Washington is home to the White House, our National Mall, the renowned Smithsonian Institution, the Lincoln Memorial and a heap of other great landmarks, historical monuments and captivating sites. But as summer swiftly approaches, Washington also prepares for its annual round of festivals.

Although several festivals have already started, the itinerary for this year is still packed with a lot of exciting events. The festivals make political statements, showcase artwork and explore different cultures.

Kick off your summer with day in D.C., and take advantage of the nice weather, delicious food and fun activities. Although there are many festivals scheduled for this summer, here are a few I found especially intriguing.

Washington DC Dragon Boat Festival: May 17 and 18

If you like watching high-energy sports, the Dragon Boat Festival might be for you. Commemorating its 13th year, this two-day festival upholds Chinese culture through a display of the sport, dragon boat racing. The landscape presents a scenic view of the Potomac River. In addition to watching teams race on beautifully crafted dragon boats, you can view a cultural exhibition and craft demonstrations. Team registration quickly filled up, and many are eagerly awaiting the big day.

Capital Pride Street Festival: June 8

The gay rights movement has been alive for decades, and the Capitol Pride Street Festival is a LGBT celebration that strives to encourage a community of diversity and acceptance. The tradition started in 1975 and continues to expand. Capital Pride boasts that its festival is Washington’s largest annual one-day event, drawing more than 200,000 visitors and almost 300 supporters. Sponsored by HOT 99.5 radio station, the event will have three stages, two beverage gardens, vendor exhibits and a family area. And this year brings the addition of a 30-foot high inflatable water slide. The festival will take place on Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th streets. From drag shows to parades, this event is not only a day of fun but also a political tradition that encourages people to make a difference in our local community.

DC Jazz Festival: June 24 through 29

With several venues in the nation’s capital, including Yards Park overlooking the Anacostia River, the DC Jazz Festival offers the public a look at top performance artists, food and beverage tastings, chef demonstrations and a marketplace that will showcase a unique variety of items. The festival features 125 performances across dozens of venues throughout the city. Last year’s festival had a direct impact on the local community, raising more than $2.9 million.

Instead of sitting at home after you unpack your college bags, take a trip to D.C. and experience one or two of the festivals our nation’s capital has to offer.