will feature legendary rockers like Bret Michaels, Dee Snider, Queensryche, Steven Pearcy, Doro, Quiet Riot, Chris Caffery and Night Ranger. Single and multi-day tickets are available.
Tickets
Merriweather Post Pavilion 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044
Star Wars Weekend at Nationals Park – May 3-5
Experience the magic of Friday nights with the Nats this May the Fourth weekend. Fans can enjoy fireworks with Star Wars-themed music plus weekend-long giveaways, including beanies and bobbleheads.
Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Mary Lou Williams: Next Jazz Legacy Festival – May 10-11
Honoring the life and work of the “first lady of jazz,” legendary pianist and composer Mary Lou Williams, the Next Jazz Legacy Festival highlights women propelling the genre forward. Hosted by the three-time Grammy-award-winning Dee Dee Bridgewater, the two-day festival includes performances by Eliane Elias, Endea Owens, Ingrid Jensen and the Center Song Project, Julia Keefe’s Indigenous Big Band and more.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Kennedy Center
George Lopez: ALLLRIIIIGHHTTT! Comedy Tour – May 10-11
Whether you’ve seen him on the stage in one of his HBO comedy specials, acting in the DC Universe’s Blue Beetle, or leading one of his many groundbreaking late night shows and sitcoms, George Lopez has been a household name for decades. However, Lopez’s career began with stand-up, so his latest tour is bound to blow you away and touch on the personal topics around which he has chosen to build his career: Latino identity and family dynamics.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
EU Embassies’ Open House – May 11
Take your very own day-trip to Europe and enjoy the Old Continent without any jet lag. From Ireland and Italy to Spain and Slovakia, all European Union member states participate in this citywide open house experience.
More Info | Free Admission
Free Shows & Screenings at the Kennedy Center
All month long, the Kennedy Center has curated free programming as part of its Social Impact series. Events include a show from Pokey LaFarge and the Jewish American Heritage Concert as well as film screenings of acclaimed works such The Color Purple and Past Lives.
Calendar
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Fiesta Asia! – May 18
Embrace Asian Heritage Month with a day jam-packed with culture, from the performing arts to culinary delights. The annual Fiesta Asia! takes over Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 6th streets NW with exciting performances, interactive displays, flea markets and food stalls.
More info | Free Admission
Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd & 6th Streets NW
Rolling to Remember – May 24
This motorcycle rally is held to raise awareness of critical issues faced by veterans every day, as well as in tribute to those missing in action and prisoners of war. Rolling to Remember aims to deliver a message to Congress and the American people that veterans are in need of assistance, as the group struggles with a suicide crisis. Visit the event website for scheduling updates, registration and attendance info for this year’s procession.
More info
National Memorial Day Concert – May 26
The National Memorial Day Concert salutes the sacrifice made by the men and women in uniform, as well as their families. The free annual concert will be aired on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 26 at 8 p.m. Actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna will host the proceedings, which will feature numerous other celebrity performers. The event will also be live-streamed online and will be available on-demand for two weeks after the performance.
More info
The National Memorial Day Parade – May 27
Our Sacred Honor tells the story of American sacrifice from the Revolution to today along Constitution Avenue through live, on site historical re-enactors, veterans, and active duty military personnel, joined by musical performances and celebrity appearances. The in-person parade will take place ‘live’ in Washington, filmed for a television special that will air on ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox stations nationwide. For more ideas on how to spend the weekend, check out our suggestions.
More info
Capital Pride – May 31 – June 9
Each year, local nonprofit Capital Pride hosts an array of exciting events and 2024 will be no different. There will be plenty of ways to show the community love in June. Last year’s attractions included a Pridemobile Parade and a Taste of Pride brunch, in addition to the yearly concert and festival. Event dates and details will be announced in the coming months. Also note that DC will host World Pride in 2025.
More info
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC’s booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
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