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By Larry Fox and Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, January 7, 2000

WOW! What a party! It's probably a good thing that the millennium doesn't roll around but every thousand years or we'd all be constantly partied out. Still, it's been a week and it's time to focus your attention on things to do in the coming year.

This calendar of events – the "best," culled from thousands of scheduled activities – has the perennial favorites that our readers call us about: the Bay Bridge Walk, the Smithsonian's Folklife Festival, August Court Days in Leesburg, Orioles' opening day and the like. But it also has other events that maybe you missed last year. Take a good read and plan wisely. And save your strength: The real millennium is coming at midnight Dec. 31!

May

1-SEPTEMBER – HOLOCAUST RESCUE – The story of the World War II flight and rescue of some 2,200 Polish Jews is told in an exhibition May 1 through September (closing date TBA) at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place (15th Street) SW. 202/488-0400.

5-7 – LANDON AZALEA GARDEN FESTIVAL and Craft Show – More than 200 varieties of azaleas, wildflowers, herbs and ornamental bushes will be on sale May 5-7 at Landon School, 6101 Wilson Lane in Bethesda. The garden festival is free; craft show ticket prices TBA. 301/320-1060.

5-6 – CATHEDRAL FLOWER MART – Washington National Cathedral holds its annual flower mart and craft show May 5-6 from 10 to 5. 202/537-6200.

6 – VIRGINIA GOLD CUP – The steeplechase classic is May 6 at Great Meadow on Route 245 in The Plains, Va. Admission TBA; advance sales only. Times TBA. 540/347-2612.

6 – MARYLAND DRAFT HORSE and Mule Association – The Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood, Md., holds a field day and plowing competition, May 6 at the farm at 18400 Muncaster Rd. 301/670-4661.

6-7 –MARYLAND SHEEP AND WOOL FESTIVAL – Demonstrations of sheep-herding, shearing and wool-making May 6-7 at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship. Admission TBA. 410/531-3647.

7 – AUDUBON MAY FAIR – Family activities, May dances, music, food and live animals, May 7 from 11 to 5:30 at Woodend, the Audubon Naturalist Society's headquarters at 8940 Jones Mill Rd., Chevy Chase. Admission TBA. 301/652-9188.

7 – CHESAPEAKE BAY BRIDGE WALK – Enjoy a leisurely 4.3-mile stroll across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on May 7 between 9 and 4. Free, but there is a small fee for the shuttle bus. 877/229-7726.

7-JULY 17 – DONALD SULTAN – A 15-year retrospective of the art of Donald Sultan, a contemporary painter who works in such unconventional media as linoleum and tar, goes on view May 7 through July 17 at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St. NW. 202/639-1700.

9 – HOPE GALLERY OPENS – The Bob Hope Gallery of American Entertainment, a permanent exhibition area surveying categories from vaudeville to television and movies, opens May 9 at the Library of Congress, 10 First St. SE. 202/707-4604.

12-20 – PREAKNESS CELEBRATION – The 125th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on May 20 is the centerpiece of this celebration that features hot air balloon races, concerts, the Preakness Parade on May 13 and other events. 410/542-9400 for race information, 410/837-4636 for festival information.

12 – ZOO'S GUPPY GALA – National Zoo's annual fund-raising extravaganza for children on May 12 features a climbing wall, moon bounce, puppet shows and many other activities. Details, prices TBA. The zoo is at 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202/673-4717.

13 –‚CANDLELIGHT VIGIL – Memorial service to honor America's fallen law enforcement officers, May 13 at 8 p.m. at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, Fourth and E streets NW. 202/737-3400.

13 – GOODWILL EMBASSY TOUR – Visit eight to 10 embassies May 13 on this annual tour sponsored by Davis Memorial Goodwill. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 on May 13. 202/636-4225, Ext. 1257.

13-JULY 16 – "WINGS OF FANCY" Live Butterfly Show – See butterflies native to Maryland and North America flying inside a conservatory filled with beautiful plants and flowers, May 13 through July 16 at Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton. $3. 301/962-7878.

14-JULY 23 – RAPHAEL DRAWINGS – Drawn from the Royal Library collection of Windsor Castle, a survey of drawings by Raphael and his circle is on view May 14 through July 23 at the National Gallery of Art, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202/737-4215.

18 – NATIONAL ZOO'S ZOOFARI – National Zoo's annual fundraiser on May 18 features tastings by more than 100 area restaurants, live entertainment, animal demonstrations and a silent auction. The zoo is at 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202/673-4717.

19-21 – MOUNT VERNON WINE FESTIVAL – Taste the wines of Virginia vineyards, learn more about George Washington's wine-making efforts, watch glass-blowers and other artisans, May 19-21 from 6 to 9 at the estate on the southern end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, 16 miles south of Washington. Admission TBA; ticket sales start March 1. 703/799-8604.

20-21 – ANDREWS AIR SHOW – Aerial feats of daring, a mass parachute jump and displays of vintage and modern warplanes are featured at the Armed Forces Open House May 20-21 at Andrews Air Force Base, Route 5 and Allentown Road in Camp Springs. Times, details TBA. Free, arrive early. 301/981-1110.

20-21 – CHESAPEAKE BAY BLUES FESTIVAL – Huge blues festival, featuring national and local performers, May 20-21 at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. 301/794-5720.

20-21 – OATLANDS SHEEP DOG TRIALS – Watch sheep dogs herd sheep and border collies round up sheep, and enjoy music, food and a crafts fair May 20-21 from 9 to 5 at Oatlands in Leesburg. The Farm Day activities include wagon and pony rides, crafts and music. $8, free for ages 12 and younger. Oatlands is on Route 15 six miles south of Leesburg. 703/777-3174.

20 – PREAKNESS RACE – The 125th running of the Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel in racing's triple crown, takes place May 20 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Admission TBA. 410/542-9400.

20-21 – MIDDLEBURG GARDEN TOUR – Tour the gardens of some of Middleburg's finest estates, May 20-21 from 11 to 5. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 on the days of the tours. Buy the tickets at the Pink Box Visitors Center, 12 N. Madison St., Middleburg. 800/752-6118.

21 – TASTE OF WHEATON – Enjoy live music, children's activities and samples of dishes from Wheaton's many ethnic resaturants, May 21 in Wheaton. 240/777-8122.

21-OCT. 9 – BAROQUE ARCHITECTURE – European architecture from 1600 to 1750 is the subject of an exhibition May 21 through Oct. 9 at the National Gallery of Art, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202/737-4215.

21-SEPT. 3 – "TRANSATLANTIC DIALOGUE" – The influence of contemporary African art on Western artists and of contemporary Western art on African artists is the focus of an exhibition May 21 through Sept. 3 at the National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Ave. SW. 202/357-2700.

27-28 – HUNT COUNTRY STABLE TOUR – More than 10 of the nation's premier thoroughbred racing stables in Loudoun County will be open for tours May 27-28. Admission is $15; children 12 and younger free. 540/592-3711.

27-28 – DELAPLANE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL – Strawberry sundaes and other berry delights, plus crafts, music, children's entertainment, May 27-28 from 10 to 5 at Sky Meadows State Park, Route 17 in Delaplane, Va. Admission is $10 per car. 540/592-3556 or 540/364-2772.

27-29 – ROCKVILLE'S HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS – Pop and classical music concerts, crafts, clowns, fireworks and laser shows, May 27-29 at Rockville Town Center. Performers, other details TBA. Free. 301/309-3334.

28 – NSO MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT – The National Symphony Orchestra opens the summer season with its traditional concert May 28 at 8 on the West Lawn of the Capitol. 202/619-7222.

28-AUG. 20 – PAINTINGS OF ARGENTEUIL – Impressionist painings inspired by the French town of Argenteuil go on exhibit May 28 through Aug. 20 at the National Gallery of Art, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202/737-4215.

29 – MEMORIAL DAY – Ceremonies held at Arlington National Cemetery (703/607-8052) and at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (202/393-0090).

29-JUNE 4 – KEMPER OPEN – The world's top golfers compete at this PGA Tour event, at the TPC Avenel in Potomac. The first three days are for preliminary events, with the actual tournament running June 1-4. Players, times TBA. 202/432-7328.

June

2-4 – CAPITAL JAZZ FEST – Three days of music by national contemporary jazz artists, plus crafts and other entertainment, June 2-4 in Columbia. Names of performers, times and ticket prices TBA. 301/218-0404.

3 – MANASSAS RAILWAY FESTIVAL – Rail excursions, memorabilia, exhibits, folklore, music and living history reenactments are part of this festival, June 3 in Manassas. Details, times TBA. 703/361-6599.

3-4 – DUPONT-KALORAMA MUSEUM WALK – Visit museums and enjoy textile-weaving demonstrations, interactive tours, hands-on workshops and concerts, June 3-4 from noon to 4 in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. Free. 202/667-0441.

4 – LOUISIANA SWAMP ROMP – Wolf Trap's Filene Center rocks June 4 with zydeco, Cajun, blues and other entertainment at this annual music festival. Performers, times and ticket prices TBA. 703/218-6500.

9-11 – FAIRFAX FAIR – Three stages of entertainment, a car show, arts and crafts, children's activities and other diversions June 9-11 at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax. Admission, times TBA. 703/324-3247.

9-11 – ALEXANDRIA RED CROSS WATERFRONT FESTIVAL – Ships, nautical events, music, arts and crafts, games, refreshments and more June 9-11 at Alexandria's Oronoco Bay Park, North Waterfront between Pendleton and Madison streets, Founders Park and City Marina. Performers, ticket prices TBA. 703/549-8300, 800/388-9119.

10-25 – SHAKESPEARE THEATRE FREE FOR ALL – "The Merchant of Venice" will be presented at this annual theater festival June 10-25 at Carter Barron Amphitheatre, 16th and Kennedy streets NW. Tickets are free. 202/547-3230.

10-11 – POTOMAC CELTIC FESTIVAL – Enjoy music, dancers, children's activities, Celtic foods and other activities at this festival, June 10-11 at Morven Park Equestrian Center, Route 15 and Tutt Lane in Leesburg. 800/752-6118.

11 – CAPITAL PRIDE FESTIVAL – Concerts, a parade and a street fair with more than 300 crafts, food and other vendors are showcased at the 25th Capital Pride Festival 2000 on June 11, a celebration by the area's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents, along Pennsylvania Avenue between Third and Ninth streets NW. 202/661-7026.

16-26 – COLUMBIA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS – National, regional and local stars of music, stage and dance take part in this festival June 16-26 in Columbia. 410/715-3055.

17-SEPT. 24 – NORMAN ROCKWELL – More than 70 paintings and 322 Saturday Evening Post covers by Norman Rockwell go on view June 17 through Sept. 24 at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St. NW. 202/639-1700.

22-25 – WOLF TRAP JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL – Top musical artists perform June 22-25 at this multi-concert festival at Wolf Trap. Performers, times and ticket prices TBA. 703/218-6500.

23-JAN. 2, 2001 – WOOD EXHIBITION – The history and use of wood as an American building material is explored June 23 through Jan. 2, 2001, at the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202/272-2448.

23-27 & 30-JULY 4 – FESTIVAL OF AMERICAN FOLKLIFE – The Smithsonian's annual celebration of folk culture on the Mall puts the spotlight on American and foreign cultures, June 23-27 and June 30-July 4 on the Mall. Free. 202/357-2700 (TDD: 202/357-1729).

23-25 – ANNAPOLIS WATERFRONT ARTS FESTIVAL – A festival with fine arts and crafts, performance art, historic boats, sailboat rides, food and other activities, June 23-25 at St. John's College, 60 College Ave. in Annapolis. Admission, times TBA. 301/261-2180.

23-29 – OPERATION SAIL 2000 – More than 100 tall ships will visit Baltimore during this nautical celebration at the Inner Harbor June 23-29. Programs will include free tours of the ships, entertainment, cultural celebrations, children's activities and a parade of the ships. 410/752-8632.

24-25 – NATIONAL CAPITAL BARBECUE BATTLE – Festival of food and music features barbecue from area restaurants and dozens of teams battling to advance to the national barbecue championship, June 24-25 on Pennsylvania Avenue between Ninth and 13th streets NW. Prices, other details TBA. 703/319-4040.

28-NOV. 25 – FOLGER LIBRARY COLLECTION – An exhibition of books, manuscripts, art on paper and rare bindings goes on display June 28 through Nov. 25 at the Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE. 202/544-7077.

29-SEPT. 24 – ROMAINE BROOKS – Fifty-four artworks by Romaine Brooks drawn from the collection of the National Museum of American Art join an almost equal number from French collections for a retrospective June 29 through Sept. 24 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW. 202/783-5000.

29-SEPT. 17 – EDWARD RUSCHA – In Edward Ruscha's first American retrospective since 1982, four decades of work by the difficult-to-categorize L.A.-based artist go on view June 29 through Sept. 17 at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue at Seventh Street SW. 202/357-2700.

July

4 – FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION – The National Independence Day Parade takes place at 11:45 a.m. on Constitution Avenue between Seventh and 17th streets NW. The National Symphony Orchestra, with guest stars and soloists, performs at 8 on the West Lawn of the Capitol. The Fourth of July fireworks show erupts around 9:10 p.m. over the Washington Monument grounds. 202/619-7222.

4 – WHEATON SPARKLES – Fireworks, food, music and children's activities are presented on July 4 from 6:30 to 10 at Wheaton Plaza and in downtown Wheaton. 240/777-8122.

4 – BALTIMORE'S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION – An array of entertainment including fireworks, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater. 410/837-4636.

8 – ALEXANDRIA BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION – The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra celebrates Alexandria's birthday, followed by the firing of cannons to accompany the "1812 Overture" and fireworks, July 8 at Jones Point Park, 1 Lee St. 703/838-4200.

8 – SOAP BOX DERBY – Soap box cars roll down Capitol Hill in the 59th annual race, July 8 from 9 to 6 along Constitution Avenue NW between New Jersey and Louisiana avenues. 202/237-7200.

9 – BOBBY MITCHELL HALL OF FAME WEEKEND – More than 40 Hall of Fame athletes converge on the Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg on July 9 for a golf tournament in this benefit for the Leukemia Society. 703/729-8400.

10 – BETHUNE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION – Special activities mark the 125th birthday celebration of Mary McLeod Bethune, an educator and founder of the National Council of Negro Women, July 10 at the Bethune Memorial Statue, 13th and East Capitol streets NE. 202/673-2404.

14 – BASTILLE DAY – Celebrate the French independence day at the Bastille Day Race and Celebration July 14 at noon at Les Halles Restaurant, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, with live entertainment and a race by tray-bearing waiters and waitresses to the U.S. Capitol and back. Free. 202/296-7200.

15-16 – SOUTHERN MARYLAND RODEO – Professional rodeo featuring bareback and bronc riding, calf-roping, steer-wrestling and other rodeo activities, July 15-16 at the Show Place Arena, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro. 301/952-7900.

MID-JULY – CAPITAL SOULFEST – The festival, at Bull Run Park in Centreville, features live music, including top rhythm and blues recording artists of the '70s and '80s, food and crafts. Dates TBA. 301/218-0404.

20-OCT. 22 – CATHY DE MONCHAUX – Young, London-based artist Cathy de Monchaux, whose work suggests human and animal anatomy, displays her sculptural constructions July 20 through Oct. 22 at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue at Seventh Street SW. 202/357-2700.

21-23 – ARTSCAPE – Baltimore's celebration of the arts, with two stages of music and dance, arts workshops, arts exhibitions and other special events, July 21-23 on Mount Royal Avenue between North Avenue and Preston Street. Free. 410/396-4575.

21-23 – VIRGINIA SCOTTISH GAMES AND FESTIVAL – Highland music, dancing, athletics and culture – along with antique British cars – are highlighted at this festival July 21-23 at Episcopal High School, 3901 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria. Admission, times TBA. 703/912-1943.

22 – WATERLILY FESTIVAL – Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens' annual celebration of the waterlily in honor of founder W.W. Shaw, July 22 at the gardens at Anacostia Avenue and Douglas Street NE. 202/426-6905.

22 – HERNDON BLUES FEST – Delta, Piedmont and other blues styles will be featured at this music festival July 22 in Herndon. Performers, details TBA. 703/689-9535.

26-27 – CHINCOTEAGUE PONY SWIM – Wild ponies will be rounded up and brought to Chincoteague for the 75th annual Wild Pony Auction and Carnival, a fund-raiser for the island's volunteer fire department. The pony swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague takes place July 26 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the auction is July 27 from 8 a.m. to noon. 757/336-6161.

29-30 – TIDEWATER ARCHAEOLOGY DIG – Experience hands-on archaeology at the site of Maryland's first capital in Historic St. Mary's City, July 29-30 from 10 to 4. Admission TBA. 800/762-1634, 301/862-0990.

August

5-12 – HOWARD COUNTY FAIR – Animals, household arts, country music and rides are showcased at this annual fair Aug. 5-12 at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship, Md. 410/442-1022.

11-19 – WEST VIRGINIA STATE FAIR – A showcase of country music, livestock and agriculture, Aug. 11-19 in Fairlee. 304/645-1090.

11-19 – PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY FAIR – A rodeo, a demolition derby, truck and tractor pulls, carnival rides and livestock displays are all part of this fair Aug. 11-19 at the Prince William County Fairgrounds on Route 234 one mile south of Manassas. 703/368-0173.

11-19 – MONTGOMERY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR – Carnival rides, livestock exhibits and entertainment are featured at this fair Aug. 11-19 at the fairgrounds on Route 355 in Gaithersburg. 301/926-3100.

12-13 – KUNTA KINTE HERITAGE FESTIVAL – A cultural heritage festival with music, dance, fine arts and vendors is celebrated Aug. 12-13 at the St. John's College Campus in Annapolis. 410/349-0338.

12-20 – LEGG MASON TENNIS CLASSIC – Professional men's tennis tour stops at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center, 16th Street and Morrow Drive NW, for nine days of matches, Aug. 12-20. Players, ticket prices TBA. 202/432-7328.

19-20 – AUGUST COURT DAYS – Leesburg's annual Colonial street fair Aug. 19-20 re-creates the period around 1775 and features more than 300 Colonial reenactors. There are crafts, musical entertainment and "living history players" performing vignettes on the street at the festival, at King and Market streets, adjacent to the courthouse complex. $5 per person, under 12 free. 800/752-6118.

19-20 – VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL – Sample Virginia vintages at this festival of wine, music and entertainment Aug. 19-20 at Great Meadow on Route 245 2½ miles south of I-66 in The Plains, Va. 800/520-9670.

19-20 – WINGS OF FREEDOM AIR SHOW – Distinctive warplanes will re-create famous World War II battles Aug. 19-20 at the Frederick Municipal Airport. Presented by the Confederate Air Force. Admission, times TBA. 301/631-5357.

25 – ANATOLIAN WEAVING – The bold woven fabrics of Anatolia (modern Turkey) go on view Aug. 25 at the Textile Museum, 2320 S St. NW. Closing date TBA. 202/667-0441.

25-SEPT. 4 – MARYLAND STATE FAIR – The huge Maryland State Fair features livestock and homemaking displays, thoroughbred horse racing, carnival rides and entertainment Aug. 25 through Sept. 4 at the Timonium Fairgrounds, on Exit 17 on I-83 north of I-695. $4 adults, children under 12 are free. 410/252-0200.

26-OCT. 22 – MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL – Medieval games, music, entertainment and jousting are featured at this festival that re-creates the days of King Henry VIII, on weekends (plus Labor Day) Aug. 28 through Oct. 22 from 10:30 to 7 at the Maryland Renaissance Festival site on Crownsville Road. Admission TBA. 410/266-7304.