Breathe in the first weeks of spring in the nation's capital as the National Cherry Blossom Festival begins, the Washington Nationals open their season and springtime events fill the calendar.
Springtime in DC means lively festivals, dynamic theater and a historic city painted in pink, but regardless of the season, you're bound to have an unforgettable experience. Be sure to check out special discounts and packages, from luxurious outings to budget-friendly options. After you’ve read through this list, make sure to check out our things to do during the week, must-hit weekend events and accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.
Honor Women’s History Month in DC
The nation's capital offers ways to celebrate the achievements of women year round, from dining and shopping at women-owned businesses, visiting museum exhibits spotlighting women's contributions to our country, including the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Each March, the city proudly honors Women's History Month with a diverse array of events, exhibits, performances and programs that showcase the art, stories and accomplishments of women.
Washington Capitals
Attend a Capitals, Wizards or Go-Go game
With the winter season comes incredible indoor sports action in the District. The NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards play their exciting games inside Capital One Arena, while the Capital City Go-Go, part of the NBA’s developmental G-League, take to the court inside CareFirst Arena.
Get discounted tickets: Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Capital City Go-Go
See the giant pandas at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Say hello to DC's most famous pair at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo – the only place in the U.S. where you can see giant pandas for free. The bears can be found frolicking, lounging and eating up to 100 pounds of bamboo a day.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Smithsonian Institution
Making a Statement – Through March 2026
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian displays two gowns worn by Oscar-nominated actor Lily Gladstone (Siksikaitsitapi [Blackfeet]/Nimiipuu [Nez Perce]) in a special installation. Four public programs are planned for Women's History Month as well. Both gowns were designed by Gucci and Indigenous artist Joe Big Mountain (Mohawk/Cree/Comanche) of Ironhorse Quillwork and were worn by Gladstone the evening of March 10, 2024, to the 96th Academy Awards and the Vanity Fair Oscars party. Gladstone was the first Native American nominated for best actress for her work in the film Killers of the Flower Moon.
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships
Kick off March Madness with the CAA Championships at CareFirst Arena in Congress Heights. You can enjoy both the men’s tournament and the women’s tournament across nine straight days of high-stakes college basketball. The winner of each competition is granted an automatic bid in the NCAA Tournament.
CareFirst Arena, 1100 Oak Drive SE, Washington, DC 20032
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Pink Tie Party
Held in iconic Union Station, guests will be whisked away to an unforgettable world of DC’s cherry blossoms mixed with sophisticated Venetian aura and vibrant Brazilian Carnival energy. Food, fashion, and fun will intertwine for a memorable and joyful evening. Guests flaunt their best pink and floral attire, inspired by the event’s spring Carnival atmospheres, as they walk through themed halls and experience each of the featured cities through carefully curated food and cocktails from local DC-area restaurants.
Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
2025 St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running – March 21, 2026
The race that “brings the fun to the run” rocks the District again this year. Choose between half marathon or 5K distances, enjoy the sounds of this musical running tour and help the patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the same time. All while taking in DC’s monumental views.
Register
Race begins at 13th Street and Constitution Avenue.
NMWA Nights
The National Museum of Women in the Arts’ popular evening series allows visitors to admire the museum’s awesome galleries while sipping on a cocktail; listen to a live music performance; join a guided tour of the museum; or participate in art-making activities. Admission includes two drink tickets with additional food and beverages available for purchase.
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
The National Cherry Blossom Festival – March 20 – April 12, 2026
DC celebrates the blooming of cherry trees with a month-long festival that commemorates the 1912 gift from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city. Check out popular festival events in the lead-up to the celebration, in addition to our guide to the celebration, how to get the most popular blossom spots and the best places to snap photos.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony – March 21, 2026
Along with the Japan Foundation, the National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the 114th anniversary of the gift of trees with an exciting tribute to the longstanding relationship between Japan and the United States.The spectacle at the historic Warner Theatre features world-renowned artists connected to both the U.S. and Japan who gather on the stage together for one-night only. Early access to tickets to this epic spring celebration can be obtained by signing up for the Festival's email list. The event will also be livestreamed on the Festival's YouTube channel.
More Information
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Washington Nationals Baseball
The Nats, who have four National League East titles, five postseason appearances and a World Series championship since coming to DC in 2005, are one of the city's main attractions throughout the spring and summer. Head to Nationals Park to experience MLB action with an exciting schedule, plenty of home runs and, of course, Racing Presidents.
1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Prediction
Last year, Washington, DC's famed cherry blossoms reached peak bloom on the final three days of March, according to the National Park Service. Peak bloom occurs when 70% of the flowers of the cherry blossom trees are open, and the best viewing is usually within a week of peak bloom. REMINDER: Please do your part in helping to protect the trees by never picking the cherry blossoms (it’s against the law).
Free
Tidal Basin Welcome Area & ANA Stage (Open Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.); more spots to see cherry blossoms
Blossom Kite Festival – March 28, 2026
Head to the Washington Monument grounds for this free kite-flying extravaganza, one of the most highly anticipated events of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The entire family can watch expert kite fliers from all over the world, whether enjoying the event near the Monument or at a featured park. More information is available on the Festival's website.
Bloomaroo at the Wharf
Visit The Wharf for Bloomaroo®, a free spring extravaganza featuring an evening of cherry-blossom themed art, music, fireworks and family-friendly fun along the waterfront. Enjoy beer gardens on District Pier, fireworks and three stages, each with its own lineup of live music. You can also check out more than 80 shops and restaurants along The Wharf.
Free Admission
760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution – Through March 21, 2026
The Library of Congress brings together letters, ledgers, diaries, maps, drawings and other artifacts to illuminate the similarities and differences between two iconic figures of the Revolutionary War: George Washington and King George III. Although the two never met, visitors can envision where they would clash and where they would compromise in this stirring exhibit that features items from a wide range of collections, including the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle, London’s Science Museum and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Hours | Free Admission
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise – Ongoing
The U.S. Botanic Garden invites you to see the ferocious side of flora and fauna at its special new exhibit. Many plants have evolved defenses against infection, herbivores and their plant competition. The multisensory display will showcase this evolution and also pinpoint how these plants can be both harmful and helpful to humans.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
Places to Stay
The Riggs Hotel
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're 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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