Parades, Walks & Festivals Washington 2019

Each year, for a brief few weeks in the spring, the city transforms into a scene out of a fairy tale, and the tourists come flocking. More than 1.5 million spectators trek to the nation’s capital each year to observe the blooms. No longer just about the flowers, the festival has expanded its programming to include galas, notably the Pink Tie Party held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, pop-up bars, waves of on-theme cocktails, and an opening ceremony, which took place in 2019 at the Warner Theatre. Next: March 20-April 12, 2020

See more: In Bloom: 19 Highlights From the National Cherry Blossom Festival and Other Events

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This year’s festivities took things to new heights as they honored the 50th anniversary of the iconic Stonewall Riots. More than 600,000 people came out to celebrate the L.G.B.T.Q.+ community through all the Pride-related events, which included the pride parade and the Capital Pride Honors (formerly the Heroes Gala), held at the Smithsonian American Art Museum to kick off the Capital Pride celebration week, among others. Next: June 5-14, 2020

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Hundreds of thousands of spectators take to the Independence Day parade route, which spans a mile along the National Mall, on Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th streets, to watch the annual festivities. Bands and groups from all over the country come to D.C. to participate in the celebration. While the parade wasn’t televised in 2019, the option to watch via livestream or an edited version on YouTube were added to the programming. Next: July 4, 2020

New to the list
The festival that aims to bring attention to the developing arts and entertainment district at the eastern end of the H Street corridor draws more than 150,000 people to the area each year. The single-day festival packs 11 blocks spanning H Street NE with about 15 staging areas and stands, representing more than 250 local vendors, restaurants, community groups, and more. Next: September 2020

Veterans support group Rolling Thunder completed its final “Ride for Freedom” in 2019, which has drawn motorcycle enthusiasts to Washington since 1988. This year’s event drew over a million participants. In September, another veterans advocacy group, Amvets, announced it will revive the event in 2020 under the new moniker, “Rolling to Remember.” The revamped demonstration ride weekend will continue to take place annually over Memorial Day, but will now also include other programming such as a “Blessing of the Bikes” ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral and a nighttime vigil at the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Next: May 22-24, 2020

In 2019, the festival, which typically spans two weeks, was held over a two-day period on the National Mall. Food and drinks available for purchase replaced the marketplace that typically accompanies the concerts, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly activities. The festival is scheduled to return to its regular 10-day schedule and full programming in 2020. Next: June 24-28 and July 1-5, 2020

Hosted by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, the parade weaves through Chinatown in downtown Washington. Traditional Chinese floats, accompanied by lion and dragon dances, Kung Fu demonstrations, firecrackers, and more take to the streets between 6th and Eye Street NW to 6th and H Street NW each year. Next: January 26, 2020

New to the list
Each winter, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo opens its gates at night for its lights festival, which draws thousands of locals. For 31 nights, the premises is covered with more than half a million LED lights. While no live animals are on display, various animal-replica structures line the walkways. Next: November 29, 2019-January 1, 2020

Thousands of people visited the fair, formerly known as the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair, to shop at pop-ups from more than 150 vendors, watch live art, take in live music, and participate in workshops such as weaving lessons over the course of two days. In 2019, the fair implemented panel discussions into its programming, focusing on creative advocacy and entrepreneurship. Next: Fall 2020

Formerly known as the Susan G. Komen Washington, D.C., Race for the Cure, the annual breast cancer event transitioned from a race to a walk in 2019 in an attempt to encourage communication among participants and create a stronger sense of community. About 5,000 participants walked together in a sea of pink to raise $875,000 at this year’s event. Next: Fall 2020

About 2,500 people participated in 2019’s event, raising about $560,000 to support H.I.V. treatment funding through Whitman-Walker Health, a community-based health organization that specializes in L.G.B.T.Q. and H.I.V. care. The walk and 5K has been an annual event for the past 33 years. Next: October 24, 2020

Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia, transformed once again into the Scottish highlands during the festival. The two-day festival, which began in 1974 and drew over 10,000 attendees, featured athletic competitions such as Caber Toss (log toss); activities like highland dancing, and piping and drumming; Scottish dog rescue booths; and of course, kilts galore. Next: August/September 2020