Nothing represents a traditional Memorial Day Weekend in Washington, DC like the gathering of the United House of Prayer for All People (UHOPAP) at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. UHOPAP members gather from across the nation to attend four days of workshops, educational sessions for the youth to learn about their former Bishops, prayer and worship services. The crowning event of UHOPAP's Memorial Day Weekend is the annual parade on 6th Street, N.W. adjacent to the Church's downtown headquarters.
Master Event Timeline
Explore events happening across Washington, DC throughout the year.
Flagship commemorative event — a campaign culmination and reflection on how DC history shaped American history
Flagship commemorative event serving as a campaign culmination and a moment of reflection on how DC history shaped American history.
WE MAKE DC is a retail and cultural activation in Washington, DC’s Golden Triangle — a living, multi-dimensional space that brings together the makers, artists, musicians, and storytellers who make this city what it is. Produced by Shop Made Brands and led by Stacey Price, it is timed to America’s 250th anniversary and built around a simple conviction: DC’s story belongs to DC.
The activation brings together four interconnected elements:
- A retail space featuring Shop Made makers producing new products made in and for DC.
- MAKE IT BAR — a gathering place anchored in DC craft and creativity.
- Arts and music activations by local DC partners throughout the space.
- WE Gallery — a narrative exhibition space that tells DC’s story across 250 years through the voices of its people.
Rededicate 250 - A National Moment of Reflection on the Mall
An annual tradition and the nation's largest Memorial Day event, the National Memorial Day Parade returns to Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC, kicking off Memorial Day commemorations in our nation's capital, Monday, May 25, 2026 at 10 AM. To learn more, visit here.
The Spirit of Independence Festival takes place June 4-6, 2026, on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., outside the National Archives, marking the one-month countdown to the nation's 250th anniversary. This three-day event features living-history interpreters, fife-and-drum music, colonial food, and special displays of the Declaration of Independence.
The National Gallery's largest-ever public program, the entire campus will come alive with artmaking, food, music, film screenings and more.
The famous Wonderland Ballroom Sundress Festival takes place on Sunday, June 7, 2026. This massive annual block party in Columbia Heights features DJs, dancing, and an all-day happy hour for anyone wearing a sundress, all while raising money for DC Central Kitchen.
The FIFA DC Fan Fest is part of the massive Freedom 250 summer celebration marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. Running from June 11 to July 19, the free festival on the National Mall will feature jumbotron match broadcasts, music, food, and cultural programming.
DC250 America at the Table & Eat 250
UFC FREEDOM 250 is part of the larger White House-led Freedom 250 and District-led DC250 initiatives, featuring major national events in Washington D.C., as well as neighborhood events, food, culture, and community experiences focused on local participation and economic opportunity. Learn more at 250.dc.gov.
Capital Pride Celebration Block Party is on June 20 at 17th and P St NW.
The 2026 Capital Pride Celebration Parade takes place on Saturday, June 20, at 3:00 p.m. in Washington, D.C. The iconic, energetic route will celebrate this year's theme—Exist. Resist. Have the Audacity!—by filling the city with vibrant floats, marching contingents, music, and thousands of community members.
The free Capital Pride Festival will be the final electrifying day during the celebration weekend. It will take place on America’s Main Street, historic Pennsylvania Avenue. The Festival will feature hundreds of vibrant exhibitors, skilled artisans, delicious food, and beverage gardens. The celebrations will come alive for the concert with multiple stages, showcasing an array of local, national, and international performances, making this an unforgettable experience.
Great American State Fair is a 16-day national exposition running from June 25 through July 10, 2026, spanning from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument. The celebration will unite and showcase all 56 U.S. states and territories in a single World’s Fair-scale event. This is an opportunity for visitors from across America to experience an unforgettable celebration of the people and traditions that define our nation. Our nation unites diverse states and territories to form the strongest country in the world.
As part of our 15th Anniversary Celebration, we will be hosting a series of community events in Washington, DC, on June 26–27, 2026. We would be honored and respectfully request to be considered for inclusion in the DC America 250 calendar as a community event. Titled Resilience Rising, our weekend programming is designed to bring together the DC community in a shared space of reflection, connection, and service, honoring the resilience of those who have served and the enduring values that shape our nation.
More info: Veterans Yoga Project 15th Anniversary - Veterans Yoga Project
As part of our 15th Anniversary Celebration, we will be hosting a series of community events in Washington, DC, on June 26–27, 2026. We would be honored and respectfully request to be considered for inclusion in the DC America 250 calendar as a community event. Titled Resilience Rising, our weekend programming is designed to bring together the DC community in a shared space of reflection, connection, and service, honoring the resilience of those who have served and the enduring values that shape our nation.
More info: Veterans Yoga Project 15th Anniversary - Veterans Yoga Project
Join us June 27–28, 2026, as we kick off summer in style at the 34th Annual Giant National Capital BBQ Battle. It’s a celebration of flavor, fun, and the heart of the nation’s capital you won’t want to miss!
Mayor Bowser invites students and artists to create new murals across all eight wards, transforming public spaces into vibrant celebrations of DC’s identity and history.
The nation's capital is an exicting place to be on Independence Day! Join the many patriotic festivities taking place in honor of America's birthday, visit the nation's memorials dedicated to those who served our country, or enjoy recreational opportunities in one of the many DC area national parks.
The Mubadala Citi DC Open is an annual professional outdoor tennis tournament held at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park. It is a prestigious combined ATP 500 and WTA 500 event, making it the only tournament of its tier in the world.
During National Farmers Market Week, the Great American Farmers Market will feature more than 80 vendors from across the country showcasing fresh produce, artisan goods, and innovative agricultural products. Opening day includes a ribbon cutting and live entertainment. Each day highlights a special theme: Sunday celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, Monday focuses on health and wellness, Tuesday highlights community and shared values, Wednesday spotlights wildfire prevention and forestry, Thursday honors America’s natural beauty, and Friday celebrates farmers.
Hosted in partnership with experts from the National Geographic Society, this live session features NGS historians and leaders alongside chapter executive leadership to explore how the physical, visual, and cultural landscape of American labor has evolved, and what it means for the future of talent in our region.
Location: Virtual: https://ow.ly/FQZS50ZumFJ
Panda fest is an outdoor Asian food festival with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs. Panda fest is one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs that showcases the vibrant food, art and cultural traditions from Asia.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, DC is an inaugural NTT INDYCAR SERIES street race scheduled for August 23, 2026, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The free-to-attend event features a 1.7-mile, 7-turn circuit on the National Mall, passing iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument and US Capitol.
Celebrate everything homegrown, handmade, and proudly DC at the 17th Annual DC State Fair. On September 6, Anthem Row comes alive with a free, all-day celebration of the District’s agricultural, culinary, and artistic talents. From 11 am to 6 pm, rain or shine, enjoy live music, local vendors, creative demonstrations and plenty of family-friendly fun!
With 50+ contests and 50+ local vendors, the DC State Fair brings the community together to celebrate the creativity and traditions that make the District unique. Cheer on local competitors, discover talented makers, and explore everything from creative crafts to homegrown harvests and local flavors.
Your Fair Day Lineup
- 50 Contests celebrating DC’s arts, food, agriculture, and more
- Live Music on the Main Stage all day long
- Kids Zone with games and activities for younger fairgoers
- Wellness Zone with roller skating and health-focused organizations
- Craft Corner featuring clothing swaps, upcycling, and hands-on crafts
- Education Stage with demonstrations in art, cooking, gardening, and more
- 50+ Local Vendors serving up fair food, crafts, and local finds
2026 Contests
From Best Flower Arranging to Best Mac and Cheese, put your skills to the test and show DC what you’ve got. Your creation could be the next one in the spotlight! Ready to compete? Register HERE by Friday, August 21, at 11 pm.
Most contests will be judged on Saturday, August 29, or Sunday, August 30. Explore the contest lineup to find your competition and check out its guidelines, submission details, and judging dates.
Not competing? You can still get in on the action! Some contests will take place live at the fair, so come cheer on the competitors and see who takes the win:
- Pie Eating | Children and adults
- Best Flower Arranging
- Best Outfit
- Best Chili
- Best Mac and Cheese
Bring your family, meet your neighbors, and celebrate the creativity, community, and local spirit that make DC home!
Details
- Cost: FREE
- Location: Anthem Row, 800 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Metro: Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro Station (Red/Green/Yellow lines) via the 7th and H Street Exit.
Additionally, please add the below traffic/closures update to the same link and the Traffic and Transit Updates:
No Parking Locations
The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking on Sunday, September 6, 2026, from 12 am through Monday, September 7, 2026 2 am.
K Street, NW between 7th Street and 9th Streets, NW
Street Closures
The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic on Sunday, September 6, 2026, from 12 am through Monday, September 7, 2026 2 am.
- K Street, NW between 7th Street and 9th Streets, NW

