Page 40 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Washington, DC

38  INTRODUCING W ASHINGT ON , DC

WASHINGTON, DC
THROUGH THE YEAR

A wide variety of events takes place in The White House is a focus for many visitors,
Washington, DC all through the year. and it plays host to annual events such as
In late March or early April, when the the Easter Egg Roll in the spring and the
famous cherry blossoms bloom, the city Garden Tours in the spring and fall. Some
really comes to life. Parades and outdoor of the more popular events are listed below;
festivals begin, and continue through the for further details on these and other events
summer as more and more people come to in the city, contact the Destination DC
explore the DC area in June, July, and August. tourist office (see p207).

Spring April
National Cherry Blossom
The air is clear in springtime Festival (late Mar–early Apr),
in Washington, DC, with crisp Consti tution Ave, NW. Tel 1-877-
mornings and warm, balmy 442-5666. Parade and concerts
days. The cherry tree blossoms to celebrate the bloom ing of
surrounding the Tidal Basin Washington’s famous cherry trees.
are world famous and should White House Egg Roll (Easter
not be missed, although the Mon), White House Lawn. www.
area does get very busy. whitehouse.gov/easteregg roll.
In May, the entire country Children’s races with eggs.
remembers its fallen soldiers White House Spring Garden
on Memorial Day. This is a Tours (second weekend), White
particularly important event House gardens. Tel (202) 456-
in DC; it marks the official 7041. Tour of the Jacqueline
beginning of summer, and is Kennedy Garden and more.
celebrated in many ways. Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday
(Apr 13), Jefferson Memorial. Tel
March (202) 426-6841. Military drills,
St. Patrick’s Day (Sun before speeches, and wreath-laying. Mother-and-daughter team in the Easter
Mar 17), Constitution Ave, NW. Shakespeare’s Birthday Egg Roll at the White House
Parade celebrating Irish culture. Celebration (end of Apr),
There are also celebrations in Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 May
Old Town Alexandria. E Capitol St, SE. Tel (202) 544- Flower Mart (first Fri & Sat),
Cherry Blossom Kite Festival 4600. A day of music, plays, Washington National Cathedral.
(last Sat), Washington food, and children’s events. Tel (202) 537-6200. Flower booths,
Monument. Tel (202) 633-1000. Truckeroo (Apr–Oct). www. music, and crafts.
Kite designers gather to fly fairgroundsdc.com. This monthly Memorial Day Weekend Concert
their best models and food truck-centered event also (last Sun), West Lawn of Capitol.
compete for prizes. features live music. Tel (202) 467-4600. National
Symphony Orchestra performs.
Memorial Day (last Mon),
Arlington National Cemetery.
Tel (703) 607-8000.
US Navy Memorial. Tel (202)
737-2300. Vietnam Veterans
Memorial. Tel (202) 619-7222.
Wreath-laying, speeches, and
music to honor war veterans.
Memorial Day Jazz Festival
(last Mon), Old Town Alexandria.
Tel (703) 746-5592. Live, big-
band jazz music.
Twilight Tattoo Military
Pageant (7pm every Wed, May–
Jul), Fort McNair. Tel (202) 685-
2888. Military parade presenting
Cherry tree blossoms surrounding Jefferson Memorial at the Tidal Basin the history of the US Army.

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