National Cathedral Annual Flower Mart This May festival and flower sale takes place on the first Friday and Saturday in May. There are activities for children and adults, as well as food. Call 202-537-6200 or visit www.nationalcathedral.org for more information.

Georgetown Garden Tour

The annual tour, sponsored by the Georgetown Garden Club, which takes place on the second Saturday in May, offers a glimpse into the private gardens of D.C.'s oldest homes. Light fare is provided with the cost of the ticket ($25 two weeks in advance, $30 after). Information and tickets are available at www.georgetowngardentour.com.

Candlelight Vigil

This memorial service, held in mid-May as part of Police Week, honors the nation's law enforcement personnel who have died in the line of duty. Services begin at 8 P.M. at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, at 4th and E Streets. Call 202-737-3400 for more information.

Annual Mount Vernon Wine Festival

Wines of Virginia and modern-day versions of those made at the Washington estate are presented at this festival; arts and crafts of the Colonial period are on sale as well. The festival takes place in mid-May. See more in Mount Vernon listing, Chapter 19. Call 703-799-8608 for more information and tickets.

Andrews Air Force Base Annual Air Show

Another option for travelers to D.C. in mid-May is the Andrews Air Force Base Annual Air Show, your opportunity to watch the flying feats and parachute jumps and attend an open house at the Andrews Air Force base, at Route 5 and Allentown Road. This is a crowded event, so get there early. Attendance is free of charge. Call 301-981-1110 for more information.

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally

This annual, end-of-May bike rally pays homage to the nation's veterans, particularly those missing in action and prisoners of war. Information at 908-369-5439, or www.rollingthunder.com

Welcome Summer Concert

The National Symphony Orchestra performs a free concert to welcome summer on the West Lawn of the Capitol. The event is held on the Sunday before Memorial Day. Call 202-619-7222 for more information.

Memorial Day

The last Monday in May is Memorial Day. In D.C., this national holiday is celebrated with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, followed by a service and speeches by officials (sometimes the president), as well as a performance by a military band. Log on to www.fmmc.army.mil for more information.

Wreath-laying ceremony, speeches, and the playing of taps takes place at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 1 P.M. The U.S. Navy Memorial (701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW) commemorates the navy veterans with performances and speeches all day. Call 202-619-7222 for more information.

The National Memorial Day Parade starts at 10:30 A.M. in front of the Capitol and moves down Constitution Avenue toward the White House. It was recently revived after a sixty-year hiatus.