2-3 ST. LOUIS CARDINALS and Mark McGwire play the Montreal Expos in a pair of exhibition games, April 2 at 2 and April 3 at 1:30 at RFK Stadium. Prices TBA. 202/432-7328 (service charges).

5 ORIOLES OPENING DAY – The Baltimore Orioles open their season April 5 at 3:05 against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. They also play April 7-8 at 7:05. Tickets this season are $16 to $35. 410/685-9800.

5 AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY Celebration, an annual festival of music, dance and art on April 5, Easter Monday, at the National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free. 202/673-4717.

5 EASTER EGG ROLL – Children ages 3 through 6, accompanied by an adult, are invited to gather on the White House South Lawn on April 5 for the traditional Easter Monday event. Egg Roll activities are from 10 to 2. Eggs and entertainment provided. Free timed tickets will be distributed, with a limit of four per person, beginning at 7 a.m. at the visitor pavilion on the Ellipse south of the White House. All children no matter what age are required to have a ticket. Details subject to change. 202/208-1631 or 202/456-2200.

8 CAPITAL CLASSIC – Top high school basketball players from around the nation compete in this annual all-star game, April 8 at MCI Center, Seventh and F streets NW. Time, ticket prices TBA. 202/432-7328 (service charges).

9-10 CHAMPIONS ON ICE – Michelle Kwan, Viktor Petrenko, Elvis Stojko, Tara Lipinski, Rudy Galindo and other stars of ice skating perform at the Champions on Ice show, April 9 at 8 at the Baltimore Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore (tickets $35 and $55) and April 10 at 1 at MCI Center, Seventh and F streets NW (tickets $40 and $55). 202/432-7328 (service charges).

10 CHERRY BLOSSOM PARADE – Floats, balloons, marching bands and other entertainers take part in the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, April 10 at 9:30 on Constitution Avenue from Seventh to 17th streets NW. Free. 202/728-1135.

10-11 MARCHING THROUGH TIME – A multi-era historic reenactment encampment April 10-11 from 11 to 5 at Marietta House Museum, 5626 Bell Station Rd., Glenn Dale. Admission TBA. 301/464-5291.

MID-APRIL WHITE HOUSE GARDEN TOURS – The executive mansion opens its grounds to visitors at this annual event in mid-April. Details TBA. 202/208-1631 or 202/456-2200.

15-18 SMITHSONIAN CRAFT SHOW – The creations of more than 100 artists, selected from more than 1,200 applicants across the nation, will be on display and for sale April 15-18 at the National Building Museum, Fourth and F streets NW. Times TBA. $10 adults, $9 seniors, $7 children 5 through 18 (4 and younger free). 202/357-2700 (TDD: 202/357-1729).

17-24 HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK in Virginia – Tour elegant homes and gardens during this annual event held statewide April 17-24. Call 804/644-7776 for information on events around the state. The event is held in Loudoun County April 18-19 (call 800/752-6118) and April 24 in Alexandria (call 804/644-7776).

17-MAY 12 MARYLAND HOUSE & GARDEN PILGRIMAGE – Tour houses and gardens in six counties during this event April 12, 23-25 and May 5, 8 and 12. Details TBA. 410/821-6933.

19-26 AMERICAN COLLEGE THEATER FESTIVAL – See plays by college drama departments at the Kennedy Center April 19-26. Free. Plays, showtimes and details of ticket giveaways TBA. 202/467-4600 (TDD: 202/416-8524).

21-MAY 2 WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – Dozens of American and foreign films will screen in theaters across the city during this annual festival April 21-May 2. Schedules, films and prices TBA. 202/724-5613.

22-25 SPRING BOAT SHOW – Hundreds of new and used powerboats and sailboats will be displayed in the water and on shore at the Annapolis Yacht Basin April 22-25 at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Marina, in Stevensville, Md. Admission, times TBA. 301/261-2180.

24 OLD DOMINION DOG SHOW – Thousands of dogs representing scores of breeds are expected at this popular event April 24 from 8 to 5 at Morven Park International Equestrian Center, on Tutt Lane in Leesburg. 703/406-2474.

25 SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHDAY – The Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE, celebrates the Bard's birthday with an open house April 25 from noon to 4, with music, food, children's activities, balloons and readings. Free. 202/544-7077.

30-MAY 2 LANDON AZALEA GARDEN FESTIVAL AND CRAFT SHOW – More than 200 varieties of azaleas, wildflowers, herbs and ornamental bushes will be on sale April 30-May 2 at Landon School, 6101 Wilson Lane in Bethesda. The garden festival is free; craft show ticket prices TBA. 301/320-1060.

1 VIRGINIA GOLD CUP – The steeplechase classic is May 1 at Great Meadow on Route 245 in The Plains, Va. Admission TBA; advance sales only. Times TBA. 540/347-2612.

1 SCHOOL SAFETY PATROL PARADE – Annual event honors the safety patrol members at area schools. Marching units, majorettes and flag teams, cheerleaders, bands and other celebrants take part in the parade, May 1 at 10 on Constitution Avenue, marching west from Seventh to 17th. 703/222-4104.

1-2 DAVE MARTIN CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO – Bronc and bull riding and other rodeo events, May 1 at 7 and May 2 at 2 at Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds on Route 178 in Crownsville. Prices TBA. 410/923-3400.

1-2 MARYLAND SHEEP AND WOOL FESTIVAL – Demonstrations of sheepherding, shearing and wool May 1 and 2 from 10 to 6 at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship. Admission TBA. 410/531-3647.

1-JUNE 13 VIRGINIA RENAISSANCE FAIRE – A festival with medieval entertainment, sports, music and storytellers, featuring more than 100 costumed actors, on Saturdays and Sundays plus Memorial Day from May 1 through June 13 in Fredericksburg, Va. Times, prices TBA. 540/371-3999.

2 GODDARD COMMUNITY DAY – Model rocket launches, living-in-space demonstrations, tours of the Goddard Space Flight Center and other activities May 2 from 9 to 4 at the center on Soil Conservation Road off Greenbelt Road in Greenbelt. Free. 301/286-8981.

2 HOWARD COUNTY JEWISH FESTIVAL – Explore the vibrant culture of the Jewish community, including its music, food and crafts, May 2 from noon to 5 at Howard Community College in Columbia. 410/730-4976.

2 CHESAPEAKE BAY BRIDGE WALK – Enjoy a leisurely 4.3-mile stroll across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on May 2 between 9 and 4. Free, but there is a small fee for the shuttle bus. 410/288-8405, 800/541-9595.

2 AUDUBON MAY FAIR – Family activities, May dances, music, food and live animals, May 2 from 10 to 6 at Woodend, the Audubon Naturalist Society's headquarters at 8940 Jones Mill Rd., Chevy Chase. Admission TBA. 301/652-9188.

7-8 CATHEDRAL FLOWER MART – Washington National Cathedral holds its annual flower mart and craft show May 7-8 from 10 to 5. 202/537-6200.

7-15 PREAKNESS CELEBRATION – The 123rd running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on May 15 is the centerpiece of this celebration that features hot air balloon races, concerts, the Preakness Parade on May 8 and other events. 410/542-9400 for race information, 410/837-3030 for festival information.

8-9 SHEEP DOG TRIALS and Family Farm Days. Watch sheep dogs herd sheep and border collies round up sheep, and enjoy music, food and a crafts fair May 8-9 from 9 to 5 at Oatlands in Leesburg. The Farm Day activities include wagon and pony rides, crafts and music. $8, free for ages 12 and younger. Oatlands is on Route 15 six miles south of Leesburg. 703/777-3174.

8 GOODWILL EMBASSY TOUR – Visit from eight to 10 embassies during Goodwill's annual tour, May 8 from 10 to 5. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 on May 8. 202/636-4225, Ext. 1226.

13 CANDLELIGHT VIGIL – Memorial service to honor America's fallen law enforcement officers, May 13 at 8 p.m. at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, Fourth and E streets NW. 202/737-3400.

14-16 MOUNT VERNON WINE FESTIVAL – Taste the wines of Virginia vineyards, learn more about George Washington's wine-making efforts, watch glassblowers and other artisans, May 14-16 from 6 to 9 at the estate on the southern end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, 16 miles south of Washington. Admission TBA; ticket sales start March 1. 703/799-8604.

15 PREAKNESS RACE – The 124th running of the Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel in racing's triple crown, takes place May 15 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Admission TBA. 410/542-9400.

15-16 MIDDLEBURG GARDEN TOUR – Tour the gardens of some of Middleburg's finest estates, May 15-16 from 11 to 5. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 on the days of the tours. Buy the tickets at the Pink Box Visitors Center, 12 N. Madison St., Middleburg. 540/687-8687.

15-16 ANDREWS AIR SHOW – Aerial feats of daring, a mass parachute jump and displays of vintage and modern warplanes are featured at the Armed Forces Open House May 15-16 at Andrews Air Force Base, Route 5 and Allentown Road in Camp Springs. Times, details TBA. Free, but arrive early. 301/981-1110.

20 ZOOFARI-TIGERS! – National Zoo's annual fund-raiser May 20 celebrates the tiger and features food from more than 100 restaurants, music and art. Details, prices TBA. The zoo is at 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202/673-4717.

21 "STAR WARS: EPISODE I – THE PHANTOM MENACE" – The much-anticipated prequel to the "Star Wars" trilogy opens May 21 in theaters everywhere.

22 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 150th Anniversary Concert, featuring top-name rock, country and pop music stars, May 22 on the Mall. Performers, times TBA. 202/619-7222.

24-30 KEMPER OPEN – The world's top golfers compete at this PGA Tour event, at the TPC Avenel in Potomac. The first three days are for preliminary events, with the actual tournament running May 27-30. Advance tickets are $30 grounds, $40 grounds and pavilion. Players, times TBA. 301/469-3737.

29-30 HUNT COUNTRY STABLE TOUR – More than 10 of the nation's premier thoroughbred racing stables in Loudoun County will be open for tours May 29-30 from 10 to 5 each day. Admission is $12 through May 15, $15 afterward; children 12 and younger free. 540/592-3711.

29-30 DELAPLANE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL – Strawberry sundaes and other berry delights, plus crafts, music, children's entertainment, May 29-30 from 10 to 4 at Sky Meadows State Park, Route 17 in Delaplane, Va. Admission is $10 per car. 540/592-3556 or 540/364-2772.

29-31 ROCKVILLE'S HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS – Pop and classical music concerts, crafts, clowns and fireworks and laser shows, May 29-31 at Rockville Town Center. Performers, other details TBA. Free. 301/309-3334.

30 NSO MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT – The National Symphony Orchestra opens the summer season with its traditional concert May 30 at 8 (rain date May 31) on the West Lawn of the Capitol. 202/619-7222.

31 MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES – Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the U.S. Navy Memorial will hold services May 31 to honor the nation's war dead. Times, details TBA. 202/619-7222.

31 MEMORIAL DAY JAZZ FESTIVAL – Big band, swing and jazz music, May 31 starting at 6 in Alexandria's Jones Point Park, at the south end of Lee Street. Free. 703/883-4844 or 703/883-4686.

1 OPENING OF "AMERICAN PRAIRIE" – National Zoo opens its "American Prairie" exhibit on June 1 (date subject to change), a permanent exhibit that will focus on prairie dogs, bison and grass that form the prairie ecological system. The zoo is at 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202/673-4717.

3-5 NSO POPS JAZZ FESTIVAL – National Symphony Orchestra hosts "It All Started With the Spiritual," a festival of jazz June 3-5 in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Program includes performances by the National Symphony Orchestra, the Billy Taylor Trio and guest soloists (to be named later). The music includes works by Joplin, Bernstein, Stravinsky, Banfield, Tillis and traditional spirituals. $13-$65. 202/467-4600.

4-6 CAPITAL JAZZ FEST – Three days of music by national contemporary jazz artists, plus crafts and other entertainment, June 4-6 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia. Names of performers, times and ticket prices TBA. 301/218-0404.

5-6 OCCOQUAN SPRING ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW – More than 300 crafts artisans display and sell their works at this huge annual show, June 5-6 from 10 to 6 on the streets of historic Occoquan, Va. Free. 703/491-2168.

5-6 SPRING FARM TOUR – See horses and cattle, visit an herb or flower farm or take a hayride at one of the dozen farms on this self-guided tour June 5-6 from 10 to 4 in Loudoun County. For free brochures, call 703/777-0400 or 800/752-6118.

5-6 DUPONT-KALORAMA MUSEUM WALK – Visit museums and enjoy textile-weaving demonstrations, interactive tours, hands-on workshops and concerts, June 5-6 from noon to 4 in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. Free. 202/667-0441.

5-20 SHAKESPEARE THEATRE FREE FOR ALL – "The Merry Wives of Windsor" will be presented at this annual theater festival June 5-20 at Carter Barron Amphitheatre, 16th and Kennedy streets NW. Tickets are free. 202/547-3230.

5-6 VINTAGE VIRGINIA – The Virginia wine festival features tastings, music and entertainment June 5-6 at Great Meadow on Route 245, 2.5 miles south of I-66 in The Plains, Va. Performers, ticket prices TBA. 800/277-2675.

6 LOUISIANA SWAMP ROMP – Wolf Trap's Filene Center rocks June 6 with zydeco, Cajun, blues and other entertainment at this annual music festival. Performers, times and ticket prices TBA. 703/218-6500.

11-13 ANNAPOLIS WATERFRONT ARTS FESTIVAL – A festival with fine arts and crafts, performance arts, historic boats, sailboat rides, food and other activities, June 11-13 at St. John's College, 60 College Ave. in Annapolis. Admission, times TBA. 301/261-2180.

11-13 FAIRFAX FAIR – Three stages of entertainment, a car show, arts and crafts, children's activities and other diversions June 11-13 at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax. Admission, times TBA. 703/324-3247.

11-13 ALEXANDRIA RED CROSS WATERFRONT FESTIVAL – Ships, nautical events, music, arts and crafts, games, refreshments and more June 11 from 6 to 11, June 12 from 10 to 10 and June 13 from 10 to 7 at Alexandria's Oronoco Bay Park, North Waterfront between Pendleton and Madison streets, Founders Park and City Marina. Performers, ticket prices TBA. 703/549-8300.

12 DANCEAFRICA, DC – Dance Place's annual celebration of African dance and culture takes place June 12 at Howard University's Cramton Auditorium, 2455 Sixth St. NW. Admission, times TBA. 202/269-1600.

13 CAPITAL PRIDE FESTIVAL – Concerts, a parade and a street fair with more than 300 crafts, food and other vendors are showcased June 13 at the Capital Pride Festival, a celebration by the area's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents along Pennsylvania Avenue between Third and Ninth streets NW. 202/661-7026.

19 JUNETEENTH – The Anacostia Museum celebrates Juneteenth, a festival commemorating the date that Texas slaves learned they were free (two years after the Emancipation Proclamation), with music, crafts and food, June 19 from noon to 6 on the grounds of the museum at 1901 Fort Pl. SE. 202/287-2061.

19-20 JACK B. POAGE AIR SHOW – Vintage and modern aircraft, military warplanes, an air show and aeronautical exhibits are featured at this air fest June 19-20 from 9 to 6 at the Carroll County Airport in Westminster, Md. Ticket prices, times TBA. 410/876-7200.

20 HISTORIC SULLY'S ANTIQUE CAR SHOW – More than 400 antique and classic autos are expected at this annual show in Chantilly June 20 from 10 to 4. Other activities will include a flea market, entertainment and a sale of classic autos. Admission TBA. 703/437-1794.

20 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST Association National Motocross Series Race, June 20 from 8 to 5:30 at Budds Creek Motocross Park in Budds Creek, Md. $20, $10 children 6 to 12 (younger free) in advance. 301/475-2000.

23-27 and 30-JULY 4 FESTIVAL OF AMERICAN FOLKLIFE – The Smithsonian's annual celebration of folk culture on the Mall puts the spotlight on American and foreign cultures, June 23-27 and June 30-July 4 on the Mall. Festival hours are from 11 to 5:30 each day, with a dance party from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and a concert from 7 to 9 p.m. Free. 202/357-2700 (TDD: 202/357-1729).

25-27 WOLF TRAP JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL – Top musical artists perform June 25-27 at this multi-concert festival at Wolf Trap. Performers, times and ticket prices TBA. 703/218-6500.

25-27 MID-ATLANTIC WINE FESTIVAL – A festival of wine, music and food June 25 from 3 to 9, June 26 noon to 8 and June 27 from noon to 6 at Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Route 178 in Crownsville. 410/280-3306.

26 CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL & Georgia Avenue Day – A Celebration of Washington's multiethnic roots on June 26. 202/724-8191.

26-27 NATIONAL CAPITAL BARBECUE BATTLE – Festival of food and music features barbecue from area restaurants and dozens of teams battling to advance to the national barbecue championship, June 26-27 on Pennsylvania Avenue between Ninth and 13th streets NW. Prices, other details TBA. 703/319-4040.

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