March Madness in DC: A Culinary, Sports, and Pop Culture Extravaganza

From the Embassy Chef Challenge to the CAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments to Awesome Con, March is jam packed with Events DC happenings. Learn more about each of these events from Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates.

TRAVEL THE WORLD WITH YOUR TASTE BUDS

One night, 20+ embassies! Events DC is inviting embassy chefs to engage in a little friendly competition to delight audiences and celebrate culinary diplomacy at our annual Embassy Chef Challenge. This year’s tasting experience will feature food and drink from around the world including the Dominican Republic, Morocco and Ukraine. Purchase tickets today to join us on March 7 at 6:00 p.m. at Union Station.

CAA CHAMPIONS WILL BE CROWNED IN THE CAPITAL

The CAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships take over Entertainment & Sports Arena from March 8-17. Join us for five days of CAA men’s basketball competition followed by five days of the first CAA women’s basketball championship in Washington, DC! Get your seats but be on your feet for the excitement of college basketball in the Capital.

THE DISTRICT’S SPRINGTIME SPECTACLE

Budding news! The predicted peak bloom dates are March 23-26, 2024.The 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off March 20 and runs until April 14. Experience the nation’s greatest springtime celebration at one of the Festival’s signature events: Pink Tie Party, Opening Ceremon, Blossom Kite Festival or the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.

This year, the festival is teaming up with Events DC on the inaugural “Blossom Kicks for Kids Program.” Students (grades 3 – 5) from Title I elementary schools across all eight wards have been invited to submit their designs for a sneaker that reflects the theme “Let’s Spring Together.” Five students from each ward will have their designs displayed during the V Street Studio Opening Weekend, March 23-24 (1330 V Street NW).

HALFWAY AROUND THE GLOBE FOR TEAM DC

Team Washington, DC has now traveled halfway around the globe in the Around the World Clipper Race. The crew received their first podium by placing second in The Australian Coast-to-Coast Leg. The yacht then safely arrived to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam in late February and will soon set sail to their first stop in China, Zhuhai, on March 2. 

GET ROWDY AT AUDI

Events DC proudly supports soccer in the District! D.C. United kicked off their 2024 season with a 3 – 1 win in their home opener versus New England. There are two chances to cheer on the Black and Red this March at Audi Field. Washington Spirit is back in action at Audi Field on Saturday, March 23 debuting fresh kits and hosting NWSL expansion team Bay FC.

UPCOMING MARCH EVENTS

Capital City Go-Go
March 1, 3, 5, 20, 22, 24 | Entertainment & Sports Arena

The Go-Go tip off the last month of regular season play with the Capital City Sips Series on Friday, March 1! Entertainment & Sports Arena transforms into Margaritaville with basketball, music, margaritas and a Go-Go Margaritaville Cooler for the first 202 fans.

Awesome Con March 8–10 | Walter E. Washington Convention Center

 Awesome Con—Washington, DC’s Comic Con—is back for its 11th year in 2024! A star-studded celebration of geek culture, Awesome Con brings over 60,000 fans together with their favorites from comics, movies, television, toys, games and more! Meet your favorite stars and creators including Hayden Christensen, Rosario Dawson and Charlie Cox. 

Day of Play at RFK April 16 | The Fields at RFK Campus

Day of Play at RFK is an Events DC signature community event that takes place during DC Public Schools’ Spring Break. It is a free, family-based event with field games for youth and adults, music and all-around fun for all ages. Registration opens March 5!

Content graciously provided by Events DC.

Fray Writer