From barbecue bliss to musical masterpieces, these famed festivals are returning to the District this summer, and we could not be more excited.
6/9
Capital Pride
Join the LGBTQ+ community on historic Pennsylvania Ave. for the return of the Capital Pride Festival. Satisfy your taste buds and quench your thirst in one of the festival’s three beverage gardens, or experience live entertainment from international headliners to the best local and regional LGBTQ+ talent. With over 300 exhibitors and nearly 500,000 attendees, the festival has become the largest annual event in the national capital region.
6/22-23
National Capital BBQ Battle
Fire up your grills because the National Capital BBQ Battle is back for its 31st annual celebration. Attendees can enjoy mouthwatering BBQ chicken, beef brisket, pulled pork and ribs as teams and restaurants from across the country cook-off for the title of National BBQ Champion. The event will also feature three music stages, interactive exhibits, cooking demonstrations, food sampling pavilions and more.
6/26-7/1
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
A summer tradition like none other, this world-renowned exposition of living cultural heritage will return to the city for its 2024 edition. During the 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival at the National Mall, a diverse array of Indigenous artists, chefs, musicians, dancers, athletes, and storytellers will showcase both time-honored traditions and innovative cultural expressions.
7/11-21
Capital Fringe Festival
Celebrating its 19th year, the Capital Fringe Festival is a two-week summertime jubilee of all things musical, dramatic and poetic. Held at venues throughout the city, the festival serves as a launching pad for unseasoned and established artists, spotlighting more than 100 performers and performance groups. Connecting cutting-edge artists with open-minded audiences, guests will revel in the vibrant energy of local artists in this series of exhilarating performances.
7/27-8/4
Citi Open
One of DC’s longest-standing sports traditions, the Citi Open is set to take place at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center this summer. The nine-day event has served as a hallmark for the District since 1969, standing as the city’s only major professional tennis competition. Previous tournaments have featured a series of unique offerings, including tailgates, beer festivals, junior tennis clinics and much more.
8/30-9/1
DC Jazz Festival
With five days of concerts citywide, the 20th annual DC Jazz Festival will celebrate all things jazz. The festival will span over a dozen neighborhoods, including its marquis weekend at The District Wharf, a waterfront destination with an inviting array of restaurants, shops and spectacular riverwalk views. This year’s performances include everyone from Samara Joy to D-Nice.
Photography by: ANDOR BUJDOSO
