About Washington DC
The nicest thing about Washington DC is the entertainment it provides. From museums and monuments to art and theatre, the town is brimming with family-friendly activities. It also houses an incredible zoo, and there is plenty of entertainment for adults, including the popular clubs and bars that keep you out all night.
Just outside of DC you can visit the beaches and mountains of Maryland and Virginia, which are both only a short drive away. Washington is a city with an endless supply of cultural activities. The city is home to a plethora of museums, galleries, and theatres, many of which are globally renowned.
Only a few of the many festivals and events held in Washington are the DC JazzFest at The Wharf, the Reel Affirmations Film Festival, the 17th Street High Heel Race and the DC Beer Fest. Throughout the year, cultural heritage festivals are organized, making it an ideal place to host your own!
Festival Venue Options in Washington DC
Are you sure you’ve explored all options for your festival venue in Washington? Once you’ve narrowed down the locale, decide what is needed to set up the space.
- Volunteers and Staff
Without a dedicated team of event workers and volunteers, no festival can take place. It is critical to the success of any event that it is adequately staffed, and for many events, this means relying on volunteers to get the job done. Early on, start looking for volunteers for your event.
- Event Management
Do you require assistance in organizing your Washington festival? An event planner will have contacts with many suppliers and will be able to assist you with all aspects, from set-up to take-down and the logistics in between.
- Equipment Rental
Maybe you'll need tents to set up outside, or costumes for your festival's performers. Alternatively, perhaps you'll need to put up food and gaming stalls. Whatever your requirements are, there are rental companies that can assist you in obtaining the equipment you want to make your festival a success.
Festival Venue Companies in Washington DC
Remembering all of the components of a Washington DC festival venue requires attention to detail. Call on the experts who have a passion for festival planning and more.
- The Event Group International
The Event Group International was created by Tanya Wilbon in 1992. The Event Group International is an event design, planning, and management business that offers a comprehensive range of services. Their innovative approach to designing unforgettable events, unrivaled creativity and meticulous attention to detail are delivered with professionalism and a dash of fun.
- Occasions Caterers
Eric and Mark Michael, twin brothers and co-founders of Occasions Caterers, have been delivering exceptional culinary alternatives to the citizens of Washington and Virginia since 1986. They specialize in bespoke menus, innovative décor, skilled planning and a boutique approach to full-service catering. Eric, Mark, and their team create experiences that represent your own style, taste, and vision via cuisine, design and hospitality.
- Spark Presentations
Spark Presentations was established in 1998. Andy Saks energizes the room and assures laughter while connecting with your audience as a skilled performer with hundreds of public appearances under his belt. Presentation skills training, one-on-one coaching, event hosting, video and voice-over performance, scriptwriting, tradeshow training, emcee services, live auctioneering and more are all available through Spark Presentations.
Pros and Cons of Festival Venues in Washington DC
Though DC is home to many festivities, it is worth taking a look at the pros and cons of the locale before starting your event planning.
Advantages
- Many neighborhoods
Washington DC allows you to choose from a variety of communities, each with its own distinct personality. Several factors may influence your decision in choosing the right location for your festival. Do your homework and pick the ideal community for your event.
- Great food options
Some of the most cultural and sophisticated restaurants display local specialties and cuisines from across the world, providing a delight for the senses. Then, there are the hundreds of local cafes and food trucks that can be found around the city.
- Easy to get around
DC boasts one of the most complex metro systems in the country, with stops all throughout the city. The nice thing about DC is that many locations are walkable and pedestrian-friendly within the main city.
Disadvantages
- Expensive
If you're hosting a festival in Washington DC for the first time, you'll be surprised at how much everything costs. Make sure to budget your festival well.
- Heavy traffic
From as early as 6:00 a.m., nearly all roads to DC will be congested. In Washington, traffic can cause delays of several minutes. Make certain you provide adequate time for your commute to and from your festival venue in Washington.
- Extreme summers and winters
Summers and winters in DC are both quite extreme. If you want to have an outdoor festival, keep the weather in mind.
Famous Locations in Washington DC
- Library of Congress
The largest library in the world, The Library of Congress was created in 1800 to store early United States papers that were transported from Philadelphia to Washington. It was primarily a reference library for Congress for the first 100 years, but it now houses 158 million objects, including 36 million books in 460 languages and 69 million manuscripts. It has North America's biggest collection of rare books. The library is available to the public.
- Arlington National Cemetery
This 624-acre cemetery serves as a memorial and pays respect to troops who have died in the line of service. President John F. Kennedy is buried there, and part of the cemetery was once Freedman's Village, a settlement of formerly enslaved people. One of the cemetery's oldest portions contains the graves of thousands of African-Americans, including liberated individuals and those who served in the US Colored Troops. Discover and see the many monuments and memorials, as well as an opportunity to watch the Arlington National Cemetery's Changing of the Guard tradition.
- Great Falls Park
The Potomac River falls down a series of high, jagged rocks and rushes through the narrow Mather Gorge at Great Falls. It is an 80-acre scenic, clean park in northern Fairfax County with lots to do and explore, including hiking. The Patowmack Canal provides a look into the country's early past. Great Falls Park, a magnificent 800-acre park approximately 15 minutes from the nation's capital, offers numerous chances to learn about history and the environment.
