D.C. in Bloom: 29 events to celebrate spring
From garden tours and cultural festivals to specialty markets and crafting workshops, springtime in the District is full of vibrant things to get into.
It’s that magical time of year — sunshine, birdsong, and streets covered in petals … and pollen. While the cherry blossom frenzy may be over, locals have plenty of ways to enjoy the long-awaited break from winter's chill. Here’s a roundup of can’t-miss events to make the most of the season.
FLOWER POWER & GARDEN TOURS
Georgetown Flower Tour
Visit 12 participating small businesses to collect flowers and greens to build a hand-made bouquet to spruce up your home. (Saturday, April 12; 1 – 5 p.m.; Georgetown Neighborhood Library; $40)
Bloom Ride & Spring Picnic
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride through D.C. and Northern Virginia with scenic stops to admire the season’s blooms. The ride ends with a picnic celebration, and proceeds support the Washington Area Bicyclist Association’s community programs. (Saturday, April 19; 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Franklin Park; $25 -$75)
Common Good City Farm’s Spring Kick-Off
Get inspired to start your spring garden with this seedling sale and plant swap. You can also partake in free food and enjoy seed-themed activities for all ages. (Saturday, April 19; 12 – 3 p.m.; Common Good City Farm; FREE, but registration required)
Neighborhood Beautification Day
Join neighbors and volunteers to beautify Van Ness by planting pollinator-friendly flowers along Connecticut Avenue. (Saturdays & Sundays, March 29 - May 4; 2 – 4 p.m.; Various locations in Van Ness; FREE)
23rd Annual Brookland Home and Garden Tour
Explore unique homes and gardens throughout Brookland, followed by a community reception. Proceeds support the Greater Brookland Garden Club. (Sunday, May 18; Tour: 12 – 5 p.m., Reception: 5 – 7 p.m.; St. Anthony Catholic School; $30 – $35)
SPRING FESTIVALS
Japanese Street Festival
Sakura Matsuri is a two-day event highlighting Japanese culture through food and sake tastings, games and crafts, performances, sumo demos, and more. (Saturday, April 12, 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday, April 13, 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Pennsylvania Ave NW (3rd–7th Streets); $15–$25; kids under 12 FREE)
DC Emancipation Day Celebration
Celebrate this significant day with parades, reenactments, and performances honoring African American history and the ongoing fight for freedom and equality. (Sunday, April 13; 2 – 9 p.m.; 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW; FREE)
Eggstravaganza at Tudor Place
Children can search for eggs on the South Lawn, enjoy Easter-themed art activities, play games, and take photos with the Easter Bunny. Bring a basket, hard-boiled egg, and spoon to participate. (Friday, April 18 – Saturday, April 19; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Tudor Place; $10 – $20)
Living Earth Festival
Celebrate Indigenous environmental stewardship through talks, demos, and films highlighting Native insights and innovation. (Sunday, April 27; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; National Museum of the American Indian; FREE)
Passport DC
Experience global culture through embassy open houses, street festivals, performances, and special programs from D.C.’s diplomatic community all month long. (May 1 – 31; Various times and locations; FREE)
Star Wars Weekeend — May the 4th Be With You
This galaxy-themed weekend includes cosplay contests, lightsaber training, themed food and drinks, live entertainment, and activities for fans of all ages. (Friday, May 2 – Sunday, May 4; Various times; Barracks Row Main Street; FREE, with add-ons available)
Around the World Embassy Tour
Step inside non-EU embassies and explore food, art, music, and cultural traditions from around the world — all in one afternoon. (Saturday, May 3; Various Embassies; FREE)
Anacostia River Festival
Celebrate 10 years of community and culture with live music, art, games, and free fishing workshops—rods, reels, and bait provided! (Saturday, May 4; 1 – 4 p.m.; Anacostia Park; FREE)
EU Open House
Tour European embassies and enjoy food, music, exhibits, and hands-on activities. No tickets or registration required. (Saturday, May 10; 10 a.m. – 4 .p.m; European Union Embassies; FREE)
Bloomingdale Community Day
Join neighbors for live music, food, local vendors, family activities, a yard sale, and a beloved annual dog show. (Saturday, May 17; 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Crispus Attucks Park; FREE)
MARKETS & SHOPPING
That’s So Vintage Market
Update your spring wardrobe with vintage finds at this curated market. Shop apparel, accessories, vinyl, glassware, books, and more from vendors specializing in unique and reworked pieces. (Saturday, April 12 – Sunday, April 13; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Dock 5 at Union Market; $25 Early Access, $5 General Admission)
22nd Annual Georgetown French Market
Shop sidewalk sales from 40+ boutiques, enjoy live music, stilt-walkers, face painting, French food, and more at this open-air spring tradition. (Friday, April 25 – Sunday, April 27; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily; Wisconsin Ave NW - O St to Reservoir Rd; FREE)
Make It Mt. Pleasant! Spring Art Market
Celebrate creativity and community with local artists showcasing paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography, and more. Afterward, dine at one of two dozen restaurants, cafes, and carryouts along Mt. Pleasant Street.(Sunday, April 27; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Lamont Plaza; FREE)
All Hallows Guild Flower Mart
The 86th iteration of this festival will feature more than 65 booths selling a wide array of items, including plenty of stops to purchase spring plants for your garden. (Friday, May 2, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Washington National Cathedral; FREE)
ARTS & CRAFT WORKSHOPS
District Spring Embroidery Class
Learn beginner embroidery and stitch your own cherry blossom keychain or charm. The class includes guided instruction, materials, and a take-home reference guide. (Saturday, April 12; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Shop Made in DC – Georgetown; $50)
Spring Arts & Crafts Workshop
Create spring-themed crafts, from wooden tulips to butterfly suncatchers. This workshop is family-friendly and led by local artist Tamara Thomas. (Saturday, April 12; 12 – 2 p.m.; Anacostia Community Museum; FREE)
Sculpture Garden Art Workshops
Explore various artistic mediums in outdoor workshops inspired by the Kreeger Museum’s sculpture garden. Led by Kreeger teaching artists. (Saturdays, May 10, May 31, and June 14; 1 – 2:30 p.m.; Kreeger Museum; Ages 16+; $30)
EARTH DAY EVENTS
NMWA Nights – Earth Day Edition
Celebrate sustainability and creativity with DJ Xsa, cocktails, and hands-on activities like beauty container recycling during this day of art, music, and eco-conscious vibes. (Wednesday, April 16; 5:30 – 8 p.m.; National Museum of Women in the Arts; $20 – $25)
A Day Unplugged
Step away from your screens and reconnect with nature through tree planting, gardening, sensory play, and hands-on Earth Day activities for all ages. (Saturday, April 19; Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum; FREE)
DC Dyke March Earth Day Crafternoon
Celebrate Earth Day with sustainable crafting. Decorate a tin can planter, mend clothes, or make a zine. Bring your own supplies or use what’s provided. (Saturday, April 26; 2 p.m.; Rhizome DC; Suggested donation $10–$15; Mask required)
MOTHER'S DAY EVENTS
A Mother’s Day Gospel Experience
Celebrate Mother’s Day with an inspiring gospel concert featuring Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, Kurt Carr, LeAndria Johnson, Kelontae Gavin, and Maranda Curtis, hosted by Jay Lamont. (Friday, May 9, 2025; 8 p.m.; Carefirst Arena; $70 – $125)
Mother’s Day Cake and Sip
Make this Mother’s Day unforgettable with a cake decorating experience led by Cakes by Christa and TruffLove. Learn basic decorating skills, then create your own edible masterpiece with expert instruction. No prior experience is needed. (Sunday, May 11; 6 – 8 p.m.; Creative Grounds DC; $90 – $210)
Mother’s Day 5K & 10K
Enjoy a scenic, flat 5K or 10K run in the heart of D.C. for Mother’s Day. Walkers and strollers are welcome. A virtual run option is also available. (Sunday, May 11; 7 – 9:30 a.m.; Georgetown; $35 - $55)
The Ultimate Mother’s Day Drag Brunch w/ Cake Pop!
Celebrate in style at this sassy, extravagant drag brunch featuring four fabulous queens performing at Throw Social. (Sunday, May 11; 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; Throw Social; $25)
