Festivals and More

Friday, January 19, 2007

Festivals and More

JAN. 20-21: AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL Eight feature, documentary and short films from six African countries are part of the traveling series. Baltimore Museum of Art, North Charles Street and Art Museum Drive, Baltimore. 443-573-1832.

FEB. 5: MILLENNIUM STAGE'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY With performances by the U.S. Navy jazz ensemble the Commodores, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the National Symphony Orchestra and Sufjan Stevens & the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra. Free tickets distributed Jan. 27 starting at 10 a.m. Millennium Stage, Kennedy Center Grand Foyer, 2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600 or 800-444-1324 (TDD: 202-416-8524).

FEB. 10-11: CABIN FEVER FESTIVAL Hundreds of artists and artisans sell their wares. Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-898-5466.

FEB. 12: ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY A wreath-laying ceremony, music and a dramatic reading of the Gettysburg Address commemorate the birthday anniversary of the 16th president. Lincoln Memorial, 23rd Street NW and West Potomac Park. 202-619-7222.

FEB. 14: FREDERICK DOUGLASS'S BIRTHDAY Musical tributes and other activities honor the birthday anniversary of the abolitionist leader. Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, 1411 W St. SE. 202-426-5961.

FEB. 17-22: GEORGE WASHINGTON BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION George Washington's estate celebrates the birthday anniversary of the first president with parades and a sample of Washington's favorite breakfast, "hoecakes swimming in butter and honey," Feb. 17-18. On Feb. 19, the holiday will be marked with music, a wreath-laying ceremony and free admission. Mount Vernon, southern end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Alexandria. 703-780-2000.

FEB. 18: CHINESE NEW YEAR PARADE Marching bands, lion and dragon dancers, clowns and other performers celebrate the Year of the Boar. A five-story high firecracker will be lit. Chinatown, H Street NW between Sixth and Eighth streets. 202-508-5438.

FEB. 19: WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY PARADE Alexandria holds the nation's largest parade celebrating the birthday of the first president with marching bands, floats, military reenactors and other units. Old Town Alexandria, King and Royal streets, Alexandria. 703-838-5005.

FEB. 20: MARDI GRAS PARADE Floats, costumes, music and beads highlight the area's only Mardi Gras parade. Clarendon neighborhood, Wilson Boulevard between Barton and Highland streets, Arlington. 703-812-8881.

MARCH 1-11: D.C. INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL More than 100 films, plus seminars, music, markets and parties make up the ninth annual festival. University of the District of Columbia, Moving Image Center, 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-537-9493. http://www.dciff.org.

MARCH 3: ALEXANDRIA ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE The annual parade of floats, bands, Irish dancers and other units through the streets of Old Town Alexandria. King and Royal streets, Alexandria. 703-838-5005.

MARCH 9-11: WASHINGTON D.C. INTERNATIONAL WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL Domestic and international winemakers, producers of specialty foods, wine-related accessories and lifestyle products take part in this annual event. Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 800-343-1174.

MARCH 11: WASHINGTON ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE Dancers, bagpipers and marching bands salute Ireland and all things Irish. Constitution Avenue between Seventh and 17th streets NW. 202-619-7222.

MARCH 15-25: ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL Nearly 100 documentary, feature, animated, archival and children's films on environmental issues will be screened during the 15th annual festival at museums, universities, libraries and other venues. http://www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org. 202-342-2564.

MARCH 17: REFUGE SYSTEM BIRTHDAY BASH Live animals, children's crafts and tram tours. National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel. 301-497-5760.

MARCH 17: NORTH AMERICAN WILDLIFE CELEBRATION Educational exhibits, animal demonstrations, peeks behind the scenes and craft activities to promote the awareness of gray seals, beavers, gray wolves, river otters, hawks and other North American fauna. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-633-4800.

MARCH 24: GUNSTON HALL KITE FESTIVAL Enjoy kite-flying, a puppet show, food from vendors and more. Gunston Hall Plantation, 10709 Gunston Rd., Mason Neck. 703-550-9220.

MARCH 25: MARYLAND DAY A celebration of Maryland's founding at its birthplace. St. Clement's Island Museum, 38370 Point Breeze Rd., Colton's Point. 301-769-2222.

MARCH 25: MARYLAND DAY Historical reenactments, music, crafts, militia drills and other activities mark the anniversary of Maryland's founding at the site of the state's first capital. Historic St. Mary's City, 18559 Hogaboom Lane, St. Mary's City. 240-895-4990 or 800-762-1634.

MARCH 26: DEREK WALCOTT: THE ART OF POETRY The Nobel Prize winner discusses his craft. Folger Theatre, 201 E. Capitol St. SE. 202-544-7077.

MARCH 31: SMITHSONIAN KITE FESTIVAL The Smithsonian Institution holds its free 41st annual Kite Festival, with competitions in design, performance and other categories. The Mall. 202-619-7222 or 202-357-3030.

MARCH 31-APRIL 15: NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL The blooming cherry trees surrounding the Tidal Basin are the centerpiece of the 95th annual festival of entertainment, exhibits, sports events and other activities throughout Washington. The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade is April 14, followed by the Sakura Matsuri street festival. Trees: Tidal Basin, circled by Independence Avenue, 15th Street SW and Ohio Drive. 202-547-1500 or 202-619-7222. http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

APRIL 9: AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY CELEBRATION The annual Easter Monday jubilee, with an Easter egg hunt, gospel music, storytellers and food vendors. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-633-4800.

APRIL 13: THOMAS JEFFERSON'S BIRTHDAY Speakers, a military honor guard and a wreath-laying ceremony mark the birthday anniversary of the third president. Thomas Jefferson Memorial, 900 Ohio Dr. SW. 202-619-7222.

APRIL 14: CHERRY BLOSSOM PARADE Floats, balloons, marching bands and other entertainers are all part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. Followed by Sakura Matsuri Japanese street festival around Pennsylvania Avenue and 12th Street NW. Constitution Avenue between Seventh and 17th streets NW. 202-547-1500.

APRIL 14-15: MOUNT VERNON GARDEN PARTY Celebrate spring at the first president's estate with music, wagon rides and gardening demonstrations. Mount Vernon, southern end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Alexandria. 703-780-2000.

APRIL 19-29: FILMFEST DC The 21st annual festival features more than 70 films from around the world. 202-628-3456 or http://www.cdad.com/tuan/filmfest/index.cfm.

APRIL 20-22: BETHESDA LITERARY FESTIVAL Dozens of authors and writers conduct readings, talks and other activities at galleries, bookstores and other sites in this annual festival throughout downtown Bethesda. 301-215-6660.

APRIL 21: STRATHMORE SPRING GALA Celebrate the heritage of New Orleans at Strathmore's Big Easy Ball, the center's signature fundraising event. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. 301-581-5100.

APRIL 21-22: WALKINGTOWN, DC Cultural Tourism DC offers tours of Georgetown, Capitol Hill, U Street and other Washington neighborhoods. 202-661-7581.

APRIL 21-MAY 19: MARYLAND HOUSE AND GARDEN PILGRIMAGE Houses and gardens in six Maryland regions are open to visitors on weekends. 410-821-6933.

APRIL 21-28: HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK IN VIRGINIA Tour private homes and gardens and other historic properties throughout Virginia during Historic Garden Week. 804-644-7776.

APRIL 28: GEORGETOWN HOUSE TOUR Tour private homes in Washington's Georgetown district. 202-338-2287.

APRIL 28: MARYLAND DAY: EXPLORE OUR WORLD The university holds an open house with exhibits, lectures, demonstrations, tours and performances throughout the campus. University of Maryland, Baltimore Avenue and Rossborough Lane, College Park. 877-868-3777.

APRIL 29: SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHDAY Celebrate the Bard's birthday anniversary with an open house featuring music, theater tours, children's activities, staged readings and food vendors. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE. 202-544-7077.

MAY 4-5: CATHEDRAL FLOWER MART A flower mart and crafts fair. Washington National Cathedral, Wisconsin and Massachusetts avenues NW. 202-537-3129.

MAY 5-6: MARYLAND SHEEP AND WOOL FESTIVAL Demonstrations of sheepherding and shearing, wool spinning and related activities. Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Rd., West Friendship. 410-531-3647.

MAY 5-6: OATLANDS GARDEN FAIR A showcase of the estate's gardens and displays by garden vendors. Oatlands Plantation, on U.S. 15 south of Leesburg. 703-777-3174.

MAY 6: CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVAL Commemorates the 1862 Mexican victory over the occupying French army. Sylvan Theater, 15th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-258-5283.

MAY 6: AUDUBON NATURE FAIR A family nature festival with music, food and live animals. Audubon Naturalist Society, Woodend Sanctuary, 8940 Jones Mill Rd., Chevy Chase. 301-652-9188.

MAY 6: CHESAPEAKE BAY BRIDGE WALK Weather permitting, take a leisurely 4.3-mile stroll across the bridge, closed for vehicles for the occasion. Park at satellite lots with shuttle buses to the bridge. Chesapeake Bay Bridge, 850 Revell Hwy., Annapolis. 877-229-7726.

MAY 12: D.C. CHILI COOK-OFF The area's leading chili chefs compete for a place in the International Chili Society's world championships, with music on multiple stages and other food and refreshments in this annual benefit for the National Kidney Foundation. Center City Lot, 12th and H streets NW. 202-244-7900.

MAY 12: PREAKNESS PARADE Floats, marching bands and giant balloons kick off a week-long celebration culminating in the running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico. Inner Harbor, Pratt and Light streets, Baltimore. 877-225-8466.

MAY 12-13: BETHESDA FINE ARTS FESTIVAL More than 150 artists will offer their paintings, sculpture, furniture, photographs and other works. Woodmont Triangle, Norfolk, St. Elmo, Cordell, Del Ray and Auburn avenues, Bethesda. 301-215-6660.

MAY 17: NATIONAL ZOOFARI This annual fundraising gala features tastings by more than 100 area restaurants, international wines, entertainment, animal demonstrations and a silent auction. Advance ticket purchase recommended. National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-633-4800.

MAY 18-20: MOUNT VERNON SPRING WINE FESTIVAL AND SUNSET TOUR Taste wines from Virginia vineyards, learn more about George Washington's winemaking efforts and enjoy live jazz at the first president's estate. Tickets are required, and advance purchase is recommended. Mount Vernon, southern end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Alexandria. 703-780-2000.

MAY 18-20: JOINT SERVICE OPEN HOUSE Aerial demonstrations by precision flying teams and other aircraft, a mass paratroop drop, sky diving by the Golden Knights and ground displays of vintage and modern warplanes are featured. Andrews Air Force Base, Route 5 and Allentown Road, Camp Springs. 301-981-4424.

MAY 19-20: NORTHERN VIRGINIA FINE ARTS FESTIVAL Nearly 200 artists and artisans display their paintings, sculpture and crafts, with entertainment, food vendors and children's activities. Reston Town Center, 11921 Freedom Dr., Reston. 703-471-9242.

MAY 19-20: WINE IN THE WOODS Sample Maryland's finest wines at this 15th annual festival. Symphony Woods, Next to Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 410-313-4700.

MAY 20: TASTE OF ARLINGTON Sample specialties from about 40 Arlington restaurants. Next to Ballston Common Mall on Wilson Boulevard between Randolph Street and Glebe Road. Ballston Common Mall, 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. 703-842-2317.

MAY 20: TASTE OF WHEATON Dozens of neighborhood restaurants showcase their specialties. Grandview and Ennalls avenues, Wheaton. 240-777-8115.

MAY 26: FIESTA ASIA Performances by musicians, singers and dancers, culinary specialties, cultural exhibits, martial arts demonstrations and a marketplace in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Pennsylvania Avenue NW between Third and Sixth streets. 202-468-5668.

MAY 26-27: DELAPLANE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL A family event with strawberry sundaes and other berry desserts, crafts, music and children's activities. Sky Meadows State Park, 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, Va. 540-364-2772.

MAY 26-27: HUNT COUNTRY STABLE TOUR Visit a dozen equine facilities in and around Middleburg and Upperville in this annual tour that benefits local charities. 540-592-3711.

MAY 26-28: ROCKVILLE HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS Musical performances, restaurant fare and an artisans marketplace are part of this annual event. The celebration also marks the official opening of the new Rockville Town Center. The area's largest Memorial Day parade takes place May 28. Rockville Town Center, North Washington Street and Middle Lane, Rockville. 240-314-5022.

MAY 28: MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES Commemorative events are scheduled at Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Navy Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Women in Military Service for America Memorial. 202-619-7222.

MAY 31-JUNE 3: HERNDON FESTIVAL Three stages, carnival rides and games, a crafts fair and a fireworks show. Herndon Municipal Center, 777 Lynn St., Herndon. 703-787-7300.

JUNE 2-3: VINTAGE VIRGINIA More than 60 Virginia wineries take part in this 26th annual festival. Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville. 540-745-3378.

JUNE 3: PHILIPPINE FAIR A celebration of Filipino culture featuring traditional music, folk dancing, craft displays and food vendors. Pennsylvania Avenue NW between Third and Sixth streets. 202-361-1024.

JUNE 4-10: UPPERVILLE COLT AND HORSE SHOW More than 1,000 horse-and-rider teams will compete in this annual event. Upperville Show Grounds, Route 50, one mile east of Upperville. 540-687-5740.

JUNE 8-10: MOUNTAIN HERITAGE CRAFTS FESTIVAL Displays by about 200 artists and artisans, bluegrass bands and food vendors. Off U.S. 340 between Harpers Ferry and Charles Town, W.Va. 304-725-2055 or 800-624-0577.

JUNE 8-23: COLUMBIA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS International, national and regional music, stage and dance stars perform in this annual festival at venues throughout Columbia. 410-715-3044.

JUNE 8-10: CELEBRATE FAIRFAX The annual festival includes entertainment on multiple stages, arts and crafts, children's activities and other diversions. Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax. 703-324-3247.

JUNE 9-10: CAPITAL PRIDE FESTIVAL A parade on June 9 in the Dupont Circle area and a street festival on June 10 along Pennsylvania Avenue with crafts and food vendors highlight the week-long festival, a celebration of the area's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents. Pennsylvania Avenue NW between Third and Sixth streets. 202-797-3510.

JUNE 10: ST. MARY'S CRAB FESTIVAL Local crabs and seafood, music, classic cars and crafts highlight this annual event. St. Mary's County Governmental Center, 23115 Leonard Hall Dr., Leonardtown. 301-475-5236.

JUNE 15-17: ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC BOAT FESTIVAL The largest mid-Atlantic gathering of classic mahogany power boats and restored vessels. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Mill Street, St. Michaels, Md. 410-745-2916.

JUNE 16: MARITIME HERITAGE FESTIVAL Boat displays, nautical exhibits, hands-on workshops and demonstrations are part of this annual event. Historic St. Mary's City, 18559 Hogaboom Lane, St. Mary's City. 240-895-4990 or 800-762-1634.

JUNE 16-17: ALEXANDRIA RED CROSS WATERFRONT FESTIVAL Music on multiple stages, an arts and crafts fair, ship tours, exhibits, rides, food vendors and more. Oronoco Bay Park, Oronoco and Union streets, Alexandria. 703-549-8300.

JUNE 23-24: NATIONAL CAPITAL BARBECUE BATTLE Teams from across the country compete to represent the United States in the World Barbecue Championship, with entertainment on multiple stages, cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, children's activities and food vendors. Pennsylvania Avenue between Ninth and 14th streets NW. 202-828-3099.

JUNE 23-24: D.C. CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL The annual festival features a parade along Georgia Avenue with colorfully costumed masqueraders, dancers and bands. Banneker Community Center, 2500 Georgia Ave. NW. 202-726-2204.

JUNE 27-JULY 1 and JULY 4-8:

SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL The Smithsonian Institution's annual celebration of folk culture features exhibits, concerts, crafts demonstrations, talks and food vendors. The three themes this year are "Mekong River: Connecting Cultures" "Northern Ireland at the Smithsonian" and "Roots of Virginia's Culture." The Mall between Seventh and 14th streets NW. 202-633-1000. http://www.folklife.si.edu/festival/2007/index.html.