The nation's capital buzzes with excitement in May, a month beloved for events like Passport DC, Flower Mart at the National Cathedral, the National Memorial Day Concert & Parade and this year – WorldPride.
Condé Nast named Washington, DC, one of the top destinations worldwide to visit this May.
Whether you’re in town for a concert, game or festival, DC boasts an abundance of special discounts and packages, from luxurious experiences to budget-friendly options.
Regardless of the season, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience in the nation's capital. After you’ve read through this list, make sure to check out our things to do for the week and weekend as well as our accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.
Passport DC – May 1-31
A month of programming across the city focuses on highlighting DC’s international culture. The Around the World Embassy Tour and the European Union Open House are annual highlights. Most events and tours can be enjoyed entirely free of charge. Read our guide to all of the fun and get more details at Events DC’s site below.
More Info
Flower Mart – May 2-3
During Passport DC’s first weekend, the Washington National Cathedral hosts its annual Flower Mart, a two-day event that allows visitors to shop for plants and gifts, eat fun festival food, enjoy children’s activities, ride a historic carousel and take in the beauty of the International Floral Exhibit.
More Info | Free Admission
Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016
M3 Rock Festival – May 2-4
Rock 'n roll diehards can get the full ‘80s arena experience at the two-day M3 Rock Festival. The can't-miss event features legendary rockers like David Lee Roth, Sebastian Bach, Ace Frehley, Warrant, Lita Ford and many more.
Merriweather Post Pavilion 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044
Running of the Chihuahuas at The Wharf – May 3
The Wharf celebrates Cinco de Mayo with this too-cute-to-be-true chihuahua race. Watch the little pups run their way to glory at one of the most exciting places in DC. You’ll also be able to enjoy a beer garden, a DJ, an adoptable pet parade and an all-breed costume contest.
2-5 p.m. | Free Admission
The Wharf, 600 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
International City Food Festival – May 3
Get a taste of DC’s global food and drink at the second annual International City Food Festival complementing the first weekend of Passport DC. The three-day event will include celebrations aimed at making culinary diplomacy accessible — with free admission — to all ages. The festival offers a timely launch point to travel the globe and understand other cultures, all in the heart of DC.
More Info | Free Admission
The Square, 1875 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006
Adams Morgan Spring PorchFest – May 3
One of the District’s most popular neighborhoods showcases some of DC’s best musical talent. Adams Morgan Spring PorchFest will feature more than 80 bands playing an array of genres, including rock, reggae, funk, Go-Go, rap, bluegrass, classical and pop. Twenty porches, business patios and parks, as well as the closed 18th Street, will become stages for the day, drawing music-lovers from around the region into the tree-lined streets and small businesses of Adams Morgan.
Free Admission
National Gallery Nights: '70s Disco – May 8
A true only-in-DC experience, National Gallery Nights in the National Gallery of Art’s East Building are whimsical way to spend an evening. While themes vary, odds are festivities will involve dressing up, dancing, participating in interactive activities, taking photos and discovering artworks in the museum. Activities on the 4th Street Plaza are free; registration is typically required to enter the East Building.
Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
EU Embassies’ Open House – May 10
Take your very own day-trip to Europe and enjoy the Old Continent without any jet lag. From Ireland and Italy to Spain and Slovakia, all European Union member states participate in this citywide open house experience.
More Info | Free Admission
Financial Times Weekend Festival – May 10
Experience the Financial Times weekend paper come to life at the FTWeekend Festival: U.S. edition. In previous years, the lineup has been both online and in-person, featuring your favorite FT writers in conversation with names like Nancy Pelosi and Jake Sullivan. From debates and performances to wine and whiskey tastings, this is a Saturday event not to be missed.
Note: This event is an external rental presented in coordination with The Kennedy Center Campus Rentals Office and is not produced by The Kennedy Center.
The REACH at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Celebrate Mother’s Day in DC – May 11
While mothers should be celebrated every day, Mother’s Day only comes once per year. We’re here to help you honor the occasion and plan out an unforgettable holiday experience in the nation’s capital, so be sure to check out our rundown of Mother’s Day must-dos.
Fiesta Asia! – May 17
Embrace Asian Heritage Month with a day jam-packed with culture, from the performing arts to culinary delights. The annual Fiesta Asia! takes over Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 6th streets NW with exciting performances, interactive displays, flea markets and food stalls.
Free Admission
Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd & 6th Streets NW
Experience WorldPride in Washington, DC – May 17 – June 8
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Pride in Washington, DC and we're celebrating by making it an all-out international experience. Join the momentous celebrations as the nation’s capital is painted with pride, featuring a variety of events to inspire, empower and connect the international LGBTQ+ community and their allies. The Fabric of Freedom theme emphasizes our community, woven together through our rich cultures, diverse identities and backgrounds.
More info | Book Your Stay
Go to a DC Defenders game at Audi Field – May 18 & 30
Defenders football has become a springtime tradition at Audi Field in the nation’s capital. Hard-hitting action returns so expect a rowdy atmosphere as the DC squad looks to defend home field against the Arlington Renegades (May 18) and the St. Louis Battlehawks (May 30). Use the 'Tickets' link below for up to 20% off.
Tickets (up to 20% off)
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Rolling to Remember – May 25
This motorcycle rally is held to raise awareness of critical issues faced by veterans every day, as well as in tribute to those missing in action and prisoners of war. Rolling to Remember aims to deliver a message to Congress and the American people that veterans are in need of assistance, as the group struggles with a suicide crisis. Visit the event website for scheduling updates, registration and attendance info for this year's procession.
More info
National Memorial Day Concert – May 26
The National Memorial Day Concert salutes the sacrifice made by the men and women in uniform, as well as their families. The free annual concert will be aired on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The event will also be live-streamed online and will be available on-demand for two weeks after the performance.
More info
The National Memorial Day Parade – May 26
Our Sacred Honor tells the story of American sacrifice from the Revolution to today along Constitution Avenue through live, on site historical re-enactors, veterans, and active duty military personnel, joined by musical performances and celebrity appearances. The in-person parade takes place ‘live’ in Washington, filmed for a television special that will air on ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox stations nationwide. For more ideas on how to spend the weekend, check out our suggestions.
Jazz in the Garden
Kick back and groove to the music with sangria in hand at Jazz in the Garden on Fridays throughout the summer, held in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden starting in the final days of May. An eclectic mix of DC-area jazz musicians lend a soundtrack to one of the city’s most idyllic scenes set around the sculpture garden’s central fountain. This is a free seasonal tradition that you do not want to miss. Due to high demand, the museum has instituted a lottery system; visit the Gallery’s website for more information.
Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Do Ho Suh: Public Figures – Ongoing
South Korean artist Do Ho Suh has created a special edition of his work Public Figures for installation at the very front of the National Museum of Asian Art, signifying the next phase of the museum. Suh was commissioned for the project thanks to his outstanding international reputation. He was one of the earliest contemporary artists featured at the museum and this new sculpture will be the first installed outside the Freer Gallery of Art in more than 30 years.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Zen and the Open Road – Ongoing
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the publication of Robert M. Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, the National Museum of American History places the writer’s 1966 Honda Super Hawk motorcycle in a temporary display within the permanent America on the Move exhibit. Encounter Pirsig’s stories related to riding, writing and sailing and check out cool artifacts such as his typewriter, a manuscript of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and a recently attributed book on the 14th century bubonic plague.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Places to Stay
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 are 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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