Best events in Washington: 2026 dates, tips, and must-see picks

TL;DR:

Washington, D.C., and Washington state both have marquee 2026 events.
D.C.: Cherry Blossom Festival, Folklife Festival, DC JazzFest, MCM.
Washington state: Skagit Tulip Festival, Seafair, Bumbershoot, State Fair.
Most events are outdoors, book hotels early near venues.
Use weekday visits, transit, and timed tickets to avoid long lines.

This guide covers the best annual events in both Washington, D.C., and Washington state. It lists 2026 dates where available, quick planning tips, and links to official sources. Use the table to map your trip window, then jump to each section for details.

2026 quick dates at a glance

Event	Where	2026 dates	Good for
National Cherry Blossom Festival	Washington, D.C.	Mar 20 – Apr 12	Scenic walks, parade, family
Smithsonian Folklife Festival	Washington, D.C.	Early July, dates TBA	Culture, workshops, free
DC JazzFest	Washington, D.C.	Sep 2 – Sep 6	Music by the water
Marine Corps Marathon	D.C. & Arlington, VA	Oct 25	Runners, spectators
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival	Washington state	Apr 1 – Apr 30	Flowers, drives, photos
Seafair Weekend	Seattle, WA	Jul 31 – Aug 2	Air show, hydroplanes
Bumbershoot	Seattle, WA	Sep 5 – Sep 6	Music, arts
Washington State Spring Fair	Puyallup, WA	April, TBA	Rides, exhibits
Washington State Fair	Puyallup, WA	Fall, TBA	Big fair, concerts

Dates are based on official sites. Always recheck before booking.

Washington, D.C.: the capital’s signature events

National Cherry Blossom Festival

The festival runs from March 20 to April 12, 2026. Expect the parade, kite festival, waterfront shows, and neighborhood events across the city. Peak bloom varies by weather, so plan a flexible window if blossoms are your top goal.

Plan it

Book lodging near the Metro. Driving and parking are tight around the Tidal Basin.
Go early in the morning for photos and lighter crowds.
Parade and Sakura Matsuri require tickets, which may sell out.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Free, research-driven performances and hands-on workshops fill the National Mall in early July. Exact 2026 daily schedule posts closer to summer. Bring water, sun protection, and time to linger at demonstration tents.

DC JazzFest

The city’s largest jazz event returns Labor Day week, centered at The Wharf with club shows across all four quadrants. For 2026, dates are September 2 to 6. Waterfront general admission sells first. Consider a mix of outdoor and club sets.

Marine Corps Marathon

One of the world’s largest marathons takes place on October 25, 2026, with an iconic course through D.C. and Arlington. Registration opens in April 2026. Spectators should use Metro and pick a single viewing zone to avoid crowd bottlenecks.

Washington state: flowers, fairs, and festivals

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Fields across Skagit Valley bloom April 1 to 30, 2026. Bloom timing shifts with weather, so check daily field reports before you drive. Visit on weekdays, and buy timed garden tickets in advance.

Driving tip
Use back roads and posted parking areas. Never stop on highway shoulders for photos.

Seafair Weekend Festival, Seattle

Seafair caps Seattle’s summer with hydroplane racing on Lake Washington and the Boeing Seafair Air Show, featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. In 2026, the main weekend is July 31 to August 2, with the Blue Angels slated for Seattle that weekend. Plan for heat, sunscreen, and ear protection for kids.

Bumbershoot

Seattle Center’s multi-arts festival returns over Labor Day, September 5 to 6, 2026. Expect a mix of big names and emerging artists, plus visual art and comedy. Check the lineup drop in late spring.

Washington State Spring Fair and Washington State Fair

The Spring Fair is set for April 2026, with family rides and exhibits. The big State Fair follows in late summer and early fall. Watch the fair’s events page for exact 2026 dates and concert announcements.

Sample 2-day mini itineraries

D.C. in peak bloom

Day 1: Sunrise at the Tidal Basin, museums by midday, parade or Petalpalooza if scheduled. Evening river cruise.
Day 2: National Arboretum, waterfront dining at The Wharf, ticketed show at DC JazzFest venues if visiting in September.

Seattle summer weekend

Day 1: Seafair air show viewing at Genesee Park. Late afternoon dip at a public beach on Lake Washington.
Day 2: Pike Place morning, Bumbershoot stages at Seattle Center, Monorail to downtown for dinner.

Tickets, transit, and timing checklist

Book hotel within walking distance of at least one venue.
For D.C., load a SmarTrip card and ride Metro. For Seattle, use Link light rail and Monorail.
Check official schedules the week of your trip. Weather can shift outdoor programs.
Bring refillable bottles and sun gear.
Choose weekday visits for flower fields and museums to cut wait times.

Why it matters

These events anchor travel plans with set dates and reliable experiences. They also pair well with nearby attractions, so a single ticket or timed entry can shape a full weekend. Planning early helps you secure better rates and fewer lines.