August 1963 March On Washington

Washington DC Events

Events listed below are held in Washington metro area, 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

APRIL

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

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

DC Black Pride Weekend
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

Capital Jazz Fest
Calls itself the world’s largest showcase of contemporary jazz for good reasons; 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

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; annual 7-day celebration of African American culture at various venues; https://www.soulofamerica.com/events/kwanzaa-celebrations

Return to WASHINGTON DC