With the cherry blossoms blooming and the weather warming up, the National Mall has more than enough activities for a fun-filled weekend in the District. If the tourist season isn’t for you, take a day trip to Maryland for a food festival you will never forget.
For those who have access to a car or want to rent a car for the day, head out to Timonium, Maryland for the town’s annual beer, bourbon and BBQ festival. Enjoy unlimited tastings of 60 beers on tap and 40 bourbons while chomping down on delicious BBQ from local vendors. Then, you can head over to the game area for carnival games and more. There are even opportunities to jam out to live music or learn about breweries and how to properly BBQ through educational sessions. Ticket prices vary.
When: April 1-2
Where: The Cow Palace- Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd, Lutherville-Timonium, MD
Metro: Car necessary
One of my personal favorite days in cherry blossom season is the National Mall Blossom Kite Festival. The annual festival is something you should do at least once while living in the District, and it’s an opportunity to lay out on the National Mall on a glorious day to watch incredible kites fly overhead. Participants come from all over the world to fly their kites, and you can spend the day observing and checking out the activity tents, parade, competitions and kite demonstrations. Make time to check out the Rokkaku Battle and Hot Tricks Showdown where fighter kites battle it out for the loudest audience applause.
When: April 2 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where: The National Mall
Metro: Metro Center, Red Line
If kites aren’t quite your thing, participate in this year’s international pillow fight on the National Mall. This annual event is an opportunity to have a crazy, outdoor pillow fight pre-finals while getting some great photos and enjoying the cherry blossoms. Be sure to bring a pillow that’s not down.
When: April 2, 2 p.m.
Where: The National Mall, corner of Independence between 14th and 15th
Metro: Metro Center, Red Line
