There’s no shortage of exciting events to help you stay cool in DC this summer, including the Capital Fringe Festival, Home Rule Music Festival, Broccoli City Festival and the Mubadala Citi Open.
Whether you’re in town for a concert, game or festival, DC boasts an abundance of special discounts and packages all summer long, from luxurious experiences to budget-friendly options.
All year long, you can take your pick of unforgettable experiences in the nation's capital. After you’ve read through this list, make sure to check out our things to do for the week and weekend as well as our accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.
Check out local theater with TodayTix
TodayTix is your ticket to the best live theatre, arts and culture in DC. You can save 40% or more on tickets to the hottest local shows at DC’s best theatres this spring and summer. You can also get unbeatable day-of deals with TodayTix Rush and Lottery programs. Earn rewards with every purchase on the TodayTix app.
Folger Shakespeare Library
Folger Shakespeare Library’s New Galleries, Café and Shop
After a multi-year renovation, there’s a myriad of new ways to explore the world's largest Shakespeare collection: investigate the First Folios, try your hand at setting type, unwind in the scenic gardens, get some reading done in the Great Hall or sip a tea at Quill & Crumb Café. Additionally, the Elizabethan Theatre will reopen its doors for shows and poetry readings, and the learning lab will present opportunities for families to connect with Shakespeare in interactive new formats.
More Info
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003
Pixar Putt
Pixar Putt at The Wharf – through Sept. 1
Go to infinity and beyond this summer with whimsical, Pixar-themed mini-golf. The outdoor pop-up is open daily at The Wharf for a limited time and includes 18 interactive putt-putt holes inspired by some of Pixar’s most beloved films, from Toy Story and Monsters, Inc. to Turning Red and Inside Out. Book your tee time for a daytime outing or an 18+ after-hours activity.
Tickets
580 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Placita Mágica – June 29 – Jan. 5, 2025
Set in an immersive plaza, the National Children's Museum's new exhibit explores traditional Mexican culture through playful science, technology, engineering, arts and math experiences. Washingtonians may also feel some déjà vu, as Placita Mágica is a reimagined homage to an immersive Mexico exhibit that was open in the original Capital Children's Museum from the 1970s until the 2000s, where young learners were invited to play in a space designed to feel like a Mexican village.
Hours & Admission
National Children's Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Pathways to Performance: Exercises in Reframing the Narrative at the Kennedy Center
Pathways to Performance: Exercises in Reframing the Narrative – July 2-3
The Kennedy Center hosts consecutive evenings of Black ballet curated by Theresa Ruth Howard, founder of Memoirs of Blacks in Ballet (MoBBallet) and the Pathways to Performance Choreographic Program. These performances will feature a newly commissioned ballet as well as works by Black choreographers that showcase development within the Pathways to Performance program.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Colored Museum – July 3 – Aug. 11
Acclaimed director Psalmayene 24 and designer Natsu Onoda Power, two members of the Studio Theatre Cabinet, collaborated to bring this hilarious excursion through 11 “exhibits” of toxic narratives about Black American experiences. George Wolfe’s satirical play from 1986 viciously targets stereotypes of Black culture, provocative and aspirational in equal measure.
Tickets
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Daytime Baseball at Nationals Park – July 4
The Washington Nationals annually play at home on Independence Day, holding an 11:05 a.m. game to accommodate the activities throughout the city the rest of the day. This year, the Nats will take on the rival New York Mets.
11:05 a.m. | Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Watching the fireworks is one of the highlights of Independence Day in Washington, DC and fortunately, the city and the surrounding area offer a plethora of scenic viewing options. July 4th is a great time to be in DC for plenty of other reasons as well. Plan a trip now.
Derek Fordjour, Airborne Double, 2022
Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage – July 6 – Sept. 22
The Phillips Collection presents the first large-scale exhibition dedicated to exploring collage by contemporary Black American artists. Explore more than 50 works by 49 artists including luminaries such as Mark Bradford, Kerry James Marshall, Tschabalala Self and Kara Walker. Celebrate the broad variety and complexity of Black identity in art across a wide range of forms, including paper, photographs, fabrics and salvaged materials.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
NATO Day at Nationals Park – July 8
The first official event of the NATO Summit in DC is the Nats' matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals. Expect NATO-themed surprises during the playing of the national pastime; the Summit marks the 75th anniversary of the organization. Discounted tickets are available for the afternoon game.
4:05 p.m. | Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Capital Fringe Festival – July 11–21
During the edgy Capital Fringe Festival, you can catch out-there productions from DC’s vibrant creative community. The annual celebration of theatre and freedom of expression features entirely original productions that delve into a spectrum of human experiences. Explore the angst of a presidential election's eve, the joy of budding relationships and the contemplation of mortality. Journey through a church transformed into a dance club in the cosmos and uncover the history of Black firefighters in DC. From flamenco to modern dance and beyond, the festival promises an exhilarating exploration of creativity and diversity. Check out the festival’s website for this year's themes, programming and a full schedule.
USA Rugby Men's Eagles vs. Scotland – July 12
The 2024 American Series, presented by USA Rugby and AEG Rugby, offers four action-packed, coast-to-coast, international test matches featuring the USA Rugby Men's Eagles team. In the DC edition of the series, the Eagles will take on Scotland in an epic match at Audi Field. The last time these two teams met, the USA team scored a dramatic and historic victory, marking the program's first win over a major rugby nation. The highly anticipated rematch takes place at the state-of-the-art Audi Field.
6:30 p.m. | Tickets
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Janet Jackson – July 12
The Queen of Pop is coming to DC this summer. The five-time GRAMMY Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee reintroduced the world to her jaw-dropping stage show last year. Now Janet hits the road again for another epic 36-date tour that will see her perform some of the greatest pop songs ever at venues across the country. Nelly will serve as the opener and special guest.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
(D)rafts and (C)rafts – July 13
Dozens of artisans and local craft beverage makers will be on-hand for the second edition of (D)rafts and (C)rafts, DC’s small-scale producers’ festival. The DC Brewers’ Guild and the DC Makers’ Guild host the event at Dock 5 in the Union Market District. Your ticket grants you unlimited tastes from 20 craft beverage producers and the chance to browse products from 40 local businesses.
12-4 p.m. | Tickets
Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert – July 13
Let the National Symphony Orchestra transport you to far-away planets with Star Wars: A New Hope live in concert! Attendees can sit out on the lawn or in-house to enjoy John Williams’ Oscar-winning score live alongside HD projections of the film. Do or do not – there is no try.
Tickets
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Road Vienna, VA 22182
Taco Bamba © John Rorapaugh, Leading DC
Band Bash at City Ridge
Bring a blanket to the rolling green lawn at City Ridge for a summer evening of live music by local bands. Laid-back listening can also be paired with music-themed giveaways, lawn games and a stop to Tiny Vinyl's pop-up shop. You can also make it dinner and show by grabbing some grub from one of City Ridge's many on-campus spots.
4-8 p.m. | Reserve
20 Ridge Square Washington, DC 20016
Blossom Time, Willard Metcalf, 1910
Shifting Boundaries: Perspectives on American Landscapes – July 13 – July 26, 2026
Discover powerful new details and context around some of the greatest works of art in American history. The National Museum of Asian Art approaches the fascinating New England landscape portraiture of legendary artists such as Willard Metcalf, Dwight Tryon, Winslow Homer and Abbott Thayer. By empowering a variety of voices, the exhibit reveals how the landscapes depicted have shifted in the century since these works were first showcased.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Ruffled Feathers: Creating Whistler’s Peacock Room – July 13 – Jan. 31, 2027
One of the most famous rooms in the nation’s capital receives a full in-depth investigation thanks to a new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art. The Peacock Room is the museum’s calling card, and this display will be located right next door. The creation of James McNeill Whistler was originally meant for the London home of British businessman Frederick Leyland. Its origin story and tangled history is detailed through paintings, works on paper, decorative art and additional ephemera.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Gordon Parks, Husband and Wife, Sunday Morning, Detroit, Michigan (Bert Collins and Pauline Terry), 1950
Gordon Parks: Camera Portraits from the Corcoran Collection – July 14 – Jan. 12, 2025
The National Gallery of Art honors one of the best set of eyes in American history with a 25-portrait exhibition. Gordon Parks revolutionized photography in post-World War II America, situating his subjects in their environment while also paying close attention to their expression, character and dress. You can see images of Muhammad Ali and Leonard Bernstein alongside shots of a Harlem gang leader and a Detroit couple in this moving tribute that features some of Parks’ most beloved photographs.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Up Close with Paul Cézanne – Through July 14
The Phillips Collection unveils two recently conserved works by French painter Paul Cézanne in this exciting exhibit. The major paintings, Mont Sainte-Victoire (1886-87) and Self-Portrait (1878-80), are part of the museum’s world-renowned collection by the legendary artist and are displayed together for the first time in decades along with five other pieces by Cézanne. Learn about the conservation of the two works and how it reveals details previously obscured by varnishes while providing insight into the artist’s process.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence – Through July 14
Inspired by the incredible Migration Series by Jacob Lawrence (you can see all 60 panels at The Phillips Collection in DC), Step Afrika! uses its innovative style of percussive dance to tell the riveting and heroic story of millions of Black migrants who relocated from the rural South to the industrial North in the early 20th century. The award-winning dance company utilizes the imagery, colors and motifs of the paintings to create a performance filled with stunning movements and drama.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Funny Girl – June 25 – July 14
The Kennedy Center hosts a sensational Broadway revival of Funny Girl, the story of Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreams of mega-stardom on the stage. Even though she’s told time and again she’ll never succeed, Fanny becomes an iconic Broadway star. Featuring classic songs like “Don’t Rain On My Parade” and “People,” Funny Girl is a timeless love letter to the theater.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
LIVE! Concert Series on the Plaza – July 15 – Sept. 27
From salsa to strings, and blues to swing, Live! Concert Series on the Plaza features hot entertainment for the downtown DC community. Head to Wilson Plaza between 12 and 1 p.m. and take in free lunchtime performances showcasing the area's most talented entertainers. This year’s lineup features a special focus on the official music of DC, Go-Go. The roster includes The Chuck Brown Band, DC Vybe, Heat Stroke, Junkyard Band and E.U. Featuring Sugar Bear.
12-1 p.m. | Free Admission | More Information
Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
DIIV – July 16
If your record collection is riddled with albums from The Cure, My Bloody Valentine, Joy Division and any number of Krautrock jammers, DIIV is a must-see. Their debut album, Oshin, was released to great acclaim in 2012. The group and its frontman Zachary Cole Smith have since overcome turmoil to continue a fascinating career that continues to dazzle indie rock fans.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Summer Reps 2024 – July 17-27
The Shakespeare Theatre Company Academy offers a Master of Fine Arts program that trains actors to work with classical language and embody mythic storytelling. After completing the intensive coursework, the class of 2024 performs two plays in repertory as the culmination of their training. This year marks the first time that the Academy will bring these repertory productions to the mainstage of the Company’s Klein Theatre. Tickets are just $20.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha – July 17 – Aug. 3
Billed as an “award-winning clown,” Julia Masli is from Estonia and based in London. Her newest show, which was nominated for Edinburgh’s top prize for Best Comedy Show and named the no. 1 comedy show of the year by The Guardian before a sold-out, four-week engagement at London’s Soho Theatre, comes to DC’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Queens of R&B – July 19
If you’re a fan of classic R&B, there’s one show this summer that you absolutely cannot miss. XSCAPE and SWV have joined forces for a special tour that also includes support from Total and 702. See these queens come together for a night filled with gorgeous harmonies, sweet melodies and plenty of romantic radio hits.
7 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
© Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen – July 19
From her emergence on Canadian Idol to “Call Me Maybe” to her total dominance of the dancefloor as a synth-pop star, Carly Rae Jepsen has always had the “it” factor. Her shows are spectacles, so you won’t want to miss out on the chance to see her at Nationals Park as part of the Nationals’ Summer Concert Series. Your pass to the post-game concert is included with your ticket to the game.
Game begins at 6:45 p.m. | Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Dionne Warwick © David Nathan
Dionne Warwick – July 19
Few singers in American history – hell, in world history – have commanded your attention quite like Dionne Warwick. It would be enough to be one of the most-charted vocalists of all-time and a trailblazer for Black American artists, but Warwick has also done wonders for communities across the country and has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization. This icon comes to DC’s historic Warner Theatre for one night only.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Olivia Rodrigo – July 20
One of pop music’s megastars makes a stop at Capital One Arena. Expect to hear hits from Rodrigo’s albums Guts and Sour including the high-energy “Bad Idea Right?” and ballads like “Driver’s License”.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Kennedy Center
Humor Books: ALIVE! – July 20
Four of the best humor writers currently working come to the Kennedy Center to read brand-new jokes and enliven your summer Saturday evening. Asher Perlman (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert), Evan Waite (Family Guy), JiJi Lee (The New Yorker), and Alexandra Petri (The Washington Post) have some whip-smart material to share with you, covering culture and politics along the way. Comedian Emmy Blotnick will serve as host.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
An Evening with Pretenders – July 20-21
Chrissie Hynde has led The Pretenders to the heights of rock and roll across a career that spans more than five decades. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees can still put on one hell of a show; it’s hard not to when your catalogue includes songs like “Brass In Pocket,” “My City Was Gone,” “Back on the Chain Gang,” “I’ll Stand By You” and numerous other hits. The Warner Theatre welcomes them on consecutive nights.
9:30 p.m. | Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Nas with the National Symphony Orchestra – July 21
Hip-hop legend Nas will join forces with the National Symphony Orchestra for a live symphonic rendition of Illmatic, his critically-acclaimed debut album. Standout tracks include “N.Y. State of Mind”, “The World Is Yours”, “Memory Lane (Sittin’ in Da Park)” and “It Ain’t Hard to Tell”, all of which will be reimagined thirty years later.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Signature Theatre
Summertime: Awa Sal Secka Sings Ladies of Jazz – July 23 – Aug. 4
Outstanding vocalist Awa Sal Secka pays tribute to legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington and many more. Settle in for an evening of loving renditions of songs such as “Take The A Train,” “Summertime,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Misty” and “Guess Who I Saw Today.” The cabaret performance takes place at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Back to the Future: The Musical – July 23 – Aug. 11
Great Scott! A cinematic classic that is now a Broadway musical is coming to the District. Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, Back to the Future: The Musical is adapted for the stage by the film’s creators Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis and directed by the Tony Award® winner John Rando. The play features original music by GRAMMY Award winners Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard alongside hit songs from the movie including “The Power of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Earth Angel,” and “Back in Time.”
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Stanley: Toward a New Kind of War – Opens July 24
The National Museum of American History welcomes a landmark object in the form of Stanley, the self-driving winner of a historic robotic vehicle race back in 2005. The east wing of the museum’s third floor will display this modern marvel, a blue Volkswagen Touareg that competed in and won the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Grand Challenge robot race. Made by a Stanford University team of faculty and students along with Volkswagen and corporate sponsors, the vehicle revolutionized driverless car technology.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
blink-182 – July 27
Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker have reunited after more than a decade and hit the road again. Their world tour stops at Capital One Arena with special guest Pierce the Veil in tow. blink-182 will play their classics along with the two no. 1 singles off their latest album, One More Time…
7 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Beck and the National Symphony Orchestra – July 27
Eight-time Grammy winner Beck takes the stage with the National Symphony Orchestra for the first time in an experimental, cross-generic exploration of his body of work. For one night only, the singer-songwriter will let the audience in on new interpretations of classic hits as well as deep cuts.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Broccoli City Festival – July 27-28
Now at Audi Field in Navy Yard, Broccoli City is a music festival focused on celebrating not just music but culture and community, with not just concerts but interactive art installations and culinary vendors. Headliners this year include Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, Concrete Family, Kaytranada, Lil Yachty and PartyNextDoor, but the experience doesn’t stop there. The event will be hosted by comedians Desi Banks and Funny Marco, and there will even be an intro by Issa Rae.
Tickets
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Mubadala Citi DC Open – July 27 – Aug. 4
The District’s signature professional tennis tournament returns to Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Top-tier talent from all over the world will compete for a prestigious trophy, leading to action that you do not want to miss.
Tickets
Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, 5220 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
Woven Histories: Textiles and Modern Abstraction – Through July 28
The National Gallery of Art dives deep on the overlap between fashion, design, arts and crafts. Through 160 works including oil paintings, weaving, basketry, knotting and knitting, you can see how textiles have influenced modern artists and movements. The exhibit also showcases moments when social and political issues activated textile production and artmaking with heightened focus and urgency.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Green Day at Nationals Park – July 29
You know you’re a successful band when one of your tours can celebrate the anniversary of not one, but two classic albums. In honor of the 30th anniversary of the release of Dookie and the 20th anniversary of American Idiot, Green Day is hitting town across the U.S. with The Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid and The Linda Lindas in tow. Nationals Park is going to be rocking for this one.
6 p.m. | Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
The Ultimate Improv Show – July 30 – Aug. 11
Long-form improv comedy comes to the Kennedy Center thanks to The Ultimate Improv Show presented by Dan Black. The rotating cast will perform based on a unique process: an audience member suggests a prompt that is then used by a guest monologist as inspiration for a true story. The improvisers then weave all that into a hilarious experience.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024 – Through Aug. 11
Discover how recent global turmoil has impacted and inspired women artists. Works by 28 artists are featured in New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024, offering pieces that explore a range of geographies, cultural viewpoints and perspectives. The exhibit immerses visitors in the National Museum of Women in the Arts’ renewed spaces. It is the seventh and largest installment of the museum’s Women to Watch exhibition series.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Where We Meet – Through Aug. 15
The Howard University Gallery of Art and The Phillips Collection have merged their collections for a special exhibit. Both storied DC institutions have been acquiring art for decades; many of the earliest acquisitions of each are displayed. Works of seminal artists are showcased in a presentation that highlights how the Phillips and Howard have celebrated and provided access to important art throughout the years.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
In the Library: Photography and the Book Arts from the 21st Editions Collection – Though Aug. 29
The work of photographers like Sally Mann, Josephine Sacabo, Masao Yamamoto, Adger Cowans and Arthur Tress are arrayed in exquisite form by master printers and paired with texts as diverse as William Shakespeare’s sonnets, the color theories of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and poetry by Keagan LeJeune. The National Gallery of Art’s latest library installation highlights 12 pieces in total, each culled from the last 25 years of 21st Editions publications.
Weekdays, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art East Building, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Pattern and Paradox: The Quilts of Amish Women – Through Sept. 2
Learn about the fascinating connection between Amish Women and quilting thanks to a new exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Over time, the practice has transcended its utilitarian roots and become a form of artistic expression for Amish Women. Treat your eyes to a wondrous mix of colors and patterns as you marvel at the innovation of extraordinary quilts.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Mindbender Mansion – May 25 – Sept. 2
The National Children’s Museum’s Visiting Exhibit Hall is ready to puzzle the whole family this summer. Mindbender Mansion features a variety of brainteasers and interactive challenges that will test even the most experienced problem-solvers. In total, the display offers 11 individual puzzles and three group activities.
Tickets
National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Forces of Nature: Voices that Shaped Environmentalism - Through Sept. 2
The National Portrait Gallery honors key scientists, politicians, activists, writers and artists who influenced attitudes toward the environment in the U.S. from the late-1800s to the present. Trace the environmentalist movement from turn-of-the-20th-century conservationism to mid-20th-century political actions and the backlash to them. It also addresses the current state of environmental justice, biodiversity and climate. Gaze at more than 25 portraits of figures like Rachel Carson, George Washington Carver, Maya Lin, Henry David Thoreau and Edward O. Wilson.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds – Through Sept. 8
ARTECHOUSE welcomes visitors to its seventh annual installation dedicated to celebrating the beauty of the cherry blossoms in DC. The museum treats your eyes to an exhibit inspired by the Isekai genre of Anime, allowing for the exploration of alternate universes stacked with colors, adventures and immersive technologies. Plus, discover Gachapons hidden throughout the exhibit to win prizes from local businesses or snag a book from the 'Isekai Library'. Make sure to take advantage of tickets with a 10% discount.
Tickets (10% off)
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
In the mid-1940s, William H. Johnson painted his Fighters for Freedom series to honor Black activists, scientists, teachers, performers and international heads of state working to bring peace to the world. Johnson celebrated these figures – some very famous, others unsung – while acknowledging the racism, violence and oppression each one fought against. The exhibit showcases many of these paintings, including Johnson’s portraits of Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, Mahatma Gandhi and Marian Anderson, elevating stories that are still relevant to the struggle for social justice today.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Reckoning with Remembrance: History, Injustice and the Murder of Emmett Till – Through Sept. 15
Fourteen-year-old Chicago native Emmett Till was brutally lynched in Mississippi in 1955; his mother insisted on an open-casket funeral in his hometown. The saga made national news and eventually led to the founding of the Emmett Till Memorial Commission in 2008, which erected nine historical markers to honor the youth. Since then, these markers have been stolen, riddled with bullets or chucked into a river. The National Museum of American History displays a desecrated marker as a reminder of the violent legacy of racism that continues to thrive in America today as part of a new exhibit.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Sewn in America: Making, Meaning, Memory – Through Dec. 31
The DAR Museum presents a groundbreaking exhibit featuring sewn items from every textile section of its collections including clothing, household items, needlework and quilts. Sewn in America examines how the activity shaped gender roles, from the homestead to professions like dressmaking, tailoring and factory work. Pieces from the 18th century to today will be juxtaposed to show how women of diverse backgrounds have used needles to express emotions and battle injustice.
Hours | Free Admission
DAR Museum, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women – Through Jan. 5, 2025
Encounter an alternative history of American art through 33 pieces that showcase the mastery and subversion of essential materials including cotton, wool, polyester and silk. The Renwick Gallery exhibit offers pieces as diverse as the collection of women artists who made them, also unveiling insights into their creative processes through sketches, photos, mail art and more.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Renwick Gallery, 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
Star Power: Photographs from Hollywood’s Golden Age by George Hurrell – Through Jan. 5, 2025
Hollywood’s premiere photographer during the onset of the studio system, George Hurrell set the template for how to capture the brightest stars of the cinematic universe. As MGM’s in-house portraitist and in his own studio, Hurrell used lighting expertise and the sharpest of eyes to create glamorous images of Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy and many, many more. The National Portrait Gallery displays many of these Golden Era photographs in the new exhibit.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean – Through Jan. 5, 2025
In honor of the majesty of the ocean, Hillwood showcases a variety of marine-related art in its collection for the very first time. Originally inspired by the rediscovery of one of the largest paintings at Hillwood (once owned by Marjorie Post's father, C.W. Post), Fragile Beauty explores representations of water and art crafted by precious materials.
Hours & Admission
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Bruce Onobrakpeya: The Mask and the Cross – Through Jan. 21, 2025
In 1966, acclaimed Nigerian sculptor and printmaker Bruce Onobrakpeya was petitioned by Catholic priests to interpret the Passion of the Christ, resulting in Fourteen Stations of the Cross, one of his most beloved works. The piece began a long fascination with Christian iconography in Onobrakpeya’s work. Many of his most striking pieces can be seen in this special presentation at the National Museum of African Art.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Capital Brutalism – Through Feb. 17, 2025
The National Building Museum goes deep into what’s up with all those brutalist buildings around DC. Capital Brutalism explores the history, current state and future of seven polarizing buildings and the WMATA Metro system in the District. Check out archival documents, drawings, construction photographs, architectural models and contemporary images that provide context and shed light on the stories of these buildings and what inspired their design.
Hours & Admission
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900-1939 – Through Feb. 23, 2025
Be amazed by sixty defiant women who made the courageous decision to cross the Atlantic Ocean to pursue their artistic dreams immersed in the majesty of Paris and its dynamic cultural scene. Brilliant Exiles marks the first exhibition to focus on the impact of American women on Paris – and of Paris on American women – from 1900 to the outbreak of the second World War. You can gaze at portraits of icons such as Josephine Baker, Isadora Duncan, Zelda Fitzgerald, Loïs Mailou Jones, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Anaïs Nin, Gertrude Stein, Ethel Waters and Anna May Wong.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Anacostia Community Museum
A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC, 1900-2000 – Through March 2, 2025
The Anacostia Community Museum sheds light on fascinating local history with an exhibit featuring captivating original artworks, rare video footage and can't-miss artifacts including Alma Thomas’s paintbrushes and watercolor paint set, an early 20th-century lifelike marionette that William Buckner made with his local high school students, original Elizabeth Catlett prints that once hung in the halls of her DC high school and Sam Gilliam pieces from his tenure as a teacher at McKinley Technical High School. Experience the influence, power and creativity of the Black artist-educators who empowered generations of DC students.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, DC 20020
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Southwestern Pennsylvania – Through March 17, 2025
The National Building Museum exhibits both realized and unrealized projects that the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed for the region of Southwestern Pennsylvania from the 1930s through the 1950s. The display examines how Wright’s vision of the future could have impacted urban, suburban and rural landscapes. Also, animated films created by Skyline Ink Animators + Illustrators provide a first-time virtual exploration of five unrealized projects.
Hours & Admission
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Bond In Motion – Through April 2025
Across more than six decades of films, James Bond has become the on-screen embodiment of spies for millions. The International Spy Museum pays homage to the fictional character, along with his allies and adversaries, with a breathtaking display of iconic vehicles from the movies. In total, visitors can fix their eyes on 17 pieces, including cars, motorcycles, submarines and even more from the Q Branch Garage.
Hours & Admission
International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024
Grandma Moses, 'The Old Oaken Bucket', 1945.
Revolutions: Art from the Hirshhorn Collection, 1860-1960 – Through April 20, 2025
This year, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden brings you one exciting event after another in celebration of their 50th anniversary. The museum's latest exhibit features works from more than 120 artists, so we suggest giving yourself plenty of time to soak up all the wonder. The revolutionary installation offers well-known masterpieces alongside contemporary creations from a wide range of artists including Francis Bacon, Jean Dubuffet, Lee Krasner, Wifredo Lam, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jackson Pollock.
10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Free admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance – Through April 20, 2025
Guest curated by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hilton Als, the National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibit focuses on one of the most important American writers of the 20th century. James Baldwin beautifully spoke out against injustice throughout his stirring career. He and other queer artists had to keep their sexuality hidden even while speaking up for civil rights. In addition to portraits of Baldwin, the exhibit also highlights many of his contemporaries including Lorraine Hansberry, Barbara Jordan, Bayard Rustin, Essex Hemphill and Marlon Riggs.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Reclaiming My Time – Through May 2025
The National Museum of African American History and Culture will open the first exhibition space to exclusively feature Black designers. Named after a phrase uttered by Congresswoman Maxine Waters on the steps of the Capitol, Reclaiming My Time explores the intersection of rest and resistance through 15 objects from the museum’s collection, including seating, lighting, photography and graphic design.
More info | Free Admission
National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Forensic Science on Trial – Through June 2025
The National Museum of American History explores historic courtroom cases and how forensic science has come to be used in the pursuit of justice. Artifacts from more than 150 years of trials showcase at least 12 forensic science techniques; three items can claim to come from “the trial of the century.”
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Picturing the Presidents: Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes from the National Portrait Gallery’s Collection – Through June 28, 2025
In honor of the upcoming presidential election, the National Portrait Gallery displays daguerreotype and ambrotype portraits of eight commanders-in-chief who held the office in the 19th century. The collection includes a rare ambrotype pin from Abraham Lincoln’s first presidential campaign credited with contributing to Lincoln’s 1860 victory. Visitors can also check out a modern daguerreotype that depicts the 2009 inauguration of President Barack Obama.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Collecting Memories – Through Dec. 2025
The Library of Congress opens its new David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery with a brand-new exhibit filled to the brim with fascinating artifacts across its 120 items. Collecting Memories includes Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, a map from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, lyrics from The Sound of Music and much more in its examination of how cultures preserve the past.
Hours | Free Admission
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
Martin E. Red Bear / National Museum of the American Indian
Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains – Through Jan. 20, 2026
The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates narrative art among Native nations of the Great Plains with an exciting new exhibition. You'll see historical works alongside contemporary commissions, from battle records to ledger books to pop culture takes.
More info | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Do Ho Suh: Public Figures – Through April 29, 2029
South Korean artist Do Ho Suh has created a special edition of his work Public Figures for installation at the very front of the National Museum of Asian Art, signifying the next phase of the museum. Suh was commissioned for the project thanks to his outstanding international reputation. He was one of the earliest contemporary artists featured at the museum and this new sculpture will be the first installed outside the Freer Gallery of Art in more than 30 years.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Zen and the Open Road – Ongoing
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the publication of Robert M. Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, the National Museum of American History places the writer’s 1966 Honda Super Hawk motorcycle in a temporary display within the permanent America on the Move exhibit. Encounter Pirsig’s stories related to riding, writing and sailing and check out cool artifacts such as his typewriter, a manuscript of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and a recently attributed book on the 14th century bubonic plague.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
Partner Content