Activities at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Held every year in late September, the National Book Festival (loc.gov/bookfest) takes place over the course of two days, between 9th and 14th Streets. The festival hosts more than 100 authors, poets and illustrators from a wide variety of genres, including children’s literature, science fiction and graphic novels. The event includes book store pavilions, autograph sessions, speakers programs and family storytelling stages.
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival (festival.si.edu) celebrates different cultures via dance troupe performances, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts workshops and concerts. The event also features many ethnic food concessions. Located between the Smithsonian museums, the festival takes place over 10 days in late June and early July, covering two weekends.

The National Mall hosts the Screen on the Green (hbo.com/screenonthegreen) series, taking place each year from mid-July until early August. The festival screens classic films outdoors between 7th and 12th Streets every Monday. Screenings begin at sunset. Guests may bring blankets, food and non-alcoholic drinks for picnicking.
From June through August, various military bands participate in the National Mall’s Summer Concert Series. Concerts take place on the west terrace of the U.S. Capitol. The United States Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force Bands rotate performances Monday through Thursday nights. Concerts typically begin at 8:00 p.m. and feature patriotic music.

The famed Fourth of July at the National Mall (nps.gov/foju/index.htm) celebration is an all-day event, beginning with a parade down Constitution Avenue in the afternoon. In the evening, a host of bands, including notable rock, pop and country acts, offer an outdoor concert at the base of the Washington Monument. The evening ends with a fireworks show from the mall’s Reflecting Pool.
Every year the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol hosts the National Memorial Day Concert. Typically held the evening before Memorial Day, the event honors those who served in the U.S. military and often features performances by rock bands, country music acts and the National Symphony Orchestra. Guests may picnic on the lawn, but alcohol is not permitted.

Maru Montero, a D.C.-based Latin dance company, hosts a national Cinco de Mayo (marumontero.com) celebration every year in the mall. The afternoon event takes place at the Sylvan Theater, an outdoor stage located on the grounds of the Washington Monument. Activities include Latin-themed dance workshops, games, crafts, performances and art displays.
Held every year on or near April 22, Earth Day on the National Mall (earthday.org) is a one-day rally promoting green living. The day-long event features musical performances, celebrity appearances and public speakers, as well as booths and interactive exhibits which highlight eco-friendly products and techniques for renewable energy. The event takes place near the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol.