Mary Poppins at The Kennedy Center

(July 1, 2010- August 22, 2010)
Mary Poppins at The Kennedy Center is the perfect summer show for the entire family to enjoy in D.C. The Broadway sensation has been sweeping entire cities from London to Los Angeles with its cheery music and amazing star studded performances and has now landed in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.kennedy-center.org.

For the Love of Reggae 2010

(August 1, 2010; The Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts; 1551 Trap Rd.; Tickets: $25 to $42; visit www.wolftrap.org)
The Filene Center in Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts will be hosting some amazing legendary reggae up and comers and also the ones who began it all. Visitors are welcome to come and enjoy some great music, food and beverages while swaying to the groove that is reggae.

Summer Concerts at The National Zoo

(July 22, 2010- August 5, 2010; National Zoological Park; 3001 Connecticut Ave NW; www.nationalzoo.si.edu)
D.C.’s National Zoo is one of the best locations in the city to congregate for relaxing summer time concerts which range in genre from rock to jazz to blue grass tunes. Lay out your own picnic or grab a glass of wine from local vendors and lay around on the grass enjoying a lazy summer evening.

Celebrating July 4th in D.C.

Washington, D.C. is the perfect location to spend a memorable Fourth of July this 2010. The city comes alive with its historic architecture and rich patriotic history on this special holiday. The day will be action packed with events ranging from parades to a brilliant fireworks display. The day begins with The Independence Day Parade at 11:45a.m. which runs along Constitution Ave. from 7th-17th St. The parade will feature floats, marching bands, musical performances and more. Then continue on to The National Archives Museum which is offering a special family program centered around the Declaration of Independence from 10a.m. to 9p.m. The White House Visitor Center is also offering a variety of crafts, games and activities to celebrate the nation’s birthday form 9a.m.-3p.m. A number of concerts will also be taking place on the 4th of July including one on the Washington Monument Grounds which will begin at 6p.m. The Capitol Fourth Concert will be taking place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building from 8-9:30p.m. and showcases the amazing musical talent of the National Symphony Orchestra and several renowned pop artists which will be followed by a breath-taking fireworks display over the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting pool around 9p.m.

Memorial Day Jazz Festival

(Fort Ward Park; 4401 West Braddock Road; Alexandria , VA 22302)
The Memorial Day Jazz Festival is being held in historic Fort Ward Park and will be the site for some amazing music including contemporary jazz, swing, and big band music. The festival will move to Lee Center’s Kauffman Auditorium in case of rain.

Memorial Day Music and Fireworks

(May 30; 8p.m.; The Filene Center at Wolf Trap; 1551 Trap Rd.; Vienna, VA 22182; Free)
The President’s Own United States Marine Band will be performing a free concert at the Filene Center this Memorial Day so start your celebration off right. Be sure to bring plenty of food and blankets to enjoy the show which will end in a glorious fireworks display. Gates open at 6:30p.m. sharp and fireworks begin at 9:45p.m. so get to The Filene Center early since those 400 seats will be sure to fill up quickly.

National Memorial Day Concert

(May 30; 8p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m.; West Lawn, U.S. Capitol; Washington, DC 20515; www.aoc.gov; Free)
The National Memorial Day Concert is a Washington D.C. tradition which includes live music from the National Symphony Orchestra. The event is broadcast live on PBS and hosts a whole slew of special guests like actors, musicians, dignitaries, politicians and more. Stop by the West Lawn of The U.S. Capitol for this free performance.

Capitol Hill Month

This May is officially named Capitol Hill Month by tenured Councilmember Sharon Ambrose, who would like to recognize the true historical significance of Capitol Hill. Capitol Hill remains one of the largest residential neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. which houses numerous historical attractions and upwards of 35,000 residents in two square miles. Join Champs and Capitol Hill BID for the month of May for the following activities on May 1: The Capitol Riverfront BID's Fitness in the Front, Taste of 8th on Barracks Row Main Street and H Street's new First Saturday event. The celebration will continue with an amazing Cinco De Mayo celebration with Wednesday Wine Down on May 5.

Bethesda Row Spring Restaurant Week

Bethesda Row Spring Restaurant Week will begin Monday, April 26th- Sunday, May 2nd. The dining and shopping destination will be hosting $15 prix fixe three course lunches and $30 three course dinners. Participating restaurants include Assaggi Mozzarella Bar, Jaleo and Redwood. Check out opentable.com for more information.

Tibetan Twilight

(April 29; 6:30p.m.-10:30p.m.; $18 advance; $20 at the door; Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery; 1050 Independence Ave. S.W.; Washington, DC 20024)
The Tibetan Twilight exhibit entitled “Realm of the Buddha” will be uncovered on April 29th. The exhibit features beautiful artwork of Tibetan Buddhism descent which uses traditional woodblocks to print Buddhist images. The event will also offer cocktails, Asian beats from DJ Chris Linux and more. The price of admission includes a free drink!

Cinco de Mayo!

(May 2, 2010, noon to 6 p.m.; Sylvan Stage on the National Mall near the Washington Monument at 15th St. and Independence Ave.)
The National Cinco de Mayo Festival in Washington, D.C. is an annual celebration which features dancing, live music, workshops, games, food, children’s arts and crafts stations and a number of other activities for the entire family. Be sure and stop by this free festival to celebrate the rich culture and ethnic diversity of Washington D.C.’s Latino community. The sponsors of this year’s D.C. Cinco de Mayo celebration, The Maru Montero Dance Company will be skillfully performing dances to cha-cha, mambo, salsa, tango and folk dancing. Visit www.marumontero.com for more info.

Passport D.C.

(May 1-31, 2010)
Passport D.C is an annually held event which celebrates the vibrant and beautiful variety of international culture that is present in Washington D.C. The event, hosted by Cultural Tourism D.C, features a number of cultural organizations and embassies in D.C. which will hold open houses, performances, exhibits, discussions, and much more. Check out some of the events below or see www.passportdc.org for more information.
Around the World Embassy Tour
(Saturday, May 1, 2010; 10a.m.-4p.m.)
The Around the World Embassy Tour is a collection of various artists, performers, teachers, lecturers, musicians and more from the embassies of Africa, Asia, the Middle East.
Shortcut to Europe: European Union Embassies' Open House
(Saturday, May 8, 2010; 10a.m.- 4p.m.)
Start off Europe Week right by visiting the Embassies of the European Union and the Delegation of the European Commission which will open their doors to the public for a look in their exciting world.
International Children’s Festival
(The Meridian International Center; Saturday, May 15, 2010; 10a.m.-2p.m.)
The Meridian International Center will be hosting an educational fair which introduces international cultures through food, dress, traditional tales and music in this interactive event.
Asian Heritage Festival
(Saturday, May 22, 2010)

Participating Embassies:
Australia
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Cape Verde
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
Ethiopia
Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
Indonesia
Iraq
Japan
Kazakhstan
Korea
Liberia
Malaysia
Nepal
Nigeria
Pakistan
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Thailand
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Zambia

The Rock Bottom Remainders' Benefit Concert

(Harman Hall; April 20; 8p.m.; The 9:30 Club; April 21; 8:30 p.m.; Sidney Harman Hall; 610 F St. N.W.)
The Rock Bottom Remainders Benefit Concert is a group of amazing bestselling and award winning authors and musicians including the likes of Amy Tan, Mitch Albom, Kathi Goldmark, Ridley Pearson and many more. The proceeds will support Haitian relief, World Vision and America’s Promise Alliance which is dedicated to bettering the lives of America’s youth.

Sweetgreen's Sweetlife Festival

(April 24; 2p.m.; Sweetgreen; 1512 Connecticut Ave. N.W.; Washington, DC 20036)
The First Annual Sweetlife Festival is a day long collaboration with Rock the Vote and Earth Day which will feature live musical performances by Hot Chip, The Love Language, U.S. Royalty, Dj Grant Shapiro and a surprise artist. The proceeds from the festival will benefit Farm to School which is an organization promoting healthy farm fared food in cafeterias that is locally and regionally grown. Be sure to visit the Sweetgreen in Dupont Circle for this great cause.

Michelle Obama’s Favorite D.C. Spots

The May issue of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine is showcasing First Lady Michelle Obama’s favorite spots in Washington, D.C. from museums to eateries and more. Amongst the recommendations are historical attractions like Monticello (Thomas Jefferson’s estate), and Mount Vernon (George Washington’s home), which are both beautiful and culturally enlightening. Sasha and Malia Obama also enjoy Newseum, a news history museum which encourages visitor participation. Since D.C. is littered with a wide array of museums, they are the perfect location to take the entire family and most of them host monthly activities specially created with children in mind. Foodwise, the Obamas enjoy some of the capital’s finest. A few of the Obama’s favorite D.C. restaurants include contemporary American food joint Blue Duck Tavern, ultra fresh burger joint Good Stuff Eatery, and America’s first certified organic eatery, Restaurant Nora. For more on the Conde Nast Traveler Magazine article, check out http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/502489.

D.C. Cherry Blossom Events 2010

National Cherry Blossom Festival
(March 27- April 11, 2010)
Possibly one of the most beautiful festivals in D.C., the National Cherry Blossom Festival is covered with the blossoming of thousands of cherry trees on the Tidal Basin. This annual tradition, which started with gift of 600 trees to the United States from Japan in 1912, features parades, fireworks, concerts, cultural events, a kite festival and more.

Silver Spring Big Cherry Block Party
(April 3, 2010, 11a.m.- 6p.m.; Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland)
The Silver Spring Big Cherry Block Party event is the first official Maryland celebration of the long-time National Cherry Blossom Festival celebration in Washington, D.C. The festival includes the best in Japanese art, dance, fashion, flowers, music, cultural performances, art exhibits and more. The Silver Spring Big Cherry Block Party is a new tradition and partner with the National Cherry Blossom Festival which hopes to continue as an annual tradition.

Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival
(April 10, 2010; 10a.m.)
The Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival is a huge spectator event each year which opens the Cherry Blossom season in Washington, D.C. Bring out the entire family to see the procession of giant floats, balloons, clowns, horses, musical and celebrity performances and more. This year’s entertainment line-up features American Idol finalist Justin Gaurini, R&B vocalist Deborah Cox and 2010 Miss America Carissa Cameron.

Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival
(April 10, 2010, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, stretching East to West on Pennsylvania Avenue NW)
The Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival is a free event happening after The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. The event is one of the largest Japanese street parties of the year and features numerous stage performances, drinks and cuisine provided by Asian and Japanese restaurants, cultural exhibits, and vendor booths which cover a span of six blocks.

Spring Into Spring Events- D.C. 2010

Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival
(April 17-18, 2010, Saturday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Downtown Leesburg; intersection of King and Market Streets (Business Route 15 & Route 7)
Beautiful and historic Leesburg is starting the Spring season off correctly with The Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival which showcases some of the most amazing portraits of lush landscapes and gorgeous gardens. The event features over 100 vendors, food, crafts, entertainment, music and much more. This year’s show will also feature a wine garden behind Town Hall which features local wines and brews.

Virginia Historic Garden Week
(April 17-25, 2010; Tickets: $10 - $40; www.vagardenweek.org)
Virginia Historic Garden Week is a chance for the public to purchase tickets and visit some of the most beautiful gardens in prestigious private homes and around town. This is one of the oldest home and garden events in the country and features almost 40 regional tours in more than 200 private homes. Each tour features four to seven sites, including private homes and public attractions. Visitors have a chance to admire see 17th century architecture as well as the surrounding floral scenery.

White House Easter Egg Roll
(April 5, 2010, 8a.m.- 5p.m.; Location: White House,1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW; Please note: All guests will go through a security screening process)
The White House Easter Egg Roll is an annual held family event where children hunt and race the White House grounds to find Easter Eggs. Visitors can also enjoy a visit with the Easter bunny and a storytelling session. This tradition is dated back to the days of President Rutherford Hayes who first officially opened the grounds to local kids in celebration of Easter. Following Presidents have since continued the tradition.

The National ShamrockFest

(Saturday March 13, 2010; Noon- 9p.m.; RFK Stadium; 2400 E. Capitol St. NE Washington, D.C.; Tickets: $19.99 in advance, $29+ at the gate; Children 12 and under are free; www.shamrockfest.com)
D.C. knows how to do St. Patty’s Day right with a grand Saint Patrick's Day street festival which will feature live Irish pink, folk, Celtic music, food, drinks, craft vendors, carnival rides, fair games and much more. The ShamrockFest will showcase more than forty live bands on seven stages.

Wine and Chocolate Pairing

(February 26: 7p.m. - 8:30p.m.; $45 per person; Morton's The Steakhouse; 1750 Crystal Drive; Arlington, VA 22202)
The sweet times don’t stop simply because Valentine’s Day is gone. On February 26th, Morton’s The Steak House and Alexandria chocolatiers Artfully Chocolate Kingsbury Confections are combining their powerful forces to create a delicious evening of wine and chocolate. Guests can sample some fine wines and indulgent desserts. To RSVP contact Kim Christensen at cm.mar@mortons.com.

Wine Fest

February 24, March 3, March 10, March 17, March 19
Fairfax at Embassy Row Hotel; 2100 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.
$85-$145; http://www.capitalwinefestival.com
The first annual Capital Wine Festival features more than 50 wines from around the world and includes an intimate, four-course dinner to complement the wine selection. Plus, 20% of the proceeds from the tickets will be donated to the Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund.

January 22, 2010 – Grand Opening Reception
January 27, 2010 – Far Niente hosted by Larry Maguire
February 3, 2010 – Frog’s Leap hosted by John Williams
February 10, 2010 – J. Phelps Vineyards hosted by Damian Parker
February 17, 2010 – Cliff Lede Vineyards hosted by Jack Bittner
February 24, 2010 – Pio Cesare hosted by Pio Boffa
March 3, 2010 – Alex Gambal hosted by Alex Gambal
March 10, 2010 – Hanzell hosted by Jean Arnold Sessions
March 17, 2010 – Duckhorn Wine Co. hosted by Dan Duckhorn
March 19, 2010 – Closing Reception

Fete of Fashion Fundraiser

(Rue 14; 1803 14th St. N.W.; February 27; 6p.m.-10p.m.; $25 donation or more)
Rue 14 Boutique is showing support for the Capitol Breast Care Center, the only community based breast cancer screening clinic that provides free services to women. The evening will commence with shopping, live music, nibbles and drinks. The evening’s live music is from NYC group Electropoint and guests can also enjoy amazing swag bags from local businesses and sponsors. Bonus: 100% of ticket proceeds from the event will go directly to the Capital Breast Care Center.

Cream: Washington Project for the Arts Art Auction Exhibition

(Saturday, January 30- Saturday, March 6, 2010; The Katzen Arts Center at American University; 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW; Free admission; kac@american.edu)
The Washington Project for the Arts (WPA) artists debut their personal works in this exhibition which are careful selections by some of the top, nationally renowned curators from the most important art institutes. After the exhibition, The WPA will be inviting art fanatics to purchase pieces of which proceeds will benefit WPA programs and exhibitions at the WPA Art Auction Gala.

National Harbor Restaurant Week 2010

(February 15-28, 2010)
National Harbor Restaurant Week is a heaven send for diners everywhere. This week only, they are offering a prix fixe lunch menu for $20 and a three course dinner menu for $35! The participating restaurants include: Cadillac Ranch, Grace’s Mandarin, Ketchup, McCormick & Schmick’s, National Pastime, Moon Bay Coastal Cuisine, Public House, Rosa Mexicano and Sauciety American Grill. The cuisines hail from all over the world and include Mexican, American, Chinese, Seafood and much more. Most of the meals will also be accompanied by the beautiful scenery of the Potomac River which National Harbor sits on. This is a great opportunity to try some amazing new restaurants and delicious food at reasonable prices.

Grace's Mandarin Restaurant

(188 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD 20745)
Grace’s Mandarin Restaurant is the perfect eatery when you want a little East meets West flavor and some amazing views of the Potomac River. The restaurant has received numerous accolades and offers a full sushi bar. The restaurant also features a cozy lounge which serves a full bar of specialty cocktails, wines and sakes. When inside, visitors can admire the elegant atmosphere which includes a three story waterfall and a 33 ft. tall Buddha statue. For a full menu, pricing and location, visit www.gracesrestaurants.com.

National Harbor 2010 Upcoming Events

• Chesapeake Oyster & Beer Festival
Friday & Saturday, Feb 19 & 20
• Live Earth 6K Run
Sunday April 18, 2010
• Movies on the Potomac
Family Sundays- May-Sep
Girls Night Thursdays- June-Aug
• The Washington Post International Arts Festival
Saturday & Sunday, May 1 & 2
• American Market
Saturday May 15-October 30
• Riverfront Revolution Race
Saturday May 15th
• American Red Cross Waterfront Festival
Saturday & Sunday, May 29 & 30
• Beer, Bourbon & BBQ
Friday & Saturday, June 18 & 19
• CelebrAsean Festival
Saturday, August 7
• Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival
Saturday, August 21
• Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon
Sunday, September 19
• Das Best Oktoberfest
Saturday & Sunday, September 25 & 26th
• National Harbor Food & Wine Festival
June 12 and 13, 2010; Saturday, noon-8p.m.; Sunday, noon-6p.m.

Washington D.C. Newseum

The Newseum is 250,000 sq. ft of news dished to visitors through amazing hands on exhibits and the latest technology. The five centuries worth news feed is combined within the seven expansive levels of galleries, theaters, visitor centers, retail areas and displays. The museum is the perfect place to discover how and why news is created and relayed to the American public. The museum, which is centrally located at the intersection of Pennsylvania Ave and 6th Street, N.W. in between the White House and the U.S. Capitol and adjacent to the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall. Some of the museum’s permanent features include an interactive newsroom (where visitors are encouraged to read the news in front of a live camera), an ethics center (the place visitors can challenge one another to a face paced question game), the newseum gift store and more! Some of the museum’s most beautiful and original architecture depicts a massive 74 ft. high marble engraving of the First Amendment where onlookers can admire the strong words which have held through the ages. The museum also hosts displays that change seasonally so check www.newseum.org often for information on upcoming events.

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at JFK Center

(Monday, January 18, 2010; 6p.m.; John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts)
The Kennedy Center For Performing Arts and Georgetown University will be hosting the annual commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy which will be celebrated with Grammy award winning singer and songwriter India Arie and the Let Freedom Ring Choir (with Director Nolan Williams Jr). The event will also feature NBA All Star Dikembe Mutombo along with a number of other musical and celebrity appearances. Free tickets will be distributed (2 per person) in line in the Hall of Nations at 10a.m. on Monday, January 18, 2010.

Dialogues in Mexican Photography

(Friday, November 13, 2009-Saturday, January 30, 2010; Mexican Cultural Institute; 2829 16th Street, NW)
The Mexican Cultural Institute is joining FotoWeek in showcasing two exciting exhibitions that highlight the beautiful photographic scenes in Mexico. The gallery will show pictures from some of the most prominent collections from the Museum of Modern Art in Mexico City. Be prepared to view more than 60 amazing works of art from some 30 plus artists including traditional artists like Agustin Jimenez, Manuel Álvarez Bravo, and Tina Modotti, in addition to modern contemporary artists like Pablo Ortiz Monasterio and Lourdes Grobet. Viewers get a chance to experience the brilliant photographs captured which create an intricate conversation between themes and generations of the Mexican culture.

Shen Yun Performing Arts

(01/24/2010; John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Kennedy Center Opera House; 2700 F St. NW; Ticket prices vary from $39-$150; www.kennedy-center.org)
The Shen Yun Performing Arts Company is one of the world's first and largest Chinese dance and music companies. They will be set to perform at D.C.’s Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and stun audiences with the beautiful grace and energy of Chinese performance. Besides impeccable music and dance, the show also features amazing costuming, vocal acts, and instrumentals. Don’t miss this incredible show that will be opening around 100 locations worldwide.

Capitol Movement Project's Fifth Annual Winter Fundraiser

(The Reserve; 1426 L St. N.W; January 14; 6:30p.m.-9:30p.m.)
The Capitol Movement Project Organization is hosting its 5th annual winter fundraiser that will be benefiting D.C.’s inner city youth and their aspirations to attend performing arts colleges. The event includes bites, cocktails, a live dating auction with former Redskins Cheerleaders and more. Advanced tickets may be purchased from Dec 1-31 for $45 or from January 1-14 for $55.

Madame Tussauds Scavenger Hunt

(January 9; 5:30 p.m.-8p.m.; Admission: $40; Madame Tussauds; 1025 F St. N.W.)
Madame Tussauds is holding a scavenger hunt amongst the waxy A Listers. Socialize with fellow hunters in the Hollywood Room and then grab some pizza for dinner. Cameras are welcome!

Cycle World International Motorcycle Show

(Washington Convention Center; 801 Mount Vernon Place; 01/17/2010; www.motorcycleshows.com; Adult $13.50, Child $6)
The Cycle World International Motorcycle Show introduces visitors to an extensive display of the latest sportbikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, electric scooters, ATVs, head gear and more. The show also allows audience members to get answers from experts, test out the newest equipment and learn more about the fascinating motorcycle world. The show will also include entertainment like family activities, paranormal motorcycle action shows and educational lessons.

Urban Animals Book Reading

(National Building Museum; 401 F Street, NW; Tuesday, January 5, 2010; 10:30a.m. & 11:30a.m; Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5)
Stop by the National Building Museum in the Building Zone where you can discover animals in architecture through an exciting reading of Isabel Hill’s book Urban Animals.