WISH Newsletter: Things to Do
European Month of Culture May1-30
This month long program highlights the diverse cultures of the 27 European Union Member States + Croatia (joining the EU July 2013).
Shortcut to Europe: European Union Embassies’ Open House. May 11: 10am to 4pm.
Admission is free, no reservations required, and complimentary shuttle service is provided. The European Union Delegation to the U.S. and the embassies of the EU Member States invite visitors to experience the authentic music, dance, food, film, and art of 28 distinctive nations along with a rare behind-the-scenes look into the European Union embassies. Complimentary shuttle buses transport visitors along the embassy routes.
Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs May 12:
Get your tickets here!
DC Bike to Work Day May 17:
Join thousands of Washington, DC area commuters by bicycling to work as a fun and healthy way to get to work. Bike and Roll Washington DC will offer complimentary rentals for the day for Bike to Work Day participants. Reservations are required. Early pick-up is available from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 17th. Day of pick-up begins at 7 a.m.
DC Dragon Boat Festival May 18-19
Thompson’s Boathouse Center, 2900 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington DC. The event features dragon boat races on the Potomac River, cultural performances and hands-on activities.
Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally May 26
Departure from the Pentagon at 12 p.m. Speaker Program and Musical Tribute 1:30 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool across from The Lincoln Memorial. Thousands of motorcycles ride through Washington in an annual demonstration seeking to improve veteran benefits and resolve POW/MIA issues.
Arlington National Cemetery, May 27th
Flags-In. Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) will be joined by service members from the U.S. Marine Corps Ceremonial and Guard Company, U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard in placing more than 250,000 grave decorating flags at Arlington National Cemetery. The flags will remain through Memorial Day. A wreath-laying ceremony and concert will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of Memorial Day at 11AM
President Lincoln’s Cottage May 27th
Take a free guided tour of the USSAH National Cemetery (predecessor of Arlington National Cemetery) at10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. A wreath laying ceremony will also take place at the Soldiers’ Home at 10 a.m. Tours of the Cottage will be available from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the regular price of $15 for adults and $5 for children. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch. Advanced reservations for Cottage Tours are strongly recommended.
Alexandria Memorial Day Jazz Festival May 25 1-7PM
Waterfront Park, 1 Prince Street Alexandria, VA. The annual event features big band, swing, and contemporary jazz music. Picnics are allowed and food and beverages will also be for sale. In case of inclement weather, the festival will be relocated to the Lee Center’s Kauffman Auditorium, 1108 Jefferson St. Admission is free.
Sunday, May 26: During the evening, you can attend a free concert by the National Symphony Orchestra on the West Lawn of the Capitol.
National Memorial Day Parade May 27
Watch the National Memorial Day Parade on Constitution Avenue. Special wreath-laying ceremonies take place during the day at various memorials, including Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery