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 Traveler 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.
Washington Nationals Baseball
The Nats, 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.
Tickets: Use code VISITDC for 10% off
1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Photo by Cpl. Chloe McAfee
Friday Evening Parades at the Marine Barracks
This breathtaking 75-minute ceremony showcases the precision and pride of the Marine Corps with spectacular performances by "The President's Own" Marine Band, "The Commandant's Own" Drum & Bugle Corps and the renowned Silent Drill Platoon. Held every Friday from May through August at the historic "Oldest Post of the Corps," the free event has captivated audiences for decades.
Marine Barracks, 8th & I Streets SE, Washington, DC 20390
Dog photo credit: Photo by Cpl. Chloe McAfee
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
Embassy Chef Challenge / Events DC
Savor the Flavors – May 1-31
As part of Passport DC, the city’s annual celebration of international cultures hosted by Events DC, Savor the Flavors activates restaurants across the city. Taste the world on a culinary journey that stretches throughout the month of May. More details to come.
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
Latin Restaurant Weeks
Support local Latinx culinary businesses during this new promotion that offers specials at restaurants all over the DMV. Expect mouth-watering specials at participating food trucks and eateries. The roster includes Colada Shop, La Famosa, El Centro DF and many others.
More Info
Around the World Embassy Tour
A month of programming across the city focuses on highlighting DC’s international culture. The Around the World Embassy Tour kicks it off this Saturday with access to dozens of embassies in the District. 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
Adams Morgan Spring PorchFest
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
Running of the Chihuahuas at The Wharf
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.
Free Admission
The Wharf, 600 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
International City Food Festival
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
Capital Harvest on the Plaza
Located at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Capital Harvest on the Plaza is open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesdays from May through October. During your visit, you’ll find plenty of farm-fresh deliciousness and artisanal crafts, as well as recipes and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Check out the full list of vendors to start planning your haul.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Wednesdays | Free Admission
Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Nats Postgame Summer Series
The Washington Nationals kick off their season – concert season – in May. Your game ticket includes your admission to the concert.
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
EU Embassies’ Open House
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
Celebrate Mother’s Day in DC
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!
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
Go to a DC Defenders game at Audi Field
Defenders football has become a springtime tradition at Audi Field in the nation’s capital. Hard-hitting action returns so expect a rowdy atmosphere.
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
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. 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.
6-8:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Rolling to Remember
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
The annual musical tribute salutes the sacrifice made by the men and women in uniform as well as their families. The free annual concert airs on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The event is also live-streamed online and will be available on-demand for two weeks after the performance.
The National Memorial Day Parade
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 airs on TV stations nationwide. For more ideas on how to spend the weekend, check out our suggestions.
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!
