The DC Winter Lantern Festival features over 1,000 Chinese lanterns. Photo courtesy of the festival
Christmas Weekend 2024 in DC Top Things To Do: Christmas Lights, Breakfast with Santa, Waterskiing Santa, and More
Take a lighted trail walk at Reston's Winterfest. Photo courtesy of Winterfest
24 Best Things to Do in DC December 2024 with Kids: Sing-A-Longs, Christmas Events, and New Year's Eve
GUIDE
Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids
Tackle the slides at Ice! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas. Photo courtesy of Gaylord National Harbor
What's Open on Christmas Day in DC: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Christmas vacation is the perfect time to catch Monet: The Immersive Experience before it leaves town in January! Photo courtesy of the experience
Christmas Vacation in DC: 19 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids
The DC Winter Lantern Festival dazzles through January 12. Photo courtesy of the festival
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 35 Best Things To Do with Kids in DC
Photo courtesy of Canva
Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens will dazzle the whole family. Photo by Tony Ventouris for Montgomery County Parks
30 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in DC for Kids
Take a stroll through the Marshall Pond Christmas Village in Burke, VA. Photo courtesy of Kristy Case, from the Marshall Pond Christmas Village Facebook page
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights Near DC in Maryland and Northern Virginia
Photo courtesy of Canva
Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
The Holiday Boat Parade is visible from both the Wharf and the Alexandria waterfront. Photo courtesy of the Wharf DC
32 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids
Pull on a signature blue parka for Ice! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas. Photo courtesy of Gaylord National Resort
Christmas in DC: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
Enjoy snow every night at Winter City Lights. Photo by Kyle Lanzer courtesy of the Winter City Lights .event.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Skate in the shadow of the National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes/CC BY 2.0
GUIDE
DC Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
The popular Sculpture Garden ice rink is back at the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr 2.0
Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids and Families
There are so many places to have breakfast with Santa throughout the DC area. Photo courtesy of Theissman's Restaurant's Facebook page
Breakfast with Santa in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
The Washington Ballet gives The Nutcracker a historic twist at the Warner Theatre. Photo by XMB photography
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Find the perfect tree for your family at Snickers Gap Tree Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
Christmas Tree Farms Near DC
Sometimes you can lend a helping hand, sometimes you need a helping hand. Because every kid deserves presents on Christmas. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
How To Find Free Toys for Kids this Christmas and Holiday Season—Apply Soon!
Child's Play has a great selection of toys, games, children's books, and more. Photo by Tony Ventouris Photography
Coolest Stores for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Enjoy storytime each Wednesday at the Hirshhorn. Photo courtesy of the Hirshorn Museum
101 Free Things To Do in DC with Kids

29 Best Spring Festivals and Fairs in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Families

You never know who you'll run into at the Blossom Kite Festival. Event photo courtesy of the festival
You never know who you'll run into at the Blossom Kite Festival. Event photo courtesy of the festival
3/29/24 - By Jennifer Swope

Looking for a spring festival or spring fair in the DC area this April and May? Read on for our fun list!

Spring is officially here, and with it comes spring festivals and fairs! DC families can enjoy a variety of festivals across the area including a Solar Eclipse Festival on the National Mall and an Earth Day celebration at Sully Historic Site. Most of the spring festivals and fairs near DC are FREE, allowing for a full day of family fun without breaking the budget.

Read on for our list of the best spring festivals and spring fairs in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. For more springtime activities, be sure to check out our Spring Activities Guide. And remember, we are constantly updating our events calendar with more fun things to do all over the DC area.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Celebrate the blossoms at the National Cherry Blossom Festival: Petalpalooza. Photo courtesy of the event
Celebrate the blossoms at the National Cherry Blossom Festival: Petalpalooza. Photo courtesy of the event

Spring Festivals and Fairs in Washington, DC

Blossom Kite Festival

Sunday, March 30, 2024
Washington Monument
This long-standing DC tradition, part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, invites people of all ages to fly kites among the cherry blossom trees on the grounds of the Washington Monument.  READ MORE

Sakura Taiko Fest

Sunday, March 30, 2024
Washington Monument
At this cherry blossom celebration, Japanese taiko groups share their passion for music, culture, and community. From traditional favorites to modern Japanese-African fusion, the groups showcase different drumming styles celebrating Japanese culture. READ MORE

National Cherry Blossom Festival: Petalpalooza

Saturday, April 6, 2024
The Yards
Celebrate the cherry blossoms at Yards Park with live music, a beer garden for parents, family-friendly hands-on activities, interactive art installations, and more. The day's events conclude with a fireworks show. READ MORE

Jazz and Blossoms (at Franklin Park)

Saturday, April 7, 2024
Franklin Park
Celebrate the cherry blossoms with live music and DJs, lawn games, face painting, flower balloons, food trucks, giveaways, and more activities for the whole family. READ MORE

Solar Eclipse Festival on the National Mall

Monday, April 8, 2024
National Mall
Celebrate and observe the solar eclipse that will be visible all across North America on Monday, April 8! The National Air and Space Museum, in collaboration with other Smithsonian museums, NASA, NOAA, the National Science Foundation, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory presents an outdoor festival with activities for all ages. READ MORE

Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival

Saturday & Sunday, April 13 & 14, 2024
Downtown
This two-day celebration of Japanese culture complementing the end of the National Cherry Blossom Festival features live musical performances across three stages, dancers, food, and arts. Guests can shop from a variety of vendors selling Japanese home goods, accessories, and artwork. READ MORE

Earth Day Family Day at SAAM

Saturday, April 20, 2024
Smithsonian American Art Museum
SAAM and the National Portrait Gallery celebrate Earth Day with musical performances from Bash the Trash and other acts that teach guests how art and science can help protect the Earth. Attendees can also enjoy nature-themed crafts and coloring pages. READ MORE

Georgetown French Market

Friday - Sunday, April 26-28, 2024
Georgetown
Dust off the berets for the popular Georgetown French Market, a Parisian-inspired open-air market in the charming Book Hill neighborhood. Face painting, caricature artists, roaming whimsical street performers, and live French and gypsy jazz offer fun and entertainment for all ages. C'est magnifique! READ MORE

City Blossoms Spring Festival

Saturday, April 27, 2024
Lincoln Heights
City Blossoms welcomes spring with its annual Spring Festival. This free, family-friendly event features farm-to-table food, pony rides, face painting, music, games, volunteering opportunities, and more. READ MORE

Flower Mart at Washington National Cathedral

Friday & Saturday, May 3 & 4, 2024
Washington National Cathedral
Flower Mart brings families to the Washington National Cathedral grounds for food, vendors, carnival games, an antique carousel, and more fun activities. READ MORE

Anacostia River Festival

Saturday, May 4, 2024
Anacostia Park
This premier DC event marks the official close of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Families can celebrate with outdoor activities, local performances, food trucks, and more.  READ MORE
The Gaithersburg Book Festival brings favorite books to life. Photo courtesy of National Park Trust
The Gaithersburg Book Festival brings favorite books to life. Photo courtesy of National Park Trust

Spring Festivals and Fairs in Maryland

Bunnyland Festival at Butler's Orchard

Various dates, through April 7, 2024
Germantown
Bunnyland at Butler's Orchard includes hayrides through a decorated trail, goodie baskets, an egg hunt, jump pads, giant slides, photos with the Easter Bunny, and more. READ MORE

Savor Bowie Spring Fest

Saturday & Sunday, April 20 & 21, 2024
Bowie
The Savor Bowie Spring Fest is a free food, wine, and music festival, featuring complimentary wine tastings from local wineries for adults, local vendors and artisans, and lots of different music and entertainment for all ages. READ MORE

Annapolis Book Festival

Saturday, April 27, 2024
Annapolis
The Annapolis Book Festival brings nationally and internationally renowned authors to the community to discuss their books and the craft of writing. There is also a huge used-book sale, live music and entertainment, raffle items, and children's activities. READ MORE

KinderFest at Watkins Regional Park

Saturday, April 27, 2024
Upper Marlboro
Enjoy a festival tailored for kids during KinderFest at Watkins Regional Park. KinderFest includes entertainment, games, a pumpkin pyramid, interactive exhibits, tennis demonstrations, carousel rides, nature activities, food vendors, and more. READ MORE

Montgomery County GreenFest

Saturday, April 27, 2024
Germantown
This Earth Day celebration is the largest annual environmental festival in Montgomery County, MD. GreenFest is organized by a coalition of public and non-profit partners. GreenFest 2024 invites people of all ages to come together to celebrate, learn, and start or continue their journey to improving the community and the environment. READ MORE

Fest Of Spring Caribbean Wine, Food, & Music Festival (at Good News Stables)

Saturday, May 18, 2024
Boyds
This Caribbean festival celebrates local and Caribbean culture through live performances, wine tasting, delectable cuisines, and an arts village offering an array of indigenous jewelry, clothing, and crafts. The festival also has kid-friendly activities. READ MORE

Gaithersburg Book Festival (at Bohrer Park)

Saturday, May 18, 2024
Gaithersburg
Gaithersburg 's annual book festival features a variety of family-friendly activities. Attendees can meet their favorite authors, participate in workshops, purchase books, and celebrate literacy. READ MORE

Hometown Holidays Music Fest (at RedGate Park)

Saturday & Sunday, May 25 & 26, 2024
Rockville
The city of Rockville presents a fun festival celebrating Memorial Day with two stages of entertainment by local acts, a Taste of Rockville, and activities for kids. READ MORE
Meet farm animals at Earth Day Fairfax at Sully Historic Site. Event photo courtesy of the Fairfax County Park Authority
Meet farm animals at Earth Day Fairfax at Sully Historic Site. Event photo courtesy of the Fairfax County Park Authority

Spring Festivals and Fairs in Northern Virginia

McLean Community Center Spring Fest

Saturday, March 30, 2024
McLean
Families are invited to celebrate the arrival of spring with arts and crafts, music, entertainment, and a parent-child egg hunt. Families can also take a picture with the Easter Bunny. READ MORE

Bluebells at the Bend

Saturday, April 6, 2024
Great Falls
Celebrate the Virginia bluebells at this family event featuring wildflower walks, crafts, live animals, music, face painting, and a moon bounce.  READ MORE

Art Blooms at Mosaic

Saturday & Sunday, April 6 & 7, 2024
Fairfax
Mosaic welcomes spring with a weekend of fun activities for the whole family, including a kids' game corner, cherry blossom arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations, a Glamour Tent with face painting and hair braiding by Vienna Singing Princesses, live music, local vendors, and beer and wine gardens. READ MORE

Earth Day Fairfax at Sully Historic Site

Saturday, April 20, 2024
Chantilly
Head to this Earth Day festival to enjoy nature exhibits, outdoor learning activities, an obstacle course, live entertainment, farm animals, a touch-a-truck, a tree-care clinic, giveaways, food trucks, and tours of Sully Historic House.  READ MORE

Holi at Mosaic

Saturday, April 20, 2024
Fairfax
Holi celebrates color, spring, and love, bringing friends and family together. The Mosaic District, in partnership with RASA, hosts the community for an afternoon of colored powder, music, and food. The throwing of color begins at 5:50pm. READ MORE

Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival

Saturday & Sunday, April 20 & 21, 2024
Leesburg
The Flower and Garden Festival features 150 gardening vendors, music and entertainment, food, a beer and wine garden, and a children's area with lots of activities for kids. READ MORE

Arlington Festival of the Arts

Saturday & Sunday, April 27 & 28, 2024
Arlington
More than 100 artists are featured at this community event in the heart of the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington. Everything from glass art to paintings, jewelry, and pottery is available for purchase. READ MORE

Strawberry Jubilee Fest at Great Country Farms

Saturdays & Sundays, May 18 - June 2, 2024 Bluemont
Great Country Farms celebrates the royal strawberry with a Jubilee packed with live music, farm contests, wagon rides, great food, and fun games for the whole family. READ MORE

Old Town Festival of Speed and Style

Sunday, May 19, 2024
Alexandria
This annual festival in Old Town Alexandria combines exotic cars and high fashion for a unique festival experience. Over 100 exotic supercars, antique racing cars, and motorcycles are on display for kids to look at close up. READ MORE

ViVa Vienna!

Saturday - Monday, May 25-27, 2024
Vienna
ViVa Vienna! is a three-day, fun-filled event celebrating community and honoring Memorial Day. Families can enjoy food, rides, music, children's activities, and more.  READ MORE

Falls Church Memorial Day Parade & Festival

Monday, May 27, 2024
Falls Church
The annual Falls Church Memorial Day Parade & Festival includes a Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the Falls Church Veteran's Council, a 3K Fun Run, food, vendors, live music, kids' entertainment, and a parade. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Capitol Riverfront at the Yards
Old Town Alexandria