1. National Cherry Blossom Festival
From restaurants to museums, almost the entire Washington community celebrates the 3,000 cherry trees that decorate the tidal basin. And nearly one million visitors come to the capital region each year to experience the hundreds of events and exhibits during the two-week festival in late March and early April. Next year’s festival kicks off March 26.
2. Smithsonian Folklife Festival
The Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage sponsors this festival on the National Mall that attracts nearly one million spectators. The 2010 event, which ran June 24 to 28 and July 1 to 5, focused on the bicentennial of Mexico’s Independence.
3. National Black Family Reunion
For its 25th anniversary, the National Council of Negro Women elected to compress its typical two-day event into a one-day mega festival on September 11 on the National Mall. The event is set to attract close to 250,000 people.
4. Capital Pride Parade and Festival
With the theme of “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” this 10-day celebration of gay pride in early June attracted nearly 200,000 people to more than 60 events throughout Washington.
5. Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure
More than 40,000 runners and walkers took to the 3.1-mile course around the Mall on June 5 to raise more than $4.5 million for women battling cancer. Registration is already open for the 2011 race on June 4.
6. Rolling Thunder
On Memorial Day weekend, more than 400,000 veterans and supporters gathered in Washington to raise awareness of American prisoners of war. Events included a candlelight vigil, a wreath-laying ceremony, and the “Ride for Freedom,” a motorcycle ride that begins at the Pentagon and ends at the Lincoln Memorial.
7. Smithsonian Kite Festival
Thousands of kites filled the air on March 27 for this 44th annual event. Though many come out just for fun, awards are handed out in 36 categories, including people’s choice and aerodynamics. The event coincides with the National Cherry Blossom Festival that kicks off on March 26, 2011.
