For one full day the Virtual Washington ARTCC will keep the lights on. Washington Center and Potomac TRACON will be staffed the entire time so, whether you’re transiting the Atlantic routes, shooting the River Visual to 19, or running the shuttle up to BWI, you’ll never leave coverage. No gaps, no hand-offs to unicom—just continuous, professional service from the beaches of the Delmarva to the ridges of the Shenandoah.

Stay for one leg or the entire rotation; the stream of traffic will be steady and the controllers will be caffeinated. Join us and log a day’s worth of flight time in the most complex airspace on the east coast.

Celebrate spring in the heart of North Carolina during the Raleigh Spring Festival event at Raleigh-Durham International Airport!

Hosted by vZDC, this event is inspired by the real-life Raleigh Spring Festival held May 9, 2026, at Moore Square in downtown Raleigh. While the city celebrates with live music, food, and community festivities, we’re bringing the same fun to the skies over the Triangle!

Join us May 6 from 7 PM to 10 PM local (2300z – 0200z) as RDU comes alive with full ATC staffing and a steady stream of arrivals and departures. Whether you're flying a quick regional hop, a transatlantic long haul, or GA into the area’s satellite fields, join vZDC for a great spring evening around the Triangle!

vZDC Washington ARTCC Presents the Cherry Blossom Fly-In (featuring KDCA, KIAD, KBWI)

Join the Virtual Washington ARTCC controllers as we return to the Washington/Baltimore area for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival Fly-In on March 21st from 2300z to 0300z. This event coincides with Washington, DC’s world-famous Cherry Blossom Festival, held each spring from late March through early April.

During this time, the iconic cherry blossom trees surrounding the National Mall and Tidal Basin are in full bloom, drawing visitors from across the country to experience the breathtaking scenery and vibrant festival atmosphere. The tradition dates back to 1912, when Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki gifted thousands of cherry trees to the city of Washington, DC as a symbol of friendship. The first official celebration honoring these trees was held in 1934, and the festival has since become a beloved annual event.

Whether you’re flying a short regional hop or a longer cross-country route, we look forward to welcoming you for a beautiful spring evening of full ATC coverage and memorable operations into the Cherry Blossom Festival.

The big runway is taking a well-deserved nap, and it’s time for the little one to shine!

Join vZDC at Norfolk International Airport (KORF) as we celebrate the life of Runway 14/32 the small but mighty strip that’s been waiting for its moment in the spotlight. For the event Runway 14/32 is the star of the show. Runway 5/23 will be CLOSED for the event.

Heavy Pilots Beware — Big jets may need to divert to Newport news (KPHF) if they can’t make the landing work!
Expect some tight departures, creative sequencing, and a lot of laughs as we all squeeze into the shorter runway. Whether you’re flying a regional jet, a turboprop, or your trusty Cessna, there’s room for everyone!

Start: 01/26/2026 23:59
End: 01/27/2026 03:00

Got all of your holiday shopping done? Well, come join vZDC controllers as we guide you into some of our airports close to premier shopping in the DC/MD/WV area. It's our annual 'Holiday Shopping Regional' event. Whether you're flying a GA or small jet plane into FDK, a larger jet or airliner into HGR, or coming home from overseas deployment to MRB, our crack team of ZDC controllers will get you on the deck safely. Then it's just a hop, skip, jump, or short car ride to some of the best shopping in the region. We hope to see many of you online!

HGR - FDK - MRB

Start: 12/15/2025 23:59

End: 12/16/2025 03:00

Get ready for "Never Dull at Dulles" on November 7th, 2025! This exciting event puts the spotlight on Washington Dulles International (KIAD), the major international gateway serving the nation's capital. From 2359z to 0400z, pilots are invited to experience the dynamic flow of a world-class hub, flying a variety of heavy jets and regional aircraft into and out of KIAD. This is a perfect opportunity to explore an iconic VATSIM destination and experience ATC support during the busy departure and arrival phases. Whether you're executing a complex arrival from across the Atlantic or a short hop along the east coast, sharpen your skills and connect with the global community in the vibrant, round-the-clock virtual skies of Washington Dulles

Featuring: KIAD
Date: November 7th, 2025 - 2359z to 0400z

Join us for an unforgettable evening in the skies at “A Night Over the Shenandoah Valley”, on September 18th, 2025 a breathtaking aviation event celebrating flight and the natural beauty of Virginia’s iconic landscape.

As the sun sets behind the Blue Ridge Mountains, take to the skies in your favorite aircraft and witness the Shenandoah Valley bathed in twilight and starlight. Whether you're a pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique adventure, this event offers something for everyone.

Soar above the ordinary and experience the Shenandoah Valley like never before, under the stars, over the mountains, and through the magic of flight.

Featured Fields: HEF, JYO, CHO, FRR, SHD, Time: Thursday, September 18th at 7pm ET – 10pm ET (2300-0200z)

Join the Washington ARTCC (vZDC) for "A Night on the Chesapeake," on July 17, 2025, from 2300z to 0200z. Leave the heavy jets behind and explore the scenic Chesapeake Bay and James River region in your favorite General Aviation aircraft!

Pilots are invited to fly propellers, turboprops, private jets, and regional aircraft into a selection of smaller Class D, and uncontrolled airfields. Featured airports include KANP (Lee Airport, Annapolis), W29 (Bay Bridge Airport, Stevensville), KESN (Easton/Newnam Field), and KMTN (Martin State Airport, Baltimore) and KSBY (Salisbury Regional Airport).

All VATSIM pilots are welcome for this laid-back evening of coastal flying. Grab your Cessna, Piper, Phenom, PC-12, or regional jet and join us over the Chesapeake!