Washington, DC Area Events Calendar

Soldiers. Charioteers. Archers. Musicians. Generals. Acrobats. Nearly 2,000 years ago, thousands of life-size clay figures were buried in massive underground pits to accompany China's first emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, into the afterlife. Their discovery outside the city of Xi'an in 1974 is one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century.

Now, you can stand face-to-face with these terra cotta warriors. In November 2009, National Geographic Museum will host Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor, an exhibition featuring treasures from the tomb complex including 15 life-size figures, weapons, armor, coins, and more. Don't miss this chance to see the largest collection of significant artifacts from China ever to travel to the United States.

Washington, DC's annual National Cherry Blossom Festival® is a celebration of the coming of spring and commemorates the gift of 3,000 cherry trees given to the U.S. by Tokyo mayor, Yukio Ozaki in 1912.

The two-week festival includes many cultural, sporting and culinary events. This year on Saturday, April 4 (to not coincide with Easter), Southwest Airlines presents the Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The Parade showcases entries from across the country and around the world, including marching bands, Cherry blossom queens from the US and Japan, giant balloons, floats, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival AllStarTap Dance Team & Youth Choir.

Immediately following the parade is the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival presented by the Japan-America Society of Washington, DC presenting over 80 organizations highlighting Japanese performances, arts, crafts and food.