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Fascinating and entertaining cooking, storytelling, craft-making, dancing, music, and art fill the National Mall for two weeks around Independence Day (July 4). One of the largest and best cultural events in the world.

The Tidal Basin is surrounded by beautiful Japanese cherry trees, which originated with 3,000 specimens given to the city in 1912 by the mayor of Tokyo. The festival celebrating their spring bloom includes a parade, performances, and such offbeat events as a sushi-making contest.

The first two weeks of June bring free performances of works of Shakespeare in the outdoor theater in Rock Creek Park. Presented by the Shakespeare Theater, the productions are of excellent quality. Free tickets available at several sites.

At the end of winter, locals and visitors alike are revitalized by the early jolt of spring provided by the riot of colorful flowers and inviting landscapes recreated indoors. The air itself is restorative, scented by blossoms.

This three-day event in mid-October fills a seven-block section of Pennsylvania Avenue (between 7th and 14th Sts) with vendors preparing and selling most of the myriad types of cuisine available in this international city. Hundreds of other activities pulse at dozens of venues – music, dance, poetry, children’s games, comedy acts, and crafts demonstrations and sales. Over a million people attend this exciting food festival.

In early December, the cathedral (see Washington National Cathedral) inaugurates the Christmas season with an open house featuring bagpipes, group singing, pageantry, and stunning seasonal decorations. Then, throughout the season, music and concerts are presented, culminating with the elaborate celebrations of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

This top-quality and lively film festival has brought the best of world cinema to the city for over 15 years. The most exciting new films are shown during two weeks in April at various venues, and discussions and film-oriented events are held at theaters, auditoriums, and cafés.

This three-day festival presents top performers of both traditional and contemporary jazz and blues. The all-day Saturday show is a blast.

More than just an auto race, this three-day stop on the American Le Mans Series includes enough performances and concerts, celebrities, exhibitions, and food to qualify as a festival.

Ten days of parades, fireworks, special menus at the restaurants, and unique events in Chinatown. Simply pass through the ornate arch at 7th and H streets, NW.