Smithsonian Craft Show
Washington, DC | Late April
One of the country's most prestigious showcases of contemporary American crafts, this annual exhibit features basketry, ceramics, furniture, jewelry, metal, and wood. There are opportunities to shop for very special pieces, meet both up-and-coming and established craftsmen, attend demonstrations, and view the huge collection of amazing works.
Passport DC
Washington, DC | May
This annual event features Washington's status as a global city as international missions open their doors to Washingtonians. Embassies and international cultural centers showcase the music, dance, crafts, and cuisine of their nations. Highlights include the World Embassy Tour on May 1 and the Asian Heritage Festival on May 22.
Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
Bethesda, MD | Early May
Delight in fine art and crafts created by 140 of the nation's best artists, live entertainment, and Bethesda's best restaurants!
Artists from throughout the country will showcase painting, drawing, photography, furniture, jewelry, mixed media, and ceramics. Participating artists were selected and juried by members of the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District. Sunshine Artist ranked the 2008 Bethesda Fine Arts Festival the 78th Best Festival in the U.S. and Best Show in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
DC Jazz Festival
Washington, DC | Early June
For two weeks, in one of the area's biggest annual music events, D.C. gets artists from around the globe, including nine-time Grammy winner Paquito D'Rivera, Dianne Reeves, Roy Hargrove, Eddie Palmieri, Poncho Sanchez, James Moody and the Berklee College All-Stars.
National Capital Barbecue Battle
Washington, DC | Late June
The National Capital Barbecue Battle is an annual competition between top BBQ restaurants from the Washington, DC area and around the country. If you love barbecue you'll love the food samples, cooking demonstrations, interactive displays, and children's activities at this sizzling summer festival. The nation's best barbecue teams cook-off for over $40,000 in cash and prizes in two major contests.
The Barbecue Battle features live entertainment including 30 rock, R&B, jazz, and blues bands performing on three state-of-the-art stages. Patrons will also enjoy the interactive exhibits like the NBA Nation Basketball Tour
Silverdocs
Silver Spring, MD | Late June
The world's premiere showcase of documentary filmmaking created by the American Film Institute (AFI) and Discovery Channel presents more than 100 films annually, representing dozens of countries and including Academy Award-nominated entries as well as unheralded new voices and look-ins on works in progress.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Washington, DC | Late June – Early July
The Smithsonian's yearly celebration of traditional folkways is back to cap the summer's busy season. This year's festival themes include "Asian Pacific Americans: Local Lives, Global Ties," "Mexico," and "Smithsonian Inside Out," a look at the institution's education and research.
Independence Day
Washington, DC | 7/4
Washington DC is a spectacular place to celebrate July 4th! The National Mall, with Washington DC's monuments and the U. S. Capitol in the background, forms a beautiful and patriotic backdrop to America's Independence Day celebrations. This is an all-day event in the nation's capital, beginning with a parade along Constitution Avenue and ending with a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument. Photo © Capitol Concerts
Strathmore's Comcast Film Festival
Bethesda, MD | Mid-August
The lawn at Strathmore Music Hall in Bethesda, Maryland sets the stage for free outdoor movies during the Comcast Outdoor Film Festival. Bring a blanket and enjoy the show! Food and snacks will be for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the NIH Children's Charities - Children's Inn, Camp Fantastic/Special Love, and Friends of the Clinical Center.
Taste of Bethesda
Bethesda, MD | Early October
At the annual Taste of Bethesda, you'll get to sample the foods of more than 50 restaurants, enjoy four stages of live entertainment, and visit the kids corner for cookie decorating, face painting, and giveaways. The Taste of Bethesda is held in conjunction with Best of Bethesda Day which includes Come Back to Bethesda, a car-show, and family day fundraiser benefiting the Children's Inn at NIH.
