PHOTOS: August 1963 March On Washington and more events
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
