Breathe in the first weeks of spring in the nation's capital as the National Cherry Blossom Festival begins, the Washington Nationals open their 20th 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
Two new giant pandas, Bao Li and Xing Bao, debuted to the public at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo on Jan. 24. The two-year-old pandas have moved into their new digs and will be the most talked-about duo in the nation’s capital throughout 2025.
More Information
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Orchids: Masters of Deception – Through April 27
Marvel at a rotating display of orchid specimens from the extensive collection of the U.S. Botanic Garden and Smithsonian Gardens. The Garden Court will display stories of orchids who are – you guessed it – masters of deception, using smell, shape and color. There will also be two nine-foot-tall tree sculptures covered in pink and white orchids (a nod to DC’s cherry trees) as well as eight-foot-tall orchid curtains that show off the plant’s special roots.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
A South Fourty: Contemporary Architecture and Design in the American South – Open through Winter 2026
The National Building Museum’s new exhibit is dedicated to distinctive modern architecture and contemporary design practices in the American South. The display aims to provide an overview of the current vibrancy of contemporary architecture through illustrated profiles of buildings and practices, statements of principles and observations by those who build in the region.
Hours & Admission
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
How to Be A Power Player: Tudor Edition – On view
The Folger Shakespeare Library exhibit features more than 60 objects from the collection to demonstrate the dos and don’ts for how to be a successful courtier in 16th-century England. Social climbing was a sport in Tudor England and visitors can engage with the entire playbook and even create their own with a 21st-century spin. You can also draw your portrait, design a dinner menu and make your own rules.
Hours | Free Admission
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Uncanny – Feb. 28 – Aug. 10
The National Museum of Women in the Arts invites visitors to an exploration of unease across a range of surreal media. The only museum solely dedicated to championing women artists treads into new territory with Uncanny, which reveals women’s authorship of surreal narratives, revealing how the concept is used by these artists to regain agency and dissect feelings of revulsion, fear and discomfort.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Mardi Gras at The Wharf – March 1
Go all-out for Mardi Gras at DC’s fun-filled waterfront development, The Wharf. An afternoon and evening of activities includes a parade (featuring stilt walkers, jugglers, the Mardi Gras king and queen, floats and lots more), a dance party with live music and a fireworks spectacular that kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.
More Information | Free Admission
The Wharf, 760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Father John Misty – March 1
Start the season with a spring in your step at the Father John Misty show on March 1. Touring for his new album, Mahashmashana, the singer brings his indie-folk vibes to the Anthem along with opening act Destroyer.
Tickets
901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington – March 2
The Atlas Performing Arts Center brings the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington back to its stage for the group to perform an all-new cabaret. Soloists from the Chorus share their own stories and songs of travel adventures past and (hopefully) future. Expect to hear legendary songs like “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Streets of Dublin,” “Magic To Do,” “Home” and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” during this one-night-only performance.
5 p.m. | Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Signature in the Schools: Failureland! – March 3 & 10
Signature Theatre Company’s 30th Signature in the Schools play sees area high school students perform an original comedy by playwright Dani Stoller about discovering your courage. Failureland! follows Tori as she questions herself right as she’s about to submit her college applications only to fall into an “enchanted haven” where she runs into Maya Angelou, Galileo and Vincent van Gogh. These figures share their own experiences with fear, failure and hope.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Michael Shannon & Jason Narducy (and friends) Play R.E.M.’s Fables of Reconstruction and more – March 4
Actor Michael Shannon and musician Jason Narducy – along with some very talented friends – celebrate the 40th anniversary of R.E.M.'s iconic 1985 album, Fables of the Reconstruction, with a U.S. tour. The pair’s sold-out 2023 run in honor of R.E.M.'s famed debut album, Murmur, saw the four original members of R.E.M. come together for the first time in 17 years at the tour’s Athens stop. This new journey will take Shannon and Narducy to nearly three times as many cities across the country, including this show at the iconic 9:30 Club.
7 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
NSO at Mount Vernon– March 4
If champagne, chocolate and mingling with musicians aren’t your thing, you’ll want to stay far away from Mount Vernon this spring. But if the triple threat of bubbly, bites and classical delights entices you, book your tickets immediately for this charming series of concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra at George Washington’s estate. Concerts begin at 7 p.m.; musicians will join the receptions that follow at 8 p.m.
Tickets
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
RIOT! Funny Women Stand Up – March 5
Celebrate Women’s History Month at the Kennedy Center with a special comedy event that sports an all-woman lineup. Leading standups like Jen Kirkman, Zarna Garg, Chloe Radcliffe, Irene Tu, Jenny Yang, Janelle James, Ali Kolbert, Sam Jay, Melissa Villaseñor, Jamie Lee and numerous others will take the stage over the course of the evening.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
RIVERDANCE 30: The New Generation – March 4-16
Since emerging onto the cultural landscape 30 years ago, Riverdance has brought a Grammy Award-winning fusion of Irish and international dance to audiences all over the globe. Now, the show embarks on a special anniversary tour with new choreography and costumes as well as state-of-the-art motion graphics, lighting and projection.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
A Room in the Castle – March 4 – April 6
The Folger Theatre co-produces a new play with the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company that reimagines the stories of the women in Shakespeare’s Hamlet to create both gut-busting comedy and heart-rending drama. Ophelia, her handmaid and Queen Gertrude are suffering at the hands of a wild prince’s antics and realize how dangerous their lives have become. The thriller explores how we can help each other through tough times and the responsibilities of one generation to another.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
It’s A Mother****ing Pleasure – March 6-30
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, along with the award-winning and disability-led theatre company FlawBored, invite you to explore disability rights and wrongs. The searing satire focuses on PR firm “Rize” as they team up with Ross, a Blind influencer who’s ready to profit off the guilt of non-disabled, anxious people. Prepare yourself for a sensational examination of identity politics and the cost of doing the right thing.
Tickets
Wolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
LEGO®
LEGO® F1®-themed Build the Thrill Event – March 6 – April 27
The entire family should head to the LEGO Discovery Center Washington, DC for an exclusive LEGO® F1® - themed ‘Build the Thrill Event’. Grab a pit pass and take in a drivers briefing before choosing your team. Kids can get hands-on with LEGO® bricks to create a minifigure driver and build an ultimate race car, take on build challenges and of course … race. Admission to Build the Thrill is included with your admission to the museum.
Tickets
LEGO Discovery Center Washington, DC, 6563 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA 22150
Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships – March 7-16
Kick off March Madness with the CAA Championships at CareFirst Arena in Congress Heights. You can enjoy both the men’s tournament (March 8-12) and the women’s tournament (March 7-16) across 9 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
Eureka Day – March 7-22
In an exclusive engagement, Jonathan Spector’s Eureka Day comes to the Kennedy Center with direction from Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro. The play is set in a private California elementary school struck by a mumps outbreak. The Board of Directors is then forced to make a choice that shockingly will not please absolutely everybody. Prepare for an of-the-moment satire.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Zenith Gallery’s 47th “Amethyst” Anniversary – March 7 – April 19
Join DC’s Zenith Gallery as it celebrates the work of dozens of artists during this annual showcase. “Amethyst” symbolizes “peace, healing and balance” and the works selected for this exhibit respond to that theme. Expect to see boundary-pushing pieces at the independent gallery’s stunning retrospective.
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 12-6 p.m. (or by appointment)
Zenith Gallery, 1429 Iris Street NW, Washington, DC 20012
Blooming Wonders: A Best of Spring Exhibition – March 7 – April 30
ARTECHOUSE’s annual springtime exhibit has become a must-see for locals and visitors alike. This year’s display brings together past smash-hit cherry blossom-themed installations as well as a new interactive experience. Fix your gaze upon immense floral landscapes, spellbinding digital visualizations and surreal spring-themed environments.
Tickets
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20002
Family Fun Day 2025 – March 8
The Atlas Performing Arts Center hosts its annual Intersections Family Fun Day. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., families can enjoy interactive performances by Mr. Rob, an instrument petting zoo led by the Capital City Symphony and craft stations for creative kids. Admission is free.
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | RSVP | Free Admission
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Alton Brown Live: Last Bite – March 8
Culinary megastar Alton Brown reflects on decades in food media during this farewell tour that touches down at DC’s National Theatre. Brown will share his favorite cooking hacks, sing funny food songs and has promised a buffet of other surprises during an epic live show that foodies will not want to miss.
3 p.m. | Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Harlem Globetrotters – March 8
One of the great spectacles in sports entertainment is a Harlem Globetrotters game. DC-area fans will be treated to trick shots, spins, slams and superstars inside Capital One Arena as the Globetrotters take on their all-time rivals, the Washington Generals. Attendees can also expect unprecedented fan interaction as well as new trials, players and innovations.
1 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Pepper – March 9
Hailing from Hawaii, Pepper have mixed alternative rock, reggae, dub, island rhythms and manic punk rock energy for more than 20 years. DC’s Union Stage hosts the power trio that has toured North America and the world with the likes of Snoop Dogg, The Wailers, 311, Pennywise and many others.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Union Stage, 740 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist – March 9 – July 6
Through singular and daring prints and sculptures, Elizabeth Catlett became of the defining artist-activists of her day. Catlett has roots in DC, Chicago and New York but spent 60 years in Mexico, where she created art “for the people”. U.S. and Mexican injustices resonate throughout her work. The National Gallery of Art will display more than 150 of her creations, including rarely seen paintings and drawings.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Atlantic-10 Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament – March 12-16
March Madness returns to Capital One Arena with the Atlantic-10 (A-10) Men’s Basketball Tournament, whose winner receives an automatic NCAA Tournament bid. All 15 league teams will participate with games running from Wednesday through Sunday. Last year, Duquesne captured its first A-10 title in more than four decades by defeating VCU in the championship game. Over the last 10 years, eight different programs have claimed the championship, making this one of the most exciting conference tournaments in the country.
Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Artist’s Experience: From Brotherman to Batman – March 12 – July 24
Visit Phillips@THEARC for a distinctive exhibition of the vitality of comic book art. From Brotherman to Batman focuses on 20 Black artists from across the spectrum of comic books, including Dawud Anyabwile (creator of Brotherman), Denys Cowan (co-founder of Milestone Media and legendary Batman illustrator for DC Comics) and many others. Dive deep into how each panel of a comic book page tells a story as well as how these fascinating creatives break the confines of the art form.
Wednesday & Thursday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
Phillips@THEARC, 1801 Mississippi Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020
So True Live Tour with Caleb Hearon – March 13
Writer, actor and comedian Caleb Hearon has expanded his skill set to include podcaster. So True focuses on the current state of the stand-up comedy world and features a hilarious rotating cast of guests. Hearon brings the beloved show to the stage at DC’s iconic Warner Theatre as part of a new nationwide tour.
Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sister Act at Ford's Theatre – Opens March 14
Based on the smash hit 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act makes for divine musical comedy at Ford’s Theatre this upcoming spring. The Tony-nominated musical follows a nightclub singer who takes to a convent to hide from the mob. Self-discovery and glorious group harmonies ensue. The play features original music by the legendary Alan Menken.
Tickets
511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
2025 St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running – March 15
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.
Job – Through March 16
A psychological thriller that explores the dark side of corporate work, social media and technology, this off-Broadway sensation and New York Times Critic’s Pick is sure so leave the audience feeling haunted, pensive and on the edge of their seat.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
St. Patrick's Day in the District – March 17
The capital city boasts a wealth of Guinness-slinging institutions and just as many significant historic ties to the Emerald Isle – all the way up to the White House itself. Go green for the weekend and check out our guide to Irish-American experiences in DC.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival – March 20 – April 13
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.
Friday Night Concert Series: Shaq AKA DJ Diesel – March 21
The Washington Wizards host a post-game concert featuring DJ Diesel on the 1's and 2's. Okay, we buried the lede. DJ Diesel is NBA legend and entertainment icon Shaq (you can probably tell from the picture above), so you'll be grooving to sounds from an all-time superstar after you watch the Wiz take on the Orlando Magic. The concert experience is free with the purchase of a game ticket.
Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Evening of Comedy at Wolf Trap – March 21-22
Wolf Trap welcomes three top-tier comedians of Seinfeld, Saturday Night Live and That’s So Raven fame for hilarious onstage hijinks. Four shows mean four times the laughs! Be there as The Barns fill with glee thanks to Carol Leifer, Rich Hall and Rondell Sheridan.
Tickets
1635 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Mary J. Blige – March 26
Calling all 90s lovers (and who isn’t): make your way to Capital One Arena on March 26 for the Queen of Hip Hop Soul herself. Mary J. Blige will have the place percolating as she brings her For My Fans tour to the nation’s capital in support of her latest album, Gratitude. With special guests NE-YO and Mario, this is sure to be a show full of “real love.”
Tickets
601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Washington Nationals Baseball: 20th Anniversary Season Home Opener – March 27
The Washington Nationals, 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. The Nats, as they are lovingly called by locals, celebrate their 20th anniversary in the nation's capital with a year filled with special events.
Tickets
1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Blossom Kite Festival – March 29
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 – March 29
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.
4-9 p.m. | Free Admission
760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Age of Innocence – Through March 30
Adapted from the beloved Edith Wharton novel by playwright Karen Zacarías, this new play at Arena Stage will captivate audiences with its stirring depiction of 1870s New York City. The Age of Innocence is timeless in its powerful critique of the harshness of societal norms as it masterfully depicts Newland Archer’s struggles as he must choose between privilege and passion.
The Sound of Black Music – March 30
Viewed through a utopian, Afrofuturistic lens, this vibrant one-act concert reimagines the classic musical, featuring songs such as "Do-Re-Mi," "Edelweiss" and "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," all recast through a Black Roots music kaleidoscope. With beautiful voices, dazzling arrangements and a powerful message of unity and resilience, this electrifying show celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Black music and its indelible impact on American popular culture. “One of the most titanically musical nights of my year” (New York Times).
Tickets
Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
In the Heights – through May 4
One of the most beloved and energetic American musicals will light up Signature Theatre this spring. Between beloved Latin beats, colorful choreography and favorite numbers like “96,000,” “Paciencia y Fe,” and “Carnaval del Barrio," In the Heights will immerse viewers in the characters, community and culture of Washington Heights.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
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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