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.