Put away the snowshoes and break out the sunglasses. It's officially spring in D.C., and here are 14 different ways to celebrate.
WASHINGTON — Put away the snowshoes and break out the sunglasses.
It’s officially spring in D.C., and here are a whole slew of different ways to celebrate.
The National Cathedral Flower Mart
The kicks off its opening ceremony May 4. Buy your plants for spring, tour an international flower display, take in live music and shop craft booths at this spring festival. There’s also plenty of food, plus children’s games and rides. Proceeds benefit the grounds of the National Cathedral.
(Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images)
Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images
runs from April 21-28 this year. Get out there and enjoy some of America’s greatest treasures — and give a solid thanks to the National Park Service while you’re at it.
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
returns April 19–29. It’s the capital’s longest running film festival,
clocking in at 32 years and promises a diverse selection of films plus discussions with guest filmmakers and special events.
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Beyond the Tidal Basin at the National Arboretum
If you’re tired of the Tidal Basin routine, head over to the National Arboretum for “.” The 3-mile, self-guided tour, which runs from March 20 to April 12, showcases nearly 40 different types of flowering cherries in all kinds of colors, shapes and sizes.
(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
Paddle on the Potomac
With the cherry blossoms in the background, take in the springtime views from  on the Potomac.
(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
AP Photo/Evan Vucci
in Anacostia will be open until 5 p.m. from April 1 until Oct. 31. Enjoy hiking, birding, photography, painting and more.
(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
The Annual Georgetown French Market
April 27 – 29, the streets of Georgetown . Galleries and stores move their merchandise to the sidewalk and offer many items at a discounted price.
(ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµapp/Natalie Plumb)
ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµapp/Natalie Plumb
Take in the blooms at the U.S. Botanic Garden
Head over to the  for an exhibit on orchids and another on gardening. Get your green thumb on at this free museum.
(Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)
Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images
near the National Arboretum is open until sunset all spring long. Get your nine holes in or check out the for more.
(Courtesy Golf DC)
Courtesy Golf DC
The Cherry Blossom PUB
Of course, there’s another way to experience the cherry blossoms altogether — and it involves booze. Drink Company is celebrating one of D.C.’s most festive times with a cherry blossom pop-up bar, called the Cherry Blossom PUB.Â
(ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµapp/Rachel Nania)
ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµapp/Rachel Nania
Around the World Embassy TourÂ
Starting May 5, will open their doors to the public to showcase the food, fashion, art and music from their respective countries. Admission is free, but pack some spare change for food and beverage purchases.
(ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµapp/Rachel Nania)
ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµapp/Rachel Nania
Visit Mount Vernon
Starting this spring, a whole host of — both indoor and out — will kick off at George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
(AP Photo)
AP Photo
Spring at National Harbor
National Harbor has a few events on the calendar for spring, including the (April 28 and 29).
(AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)
AP Photo/ Evan Vucci
Check out a beer festival
There are several beer festivals planned in the D.C. area. Here are a few on tap for the season:
, March 31.
, April 21
, May 12
(AP Photo/Dave Martin)
AP Photo/Dave Martin
Show your Natitude
April 5 is Opening Day at Nationals Park when Washington faces off against the New York Mets. Take yourself out to the ballgame and enjoy more than a hot dog at one of the Navy Yard’s many restaurants.Â
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
Visit giant panda Mei Xiang and the other animals at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Be sure to check their to see what fun, and often free, activities are in store.
(Skip Brown, Smithsonian’s National Zoo)