WASHINGTON — It seemed like it would never arrive, and now that spring is here, it’s time to celebrate.
This season, there’s no shortage of events that will get you out of the house and into the great outdoors — or, at least into a great pint of beer.
Here are some of the top food, fitness and cultural activities taking place in April and May.
April 14 Considered the “grand finale” of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival features Japanese performances, food, art and more along Pennsylvania Avenue NW. (Pictured: Artist Sebastian Masuda of NHK WORLD TV’s Kawaii International poses with fans costumed in Kawaii style in front of his “Time After Time Capsule” at the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival in 2016, AP Photo) (AP Images for NHK WORLD/Kevin Wolf)
AP Images for NHK WORLD/Kevin Wolf
April 14 PorchFest DC kicks of the 2018 season on April 14 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Rhode Island Avenue NE. Throughout the day, musicians, dancers and poets perform on porches and stoops along the designated route. The event is free. (AP Images for NHK WORLD/Kevin Wolf)
April 14 Give Rock Creek Park some spring cleaning at the 10th annual Extreme Cleanup. Last year, 1,630 volunteers collected more than 27,000 pounds of trash. Find more details on Rock Creek Conservancy’s website. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
April 21 On Saturday, April 21, Nats Park will make the switch from baseball to beer for the DC Beer Festival. The event promises more an 200 beers from 80 breweries, plus food trucks. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, File)
AP Photo/Dave Martin, File
April 22 VIDA Fitness and the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation are teaming up to organize an environmentally conscious workout, dubbed “plogging” — part picking up litter, part jogging. The 2.5-mile run starts at Raymond Recreation Center at 3725 10th St. NW. The event is free and open to the public. An after party will take place at VIDA Fitness’ U Street location. (Courtesy VIDA/DCPR)
Courtesy VIDA/DCPR
April 22 A convention for brunch lovers? Yeah, that’s a thing. Expect bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys, favorite brunch dishes from 30-plus vendors, music and games. Tickets range from $45 to $85. (AP Photo)
AP Photo
April 27-29 Georgetown will transform into Paris — but only for a weekend. April 27 through 29, restaurants and retailers along Wisconsin Avenue participate in this annual open air market and sidewalk sale. (WTOP/Natalie Plumb)
WTOP/Natalie Plumb
April 28 D.C.’s Northeast neighborhood is celebrating the city’s best local food at Dock 5 at Union Market from 4 to 8 p.m. Participating vendors include Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque, Ruby Scoops, Brookland Pint and more; proceeds benefit the Washington Jesuit Academy. (Photo Credit: Emma McAlary)
Photo Credit: Emma McAlary
April 28-29 The 10th annual National Wine and Food Festival at National Harbor convenes chefs, sommeliers, musicians and foodies. (Getty Images)
Getty Images
April 29 This free event at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center features performances, food, games, music and cultural exhibits from more than 20 embassies. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
May 4 and 5 Flowers are just part of the annual event, hosted on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral. There’s also a used book sale, barbecue and food vendors, an antique carousel, games and carnival rides. (Getty Images/Brendan Hoffman)
Getty Images/Brendan Hoffman
May 5 Travel the globe without leaving the city during this annual event. Go inside dozens of embassies, try different foods and experience an array of cultures at the World Embassy Tour. (WTOP/Rachel Nania)
WTOP/Rachel Nania
May 12 Taco lover? Head to The Yards on May 12. There, you’ll find more than 20 of the area’s best taco vendors, plus eight margarita bars and more than 25 craft breweries. (AP Photo)
AP Photo
May 12 Sample Maryland’s 40-plus breweries in one spot at the Maryland Craft Beer Festival in Frederick. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty
May 17 Diplomacy gets checked at the door at this annual competition between embassy chefs. (Photo credit: Ben Droz)
Photo credit: Ben Droz
May 18-20 It’s wine with a view at Mount Vernon’s popular spring wine festival. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
May 19 On May 19, the city closes 20 miles of its streets so that Washingtonians ages 3 and up can ride safely in the nation’s capital. The ride starts at 8 a.m. at West Potomac Park. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images
May 20 Arlington shows off its culinary scene at the annual outdoor food festival. This year, more than 60 restaurants, food trucks and chefs will participate. (Goran Kosanovic)
Goran Kosanovic
