Things to do the week of July 14-17, 2025
We've gathered up things to do across the nation's capital, including museum exhibits, concerts, only-in-DC events and much more. Don't miss our things to do this weekend and things to do this month as well.
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Monday
Shahzia Sikander: The Last Post
The Smithsonian American Art Museum showcases a groundbreaking work that deeply examines the legacy of British colonialism in Asia. Shahzia Sikander’s signature approach is evident in the way The Last Post blends Indo-Persian miniature paintings with contemporary flavor: see the score by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Du Yun and the way images form and dissolve around the piece’s central figure.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
In the Tower: Chakaia Booker – Treading New Ground
The National Gallery of Art presents three extraordinary sculptures from visionary artist Chakaia Booker in its East Building this spring. Booker transforms tires – cutting, coiling and contorting them – to sculpt industrial waste into awe-inspiring abstract forms. The environmentally conscious work inspires visitors to ponder the effect of materials on the natural world.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Summer Evenings at the U.S. National Arboretum
Thanks to the nonprofit Friends of the National Arboretum, the 451-acre park will stay open until 8 p.m. (three hours past regular closing time) giving visitors the chance to experience one of DC’s most picturesque destinations in a new light. This limited-time opportunity invites you to picnic, walk or bike after hours, catch golden-hour views of the Capitol Columns and enjoy special events throughout the summer.
More Info | Excludes June 7, 14 & 21
3501 New York Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002
Tuesday
Essex Hemphill: Take Care of Your Blessings
The Phillips Collection showcases the relationship between the trailblazing work of poet and activist Essex Hemphill and contemporary visual art in a new exhibit. Hemphill was born in Chicago and raised in DC, where he became one of the most outspoken LGBTQ+ advocates of his time, both through his poetry and the spoken word. Hemphill tragically died of an AIDS-related illness in 1995 at the age of 38, but his work powerfully lives on, as can be observed in Take Care of Your Blessings, which puts him in dialogue with artists of his time and the present.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Duel Reality
Shakespeare Theatre Company stages The Bard’s most beloved tale in a way you’ve never seen before. Duel Reality combines theatre, dance, circus acrobatics and stunts in pitting the two families of Romeo and Juliet against each other. You need to see Shakespeare told through acrobatics, trust us. The show is suitable for all ages.
Tickets
Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Dead Inside
Ali Wong and Bill Hader present this one-woman show from actress, comedian and songwriter Riki Lindhome. Woolly Mammoth Theatre hosts this part musical, part stand-up special that details Lindhome’s real-life fertility journey through humor, humility and original songs.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Wednesday
Uncanny
The National Museum of Women in the Arts invites visitors to an exploration of unease across a range of surreal media. The only museum solely dedicated to championing women artists treads into new territory with Uncanny, which reveals women’s authorship of surreal narratives, revealing how the concept is used by these artists to regain agency and dissect feelings of revulsion, fear and discomfort.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
The Harry Potter franchise continues to offer spellbinding entertainment. The record-breaking play that won six Tony Awards, including Best Play, comes to The National Theatre. Harry’s son, Albus, befriends Draco Malfoy’s son, leading to a riveting adventure that can alter the past and future.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Arena Stage
A Wrinkle in Time
With music and lyrics by Heather Christian, a book by Lauren Yee (the mind behind Cambodian Rock Band) and direction by Lee Sunday Evans, this highly anticipated production comes to Arena Stage next summer. Join main character Meg on an epic quest in an adventurous new musical adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's Newbery Medal-winning novel. Prepare for a spellbinding journey through space and time.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Thursday
Momentum Park(our)
The National Building Museum' summer installation transforms the Museum’s Great Hall into an immersive parkour environment. The family-friendly physical and educational journey takes visitors through elements of design, spatial awareness and movement. Developed in partnership with Mark Toorock, founder of American Parkour, the space allows for guests to navigate an obstacle landscape that challenges agility and invites new ways of engaging with the built environment.
Hours & Admission
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Sesame Street the Musical
A can’t-miss slice of family entertainment comes to the Kennedy Center for an extended run this summer. Cookie Monster, Elmo, Abby Cadabby and many more of your Sesame Street friends will be live onstage to perform iconic songs and stir up plenty of furry fun that all ages can enjoy.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Apropos of Nothing, a Comedy
The Keegan Theatre treats audiences to an evening packed with laughs thanks to this new production. Owen confesses to being in love with his best friend’s wife but quickly attempts to retract it. Too late. From there, spurned on by a clever millennial, five friends are forced to deal with their many unresolved issues.
Tickets
The Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
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