Upcoming Events

Events on the National Mall…

80th Anniversary of Okinawa Wreath Laying at the WWII Memorial 
Tuesday, April 1, 11 AM 
The Friends of the National World War II Memorial will be hosting a wreath laying ceremony in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa. Learn more here. 

Petalpalooza 
Saturday, April 5, 1 to 9 PM 
This day-long, all-ages celebration brings art, music and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations through the Petalpalooza Art Walk. The evening is capped by a spectacular fireworks display. Capital Riverfront at the Yards, near Navy Yard Metro. Fireworks begin at 8:30 pm. Learn more here. 

Japanese Culture Day at the Library of Congress 
Saturday, April 5, 10 AM to 3 PM 
Hosted in the Library of Congress' Jefferson Building, Japanese Culture Day will feature family activities, including Japanese drum and traditional dance performances, storytelling and arts and crafts from Japan. Learn more. 

Japanese Stone Lantern Lighting Ceremony 
Sunday, April 6, 3 PM 
Join the National Conference of State Societies and the National Park Service for the traditional lighting of the Japanese Stone Lantern located among the cherry blossom trees on the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. The Stone Lantern Lighting Ceremony includes remarks by top US officials and Japanese diplomats, traditional songs and music. Learn more. 

Eisenhower Under the Stars 
Friday, April 11, 7:30 to 9:30 PM 
The Eisenhower Under the Stars series returns on Friday, April 11. This popular event brings astronomy organizations together with the Trust for the National Mall and the National Park Service for an evening of stargazing at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial honoring President Eisenhower's contributions to the space race. This event includes family-friendly activities and guided telescope stargazing. See more here. 

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade 
Saturday, April 12, 10 AM to 12 PM 
One of D.C.'s largest spectator events, the energy-filled parade runs for 10 blocks along the iconic Constitution Avenue. Giant colorful balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the parade route in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship. Learn more here. 

History Talks: Military Service and the Path to American Citizenship 
Wednesday, April 30, 7 to 8 PM 
Ford’s Theatre presents the next program in History Talks, a webinar series that investigates facets of Abraham Lincoln’s complex legacy and its relevance to today. For this webinar, historians will be joining to discuss citizenship stories of specific service members from the Civil War, WWI and WWII who are interred in Arlington National Cemetery. Read more. 

Police Week: Candlelight Vigil 
Tuesday, May 13, 8 to 10 PM 
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund will be hosting a Candlelight Vigil as part of National Police Week 2025. Read the full schedule of events here. 

Memorial Day Observance at the World War II Memorial
Saturday, May 24, 10 AM 
Join the Friends of the National World War II Memorial and the National Park Service for a special observance. Read more here. 

Memorial Day Observance at the Wall 
Monday, May 26, 1 to 2 PM 
The annual Memorial Day ceremony is co-hosted yearly by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation and the National Park Service to pay tribute to members of America’s armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam and in all conflicts. Register here. 

Memorial Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial 
Monday, May 26, 4:15 to 5 PM 
The Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation will hold a ceremony and wreath-laying event at the Korean War Veterans Memorial on Memorial Day to pay tribute to all those who served and sacrificed for freedom. Learn more here. 

Memorial Day Wreath Laying at the U.S. Navy Memorial 
Monday, May 26, 1 to 2 PM 
On Memorial Day, the U.S. Navy Memorial will host a wreath laying in honor and memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. The event will feature a guest speaker, the U.S. Navy Band, and U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard. Following the ceremony there is a light reception in the Visitors Center. Learn more. 

Past Events