May Festivals & Events in DC

The Washington, DC area and its surrounding communities in Maryland and Virginia host lots of annual festival and special events.  Here are just a few during the month of May, for a full list and detailed information, visit dc.about.com.

National Cathedral Flower Mart
May 2-3, 2008, 10 am-5 pm. Enjoy the grounds of the cathedral, floral displays, children’s activities and musical entertainment. Free admission.

Passport DC - Open Houses at Washington, DC Embassies
May 3-17, 2008. A new event, sponsored by Cultural Tourism DC, features a wide range of performances, talks, and exhibits at DC’s foreign embassies.

Cinco de Mayo Festival
May 4, 2008, noon-6 pm. The annual Latino celebration features live music and family entertainment on the National Mall.

Spring Garden Party at Mount Vernon
May 10-11, 2008. Just in time for Mothers Day, enjoy a festive Spring Garden Party at Mount Vernon with free wagon rides through Washington’s fruit garden and nursery.

Food & Wine Festival at National Harbor
May 16-18, 2008. The upscale, waterfront festival is part of National Harbor’s grand opening. Enjoy food and wine pairing, artisanal and organic products, lectures on culinary and wine trends and more.

Taste of Arlington
May 18, 2008, noon-5 pm. Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA. Enjoy a lively street festival, complete with local entertainment, children’s activities and, of course, lots of food!

Grand Opening of National Museum of Crime & Punishment
May 23, 2008. The new Washington, DC museum opens its doors! Through interactive exhibits visitors will explore the history of crime, law enforcement, forensic science, crime scene investigation (CSI) and the consequences of committing a crime.

Rockville’s Hometown Holidays
May 24-26, 2008. Rockville, Maryland hosts a three-day street festival in celebration of Memorial Day with live music, children’s entertainment, a parade and more.

 

May Festivals & Events in the Phoenix Area

The Phoenix area and its surrounding communities host lots of annual festival and special events.  Here are just a few during the month of May, for a full list and detailed information, visit phoenix.about.com.

Arizona Special Olympics Summer Games
2,000 athletes compete in track and field, powerlifting, gymnastics, softball skills, tennis and other events at the ASU Band Practice Field.  May 1 – 3

Chandler Spring Starlight Concert
Free concerts at the amphitheater at Tumbleweed Park. Pack a picnic dinner, bring a blanket, sit out under the stars and listen to a different type of music each week.

Flashlight Tours 
Nights in the desert are anything but dull. Nighthawks fly, night-blooming flowers open, toads sing and owls watch as you roam the trails of the Desert Botanical Garden, never knowing what will be around each corner. Wear walking shoes, and bring a flashlight. 7 p.m. Flashlight tours are free with admission, but require reservations. Call 480-941-3510.  Every Thursday and Saturday in May .

Greek Food Festival
Presented by St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church this Festival at Tempe Town Lake features food, fun and games for the whole family!  For info call 480-899-3330 or visit www.atasteofgreeceaz.com.  May 2, 3 and 4.

Moonlight Movies
The City of Phoenix shows free movies at Steele Indian School Park in central Phoenix.  Moonlight Movies start at sunset and are free to the public. Call 602-495-0739 for more information.  May 17

Queen Creek Peach Festival
Enjoy peach picking, recipes, sampling, and entertainment at Schnepf Farms.   May 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25

That Thursday Thing!
Each event night has a theme, food and beverage, and extended shopping hours at 90 antique and specialty shops. Admission and parking are free. 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. in Historic Downtown Glendale. 
May 15