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Celebrate cherry blossom season at Petalpalooza. Photo courtesy of nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
3/24/23 - By Jennifer Swope

Spring is officially here, and with it comes spring festivals! There are so many fun spring festivals near DC for families, from the heart of the nation's capital to the Maryland and Northern Virginia suburbs. Several of these spring fairs and festivals, including the Blossom Kite Festival and the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival, are part of the famous National Cherry Blossom Festival. And, most of the spring festivals and fairs near DC are FREE, allowing for a full day of family fun without breaking the budget.

Here are our picks for 30 fun spring festivals and spring fairs for DC families. For more springtime activities, be sure to check out our Spring Fun Guide for Kids and Families in Washington, DC. And remember, we are constantly updating our events calendar with more fun things to do all over the DC area!

Don't miss out! Sign up for our free newsletter and stay up-to-date on the best things to do in Washington, DC with kids.

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DC Flower Mart offers lots of fun activities for kids. Photo courtesy of the All Hollows Guild
DC Flower Mart offers lots of fun activities for kids. Photo courtesy of the All Hollows Guild

Spring Festivals and Fairs in Washington, DC

New Date: Blossom Kite Festival

Sunday, March 26, 2023
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

New Date: Sakura Taiko Fest

Sunday, March 26, 2023
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

Cherokee Days Festival

Friday, March 31 - Sunday, April 2, 2023
National Museum of the American Indian
Learn about the culture and history of the Cherokee people through storytelling, traditional flute music, weaponry, woodcarving, beadwork, traditional games, basket weaving, pottery demonstrations, and music and dance performances.  READ MORE

Bloomaroo

Saturday, April 1, 2023
The Wharf
Celebrate springtime and the cherry blossoms at the Wharf with a day of cherry blossom-themed art, live music, and family-friendly fun. There will also be a beer garden, s'mores for purchase, and a fireworks finale. READ MORE

New Date: NoMa in Bloom Festival Day

Saturday, April 1, 2023
Alethia Tanner Park
In collaboration with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the NoMa neighborhood hosts a day of kite flying and kite making, local DJs, face painting, and food trucks. Chalk Riot is creating a unique blossom-themed chalk mural, and Neighbors DC is curating a pop-up market comprised of local artisans. READ MORE

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art Cherry Blossom Festival

Saturday, April 1, 2023
National Museum of Asian Art
Celebrate spring with free attractions for all ages, including performances, curator tours, hands-on activities, a kimono pop-up, and more. READ MORE

Oxon Run Pinknic & Kite Fly

Sunday, April 2, 2023
Oxon Run Park
Fly kites and enjoy live entertainment, kid-friendly activities, food, and more at Oxon Run Park as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. READ MORE

National Cherry Blossom Festival: Petalpalooza

Saturday, April 8, 2023
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

Saturday, April 8, 2023
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

Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival

Saturday & Sunday, April 15 & 16, 2023
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

Georgetown French Market

Friday - Sunday, April 28-30, 2023
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

Baseball Family Festival

Saturday, April 29, 2023
National Postal Museum
Celebrate the start of the 2023 baseball season with the National Postal Museum’s family festival highlighting the exhibit Baseball: America’s Home Run. The event offers fun for all ages with activity stations, crafts, music, baseball bingo, “Play Ball” (plastic bats and balls), stamp puzzles, sewing fun, make a baseball stamp, tattoos, trivia, a book corner, and more. Visitors may also walk through the “Baseball: America’s Home Run” exhibition to see artifacts from baseball’s greatest legends. READ MORE

Flower Mart

Friday & Saturday, May 5 & 6, 2023
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 20, 2023
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
You never know who you'll meet at the Gaithersburg Book Festival. Photo courtesy of National Park Trust
You never know who you'll meet at the Gaithersburg Book Festival. Photo courtesy of National Park Trust

Spring Festivals and Fairs in Maryland

Kites Over Clarksburg

Saturday, March 25, 2023
Clarksburg, MD
Head to Ovid Hazen Wells Park for the 13th annual Kites Over Clarksburg. Visitors are invited to fly kites, participate in arts and crafts and games, and bring a picnic or box lunch. READ MORE

Bowie Baysox Family FunFest

Saturday, March 25, 2023
Bowie, MD
The 23rd Annual Free Family Funfest includes free rides, carnival-style games, face painting, live music, interactive events, and much more. READ MORE

Bunnyland Festival at Butler's Orchard

Various dates from Saturday April 1 - Sunday, April 16, 2023
Germantown, MD
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

Sakura Sunday Festival

Sunday, April 2, 2023
National Harbor, MD
Sakura Sunday features a wide array of free cultural activities including Japanese-inspired art, music and dance, culinary delights, and more. READ MORE

Savor Bowie Spring Fest 2023

Saturday & Sunday, April 15 & 16, 2023
Bowie, MD
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

Montgomery County GreenFest

Saturday, April 22, 2023
Wheaton, MD
This Earth Day celebration, perfect for the youngest gardeners, features games, face painting, tree climbing, and more fun activities at Brookside Nature Center. There are also plant and tree giveaways, arts and crafts vendors, and food trucks. READ MORE

Annapolis Book Festival

Saturday, April 29, 2023
Annapolis, MD
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

Gaithersburg Book Festival

Saturday, May 20, 2023
Gaithersburg, MD
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

Saturday & Sunday, May 27 & 28, 2023
Rockville, MD
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

Fest Of Spring Caribbean Wine, Food, & Music Festival

Saturday, June 10, 2023
Poolesville, MD
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
Enjoy live entertainment and activities while shopping for flowers at the Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival's Facebook page
Enjoy live entertainment and activities while shopping for flowers at the Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival's Facebook page

Spring Festivals and Fairs in Northern Virginia

Gunston Hall Spring Festival

Saturday, April 1, 2023
Lorton, VA
Celebrate spring with crafts, garden activities, kite flying, food, and a plant sale at George Mason's Gunston Hall. Bring your own kite or purchase one in the museum shop. READ MORE

Blossom Fest

Saturday, April 1, 2023
Springfield, VA
Join Springfield Town Center for its inaugural Blossom Fest in the parking lot outside the main entrance near Yard House and Maggiano’s. Stroll through dozens of fun exhibitors while enjoying various spring activities, including a Build-Your-Own-Blossom with LEGO Discovery Center, live music, entertainment, and kids' activities. READ MORE

Art Blooms at Mosaic

Saturday & Sunday, April 1 & 2, 2023
Fairfax, VA
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

McLean Community Center Spring Fest

Saturday, April 8, 2023
McLean, VA
Families are invited to celebrate the arrival of spring with arts and crafts, music, entertainment, and a parent-child egg hunt. The Bunny will also be there for families to take a picture. READ MORE

Bluebells at the Bend

Saturday, April 8, 2023 Great Falls, VA
Celebrate the Virginia bluebells at this family event featuring wildflower walks, crafts, live animals, music, face painting, and a moon bounce.  READ MORE

Cherry Blossom Jubilee

Friday, April 14, 2023
Alexandria, VA
This festival at Torpedo Factory Art Center includes cherry-blossomed themed art, live music, and art demonstrations for all ages. READ MORE

Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival

Saturday & Sunday, April 15 & 16, 2023
Leesburg, VA
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

Earth Day Fairfax at Sully Historic Site

Saturday, April 22, 2023
Chantilly, VA
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

Arlington Festival of the Arts

Saturday & Sunday, April 29 & 30, 2023
Arlington, VA
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

Old Town Festival of Speed and Style

Sunday, May 21, 2023
Alexandria, VA
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

KidsFest Spring Fair

Saturday, June 3, 2023
Manassas, VA
Local, family-friendly businesses are gathering on the lawn of the Manassas Museum to exhibit their services to families. There are also carnival games, inflatables, food vendors, live entertainment, and other fun activities. READ MORE

Portside in Old Town Summer Festival

Friday & Saturday, June 16 & 17, 2023
Alexandria, VA
Summer kicks off at this fun festival that begins Friday evening with an eclectic collection of jazz performances. It continues Saturday with live music, a beer garden, local food, hands-on art and history activities, and more. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

National Museum of the American Indian National Mall
Capitol Riverfront at the Yards
Ovid Hazen Wells Recreation Park