Summer 2025 in the nation’s capital is packed with free and family-friendly festivals featuring everything from jazz music to the wonders of barbecue.
In conjunction with local nonprofit Capital Pride, the nation's capital is proud to host WorldPride 2025, an event that celebrates diversity, equality and love on a global scale. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of celebrating Pride in DC, this momentous occasion will bring together millions from around the world to honor and uplift the LGBTQ+ community through a spectacular series of events, parades and cultural festivities. Set against the iconic backdrop of Washington, DC, WorldPride 2025 promises an unforgettable experience filled with electrifying energy, historical significance and a unifying spirit. Make sure to read our piece on the events for more details.
The new annual DC/DOX Film Festival will take place at theater venues across the District. Expect four days of visionary documentaries and conversations with the talent behind dozens of innovative and acclaimed works of non-fiction storytelling. Locations include Edlavitch Community Center, Eaton Cinema, MLK Memorial Library, the National Portrait Gallery’s Nan Tucker McEvoy Auditorium, the National Archives and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Rib roasters and sauce bosses show off their delicious wares during the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle. Dozens of pit masters, local restaurants and live music shut down Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th streets NW for a lively street party in late June. Cooking demos and free tastings make for a delicious (and filling) experience.
The free Smithsonian Folklife Festival salutes different international cultures every year on the National Mall with craft exhibits, live music and cooking demos. Hosted at the end of June, the 2024 edition focused on Indigenous Voices of the Americas and specifically celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the National Museum of the American Indian.
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.
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.
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 last year included Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, Concrete Family, Kaytranada, Lil Yachty and PartyNextDoor, and the festival typically takes place in July.
Mubadala Citi DC Open
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.
Otakon is held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and just might be the dedicated event space’s liveliest function (emphasis on FUN) all year long. The family-friendly convention is run by and dedicated to fans of Asian media, entertainment and pop culture, including anime, manga, music, movies and video games. The festivities range from cosplay contests, skits and live music to panel discussions with comic book (super)heroes, for-sale artworks and more.
Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington hosts two annual celebrations of DC’s eclectic dining scene: one in January and a summer edition in August. For both seasonal editions, Restaurant Week offers diners pre-fixe menus for lunch/brunch ($25) and dinner ($40 and $55).
Ranked as the best Latin dance festival in the U.S. five times, DCBX takes over the nation’s capital for five days this summer. Veterans and newbies of dancing bachata, the sexier-than-salsa dancing style from the Dominican Republic, will have plenty of chances to strut their stuff, from concerts to contests to workshops.
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center hosts a beloved annual celebration of books of all kinds, from children’s stories to epic novels, curated by the Library of Congress. Authors will speak and answer questions about their work throughout the day. The festival is always free to attend.
DC JazzFest brings national and local musicians to a range of venues all over the city, including The Wharf. Some concerts are free; most are ticketed. A lineup stacked with talent and free performances are just some of the many reasons why you should check it out this Labor Day. Artists from last year's lineup included Samara Joy, Stanley Clarke, Kenny Barron, Dianne Reeves, Galactic, Bill Frisell, Bobby Sanabria, Cimafunk, Emmet Cohen, Nasar Abadey and the Michael Thomas Quintet.
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