Easter Easter in the capital is a special time. Events include sunrise services at Arlington National Cemetery at the Memorial Amphitheater (703-607-8000) as well as various services at the National Cathedral (202-537-6200).

White House Easter-Egg Roll

This fantastic hunt for more than 1,000 wooden Easter eggs for kids between the ages of three and six takes place on the Monday after Easter Sunday. Entertainment is also provided for the parents and siblings who accompany them. The hunt and entertainment takes place between 8 A.M. and 2 P.M., but entry is by timed tickets, which are issued at the National Park Service Ellipse Visitors' Center (just behind the White House at 15th and E Streets), beginning at 7 A.M., two days earlier. If you're planning on attending, you might want to ask your representative or senator about getting tickets way ahead of time. There is also an Easter celebration at the Ellipse, which includes entertainment, music, storytelling, and food giveaways for the whole family. For additional information, call 202-456-7041 or visit www.whitehouse.gov/easter.

African-American Family Celebration

This annual festival of music, dance, Easter Egg hunts, live storytelling, art and more is held every Easter Monday at the National Zoo, at 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW. Free. For more information, call 202-633-4800.

Thomas Jefferson's Birthday

April 13, Jefferson's birthday, is celebrated with wreath-laying, speeches, and a military ceremony, all of which take place at the Jefferson Memorial. Call 202-619-7222.

White House Garden Tours

Every year, for two afternoons in mid-April, the White House opens its beautiful gardens and terrific outdoor sculpture to the public. Call 202-456-2200 for more information. Because of security, arrangements may change, but free timed tickets may be distributed by the National Park Service, or you might ask your representative or senator to see about getting tickets. Visit www.whitehouse.gov.

Shakespeare's Birthday

In middle to late April, the Folger Shakespeare Library hosts an afternoon party in honor of the Bard's birthday. The free party includes performances for kids and adults, music, and food. Call 202-544-7077.

Washington International Film Festival

The festival is held for two weeks in middle or late April. Films are screened at various locations, including historic theaters and the National Gallery of Art. For full schedule and location, visit the Web site at www.filmfestdc.org. Tickets can be purchased in advance through Tickets.com or by calling 703-218-6500.

Taste of the Nation

As part of a national fundraiser to feed the hungry, nearly 100 D.C. restaurants offer tastings of their cuisines at Union Station on the Taste of the Nation Day, held in late April. Tickets run about $75, and there is an auction afterwards. Visit www.tasteofthenation.org for information and tickets.

Smithsonian Craft Festival

A juried craft fair in the National Building Museum at 401 F Street, about a ten- to fifteen-minute walk from the Mall, held in late April, features about 100 artists and artisans offering beautiful one-of-a-kind crafts. Admission is $15, children under 12 free. Call 1-888-832-9554, or log on to www.smithsoniancraftshow.org for more information.