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 experiences 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 Entertainment & Sports Arena.
Get discounted tickets: Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Capital City Go-Go
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
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
NSO at Mount Vernon– Feb. 11, March 4 & April 1
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
Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships – March 7-16
Kick off March Madness with the CAA Championships at Entertainment & Sports 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.
Entertainment & Sports Arena, 1100 Oak Drive SE, Washington, DC 20032
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.
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.
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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