Washington D.C. May 2025

Washington D.C. May 2025 Events

Washington D.C. May 2025 Events

Experience Washington, D.C. in the Midst of Spring

Average temperature low and high: 54°- 76°
Washington, D.C. has no shortage of things to do. The nation’s capital is a diverse, lively, and culture-driven city steeped in the history of the United States. In spring, the city’s mild temperatures attract both tourists and locals alike to the vast green space of Rock Creek Park and the National Mall, itself surrounded by many amazing museums and monuments.

May Event Calendar

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival is a yearly ten-day event in Winchester, Virginia. It celebrates the area’s apple blossom season and includes various activities, from parades and fireworks to carnival rides, music, and more. The festival also features a variety of contests, such as a beauty pageant, a talent show, and a baby contest. In addition, there will be plenty of food and craft vendors and a variety of children’s activities. Be sure to check out the main event, the Grand Feature Parade, which takes place on the first Saturday of the festival.

Passport DC

Passport DC

See the embassies and learn about cultures around the world at Passport DC. The month-long event includes street festivals, culturally significant visual arts performances, and varying workshops that attendees can partake in. Over 70 international embassies open their doors to participate, making this a great opportunity to learn about new countries around the world.

Smithsonian Craft Show

Smithsonian Craft Show

See the work of over 100 talented crafters at the Smithsonian Craft Show. From crafts to woodwork to handmade jewelry, multiple forms of art and design will be represented. Proceeds from the event fund the Smithsonian Museums and the National Zoo. Tickets can be purchased online.

Charm City Folk and Bluegrass Festival

Charm City Folk and Bluegrass Festival

The Charm City Folk and Bluegrass Festival is celebrating its 11th year May 3th to the 4th. Enjoy two days of live music, food, and fun. The festival will feature some of the best folk and bluegrass talent such as Wood Belly, Noam Pikelny and Stuart Duncan with Friends, Willi Carlisle, and more. Kids under 10 are free.

M3 Rock Festival

M3 Rock Festival

Get ready to rock out at the internationally renowned M3 Rock Festival. The lineup features top 80s arena rock artists from around the world. The fest will start with a kick-off party on Saturday. Some of this year's performers include Bret Michael, Y&T, Night Ranger, Last in Line, Doro, and many more. Two-day passes start at $90 and can be purchased online. 

Race for Hope

Race for Hope

Raise money for brain tumor research by running a 5K on behalf of the National Brain Tumor Society. The event is an excellent way to support the fight against a condition that affects over 25,000 Americans every year, spanning all age ranges, genders, and ethnicities. Registration starts at $30.

Fiesta Asia

Fiesta Asia

Celebrate Asian culture at Fiesta Asia in D.C. on May 18th. Enjoy traditional music and dancing and savor delicious cuisine from all over the continent. Beyond the food and entertainment, Fiesta Asia also celebrates the rich history and culture of Asian countries. Attendees can browse the marketplace, learning about traditional customs and heritage. After a day of exploring and celebrating, visitors can join the lantern procession and fireworks display. Donate to the Asia Heritage Foundation today.

DC Dragon Boat Festival

DC Dragon Boat Festival

The DC Dragon Boat Festival is back for its 21st year. Open to all ages, watch as dragon boats race across the Potomac River. Enjoy cultural performances, interactive activities, and tasty food while celebrating Washington, DC’s vibrant Asian-American community. Check back closer to race day for more information on the event and entertainment schedule.

Maryland Deathfest

Maryland Deathfest

Founded in 2003, The Maryland Deathfest is an annual Baltimore event that showcases heavy metal music from around the world. Highlighting diversity, the annual event features both new and classic music while sharing the very best of death metal, grindcore, doom, thrash, hardcore, black metal, experimental bands, and more. Shows are at multiple venues throughout Baltimore. Tickets range from $43-$82 and are on sale now.

Capital Pride Celebration

Capital Pride Celebration

The Capital Pride Alliance is a DC-based nonprofit organization that works to serve and advocate for the local LGBTQ+ community. Each year, they host various pride-positive events, starting off with a bang at the Opening Dance, which features hundreds of local and national queer performance artists at the Echostage on Queens Chapel Road. This event typically sells out quickly, so keep an eye on the Capital Pride Alliance for ticket sales beginning in early February. Next, attend one of the largest events ever hosted at the capitol, the pride parade, which will span an educational 1.5-mile route through the Logan and Dupont Circle neighborhoods. Finally, on June 9th, attend the three-stage live music concert festival at America’s Mainstreet, complete with performances from international headliners and hundreds of local businesses, organizations, and visit online for upcoming information regarding parade attendance, bleacher seats, sponsorship information, exhibitor registration, and ticket sales.

Washington D.C. Events in May

Concerts

Theater & Headliners

Sports

Nightclubs

Things to do in Washington D.C.

Things to Do in Washington D.C. in May

Enjoy the nightlife in Adams Morgan

Enjoy the nightlife in Adams Morgan
The Adams Morgan neighborhood is known for its diversity and nightlife. For restaurants, there are the famous short ribs at the Federalist Pig, mid-Atlantic fair at A Rake’s Progress, late-night snacks at Julia’s Empanadas, or the exotic Ethiopian flavors of Zenebach Restaurant. Looking for music? Adams Morgan has you covered at Madam’s Organ Blues Bar, and Habana Village, a restaurant and dance club specializing in Latin Music.

Tour the National Mall

Tour the National Mall
Make a day of exploring the monuments and beauty of the National Mall. Not only the hub of American government – where the U.S. Capitol and White House border the park – the National Mall and adjoining West Potomac and is dotted with monuments and memorials.