Since
Washington D.C. is on the East Coast, it tends to get the harshest cold spells every winter. You'll no doubt step out all bundled up in multiple layers just to feel comfortable enough to move around. The extremely low temperature is what will have you wishing for spring to come as soon as possible, and when it does, it will bring a lot of fun with it! For example, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is worth checking out. The American capital is at its most beautiful when spring gives it a lovely rosy glow. Filmfest DC is not to be missed too, especially if you're a cinephile who just moved to the city.
Experience The National Cherry Blossom Festival
Japan isn't the only place where you will find cherry blossoms. It's undeniably the most famous, but there are other destinations where you'll find these rosy, delicate trees. One of them is Washington D.C., the American capital. In 1912, Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo gifted the city a grove of cherry blossom trees, which now line the famous Tidal Basin. The sight of these blossoms paired with the American capital's grand monuments makes for a breathtaking scene. Hence, when the trees bloom every mid-March, the city hosts its month-long National Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate. You shouldn't miss it!
Unleash Your Inner Cinephile at Filmfest DC
Washington D.C. deserves more credit for its annual film festival. Filmfest DC might not be as well-known as the
Cannes Film Festival or as prestigious as the Tribeca Film Festival, but it's fascinating nonetheless. Much like these aforementioned events. Filmfest DC features a myriad of filmmakers showing their latest works through various genres. From full-length dramas to riveting short documentaries, discover new and exciting features you won't see anywhere else. What's great about it is that it's a film festival that doesn't just focus on the established filmmakers. This event serves as a great platform for emerging creatives to show what they've got.
See The City's Diverse Culture at Passport DC
The American capital is a lot more diverse than what people seem to think it is. It's not just a sprawling metropolis where politicians debate and make laws while the big news corporations cover them. The city is home to a multitude of ethnicities and nationalities, all offering a different side to the American capital. Passport DC, which is held in the entire month of May, gives you a peek at just that! This even pushes the various cultures in the city to the forefront, all for the whole world to see. You definitely shouldn't miss it, especially if you've
moved to Washington D.C. yourself.
Check Out The Financial Times Weekend Festival
Since you're already in Washington D.C., the capital city of the US and the seat of power of what is perhaps the most powerful country in the world, shouldn't you hear from the country's leaders themselves? That's the opportunity that the Financial Times Weekend Festival gives you every spring. Held every May at the Kennedy Center, the event invites some of the most prolific American politicians to speak to the American people and the rest of the world. Prominent figures like Nancy Pelosi, Jake Sullivan, and more take to the stage to speak to audiences, engage in debate, and more.
Source: Financial Times
Have Fun at ShamrockFest
As already mentioned, Washington D.C. boasts a diverse population that features countless communities. One of them is the Irish-American community, one that celebrates the infamous St. Patrick's Day holiday as if it's an official
American public holiday. And they do so with a bang, namely ShamrockFest, an annual music festival typically held at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Fairgrounds. While it's not exactly Coachella or Glastonbury, it's an exciting event just the same, especially since it has long featured both top-charting stars and emerging artists. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite band here!
Watch a Washington Nationals Game
If you're a big baseball fan, you'll love spending spring in Washington D.C.! You can catch the hometown team, the Washington Nationals, and other MLB favorites at Nationals Park, and do what they do best at the famous Nationals Park. With the cold winter gone and warmer weather here to stay, it's the perfect season to go to the ball game. For years, Nationals Park has even served as the venue for many riveting games, including World Championships and the like. There's also arguably no experience more “American” than watching a baseball game with a hotdog and a big foam finger.
It’s the Best Time to Shop at Street Markets
Since spring has arrived, it's time to step out of your
luxury apartment in Washington D.C. and go shopping. The warmer season allows for the city's street markets to set up shop again, selling fresh produce, delicious snacks, and other fascinating finds. Head to the Palisades Farmers Market, for example, and get your hands on as many organic ingredients as you can. The Mount Pleasant Farmers' Market near Columbia Heights, on the other hand, is one of the best places to check out what local shops and homegrown businesses have to offer.
Take The Monuments by Moonlight Tour
While it's possible to take the famous Monuments by Moonlight at every season, spring is arguably the best time to do it. The weather is much warmer but still cool enough since winter just left. When you go from one historic landmark to another, you won't see a single bead of sweat. All you'll need is a light sweater and comfy footwear and you're good to go! But is it worth taking the Monuments by Moonlight tour at all? Of course, it is! Seeing these iconic and grand spots at night will take your breath away!
Is it fun to spend spring in Washington D.C.? Yes, it is! When the season brings about the cherry blossoms and sunny weather, the city has many great events, ranging from various festivals to moonlight tours of famous monuments.
