DISTRICT DEVELOPMENTS: New Hotels and Neighborhood News
Want to gauge the volume of new developments in DC? Just look at our skyline. Across all of the city's quadrants, there are 60-some cranes hoisting steel and glass, a testament to the $9-plus billion in physical developments across the District. Here are a few of the notable projects:  

Marriott Marquis Washington, DC
In the immediate vicinity of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC, attached by underground concourse to the 2.3 million-square-foot convention center, boasts 1,175-rooms, 105,000-square feet of superior function space and a 4,000-piece art collection. It is the largest hotel in Washington, DC (the birthplace of Marriott) and the largest to open in the United States in 2014. Four of its five eateries are open.

CityCenterDC

Two blocks away, on the site of the former convention center, is CityCenterDC, the 10-acre luxury mixed-use development that The New York Times called “a $700 million complex envisioned as a modern-day Rockefeller Center.” Many high-end shops and eateries are open:  Burberry, Caudalie Spa, Daniel Boulud's DBGB, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Grill, Hermes, Longchamp, Paul Stuart. More familiar luxury brands including Carolina Herrera, Dior and David Yurman are still to come. DC-area natives, David Chang and Christina Tosi will open iterations of NYC favorites, Momofuku and Milk Bar respectively. Additional homegrown talent at CityCenterDC includes Rob Duncan and Violetta Edelman's coffee and gelato shop Dolcezza and chef Amy Brandwein at Centrolina, an A-Z Italian market and osteria. The development will eventually include DC's first Conrad Hotel, a 370-room luxury property due to open in 2018.

Trump Hotel

On May 31, 2014, the Trump organization took possession of the Old Post Office (Washington's second tallest building) according to a 60-year lease with the GSA. The historic building is receiving a $200 million renovation and is on track to emerge in 2017 as the luxury 271-room Trump Hotel property. The Old Post Office will include street-level restaurants, a cafe and a library. Its atrium is to have a fitness center, a 4,000-square-foot Mar-a-Lago spa by Ivanka Trump, and meeting space.

Cambria Suites Washington, DC

Notable nearby openings include an all-suite Cambria Suites Washington, D.C./Convention Center at the CityMarket at O (a mixed-use development). This hotel makes a beguiling perch for people eager to experience the new additions, particularly restaurants, opening on 9th Street within blocks of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Morrison-Clark Inn

Also within walking distance of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the historic Morrison-Clark Inn unveiled a 43,000-square-foot addition this spring. The six-story expansion to the 19th-century Victorian mansion rises above the Chinese community church façade next door, adding 56 rooms and expanded underground parking.

Embassy Row Hotel
Steps from the Dupont Circle Metro entrance, the Embassy Row Hotel has reopened following a $15 million rooftop-to-bottom renovation. The new look is bright and social, including Station Kitchen & Cocktails and a pool-side grill on the roof.

Kimpton Hotels – Carlyle Dupont Circle

Kimpton Hotels acquired the Carlyle Suites and is refurbishing the property to be called The Carlyle-Dupont Circle. Boston-based chef Michael Schlow will helm The Riggsby, the property's 75-seat eatery. This spring, Kimpton acquired the 153-room Savoy Hotel in Glover Park which will bring their number of DC properties to ten.

Kimpton Hotels – Savoy Suites
Kimpton Hotels purchased the Savoy Suites in Burleith (north of Georgetown) in the spring. The property will be transformed in the peppy, style-forward spirit of this boutique line, including a rooftop lounge.

Watergate Hotel

The infamous Watergate Hotel is being updated to a luxurious Potomac-side perch with a $125 million renovation by Euro Capital Properties. The 338 guest rooms, topped with rooftop bar, The Top of the Gate, boasting views of Roosevelt Island, the neighboring Kennedy Center and Georgetown University's towers is expected to open in 2016. In a nod to its swinging 60's and scandalous 70's origins, Mad Men costumier Janie Bryant was tapped to design staff uniforms. The property will also house two ballrooms.

The Hilton Garden Inn

The Hilton Garden Inn Washington, DC/Georgetown Area in West End, the restaurant-packed neighborhood flanking Georgetown, Foggy Bottom and Dupont Circle, boasts 238-rooms, a rooftop pool and Café Deluxe eatery at the street level.

The Wharf InterContinental
The area along the Southwest waterfront, home to Arena Stage, Entertainment Cruises, and the historic 200-plus year-old fish market, is being reimagined into a mixed use riverside workspace/living space with a riverfront “boardwalk” feel. The existing yacht club will be rebuilt along with a 450-foot public pier. Among the promised developments are restaurants, offices, a major live music venue and two hotels including the The Wharf InterContinental, a 278-room, 12-story hotel with meetings space, an infinity pool and 5,000-square foot roof deck overlooking the Potomac and Haines Point. It is expected to open in 2017.

On and near the National Mall
The cast iron dome of the U.S. Capitol is undergoing a major renovation, its first since 1962,that will envelop the building in scaffolding through 2017. Neither the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center nor Capitol tours are interrupted, with the exception of VIP tours of the dome.

Construction on the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture continues. The building, designed by David Adjaye, will occupy a space between the Washington Monument and the National Museum of American History, the last designated museum space on the National Mall. When the museum opens in 2016, it will be a centerpiece venue for performances, symposia, ceremonies and exhibition space.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is embarking on an expansion fueled by a $50 million gift by their chairman David Rubenstein. The new additions will create dedicated classroom space for school- and community-based residencies, as well as flexible rehearsal/performance space. Steven Holl Architects has been recommended, and designs are forthcoming. The proposed pavilions would be the first new additions to the complex in 40 years. The center hopes to begin the redevelopment this year and conclude by spring 2017.

HOTELS: Additional Noteworthy Accommodations
This summer, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC will undergo a $13 million dollar renovation of all its guest rooms and suites. The rooms will be customized with Four Seasons Signature Sleep initiatives including the new Four Seasons "Fat and Sexy" bed, a selection of bed toppers, a pillow and sleep menu, and distinctive and elegant decor that creates a sense of grand intimacy and restful sleep.  

The Willard InterContinental history gallery has been refreshed to reveal yet more interesting background on this highly historic hotel. Gallery updates include new displays to reflect the hotel's literary legacy, new sustainability efforts and an updated timeline featuring the 50th anniversary celebration of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech finalized at the Willard Hotel.

The Jefferson, Washington, DC is enjoying an amazing year, having recently received a placement on Trip Advisor's Travelers Choice Top Hotels in the US for 2015. Additionally, the property has received a top 10 ranking from US News & World Report's Best Hotels in the US, was listed on Travel + Leisure's World's Best for Small City Hotels and lastly, The Jefferson received mention as the only hotel in Washington, DC on Condé Nast Traveler's Top 5 US Business Hotels.

DINING and DRINKING: 50 and Counting New and Noteworthy DC Restaurants, Bars, Food Halls, More
The restaurant scene in Washington, DC is booming. There were 200+ openings (and counting) between 2012-2015. Locals and visitors hungry for unique experiences, are increasingly delighted by the strength and diversity of on-trend dining and drinking options in a city barely 10-square miles. Among the new and soon-to-open hot spots:

Meat Meets Heat: On House of Cards, Freddy's is a (fictional) no-frills barbecue joint. Find a similar mix of atmosphere, smoke and secrets at the recently expanded DCity Smoke House in Eckington. Need more sausages and brisket? Head to Sotto on 14th Street NW's restaurant row – don't miss their crazy take on Cracker Jacks – or the tiny but expert Pitmaster's Back Alley in tony upper Northwest near American University. 

Piece of Cake: After years of cupcakeries, proper A-Z bakeries are on the rise. Formerly of NYC's Magnolia Bakery and Craft, Meredith Tomason has opened Rare Sweets at CityCenterDC. She's making birthday-worthy cakes, cookies, breakfast sandwiches and sorbets.
Also: gluten-free treats at Rise Bakery in Adams Morgan; massive carrot cakes at Dogtag Bakery (operated for and by US Army vets) in Georgetown; Viennoiserie at Bakers & Baristas in the Penn Quarter. Still to open: an outpost of Christina Tosi's Milk Bar and Buttercream Bakery from local sweetie pie Tiffany MacIsaac.
Tip: Crunch the city's best crusty bread at Bread Furst.  At age 76, Mark Furstenberg opened his bakery-café in Van Ness, earning accolades such as a James Beard nomination in 2015 for Outstanding Baker. 

Global Grub: Opened in January, China Chilcano is Chef José Andrés' sixth restaurant in the Penn Quarter (Minibar, Barmini, Jaleo, Oyamel, Zaytinya), but his first foray into the native and Chifa (immigrant) cuisine of Peru. Slurp fiery Chinese-style noodles, marvel at potato-topped sushi and swoon for desserts like a mountain of purple sweet corn-flavored shaved ice in the highly designed space. It crackles with electricity. Find more modern Peruvian cuisine at Ocopa in the Atlas District.
More: Souk, a spice market on Capitol Hill; Cambodian pho and Taiwanese bao at Maketto on H Street NE; Mango Tree, fine Thai in the Penn Quarter; Korean street eats at Bul and Afghan dumplings at Lapis in Adams Morgan; wildly popular and super-spicy no-frills Laotian at Thip Khao in Colombia Heights; French bistro at Chez Billy Sud in Georgetown; Turkish mezze at Ankara in Dupont Circle; Filipino dishes at Purple Patch. Still to open: Bad Saint, more Pinoy cuisine on 11th Street NW.

Fast Casual: Home to SweetGreen, Five Guys and 100-plus food trucks, DC adores quick-serve. Opened in May, Veloce is a fast-casual pizza joint from Ruth Gresher (Pizza Paradiso) offering four crusts (including gluten-free, and whole wheat) baked in a custom oven that can blister 25 pies in minutes – even breakfast versions for those who wake up craving 'za.
Also: Kosher pizza at Silver Crust inside the DC Jewish Community Center; spicy Silk Road curries at Grand Trunk in the Penn Quarter; made-to-order ice cream sandwiches at Captain Cookie & the Milk Man in Foggy Bottom; and Beefsteak, Jose Andres' veggie-protein focused take-away in Foggy Bottom, with another due to open in Dupont Circle this year.
One to watch: Power Supply, Robert Morton's Paleo-based food delivery start-up serving Cross Fit gyms, work places and homes expands to the West Coast this year.

Morning's Glory: The boom in a.m. options is a buffet of grab-and-go biscuits, lavish brunches and eye-opening takes on coffee. Crispy-chewy, Bullfrog Bagels in the Atlas District are a warm reward for getting up (and lining up) early. Go for the pastrami, egg and cheese. Hand-rolled and boiled by Jeremiah Cohen, these bad boys are available at his H Street outpost, at the Star & Shamrock (DC's Jewish-Irish bar) and on the Potomac, courtesy of NautiFoods, a summertime delivery boat that cruises the Potomac, feeding boaters and SUP boarders.
Also: Head-size fried chicken biscuits from Mason Dixie at Union Market;  pork belly and mustard seed cheese sandwiches at coffee cum cocktail bar Slipstream in Logan Circle; coffee including “nitro cold brew,” gelato, and flakey pastries Dolcezza at CityCenterDC; fair trade beans from two former Marines at Compass Coffee in Shaw. New players in the city's indulgent brunch game include rooftop mimosas at DNV at Donovan Hotel and chic South Asian at Doi Moi.

Modern Artisanal: Attentive service, beguiling interiors and painstaking prep are hallmarks of top casual and fine dining restaurants. Many of the popular eateries along 14th Street NW espouse this trinity, and it looks like a number of soon-to-open spots from beloved local chefs will as well. Opened in May, Amy Brandwein's Centrolina is part Italian market, part osteria. Find fresh local veggies, grab-and-go sauces, pasta, salumi as well as a dining room with a long wine list under one roof inside CityCenter DC. Soon to open in Shaw: Convivial from Cedric Maupillier and his Mintwood Place team; Kinship will be Eric Zebold's first solo effort after leaving the celebrated CityZen at the Mandarin Oriental Washington, DC; The Dabney from Jeremiah Langhorne (late of Charleston's McCrady's).

Greens Parties: The national interest in eating clean, locally sourced and vegan foods is in evidence throughout the District. Doron Petersan made a name for herself by winning “Cupcake Wars” twice with (GASP!) vegan cupcakes. She captains a vegan bakery Sticky Fingers, has authored a cookbook, and is working on Fare Well, a Mediterranean-flavored vegan bistro due to open on H Street NE. Also: just-opened Calabash Tea and Tonic, a vegan tea room and snack bar in Petworth; Beefsteak, to-go bowls of flash-steamed veggies from Jose Andres in Foggy Bottom; health foods (raw and roasted veg dishes, bone broth)are the focus at Hälsa in Brookland. Pick up cold pressed juices from Jrink in Dupont Circle and look for Chaia, vegetable tacos (and some of the city's best) at Fresh Farm Markets across the city.

Wine, Cocktails & Small Batch: This town loves a drink, and revisions in distribution laws have inspired new craft breweries and distilleries, and dedicated guided tours to boot. In Ivy City, One Eight Distilling bottles vodka, whiskey and gin. For those who prefer their booze mixed by a pro, consider Provision 14, a looker that opened in May serving French press cocktails.
Also: The steampunk-inspired bar Alex inside Georgetown's The Graham Hotel ; the Deco-gorgeous Denson Liquor Bar in the Penn Quarter; McClelland's Retreat serving Civil War-era cocktails in Dupont; Bar Civita, a lively neighborhood pub serving Woodly Park, and the forthcoming Barcaro, a Venetian-style wine bar from Robert Gadsby opening inside Shaw's City Market at O
Of note: The bumpy relationship between the government and alcohol is the subject of National Archives exhibit, “Spirited Republic.” Much lauded DC bar man Derek Brown has been tapped “Chief Spirits Advisor” and will oversee a monthly “talk and sip” series with a who's who of American drink.

Pop-Ups and Incubators: The “can do” economy of self-starters and formal start-ups has taken root in DC, inspiring dedicated spaces like Union Kitchen in NoMa and Mess Hall in Edgewood as incubators for baby F&B businesses. Among their members: Apinya (Thai-style hot sauces); Singer's Significant Meats (corned beef and pastrami); Udderly Nuts (almond milk) and sandwich makers Dirty South Deli – who operate a pop-up inside the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

Quirky and Cool: Creativity is at work at the foundations of these emerging hybrid businesses including the almost unspeakably cool Maketto. Opened in May, this coffee shop/patisserie/bao and pho stand/sneaker store/bookshop/bar on H Street NE is ground zero for foodies and fashionistas. The space unites a number of local purveyors: Frenchie's, a bakery; Vigilante Coffee, Durkl clothing as well as Chef Erik Bruner-Yang (Toki Underground, Honeycomb) in the spirit of a South Asian night market.
Also: In Adams Morgan Songbyrd Record Café (opened in April) boasts an eclectic sandwich menu as well as a large vinyl (new and vintage) selection, and a 1947 Voice-O-Gram recording booth. Opened in April, Filter is a half-coffee shop/bike shop and repair in Brookland. Maki Shop (also opened in April) serves sushi rolled to order by machines in Logan Circle. Funky Adams Morgan is home to Pop's Sea Bar, a Jersey Shore themed oyster and fried food beach bar. Colony Club in Park View serves coffee, cocktails and competitive ping pong. , Next month, Crumbs & Whiskers, DC's first cat café will open in Georgetown. Opening in 2016, a bouldering and rock climbing gym/beer garden and coffee shop from bar impresario Joe Englert (The Rock and Roll Hotel, DC9, The Argonaut).

DC COOL: #WeGotThis, Bit-Mojis and DC Cool Kids Activity Guide
In 2014, Forbes Magazine named Washington, DC the “coolest city in America.” DC Cool, Destination DC's years-long marketing initiative (launched December 2013) engages travelers with the federal side of the nation's capital and the delights of the District by connecting them with local experts who share their tips for living like a local. The campaign's microsite: DCcool.com is a virtual little black book, an exciting patchwork of interviews, videos, photo galleriesand recommendations. The site is divided into sections: Eat + Drink; See + Do; Stay + Go; Insiders.

Content is at once practical (five easy-to-plan date nights, for example) and surprising. DC Cool mixes evergreen tips with seasonal specials and deals. Would-be travelers can plan a trip that speaks to their personal passions by consulting lists including 10 LGBTQ nightspots, six independent bookstores or 9 museum-after-dark programs. DC Cool also posts money-saving specials such as hotel packages.

To drive engagement and highlight the many budget-friendly, only-in-DC experiences on and off the National Mall for families, Destination DC is distributing 100,000 copies of a free eight-page DC Cool Kids Activity Guide, an extension of the ongoing campaign. A printable PDF version of the guide and expanded editorial content can be found on www.Washington.org/DCcoolkids.

To further engage visitors, Destination DC launched a set of 24 DC Cool-themed emojis in the form of a free downloadable app – a first for a destination. Each emoji sticker telegraphs the familiar attractions as well as authentic neighborhood experiences. The digital pictograms, for example, include the DC flag, popular memorials and monuments, the new Metro 7000-series railcar, the Smithsonian Castle as well as the Friendship Arch at Gallery Place and Georgetown's gold-domed Farmers and Mechanic Bank. The app available on Google Play and the App store by searching “Emoji DC.

TRANSPORTATION: Silver Line, Streetcars, Capital BikeShare
Opened summer 2014, the Silver Line runs from Prince George's county in Maryland, across Washington, DC and Arlington, Virginia to Tysons Corner, a shopping mecca, and on to Reston where riders can catch a shuttle to and from Dulles Airport. The Silver Line is expected to reach Dulles International Airport by 2018.

More than half a century has passed since the last streetcars rattled to a halt, but in 2015 streetcars are expected to return, at least in the Atlas District. The plan is to run cars along a 2.2 mile-long line down H Street corridor NE, from Benning Road behind Union Station. There is no targeted start date.

DC continues to expand the number of dedicated bike lanes across the city. Capital BikeShare, a bike sharing system involving 2,500 bicycles across 300 stations in metropolitan DC. To date, the service has been used more than 7 million times.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Special events
The June-December 2015 calendar is jam-packed with special events: landmark concerts, art exhibits, festivals and holiday traditions. Find more events on our events calendar and check our monthly best of round-ups. There's no question, no city celebrates the Fourth of July with stirring Washington, DC.

June 5-14: Capital Pride, Citywide
Celebrating its 40th birthday, the LGBT festival offers a cavalcade of fun runs, parties, spoken word performances, interfaith services, family picnics from June 5 through the annual Pride Parade on Saturday, June 13 and Pride Festival on Sunday, June 14, 2015.

June 10-12: Hermione, Old Town Alexandria
French tall ship docks across the Potomac in commemoration of Marquis de Lafayette's historic voyage to America in 1780. Alexandria will host free tours, while celebrating its French connections to the American Revolution with lectures, a historic ball, and special French inspired menus at the local restaurants.

June 10-16: DC Jazz Festival, Citywide
The 11th annual festival draws big-name jazz players from across all genres to play on four main stages across the city. Catch some of more than 100 performances from the likes of Joshua Redman, Marshall Keys, Common, Femi Kuti and the Positive Force, and a free performance by Esperanza Spaulding.

June 17-21, AFI Docs, Citywide
Dubbed the “pre-eminent documentary festival in the U.S.” by Screen International, the AFI Docs is a film festival showcasing DC's role as “Docuwood” during this weeklong festival. Screenings, discussions and parties are held at AFI Silver, as well as museums and theaters across the city.

June 27-28: Safeway National Capital Barbecue Battle, Pennsylvania Avenue between 9th & 14th
“Meat, Great and Learn” is the spirit of this longstanding, slow-smoked tradition drawing passionate and professional grillers from across the country for food, fun and live music.

June 24-28; July 1-5: Smithsonian Folklife Festival, National Mall
The dazzling diversity of Peru is the singular star of this annual multicultural festival. In 2015, the Folklife Festival will be located on the National Mall between Third and Fourth streets, just north of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

July 4: A Capitol Fourth, West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
More than 100 marching band units step out at noon along Constitution Avenue for the Fourth of July parade. Musical groups entertain from mid-afternoon until evening. Celebrate Independence Day on the National Mall with a cavalcade of American songs. The concert, to be simulcast on PBS, will feature Patti LaBelle, Jordin Sparks, and Michael McDonald. Fireworks follow follies. Locals know the full dress rehearsal on July 3 at 8 p.m. has just as much pomp, less circumstance.

July 4: The Foo Fighters, RFK Stadium
Home-grown rock royalty, the Foo Fighters bring their guitar-driven power pop back home, and some of their friends and influencers in the spirit of their Sonic Highways album. Expect Heart, Joan Jett, LL Cool J, Trombone Shorty and DC Go-Go music legends Trouble Funk to help the band celebrate its 20th anniversary to the day in the open arena. All tickets are general admission.

July 4-September 2: The BEACH, National Building Museum
The museum devoted to civic planning, architecture and engineering will again create a one-of-a-kind indoor family-friendly pop-up experience. In partnership with Brooklyn-based firm, Snarkitect, the BEACH will cover 10,000 square feet and include an “ocean” of nearly one million recyclable translucent plastic balls. Think “IKEA ballroom” only thousands of times larger.

July 9-26: Capital Fringe, Citywide
DC lets its freak flag fly at this stage and street theater celebration with 100 brand new madcap works.  The center of the action will be the heart of H Street NE. Throughout the two-and-a-half-week festival, audiences can choose from more than 500 audacious and inventive performances of theater, dance, music, poetry and puppetry performed by local, national and international artists at more than 30 unique venues.

July 23: Brew at the Zoo , Smithsonian National Zoo/ July 23
Sip among the sloths, quaff among the quail and chug among the cheetahs with beer-lovers of all predilections. Sample 60-plus brews, snack from food trucks, pet a few critters and raise monies for conservation efforts.

July 30-August 2: Quicken Loans National, Robert Trent Jones Golf Course
Prime time duffers like Justin Rose and Shawn Stefani hit the links in Gainesville, VA to vie for a big piece of the $6.7M pie. Practice your polite applause and wear your walking shoes.

August 1-9: Citi Open Tennis Classic, H. G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center
The tournament brings more than 40 of the top 500 men's players including Andy Murray, Kei Nishikori and Lleyton Hewitt on the ATA circuit to the courts in Rock Creek Park in pursuit of the DC's largest-ever tennis purse. The action is fast and the stadium feels intimate.

August 9-16: DC Beer Week, Citywide
Seven days of suds celebrate DC's burgeoning craft beer movement. Find tap take-overs, beer tastings and brewing seminars held in taverns, pubs, restaurants and unexpected spots. 

September 5: DC Blues Festival, Citywide
The nation's capital celebrates the blues with the 27th annual DC Blues Festival. The one-day event features a who's who in the jazz world. Plus, kids will love the family-friendly workshops and instrument “petting zoo.”

TBD: Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week, Citywide
The summer cycle of the popular three-course prix fixe lunch ($20.15) and dinner ($35.15) at a discount invites Washingtonians to try hot new tables and local gems.  Reservations are strongly encouraged. 

September-November: Women's Voices Theatre Festival, Citywide/September-November
More than 50 DC-area theater's produce a world premiere by a woman playwright. This is the largest ever effort by an American city to spotlight the necessity of women's theater to date and correct the absence of work by women, in an art form so strongly supported by women.

September 5: National Festival of the Book, Walter E. Washington Convention Center
The Library of Congress's celebration of the written word moves to a new home for its 15th iteration. Meet 100-pluss of well-known authors, poets and illustrators as they read and discuss their work.

September 7: Labor Day Concert, West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
The National Symphony Orchestra performs a free concert in a DC Labor Day weekend tradition, beginning at 8 p.m. For an in-depth guide on all there is to do Labor Day weekend in DC, click here.

September 13: AT&T Nation's Football Classic, R.F.K. Stadium
A football game between two historically black universities, Howard and Hampton, is just one element of this long weekend packed with celebration, scholarship and service.

September 26-27: Landmark Music Festival, East Potomac Park
In an effort to raise funds and awareness for the refurbishment of the National Mall, a ticketed two-day concert featuring Drake, Alt-J and The Strokes playing in West Potomac Park.

September 19: H Street Festival: Discover the up-and-coming H Street, an area known for its performing arts venues and quirky nightclubs, and its surrounding neighborhood has to offer at this annual fun festival. The H Street corridor will be home to the soon-to-launch streetcar initiative.

October (Dates TBD): White House Fall Garden Tour
Stroll the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Children's Garden, the White House Kitchen Garden, and South Lawn of the White House.

October 11: Army Ten-Miler, Citywide
America's biggest 10-mile race attracts 20,000 runners each year. Race begins at the Pentagon in Virginia at 8 a.m.

October 23-25: Boo at the Zoo, National Zoo
Visit bats, spiders, owls, and other animals at the zoo while trick-or-treating at the National Zoo in Washington, DC. Enjoy animal encounters, keeper talks, festive decorations, and haunted trails at the annual National Zoo's Halloween celebration. Advance tickets are required.

October 25: Marine Corps Marathon, Citywide
The annual race includes a full weekend of events including the Health and Fitness Expo, Healthy Kids Fun Run, and Marine Corps Marathon Finish Festival.

October 27: DC Drag Races, 17th Street NW between Q and P Streets
What was once a group of friends goofing around has become a local tradition drawing thousands of spectators to watch costumed drag queens show off their elaborate Halloween costumes and “drag race” down 17th Street NW in Dupont Circle.

November (dates TBD): Kids Euro Festival, Citywide
The event staged through the cooperation of the 27 Washington-based European Union embassies and more than a dozen major local cultural institutions will include more than 200 free performances around the city. Geared to children age 2-12.

November 7-15: FotoWeek DC, Citywide
The annual celebration of fine art and documentary photography will feature programs including a photo contest and juried exhibition, gallery openings, lectures, educational workshops, portfolio reviews, book signings and more.

November 13-14: Renwick Gallery Reopening Celebration, Farragut North
America's national museum dedicated to crafts and decorative arts reopens after an extensive renovation with “Wonder” a site-specific exhibition. The party begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be followed by an open-house: meet curators, take tours. The Renwick will open after hours for "all you can craft," craft beer, live music and special guest artists. This is a ticketed event for ages 21 and up. On Saturday, Nov. 14, the gallery hosts a free family festival with craft activities, artist demonstrations, musical performances and special museum tours.

Late November-January 2 (exact dates TBD): ZooLights at the National Zoo
More than a million LEED lights brighten winter nights throughout the Zoo. Hands on crafts, animal info stations and performances throughout the campus make this a popular holiday tradition

December (dates TBD, likely first week): Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the National Christmas Tree (behind the White House) and the Pageant of Peace
The former takes place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Listen to holiday music by a section of The United States Marine Band (The President's Own), and carols sung by the Congressional Chorus. The later takes place with the First Family on the Ellipse between the White House and the Washington Monument. Find a calendar's worth of editorial inspiration on our festivals page.

LONG LEAD INSPIRATION: Plan Ahead for Time-Sensitive Openings, Anniversaries, Festivals
The nation's capital is a place where history happened, but also a place where history is happening. Among the exclamation point events on the horizon:

America's National Park system celebrates its centennial in 2015-2016. Among the points of inspiration in Washington, DC:
- The inaugural Landmark Music Festival, September
- Rock Creek Park: Explore DC's 1,800-acre park, home to a stables, planetarium, National Zoo, trails
- The restoration of the Iwo Jima Memorial, paid for by DC native David Rubenstein

2016 might feel like “the year of the museum” even in a city jam-packed with museums, historic homes, and hand-on learning centers. Some of the forthcoming inventory and anniversaries include:
- National Museum of American History will open its reimagined first floor, a history of invention, business and marketing in America on July 1, 2014; their second floor will reopen after a renovation in 2016 and the third floor, in 2017. The first floor offers 42,000-square feet of exhibition space, 20,000 of it, hands-on.
- The Renwick Gallery, the national museum of craft and decorative arts, reopens November 13 2015
- National Gallery of Art will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2016
- The American Alliance of Museums will meet in DC, May 26-29, 2016

In 2017, Washington, DC will see a presidential inauguration in January and IPW in June.

Ongoing: DC on TV: Get inspired by the global success of “Scandal,” “House of Cards,” “VEEP,” “Homeland,” “Madame Secretary” and “The Americans” and see walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters.