Washington Culture - As the Nation’s Capitol, it is home to a variety of cultural events. With over 200 embassies offering cultural events of their home countries, coupled with the myriad of Americana based cultural events there is plenty to do, see and be amazed by. No matter what the season is, there is always something going on in Washington, from the Chinese New Year Parade to the National Cherry Blossom Festival and Parade to the Blues and Jazz Festivals in the summer, to the Legg Mason Tennis Classic to the Holiday festivities.

In addition to the countless events hosted by the city and the various embassies in town, also don’t forget to check in with the Smithsonian’s Visitor’s Center to find out about any special events at any of its 14 museums and the zoo. Also check in with the White House Visitor’s Center to see if the White House is sponsoring any special activities. Check out the Washington Post, the Washington City Paper, and the DC Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center to find out about special events.

Every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 at the Ronald Reagan Amphitheatre you can catch a performance by the Capitol Steps, a political satire troupe made up of former Congressional staffers. The troupe parodies the folks who once employed them. For more information: www.itcdc.com.

If you are in Washington during the spring try to visit during the Cherry Blossom Festival. This Festival commemorates the gift of 3000 flowering cherry trees from the Japanese people in 1912. There is usually a parade on the opening day and then a series of events honouring both Japanese and American culture. For more information: www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

In July, catch the famed Bastille Day Race, where during large street fairs, waiters from city restaurants compete by walking as fast as they can while balancing a glass of champagne and a slice of brie cheese on a tray.

During the spring, summer and fall, visit www.washington.org to find out if there is a rally, march or walk that you can witness or be a part of.

Around the Christmas holidays, try to obtain tickets to the lighting of the National Christmas Tree outside the White House. Visit www.whitehouse.gov for more information.