Can’t-Miss Events in DC this May
Rounding up our list of favorite events in May is tough – there are too many good ones to choose from! From Cinco de Mayo celebrations to getting physical outside, May is jam-packed with events. There is a good mix of free events throughout the month, which we love, of course. While there are several events at some of DC’s greatest venues, we are excited to get outside and enjoy all of the outdoor happenings. May always sets the bar high for summer, because it is always a fun-filled month. This year is no different, and we are already loving it. These can’t-miss events in DC this May are our favorites to attend, but trust us when we say, there are plenty more to choose from.
Passport DC
Passport DC is a month-long celebration of the cultural traditions and diversity in DC. The month of May is cultural awareness month, and what better way to celebrate than by exploring DC’s various embassies, traditions, cuisine, and entertainment. Passport DC’s main event is the Around the World Embassy Tour. The Around the World Embassy Tour takes place on Saturday, May 4th, and participants can explore and enjoy the food, art, dance, fashion, and more at the various Embassies throughout the city. Other events that occur throughout the month as a part of Passport DC include Flower Mart, the European Union Open House, and Fiesta Asia.
When: May 1st – 31st, 2019
Where: Various Embassies throughout DC
Cost: Free
Running of the Chihuahuas
I don’t know about you, but there is no way I’d rather celebrate Cinco de Mayo than by watching the Running of the Chihuahuas. The Wharf puts on quite the show to celebrate these little pups, and we are all for it. Cold beers, a costume contest, live music, and delicious food are all a part of the festivities. Interested in having your pup race? It is $30 per dog and is exclusively for half or full mixed Chihuahuas. No dog? No worries! It is just as enjoyable wandering around The Wharf, enjoying the sites, food, and cold drinks while live music fills the area.
When: Saturday, May 4th, 2019 | 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Where: The Wharf
Cost: Free
Queens of Egypt: The Mother of All Parties
Travel back in time and see what the women of Egypt were all about, you will quickly realize they were queens. BYT and National Geographic are putting on an epic party to celebrate the Queens of Egypt exhibit, and you don’t want to miss it. An open bar, DJ set, and lightning talks from woman explorers and scientists will make for a fun and interesting evening. Explore the exhibit, enjoy a live drum performance, and get the perfect royal cat-eye makeup at the event’s hair & makeup station. Tickets are just $55 and include access into the party as well as access to the open bar. Put on your perfect Egyptian Queen outfit and get ready for a night to remember.
When: Friday, May 10th, 2019 | 8:30 PM – 12:30 AM
Where: National Geographic Museum | 1600 M St. NW
Cost: Tickets Begin at $55
U Street’s Funk Parade
Its time to get funky – the U Street Funk Parade is back! This day-long fair and street festival is one of our favorite Spring celebrations here in DC. U Street comes alive with music, art, entertainment, and much more. Countless performers make wandering the street even more enjoyable than it already is. The festival takes place from 1:00 – 7:00 PM, but it doesn’t end there. The parade is from 5:00 – 6:00 PM and the celebrations end with a nighttime music fest from 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM, with a featured showcase at 8:00 PM. That is a lot of entertainment for one day, but we promise you it is worth seeing. The Funk Parade is a chance for us to come together and celebrate DC’s music and art scene.
When: Saturday, May 11th, 2019 | 1:00 – 7:00 PM
Where: U Street NW
Cost: Free
DC Bike Ride
On May 18th, enjoy a beautiful May morning with a recreational bike ride through the Nation’s Capital. The DC Bike Ride is a family-friendly bike ride for all ages and all abilities. The 20-mile ride takes you past several landmarks as well as the National Mall. No race is complete without a Finish Festival, and the DC Bike Ride will have a good one! Live music, food, drinks, and fun activities will be the perfect end to a relaxing ride. Grab some friends and family, gear up, and get ready to ride through the most beautiful city.
When: Saturday, May 18th, 2019 | 8:00 AM
Where: West Potomac Park | 100 West Basin Drive SW
Cost: Registration begins at $32.50