What big dates should you plan around in DC in 2027?
These are the dates confirmed on official sites as of November 2026. Several big ones aren’t announced yet, and they’re listed at the end. Check each source close to your date, because organizers change schedules.
When is the National Cherry Blossom Festival in 2027?
The festival’s site lists March 20 to April 11, 2027, and calls it the centennial, a “Century of Celebration.” A new Night in Bloom procession is planned for April 2 (festival site).
The festival dates aren’t peak bloom. Peak bloom depends on the weather and can’t be dated in advance. The festival points visitors to Bloom Watch (Destination DC).
When is the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile?
April 4, 2027, with a 7:30 a.m. start at the Washington Monument Grounds (race site).
When is the 2027 NFL Draft in DC?
Thursday, April 29 to Saturday, May 1, 2027. The Draft Theater will be on the National Mall in front of the Capitol, and the Draft Experience on Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd and 7th Streets (NFL announcement).
No closure schedule had been published when this page was checked. If your event is near the Mall or Pennsylvania Avenue, ask your venue and hotel what they’ve heard.
What’s at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center?
Events DC lists these upcoming events (venue page):
- Krewe of Pyros 11th Annual Mardi Gras Ball: January 23, 2027.
- Apex 2027: January 27 and 28, 2027.
- Oncology Nursing Society: April 15 to 17, 2027.
That’s a partial list as shown on the venue page, not the full convention calendar.
What are the federal holidays in 2027?
From the Office of Personnel Management:
- New Year’s Day: Friday, January 1.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 18.
- Washington’s Birthday: Monday, February 15.
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 31.
- Juneteenth, observed: Friday, June 18.
- Independence Day, observed: Monday, July 5.
- Labor Day: Monday, September 6.
- Columbus Day: Monday, October 11.
- Veterans Day: Thursday, November 11.
- Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 25.
- Christmas, observed: Friday, December 24.
What isn’t announced yet?
- Marine Corps Marathon. The marathon’s site shows no 2027 dates yet (marathon site). Don’t assume 2027 follows the same pattern as past years.
- Congress. The House Majority Leader had posted only the 2026 House calendar (majorityleader.gov). For the Senate, see senate.gov/legislative. Check both for recess weeks once they’re published.
- More conventions and events. The Convention Center list above is partial. Ask your hotel and venue what else is booked for your dates, and check Events DC.
Should you double-check this?
Dates move, and several 2027 ones aren’t announced yet. Check each organizer’s own site close to your date, and ask your hotel what else is booked.
Planning the photos?
Dates shape when to book. See when to book a conference photographer and Downtown DC event venues. Congress’s schedule matters for Hill Day planning.
