[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.83″ make_fullwidth=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.83″ show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” src=”https://blog.apartminty.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/dc-march-events-2018-2.jpg” alt=”Can’t Miss DC March Events 2018 | Cherry Blossom Festival, St. Patrick’s Day Parade and More” title_text=”dc-march-events-2018″ /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.83″]
March is a great month to be in the nation’s capital. In addition to the famed cherry blossoms, it truly feels like everything is “in bloom” and coming back to life after a long and sleepy winter. From St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to the Cherry Blossom Festival festivities, there are plenty of DC March events to look forward to – here are our top 5 picks!
Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
Washington, DC, full of monuments, memorials, and historic sites, is a great place to take part in a road race. This year, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series, known for its incredible fundraising achievements for the likes of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, American Cancer Society and more, returns to DC promising an experience to top years past. Known as one of the more fun and interactive Marathon series out there, runners and audience members can expect more music along the course and more opportunities for community engagement.
When: Saturday, March 10th
Where: Constitution Ave at 14th St NW
Cost: Full Marathon: $129.99; Half Marathon: $119.99; 5K: $49.99
Washington DC St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Don your green attire and fix yourself an Irish coffee or two, the Washington, DC St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns on Sunday, March 11th! Held annually since 1971, the theme this year is “Showcasing DC Irish Culture”, celebrating those who worked to promote Irish culture throughout the DC area. This event is free and open to the public, but you may purchase grandstand seating for a better view of the parade for $15 per person.
When: Sunday, March 11th, 12:00 noon
Where: Constitution Ave from 7th to 17th Streets NW
Cost: Free to attend
National ShamrockFest
The St. Patrick’s Day festivities continue into the following weekend with the National ShamrockFest taking over the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds on March 17th for an all-out fun fest! Expect live music, food, drinks, varied entertainment, craft vendors, and Irish Village, carnival rides, games, and much more. Headlining acts this year include Shaggy, Reel Big Fish, Sum 41 and Less Than Jake. This event is rain or shine!
When: Saturday, March 17th, 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: 2400 East Capitol St SE
Cost: Starting at $34.99
Cherry Blossom Festival
This nearly month-long event is a favorite for residents and visitors of DC with thousands flocking to the nation’s capital to witness these beauties in bloom! The city’s 3,000 cherry trees were a gift from Tokyo in 1912, and the various activities and events surrounding the cherry trees serve as a celebration of both the annual bloom and Japanese culture. Read more about the specific events using the link below, but be sure to get out for a walk around or paddle boat outing through the Tidal Basin to see the blooms in all of their glory. Peak bloom is predicted to occur between March 23rd and March 27th, but stay updated using the Cherry Blossom Watch site.
When: March 20th – April 15th
Where: Various Locations
Cost: Many events are free, as is access to the Tidal Basin, but you can find information about ticketed events here.
Blossom Kite Festival
One notable National Cherry Blossom Festival event is the Blossom Kite Festival, when kite fliers from across the country flock to DC to showcase their kite-making and stunt skills and compete for prizes and awards. In addition to spectating the kite flying competitions, there are various demo areas, activity tents and more to round out the event. The theme this year is “Paint The Sky”, so expect a colorful display across the National Mall!
When: Saturday, March 31st, 10:00am – 4:30pm
Where: Washington Monument, 17th St NW & Constitution Ave
Cost: Free to attend
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