1. Washington Auto Show
For 10 days each year, car nerds get the ultimate fix at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, where vehicles from more than 35 manufacturers are on display. Spectators get the chance to examine automobiles of all kinds, from luxury to historic models, during the show commonly recognized as the largest indoor event in the region each year. Next: January 24-February 2, 2020
Photo: Courtesy of Washington Auto Show
2. NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser was among the 70,000 attendees at this year’s 27th annual expo. The event, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, offered two days’ worth of health-related programming, such as health screenings, fitness classes, cooking demos, and more. Telemundo 44 returned as co-host for the second year in a row. Next: January 18-19, 2020
Photo: Courtesy of NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo
3. Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting & Exposition
More than 30,000 attendees convened at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for the largest landpower exposition and professional development forum in North America. Over the course of three days, attendees explored a show floor filled with more than 700 exhibitors and attended seminars, panel discussions, and networking events. Next: Fall 2020
Photo: Mike Morones for AUSA
4. Washington D.C. Travel & Adventure Show
Wanderlust was the vibe at the two-day travel event held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. More than 20,000 people attended the 15th annual show to explore vacation options, attend seminars, and meet travel celebrities such as Samantha Brown, host of PBS’s Samantha Brown’s Places to Love, and Patricia Schultz, best-selling author of 100 Places to See Before You Die. Next: March 7-8, 2020
Photo: Courtesy of Washington D.C. Travel & Adventure Show
5. Smithsonian Craft Show
Some 6,000 craft enthusiasts attended the annual art and design show, held over a four-day period at the National Building Museum. Of the 121 fine contemporary artists selected to participate in the event, 45 were first-time show exhibitors. Artist Joyce J. Scott took home the show’s biggest honor, the Visionary Artist Award. Next: April 22-26, 2020
Photo: Courtesy of Smithsonian Craft Show
6. Awesome Con
Cosplayers, unite. Each summer, more than 70,000 people flock to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for three days of Awesome Con—D.C.’s version of Comic Con. The celebration of all things geek included programming like the family-friendly Awesome Con Jr.; the Smithsonian-sponsored Future Con, which showcased the connection between science and science fiction; and Pride Alley, aimed at L.G.B.T.Q. attendees. Next: May 1-3, 2020
Photo: Courtesy of Awesome Con
7. Washington National Cathedral Flower Mart
Among the prettiest of D.C.’s spring traditions, the annual flower mart serves as a fund-raiser for the cathedral’s gardens and grounds. Presented by the All Hallows Guild since 1939, the event continues to grow each year, now boasting more than 70 booths selling various flowers and gifts. Next: May 1-2, 2020
Photo: Courtesy of Washington National Cathedral Flower Mart
8. Satellite Conference & Exhibition
Nearly 15,390 attendees from 107 countries attended the annual satellite and space technology show. Vice President Mike Pence, an advocate of expanding the United States’ space program, headlined the 2019 conference, which spanned four days and comprised about 70 sessions led by more than 200 experts. Next: March 9-12, 2020
Photo: Steven David
9. Washington Winter Show
Founded in 1954, the Washington Winter Show serves as the second-oldest antique show in the United States for charitable purposes, raising more than $9 million for at-risk youth and families over 65 years. The show ran for three days in January at American University’s Katzen Arts Center and featured a design panel moderated by Whitney Robinson, editor in chief of Elle Decor, among other programming. Next: January 9-12, 2020
Photo: Courtesy of Washington Winter Show
