WASHINGTON, DC EVENTS

2010

Events held in Washington, DC unless indicated otherwise. 

APRIL

Filmfest DC - Washington International Film Festival
More than 100 features, documentaries, short films and special programs; Washington DC; http://www.washington.org

24th Annual Greater Washington, DC Black Memorabilia & Collectible Show
Vendors come from across the US; http://www.johnsonshows.com

MAY

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
The legendary Wynton Marsalis performs with his orchestra to convey the intricacies and joy of jazz; Concert Hall, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; http://www.washington.org

Annual Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival
Celebrates the jazz art form by presenting legendary artists who have helped shape the music, and rising artists who are emerging on the jazz scene; John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; http://www.washington.org

Jazz Appreciation Month
Twins Jazz Club; Washington, DC; http://www.twinsjazz.com

DC Black Pride Weekend (Black Lesbian and Gay) 
Memorial Day Weekend; Washington DC; http://www.dcblackpride.org

JUNE

Washington Juneteenth
Washington DC; http://www.19thofjune.com/calendar/index.html

Smithsonian Folklife Festival 
Annual festival attended by 1 million people; featuring music, song, dance, discussions of cultural issues, crafts, storytelling and cooking demonstrations; National Mall; http://www.washington.org

DC Caribbean Carnival
Annual event attracting over 500,000 people; featuring parade, colorful costumes, music, dance and more; Washington DC; http://www.dccaribbeancarnival.com

Safeway's National Barbecue Battle 
Annual tasty event; you are well advised to show up hungry; Pennsylvania Avenue (between 9th and 14th Streets); http://www.barbecuebattle.com

Capital Jazz Fest
Calls itself the world's largest showcase of contemporary jazz for good reasons; past performers include Al Jarreau, Dianne Reeves, India Arie, Jonathan Butler, Wayman Tisdale, Jeffrey Osbourne, Najee, Kenny Lattimore, Chante Moore, and Kirk Whalum; Washington DC area; http://www.capitaljazz.com

JULY

Fourth of July Parade
Constitution Avenue (between 7th Street and 17th Street); http://www.washington.org

AUGUST

Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival
Annual festival featuring culture, music, food, dance from the African Diaspora, children's activities, arts and crafts; entertainment includes jazz, blues, Caribbean steel bands, gospel; Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Crownsville, MD; http://www.kuntakinte.org

SEPTEMBER

Congressional Black Caucus Weekend 
Mingle with the Black movers and shakers in Congress at their Annual Legislative Conference featuring Jazz Concert, Gospel Extravaganza, Fashion Show, Awards Dinner; Washington Convention Center; http://www.cbcfinc.org

 
Black Family Reunion 
Sponsored by the National Council of Negro Women; featuring dance performances, music, food and more; Washington National Mall; http://www.ncnw.org

Adams Morgan Day
International cultural festival featuring dance, music, sidewalk cafes, children's activities and more; Adams Morgan neighborhood; http://www.adamsmorgandayfestival.com

OCTOBER

Annual Columbia Heights Day Festival
Featuring children's activities, local businesses, community organizations, and artisans; Harriet Tubman Elementary School; http://www.columbiaheightsnews.org

National BlocktoberFest
Nation's largest Okoberfest celebration; Featuring ten enormous performance stages, food, activity and awareness booths; RFK Stadium Festival Grounds; http://www.blocktoberfest.com

NOVEMBER

Benjamin Banneker's Legacy Awards Gala
Annual gala that recognizes professionals that have increased involvement and achievement of African American students in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); JW Marriott; http://www.thebannekerinstitute.org/events

Washington Craft Show
Annual show featuring works of imagination and mastery by 190 leading craft artists from across the country; Walter E. Washington Convention Center; http://www.craftsamericashows.com

DECEMBER

Family Christmas Concert
Celebrate the holidays with a performance featuring favorite carols, sing-alongs, and guest appearances from Santa, Frosty, and Rudolph; Terrance Theater,  John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; http://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar

Kwanzaa Celebration
Begins 12/26; Celebration of African American culture featuring music, song, dance, games, lectures, and storytelling, exhibitions; Smithsonian Museums: National Museum of African American Art, National Museum of Natural History, and Anacostia Museum and Center for African American History and Culture in Washington DC; http://www.soulofamerica.com/kwanzaa-celebrations.phtml

2011

Events held in Washington, DC unless indicated otherwise. 

JANUARY

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 
Various events throughout the city commemorating this civil rights leader; Washington DC; http://www.king-raleigh.org/natlevent/body.cfm

FEBRUARY

Black History Month
Special exhibits and activities on African American history and culture; Smithsonian Institution Museums, Washington DC; http://www.si.edu