Very Best Washington DC Summer Festivals and Special Events

There's nothing quite like summertime in the Nation's Capital, Washington, DC. Indeed, summer in DC rocks with twilight concerts, free museums, sidewalk cafes, block parties, farmers markets, festivals and more. From the moment DC area schools declare "school's out" through the red hot Labor Day weekend, Washington, DC plays host to free concerts, festivals and events galore. Whether you're a full time resident or just visiting this sensational world capital area, there's something for everyone this summer in Washington, DC. That's right, summer's the time to thrill to DC's Eastern Market and other outdoor food emporiums. Summer's also the time to visit embassies and consulates from around the world as they open their doors to the public and host lively, summer events.

Where do native Washingtonians hang out? Lots of places. Favorite hot spots include a trip to Nationals Park via convenient Metro rail for a night game or the US Capitol grounds for a concert by US military bands. DC natives also head for Fort Dupont Park, Navy Memorial Plaza, Woodrow Wilson Plaza, National Museum of the American Indian, and the National Zoo for special music programs and events that are offered all summer long.

If you think politics, monuments and Cherry Blossoms are the only National Capital attractions, think again. Check out this Guide to Washington DC Summer Festivals and Special Events. Sure to inspire you to hop on the Metro, walk or drive to Washington, DC for fun and excitement, all summer long.

Polar Film Festival
National Geographic Museum 1600 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: (202) 857-7700
Date(s): June 11^th @ 11am to 5pm
Admission: Free
Website: www.nationalgeographic.com (see events)
Details: Along with the British and Norwegian Embassies, the National Geographic Society and Museum hosts a film festival this summer on Antarctica, including rare footage on historic polar expeditions and modern favorites like March of the Penguins! This is one cool event you won't want to miss. Not into the South Pole? Check out NatGeo's programming and film features all summer long. Something for everyone in the family. Conveniently located downtown, near Metro rail stations, restaurants and more.

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
National Harbor Waterfront, 137 National Plaza, National Harbor, MD 20745
Telephone: n/a
Date(s) June 17-18, 2011 (Father's Day weekend)
Admission: Advance tickets recommended. VIP and General Admission Tickets range from $25-$85. All Tickets are WILL CALL and not mailed in advance. Photo ID required. On site parking extra.
Website: www.beerandbourbon.com
Details: This summer, don't miss the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival at lively National Harbor where connoisseurs and enthusiasts can sample more than 60 beer brands and 40 bourbons along with all-you-can-eat BBQ. Live music all day long. Souvenir glass, contests, live entertainment, seminars, marketplace, you name it. Take a water taxi or metro (Branch Avenue).

Smithsonian Folklife Festival
National Capital Mall, Washington, DC
Telephone: (202) 633-7484 for daily events/recording.
Date(s): June 30'"July 4 and July 7'"11, 2011. Open daily, from 11am to 5:30 pm. Evening events from 5:30pm on.
Admission: Free. Parking is limited. Metro recommended (Smithsonian (Orange Line), Archives/Navy Memorial (Yellow and Green Lines), and Federal Triangle (Red Line) stations)
Website: http://festival.si.edu
Details: The Smithsonian's Folklife Festival is an annual Washington, DC tradition with something for everyone in the family. Since 1967, the Folklife Festival has thrilled DC residents and visitors alike with 23,000 musicians, artists, performers, craftspeople, workers, cooks, storytellers, each spotlighting ethnic and community-based traditions. This year's Folklife Festival features exciting and innovative programs and demonstrations on Colombia, the US Peace Corps, and all-American Rhythm & Blues music.

Liberty North Community Market
5^th & I Streets, NW, Washington, DC
Telephone: (202) 460-6633
Date(s): Weekends - Saturday's & Sunday's from 10am to 6pm.
Admission: Free
Website: www.libertynorthcommunitymarket.com
Details: Check out Washington, DC's long-awaited, open air marketplace tucked into 5th & I Streets, within the Penn Corridor, walking distance from the Circular and steps from Chinatown/Gallery Place Metro rail station stop. Arts and crafts, collectibles, produce and more. A weekly event and new Washington, DC tradition in the making.

Fourth of July Fireworks
National Capital Mall, Washington, DC
Telephone: n/a
Date: July 4, 2011
Admission: Free, through security checkpoints. Mall opens at 10am. Parade begins at 11:45am. Fireworks at 9:15pm.
No parking available. Metro recommended (Metro Center (Orange, Blue and Red Lines), Gallery Place-Chinatown (Red Line), Judiciary Square (Red Line), Federal Triangle (Red Line) and L'Enfant Plaza (Red Line)
Website: n/a
Details: When the 4^th of July rolls around, DC area residents and visitors alike head for the National Capital Mall for some of the most spectacular fireworks around. An all-day event, fun for singles and families alike, 4^th of July on the Mall begins with a spectacular parade along Constitution Avenue in the morning, and ends with a sensational fireworks display over the Washington Monument. Best place to get situated? Anywhere from the U.S. Capitol grounds to East Potomac Park. On the Virginia side of the Potomac River, fireworks can also be easily viewed from the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Statue and grounds), along George Washington Memorial Parkway, and at Gravely Point, a parking lot adjacent to National Airport and about ¼ mile from the 14th Street Bridge. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring along identification, water and snacks for everyone in the family. Restroom facilities are limited and often crowded. But, the fireworks and festivities are well worth the trouble.

Intercambios
Dos Gringos, 3116 Mt. Pleasant Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010
Telephone: (202) 462-1159
Date(s): Saturday's, from 6pm-9pm
Admission: Free (but surely you'll have something to eat/drink at this great, neighborhood gathering place?)
Website: www.dosgringoscafe.com
Tired of the bar scene? Expand your social circle at Dos Gringos' "intercambios," a Latin American tradition, where people further develop their second-language skills and make cross-cultural connections. Structured conversation in casual atmosphere. Featuring Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and French, among other diverse languages. Call for further information and special language requests. Near Kenyon and Irving Streets, NW. A great summer happening.

SOURCES:

DC Official Tourism Site
www.washington.org/visiting/browse-dc/attractions

Cultural Tourism DC
www.culturaltourismdc.org

Washington, DC Events Guide
www.washington.dc.eventguide.com

Smithsonian Institution Events Site
www.si.edu/events