St. Patrick's Day Parade The nation's St. Patrick's Day parade is held noon to 3 P.M. on the Sunday before March 17 on Constitution Avenue, from 7th to 17th Streets. Free grandstand tickets are $15. www.dcstpatsparade.com.

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus

The circus comes to town at the D.C. Armory, 2001 E. Capitol Street, and Verizon Center. Call 202-397-7328 for tickets and dates (generally March and April).

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Late March and early April is when more than 6,000 Japanese cherry trees along the Tidal Basin are in bloom. National news media monitor the cherry trees' budding, and the festivities are timed to coincide with the two weeks of blooming. Activities include a parade, kite festival, concert, and fireworks. For parade information or tickets for seats along the parade route ($15 plus tax and fee), contact Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com, or call 202-397-7328 or 202-547-1500. The National Park Service offers guided tours of the trees in bloom, leaving from the Jefferson Memorial. For more information, call 202-661-7584 or visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

North American Wildlife Celebration (formerly Seal Days)

In mid-March, the National Zoo (3001 Connecticut Avenue) hosts animal demonstrations, encounters, arts and crafts, and educational displays. Free. Call 202-633-4800 or visit www.nationalzoo.si.edu or www.fonz.org for more information.

Smithsonian Kite Festival

Held during March, the festival allows kite flyers and makers from all over the country to come to the parkland around the Washington Monument to show their stuff and compete for juried prizes and ribbons. For more information and rules call 202-633-1000.