Monticello and the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) present a new exhibition entitled "Slavery at Jefferson's Monticello: Paradox of Liberty ," set to open in the NMAAHC Gallery in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on January 27, 2012 .

By exploring Jefferson's ideas and slavery at his plantation, Monticello and NMAAHC are examining one of the most difficult topics in American history. The exhibition will explore how the paradox of slavery in Jefferson's world, and at Monticello, is relevant for generations beyond Jefferson's lifetime. It will provide a glimpse into the lives of six slave families living at Monticello.

Every spring, the Virginia Arts Festival brings new reasons to celebrate the gift of the arts— unforgettable performances by virtuoso artists who have commanded the greatest stages in the world, “you saw it here first” discoveries of new artists, and experiences that span from the stage-filling spectacular to the sublimely intimate.  This spring promises to be the most spectacular ever. Over the course of seven sensational weeks, you can experience the Festival debut of the legendary American Ballet Theatre, dancing one of ballet’s most beloved classics, Giselle; the iconic film star Al Pacino, sharing memories of his life in film; the reigning soprano of the opera and concert stage, Renée Fleming; the world-famous violinist Itzhak Perlman, in his element as both performer and mentor  to extraordinary young artists; and dozens more performances sure to inspire, entertain,  and astonish.

Location: Norfolk (Tidewater and Hampton Roads)

Celebrate spring and the upcoming summer season at the beach with four dynamic days of delicious food, live entertainment and unique arts and crafts under four huge big top tents located at the south end of Ocean City’s famous Boardwalk.

Designed to advocate for films and filmmakers as they enter the marketplace, the Maryland Film Festival celebrates the art of film in the tradition of famous Baltimoreans like John Waters and Barry Levinson. Documentaries, short films and features are screened at several locations throughout the city as Baltimore goes Hollywood for the better part of a week.

Have fun at this race of wacky, imaginative, totally human-powered works of art constructed out of whatever is lying around and designed to travel on land, through mud, and over deep Harbor waters. Kinetinauts compete for the most coveted Mediocre Award (finishes right in the middle), the highly prized Next-to-the-Last Award (finishes, well, next to last), and serious prizes including Art and Engineering.

The Chincoteague Seafood Festival at Tom's Cove Park will provide a venue to sample the best-of-the-best local seafood indluding offerings and signature dishes from Chincoteague restaurants as well as old and new Eastern Shore favorites prepared by famous festival cooks, volunteers and professionals. Soft drinks will be included in the ticket price. Beer may be purchased separately. Trolley service available for your convenience. Tickets are $40 each (plus $5 per order for shipping and handling.)  Visit www.chincoteaguechamber.com for more information or to order online.

Jamestown Day, a jointly sponsored event at Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne--maritime demonstrations, military drills, archaeology and programs on English and Powhatan Indian contact, exploration and discovery mark the 405th anniversary of the 1607 founding of Jamestown, America's first permanent English colony.  Separate site admission. 

See colourful dragon boats race on the Potomac River in Washington, DC.

More than 250,000 people celebrate gay pride in America's capital city.

The Blues Festival features a concert stage with Jumbotron, large crafter village, a wide variety of food and drink, Beer and Wine, beach, playgrounds and lawn seating.  One of the premier blues festivals in the world. 

Baltimore celebrates the second jewel in horse racing’s Triple Crown, culminating in the annual running of the Preakness Stakes at north Baltimore’s Pimlico Racetrack.

Andy Warhol transcended art and became a phenomenon in the 1970s.  The MOCA will host an exhibition of the reclusive artist's portraits May 24-August 19, 2012.  Included will be studies in screen prints, drawings, paintings, Polaroid photography, and vintage family photos.