America’s State Flowers: An America250 Celebration

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the U.S. Botanic Garden will bloom with the flowers each U.S. state and territory has chosen as their official flower. Explore the display throughout the Garden that will showcase the state and territory flowers with living plants, artistic displays, botanical illustrations, and herbarium specimens. From fragrant magnolia flowers and roses to native orchids, bluebonnets, and saguaro cactus flowers, enjoy the variety of floral beauty that symbolizes America.  April 10 - October 12

DC Jazz Festival

One of DC’s ultimate summer traditions brings national and local musicians to a range of venues all over the city to elebrate America's 250th with "The Future of Jazz: America's Next 250 Years" celebrating jazz as both a reflection of American history and a forward-looking art form that continues to evolve. September 2-6

DC State Fair

Enjoy a free showcase of the District’s agricultural, culinary and creative talents with a daylong celebration of all things homegrown. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions, growing and gardening, contests and delicious foods, the DC State Fair honors what makes the nation's capital one of a kind. Some past activities have included: competitions for best photographer, best mumbo sauce, the most creative use of space in a micro-garden, slime for kids and much, much more. September 6

National Gallery Nights: American Icons

A new season of the National Gallery of Art's after-hours event series starts with a celebration of American creativity inspired by the museum's American Icon: The U.S. Flag in Art exhibit. You can also check out Homelands, in which artists use personal stories to reflect on the history of the country. You're invited to dress as your favorite American icon or in your finest red, white and blue attire. There will be a live DJ, plenty of art-making activities and much more. Note that lottery for registration opens on Aug. 31 at 10 a.m. and closes at 12 p.m. on Sept. 3. September 10

Art All Night 

An all-night arts festival that spreads out across several neighborhoods. Art experiences don’t get much more lavish or expansive than this: Everything from painting to performing arts to music to sculpture will be showcased in both public and private spaces, indoors and outdoors. September 11-12

Adams Morgan Day

The longest-running neighborhood festival in the District has been around for more than 40 years. The lively 18th Street buzzes with music, food vendors, for-sale artwork and family-friendly activities. Celebrate one of DC’s liveliest, most diverse neighborhoods with this day-long extravaganza that is led by volunteers and showcases the businesses, artists and organizations that make up AdMo. September 13

H Street Festival

Another one of DC’s most popular neighborhoods pulls out all the stops for this annual festival that draws thousands of attendees every year. The H Street Festival will feature live music, dance performances, family-friendly activities, contests and plenty of food vendors across its many staging areas, with dozens of businesses participating. September 19

Washington Ukrainian Festival

Ukrainian dance, music, traditional crafts, face painting for kids, and a beer garden are back at Washington Ukrainian Festival. September 18-20

Alexandria Art Festival

Browse jury-selected creations including sculptures, paintings, jewelry, pottery, textiles, and more at the Alexandria Art Festival. September 26-27