Planning ahead makes family life in DC easier. This calendar lists only 2027 dates that an official source has published, and each one links to its source. Where an event has not announced its 2027 date yet, we say so instead of guessing. Dates can change, so check the linked page before you go.
January 2027
- Jan 1 (Friday): New Year’s Day. Federal holiday (OPM).
- Jan 3 (Sunday): Last day of the holiday show at the U.S. Botanic Garden and the last ZooLights night at the National Zoo (USBG, Smithsonian). See our holiday guide.
- Jan 18 (Monday): Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Federal holiday, and a no-school day for DC Public Schools (DCPS calendar).
February 2027
- Feb 15 (Monday): Washington’s Birthday (Presidents Day). Federal holiday, and no school for DCPS students (DCPS calendar).
March 2027
- Mar 20 to April 11: National Cherry Blossom Festival. The opening ceremony is March 20, and the Blossom Kite event is March 27 (festival FAQ). The festival says all dates are subject to change.
- Mar 22 to 26: DCPS spring break (DCPS calendar).
- The date of the White House Easter Egg Roll is announced closer to the event. Watch the National Park Service page.
April 2027
- Apr 3 (Saturday): Petalpalooza and fireworks, part of the Cherry Blossom Festival.
- Apr 10 (Saturday): National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. The festival’s FAQ lists these dates, and the festival is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2027 (festival announcement).
- Apr 16 (Friday): DC Emancipation Day, which marks the day President Lincoln signed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act in 1862 (DC Office of the Secretary). It is a no-school day for DCPS.
May 2027
- May 31 (Monday): Memorial Day. Federal holiday, and no school for DCPS students.
June 2027
- Jun 18 (Friday): Juneteenth is observed. Federal holiday (OPM), and no school for DCPS students.
July 2027
- Jul 5 (Monday): Independence Day is observed, because July 4 falls on a Sunday (OPM).
September 2027
- Sep 6 (Monday): Labor Day. Federal holiday.
October 2027
- Oct 11 (Monday): Federal holiday listed by OPM as Columbus Day.
November 2027
- Nov 11 (Thursday): Veterans Day. Federal holiday.
- Nov 25 (Thursday): Thanksgiving Day. Federal holiday.
December 2027
- Dec 24 (Friday): Christmas Day is observed, because December 25 falls on a Saturday (OPM).
Still to Be Announced
These popular family events have not published official 2027 dates yet, so we are not listing them: the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, the National Christmas Tree lighting, and the 2027 ZooLights and Season’s Greenings dates. DCPS has published only its 2026-27 school calendar, so fall 2027 school dates are not here yet. We will update this guide as dates are announced.
Keep Exploring
- Thanksgiving to New Year in DC with Kids
- Getting Around DC with Kids
- Where DC Moms Go to Breathe: DC’s Best Parks
Sources are linked above. Dates checked October 18, 2026. Check each official page before you go.
Elizabeth Redd, the Publisher of this website, grew up in a small town called Newhall, West Virginia, before moving to Washington, DC, in 1964. She worked in Prince George's County Public School System in Maryland for 40 years, opened a wig shop, made clothes, and participated in fashion shows during the '70s and '80s. She worked part-time as a caterer for a couple of years. Hand dancing has been one of her passions. She has also worked in Internet marketing for the last ten years. She also has a passion for learning new things.
She has learned that success is measured not so much by the position one has reached in life but by the obstacles one has overcome while trying to succeed. One thing is for sure: she is living her best life.
