The easiest and most exciting way to check out any of the hundreds of neighborhoods in the D.C. metro area is by festival hopping. From Adams Morgan to Bethesda, you’ll get all the food (street corn!), art, dance and music you can handle in one fell swoop. These street festivals are not just fun for all, but they also help support local businesses. So slip on your festival walking shoes and make your way to one of our favorites.
photo: iStock
Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
This year’s Bethesda Fine Arts festival features 130 artists in various genres including live rock, jazz and reggae music. Walk through the festival and peruse unique jewelry, clothing and furniture on display. Then stop by local restaurants to enjoy pizza, barbecue, sandwiches and ice cream.
When: May 11-12
Where: Woodmont Triangle; along Norfolk, Auburn and Del Ray Aves. (Bethesda, MD)
Cost: Free
Online: bethesda.org
Quarterfest
Enjoy a festival showcasing the diversity of Arlington’s food scene as Taste of Arlington becomes Quarterfest. This festival transforms Wilson Boulevard into a vibrant dining, shopping and family-fun festival for all ages. Experience a restaurant crawl showcasing eateries of the neighborhood and an extended two-day outdoor concert and pop-up street pub.
When: May 18-19
Where: Wilson Blvd., between N. Taylor and N. Quincy Sts. (Arlington, VA)
Cost: Free to attend; $46.35-$123.60 for food and drink tickets.
Online: quarterfestballston.org
Old Town Festival of Speed and Style
The lower three blocks of King Street will be blocked off and vintage cars from the 50s, 60s, 70s and select luxury race cars will be on view. Join special fashion events and pop-ups around Old Town that make the event great for everyone. All proceeds will benefit charity partner ACT for Alexandria, a community foundation focused on increasing charitable investment and community engagement.
When: May 19
Where: 200 King St. (Alexandria, VA)
Cost: Free
Online: festivalspeedstylealex.com
photo: Bethany King via flickr
iVa! Vienna!
The Rotary Club of Vienna sponsors the ViVa! Vienna! event, which celebrates the unity and strength of the Vienna community and honors Memorial Day. This event, a time of family fun and pleasure, serves as a major fund raising opportunity for the Rotary Club so that it may, in turn, provide support for charitable, educational, and community groups the following year. Rides, food and lots of family fun!
When: May 25-27
Where: 245 Maple Ave. W (Vienna, VA)
Cost: Free
Online: vivavienna.org
Herndon Festival
The Herndon Festival takes place in historic downtown Herndon and attracts an average of 80,000 people each year. This outdoor festival provides a fun-filled experience by combining the joy of an outdoor concert with the thrill of a summertime carnival. There’s something for everyone.
When: May 30-Jun. 2
Where: Downtown (Herndon, VA)
Cost: Free
Online: herndonfestival.net
Charles Village Festival
The Charles Village Festival brings together the entire Greater Charles Village community for a two-day festival that includes a block party with live music, a garden walk tour, and a 5k and 1k kids fun run. All proceeds raised from the event benefit local non-profit organizations.
When: Jun. 1-2
Where: Wyman Park Dell; 29th and Charles Sts. (Baltimore, MD)
Online: charlesvillagefestival.net
Washington Folk Festival
The Washington Folk Festival showcases the diversity of traditional music in the Washington area. All musicians, storytellers, dancers, and crafts people live in the greater Washington metropolitan area and volunteer their talents to put on the festival.
When: Jun. 1-2
Where: Glen Echo Park; 7300 Macarthur Blvd. (Glen Echo, MD)
Online: fsgw.org
photo: michael_swan via flickr
Celebrate Fairfax!
This annual festival features concerts on various stages with headliners like Better Than Ezra, Smash Mouth and more. The festival features an abundance of other attractions like a petting zoo, carnival rides and a karaoke championship along with nightly fireworks and plenty of great food.
When: Jun. 7-9
Where: 12000 Government Center Pkwy. (Fairfax, VA)
Online: celebratefairfax.com
Silver Spring Arts & Crafts Summer Fair
Check out the Silver Spring Arts & Crafts Fair this summer featuring arts & crafts, food and beverage vendors, and many fun family activities.
When: Jul. 14
Where: Silver Spring Veterans Plaza; 1 Veterans Pl. (Silver Spring, MD)
Online: silverspringdowntown.com
17th Street Festival
Since 2010, the 17th Street Festival has been celebrating 17th Street and its diversity of restaurants and retailers. There are over 100 vendors with more than 60 artists and makers displaying everything from fine art to jewelry, ceramics to crafts, and every creative item in-between. Other vendors include area nonprofit organizations, politicians, entrepreneurs and local businesses. The kids’ zone has activities for children including a large slide, soccer, snow cones, face painting and games throughout the day.
When: Aug. 24
Where: 17th St. from P St. to R St., NW
Online: 17thstreetfestival.org
photo: Ted Eytan via flickr
Adams Morgan Day
As DC’s longest-running neighborhood festival, Adams Morgan Day celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. The event is a family-friendly celebration with music, art and activities for all ages. Adams Morgan welcomes residents and visitors alike to meet neighborhood businesses, artists and service organizations. Attendance and entertainment are free, and local businesses and restaurants offered deals for the day.
When: Sep. 8
Where: 18th St. between Kalorama and Columbia Rds., NW
Online: admoday.com
H Street Festival
H Street Festival is one of the most anticipated and highly attended single-day festivals in D.C. The festival is 11 blocks long and has 14 staging areas that are diversely themed and programmed to target the different segments of audiences. The staging areas feature music of different genres, dance, youth-based performances, interactive children’s program, fashion, heritage arts, poetry and much more.
When: Sep. 21
Where: Along H St., NE
Online: hstreetfestival.org
Takoma Park Street Festival
The 38th annual Takoma Park Street Festival will once again host a talented mix of local artists offering paintings, photographs, pottery, silk-screening, bath and body care, stained glass, jewelry, woodworking, textiles, ceramics, kids’ items, and much more. Nonprofits, local companies and a variety of food vendors will also participate. In addition, Takoma’s indie businesses will be open and welcoming visitors.
When: Oct. 6
Where: Along Carroll Ave. (Takoma Park, MD)
Online: mainstreettakoma.org
—Guiomar Ochoa
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