March Festivals and Events in the Washington, D.C. Area

Throughout March 2019, learn about French culture through a variety of concerts, theatrical performances, films, culinary tastings, literary salons, children’s workshops, and more. Washington, D.C. hosts the largest Francophone festival in the world. This event happens at various locations across the city, including embassies and museums.

March is Women's History Month. Washington, D.C. is the home to the many important sites that are dedicated to preserving and honoring the contributions of women. This month is a great time to visit these museums and historical sites. For example, there's Hillwood Museum & Gardens, the 25-acre estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post, which displays an impressive collection of 18th and 19th century Russian and French decorative arts and formal and informal gardens. Or visit the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the only museum in the world dedicated solely to celebrating the artistic achievements of women. 

On Saturday, March 2, Old Town Alexandria celebrates the Irish holiday with events like a classic car show, a dog show and a Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. In the past, elected officials, the Irish Ambassador, military commanders, and other local celebrities along with local scouts, Marines, and high school bands have all attended.

The 7-day promotion features fixed-price lunch and dinner options in the charming city of Frederick, Maryland and the surrounding area. Get a deal on a multi-course meal and try somewhere new at the same time. In 2019, Frederick Restaurant Week is happening from March 4 to March 10.

On March 3, 2019, Rock 'n' Roll marathon and half-marathon runners will embark on a route that takes them from the most beautiful parts of the D.C. The Rock 'n' Roll marathon is a 26.2 mile, 13.1 mile or 5K race to raise money for charitable organizations. The band Carbon Leaf will headline the event's concert too. A Health and Fitness Expo will be held before the race happens.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at a parade in Alexandria, Virginia, Annapolis, Maryland or Gaithersburg, Maryland. Enjoy a day of Irish music, dancing, performances, and fun. The dates vary by location (this year's Washington, D.C. parade is canceled). This is also a good time to visit your favorite Irish restaurants and pubs.

More than 100 films will screen during the festival, all focusing on stewardship of the environment. This year's festival for 2019 will run from March 14 to 24, and times and locations vary. The films include feature, animated, archival, experimental and children's movies alongside documentaries from around the world, screening at a variety of venues around Washington, D.C.

See the blossoming of thousands of cherry trees on the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. and celebrate during the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, held in 2019 from March 20 to April 14. The capital welcomes spring with this annual tradition begun by the gift of 600 trees to the United States from Japan in 1912. Don't miss the parade, kite festival, concerts, fireworks and cultural events.

Learn more about Japanese history and culture as the Japan-America Society of Washington, D.C. (JASW) presents the Japanese film festival, called CineMatsuri. Held annually during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the CineMatsuri will screen recent Japanese films, each in a different genre, that showcase the diversity and richness of Japanese filmmaking today. All films will be shown in Japanese, with English subtitles. The festival will last from March 20-April 3.

The Annapolis Film Festival features an impressive line up of independent feature, shorts and documentary films in downtown Annapolis. 2019's four-day festival will run from March 21 to 24, and will screen more than 70 films. Moviegoers can stroll from venue to venue in beautiful Annapolis or catch a free City Circulator trolley. 

On March 23, from noon to 8 p.m. at the grounds of the RFK Stadium, green-clad revelers will gather for one of DC's largest Saint Patrick's Day parties. The ticketed event always features up to and beyond 50 live bands, and this year's headliners include The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Andrew W.K.

The unique 17.75K distance of 11.03 miles will be held just outside Marine Corps Base Quantico, taking runners on a course along the wooded paths and scenic roads of Prince William Forest Park. 2019's race is happening on March 21 in Prince William County, VA. Cross the finish line, and you'll earn access to the Marine Corps Marathon.

Check out the spring theater scene in Washington, D.C. With dozens of performances around the capital region, get inspired with this schedule of the top shows for the 2019 season. Enjoy a variety of live theatrical performances ranging from Broadway-style musicals to dramatic productions to child-friendly shows, and much more.

As part of the festivities at the National Cherry Blossom Festival, each year kite enthusiasts compete and show off their kite flying skills on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The 2019 event is happening on March 30 starting at 10 a.m. The event traditionally features five areas to explore and enjoy: the competition and demonstration field, kite club display area, activity tents, family field, and public field.