Breathe in the first weeks of spring in the nation's capital as the National Cherry Blossom Festival begins, the Washington Nationals open their 20th season and springtime events fill the calendar.
Springtime in DC means lively festivals, dynamic theater and a historic city painted in pink, but regardless of the season, you're bound to have an unforgettable experience. Be sure to check out special discounts and packages, from luxurious outings to budget-friendly options. After you’ve read through this list, make sure to check out our things to do during the week, must-hit weekend events and accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.
Honor Women’s History Month in DC
The nation's capital offers ways to celebrate the achievements of women year round, from dining and shopping at women-owned businesses, visiting museum exhibits spotlighting women's contributions to our country, including the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Each March, the city proudly honors Women's History Month with a diverse array of events, exhibits, performances and programs that showcase the art, stories and accomplishments of women.
Washington Capitals
Attend a Capitals, Wizards or Go-Go game
With the winter season comes incredible indoor sports action in the District. The NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards play their exciting games inside Capital One Arena, while the Capital City Go-Go, part of the NBA’s developmental G-League, take to the court inside CareFirst Arena.
Get discounted tickets: Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Capital City Go-Go
See the giant pandas at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Two new giant pandas, Bao Li and Xing Bao, debuted to the public at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo on Jan. 24. The two-year-old pandas have moved into their new digs and will be the most talked-about duo in the nation’s capital throughout 2025.
More Information
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Orchids: Masters of Deception – Through April 27
Marvel at a rotating display of orchid specimens from the extensive collection of the U.S. Botanic Garden and Smithsonian Gardens. The Garden Court will display stories of orchids who are – you guessed it – masters of deception, using smell, shape and color. There will also be two nine-foot-tall tree sculptures covered in pink and white orchids (a nod to DC’s cherry trees) as well as eight-foot-tall orchid curtains that show off the plant’s special roots.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
A South Fourty: Contemporary Architecture and Design in the American South – Open through Winter 2026
The National Building Museum’s new exhibit is dedicated to distinctive modern architecture and contemporary design practices in the American South. The display aims to provide an overview of the current vibrancy of contemporary architecture through illustrated profiles of buildings and practices, statements of principles and observations by those who build in the region.
Hours & Admission
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
How to Be A Power Player: Tudor Edition – On view
The Folger Shakespeare Library exhibit features more than 60 objects from the collection to demonstrate the dos and don’ts for how to be a successful courtier in 16th-century England. Social climbing was a sport in Tudor England and visitors can engage with the entire playbook and even create their own with a 21st-century spin. You can also draw your portrait, design a dinner menu and make your own rules.
Hours | Free Admission
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Uncanny – Feb. 28 – Aug. 10
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
Mardi Gras at The Wharf – March 1
Go all-out for Mardi Gras at DC’s fun-filled waterfront development, The Wharf. An afternoon and evening of activities includes a parade (featuring stilt walkers, jugglers, the Mardi Gras king and queen, floats and lots more), a dance party with live music and a fireworks spectacular that kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.
More Information | Free Admission
The Wharf, 760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Father John Misty – March 1
Start the season with a spring in your step at the Father John Misty show on March 1. Touring for his new album, Mahashmashana, the singer brings his indie-folk vibes to the Anthem along with opening act Destroyer.
Tickets
901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington – March 2
The Atlas Performing Arts Center brings the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington back to its stage for the group to perform an all-new cabaret. Soloists from the Chorus share their own stories and songs of travel adventures past and (hopefully) future. Expect to hear legendary songs like “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Streets of Dublin,” “Magic To Do,” “Home” and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” during this one-night-only performance.
5 p.m. | Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Signature in the Schools: Failureland! – March 3 & 10
Signature Theatre Company’s 30th Signature in the Schools play sees area high school students perform an original comedy by playwright Dani Stoller about discovering your courage. Failureland! follows Tori as she questions herself right as she’s about to submit her college applications only to fall into an “enchanted haven” where she runs into Maya Angelou, Galileo and Vincent van Gogh. These figures share their own experiences with fear, failure and hope.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Michael Shannon & Jason Narducy (and friends) Play R.E.M.’s Fables of Reconstruction and more – March 4
Actor Michael Shannon and musician Jason Narducy – along with some very talented friends – celebrate the 40th anniversary of R.E.M.'s iconic 1985 album, Fables of the Reconstruction, with a U.S. tour. The pair’s sold-out 2023 run in honor of R.E.M.'s famed debut album, Murmur, saw the four original members of R.E.M. come together for the first time in 17 years at the tour’s Athens stop. This new journey will take Shannon and Narducy to nearly three times as many cities across the country, including this show at the iconic 9:30 Club.
7 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
NSO at Mount Vernon– March 4
If champagne, chocolate and mingling with musicians aren’t your thing, you’ll want to stay far away from Mount Vernon this spring. But if the triple threat of bubbly, bites and classical delights entices you, book your tickets immediately for this charming series of concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra at George Washington’s estate. Concerts begin at 7 p.m.; musicians will join the receptions that follow at 8 p.m.
Tickets
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
RIOT! Funny Women Stand Up – March 5
Celebrate Women’s History Month at the Kennedy Center with a special comedy event that sports an all-woman lineup. Leading standups like Jen Kirkman, Zarna Garg, Chloe Radcliffe, Irene Tu, Jenny Yang, Janelle James, Ali Kolbert, Sam Jay, Melissa Villaseñor, Jamie Lee and numerous others will take the stage over the course of the evening.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
RIVERDANCE 30: The New Generation – March 4-16
Since emerging onto the cultural landscape 30 years ago, Riverdance has brought a Grammy Award-winning fusion of Irish and international dance to audiences all over the globe. Now, the show embarks on a special anniversary tour with new choreography and costumes as well as state-of-the-art motion graphics, lighting and projection.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
A Room in the Castle – March 4 – April 6
The Folger Theatre co-produces a new play with the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company that reimagines the stories of the women in Shakespeare’s Hamlet to create both gut-busting comedy and heart-rending drama. Ophelia, her handmaid and Queen Gertrude are suffering at the hands of a wild prince’s antics and realize how dangerous their lives have become. The thriller explores how we can help each other through tough times and the responsibilities of one generation to another.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
It’s A Mother****ing Pleasure – March 6-30
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, along with the award-winning and disability-led theatre company FlawBored, invite you to explore disability rights and wrongs. The searing satire focuses on PR firm “Rize” as they team up with Ross, a Blind influencer who’s ready to profit off the guilt of non-disabled, anxious people. Prepare yourself for a sensational examination of identity politics and the cost of doing the right thing.
Tickets
Wolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
LEGO®
LEGO® F1®-themed Build the Thrill Event – March 6 – April 27
The entire family should head to the LEGO Discovery Center Washington, DC for an exclusive LEGO® F1® - themed ‘Build the Thrill Event’. Grab a pit pass and take in a drivers briefing before choosing your team. Kids can get hands-on with LEGO® bricks to create a minifigure driver and build an ultimate race car, take on build challenges and of course … race. Admission to Build the Thrill is included with your admission to the museum.
Tickets
LEGO Discovery Center Washington, DC, 6563 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA 22150
Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships – March 7-16
Kick off March Madness with the CAA Championships at CareFirst Arena in Congress Heights. You can enjoy both the men’s tournament (March 8-12) and the women’s tournament (March 7-16) across 9 straight days of high-stakes college basketball. The winner of each competition is granted an automatic bid in the NCAA Tournament.
CareFirst Arena, 1100 Oak Drive SE, Washington, DC 20032
Eureka Day – March 7-22
In an exclusive engagement, Jonathan Spector’s Eureka Day comes to the Kennedy Center with direction from Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro. The play is set in a private California elementary school struck by a mumps outbreak. The Board of Directors is then forced to make a choice that shockingly will not please absolutely everybody. Prepare for an of-the-moment satire.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Zenith Gallery’s 47th “Amethyst” Anniversary – March 7 – April 19
Join DC’s Zenith Gallery as it celebrates the work of dozens of artists during this annual showcase. “Amethyst” symbolizes “peace, healing and balance” and the works selected for this exhibit respond to that theme. Expect to see boundary-pushing pieces at the independent gallery’s stunning retrospective.
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 12-6 p.m. (or by appointment)
Zenith Gallery, 1429 Iris Street NW, Washington, DC 20012
Blooming Wonders: A Best of Spring Exhibition – March 7 – April 30
ARTECHOUSE’s annual springtime exhibit has become a must-see for locals and visitors alike. This year’s display brings together past smash-hit cherry blossom-themed installations as well as a new interactive experience. Fix your gaze upon immense floral landscapes, spellbinding digital visualizations and surreal spring-themed environments.
Tickets
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20002
Family Fun Day 2025 – March 8
The Atlas Performing Arts Center hosts its annual Intersections Family Fun Day. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., families can enjoy interactive performances by Mr. Rob, an instrument petting zoo led by the Capital City Symphony and craft stations for creative kids. Admission is free.
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | RSVP | Free Admission
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Alton Brown Live: Last Bite – March 8
Culinary megastar Alton Brown reflects on decades in food media during this farewell tour that touches down at DC’s National Theatre. Brown will share his favorite cooking hacks, sing funny food songs and has promised a buffet of other surprises during an epic live show that foodies will not want to miss.
3 p.m. | Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Harlem Globetrotters – March 8
One of the great spectacles in sports entertainment is a Harlem Globetrotters game. DC-area fans will be treated to trick shots, spins, slams and superstars inside Capital One Arena as the Globetrotters take on their all-time rivals, the Washington Generals. Attendees can also expect unprecedented fan interaction as well as new trials, players and innovations.
1 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Pepper – March 9
Hailing from Hawaii, Pepper have mixed alternative rock, reggae, dub, island rhythms and manic punk rock energy for more than 20 years. DC’s Union Stage hosts the power trio that has toured North America and the world with the likes of Snoop Dogg, The Wailers, 311, Pennywise and many others.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Union Stage, 740 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist – March 9 – July 6
Through singular and daring prints and sculptures, Elizabeth Catlett became of the defining artist-activists of her day. Catlett has roots in DC, Chicago and New York but spent 60 years in Mexico, where she created art “for the people”. U.S. and Mexican injustices resonate throughout her work. The National Gallery of Art will display more than 150 of her creations, including rarely seen paintings and drawings.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Atlantic-10 Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament – March 12-16
March Madness returns to Capital One Arena with the Atlantic-10 (A-10) Men’s Basketball Tournament, whose winner receives an automatic NCAA Tournament bid. All 15 league teams will participate with games running from Wednesday through Sunday. Last year, Duquesne captured its first A-10 title in more than four decades by defeating VCU in the championship game. Over the last 10 years, eight different programs have claimed the championship, making this one of the most exciting conference tournaments in the country.
Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Artist’s Experience: From Brotherman to Batman – March 12 – July 24
Visit Phillips@THEARC for a distinctive exhibition of the vitality of comic book art. From Brotherman to Batman focuses on 20 Black artists from across the spectrum of comic books, including Dawud Anyabwile (creator of Brotherman), Denys Cowan (co-founder of Milestone Media and legendary Batman illustrator for DC Comics) and many others. Dive deep into how each panel of a comic book page tells a story as well as how these fascinating creatives break the confines of the art form.
Wednesday & Thursday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
Phillips@THEARC, 1801 Mississippi Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020
So True Live Tour with Caleb Hearon – March 13
Writer, actor and comedian Caleb Hearon has expanded his skill set to include podcaster. So True focuses on the current state of the stand-up comedy world and features a hilarious rotating cast of guests. Hearon brings the beloved show to the stage at DC’s iconic Warner Theatre as part of a new nationwide tour.
Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Pink Tie Party – March 14
Held in iconic Union Station, guests will be whisked away to an unforgettable world of DC’s cherry blossoms mixed with sophisticated Venetian aura and vibrant Brazilian Carnival energy. Food, fashion, and fun will intertwine for a memorable and joyful evening. Guests flaunt their best pink and floral attire, inspired by the event’s spring Carnival atmospheres, as they walk through themed halls and experience each of the featured cities through carefully curated food and cocktails from local DC-area restaurants.
7-11 p.m. | More Information
Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
GloRilla – March 14
Grammy-nominated and championed by Meg Thee Stallion, GloRilla has blossomed into a superstar. In 2024, she became the first female hip-hop artist to have three songs simultaneously in Billboard’s Top 40. The Frayser, Tennessee native puts on electrifying performances as evidenced by her triumphant tour with Meg last summer.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Sister Act at Ford's Theatre – Opens March 14
Based on the smash hit 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act makes for divine musical comedy at Ford’s Theatre this upcoming spring. The Tony-nominated musical follows a nightclub singer who takes to a convent to hide from the mob. Self-discovery and glorious group harmonies ensue. The play features original music by the legendary Alan Menken.
Tickets
511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
2025 St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running – March 15
The race that “brings the fun to the run” rocks the District again this year. Choose between half marathon or 5K distances, enjoy the sounds of this musical running tour and help the patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the same time. All while taking in DC’s monumental views.
Register
Race begins at 13th Street and Constitution Avenue.
© Christopher Duggan
Dance Sanctuaries: Curated by KanKouran Dance Company – March 15
The REACH at the Kennedy Center hosts Dance Sanctuaries, a series of free, movement-based classes. You’re invited to learn or strengthen your skills in the Lenjeng, Sinte and N'Gri dances with the world-renowned KanKouran West African Dance Company. Registration is required for this unique opportunity.
Register
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The 19th Annual Blacks in Wax: 1965 Voting Rights Acts & Now – March 15
Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center hosts the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center’s (part of DC’s Department of Parks & Recreation) annual Blacks in Wax living history program. The educational event focuses its 19th edition on the Voting Rights Act of 1965, from its historic signing to the ways it reverberates today. The program is free, but make sure to register.
5:30 p.m. | Register
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Capital Comedy Festival – March 15
We could all use a laugh or two, so why not fill an entire Saturday evening with comedy at one of the coolest concert venues in the District? DAR Constitution Hall hosts the Capital Comedy Festival, which returns with a lineup that is better than ever: Sommore, Lavell Crawford, Arnez J, Joe Clair and Special K will each dish out their special brand of stand-up mastery.
8 p.m. | Tickets
DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
The Set: A R&B Experience – March 15
The historic Howard Theatre hosts one of the coolest concerts of the season thanks to The Set. R&B icons, including D’Angelo, H.E.R., Anderson Paak, Johnny Gill and Amelia Larrieux, will be a part of the seventh edition of this late-night party.
10 p.m. | Tickets
Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
ExPats Theatre: Testosterone – March 15 – April 6
Based on the Grimm Brothers’ “The Story of a Boy Who Went Forth to Learn Fear,” Testosterone is a scathing social satire about a battle between two brothers. Ingo lives in a secure fortress to protect his family from the “bad neighborhood,” a violent area rampant with crime and gang wars and home to his brave brother Raul. When the two men and worlds collide, chaos ensues, leading to a can’t-miss production at Atlas Performing Arts Center.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Delighting Krishna: Paintings of the Child-God – March 15 – Aug. 24
A new exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art puts the Pushtimarg tradition front-and-center and showcases 14 “pichwais,” which are monumental paintings of Krishna on cotton cloth. The pieces have not been displayed to the public since the 1970s. Museum visitors can encounter the larger-than-life creations and learn about how the Hindu Pushtimarg community engages with the spiritual.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
The Grateful Allman Band Experience – March 16
Celebrate the songs, legacy and stories of three legendary rock bands during this concert at Pearl Street Warehouse. The Grateful Allman Band Experience pays tribute to The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers and The Band across an evening of songs imprinted upon America’s cultural legacy.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Pearl Street Warehouse, 33 Pearl Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Kraftwerk – March 16
The German multimedia project known as Kraftwerk is responsible for some of the most innovative music of the past century. The group has broken new barriers in pop and electronic music across a decades-long career that began in 1970. Kraftwerk’s latest tour, which visits The Anthem this spring, is in honor of the 50th anniversary of one of their most successful releases, Autobahn.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Job – Through March 16
A psychological thriller that explores the dark side of corporate work, social media and technology, this off-Broadway sensation and New York Times Critic’s Pick is sure so leave the audience feeling haunted, pensive and on the edge of their seat.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Arena Stage
The Bedwetter: The Musical – Through March 16
You'll likely recognize comedian Sarah Silverman's signature wit from her stint on SNL or Comedy Central, her voice acting on Bob's Burgers, one of her many standup specials or even her bestselling comedic memoir The Bedwetter. In 2022, the latter was adapted for the stage by a Tony-nominated director (Anna Kauffman) and a Grammy- and Emmy-winning composer (Adam Schlesinger) – and now, you're in luck: lively "stories of courage, redemption and pee" take over Arena Stage’s Kreeger Theater for a limited time this spring.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Kunene and The King – Through March 16
In its U.S. premiere, this play written and performed by Tony-winner John Kani is sure to enthrall audiences at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Klein Theatre. Kunene and The King concerns Lunga Kunene (played by Kani), who has been charged with the care of a classical actor (played by Edward Gero) who was just offered a career-defining role as King Lear. The Bard serves as a unifier in this stirring tale set 25 years after the fall of apartheid.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
St. Patrick's Day in the District – March 17
The capital city boasts a wealth of Guinness-slinging institutions and just as many significant historic ties to the Emerald Isle – all the way up to the White House itself. Go green for the weekend and check out our guide to Irish-American experiences in DC.
Beyond The Godfather: The Concert Music of Nino Rota – March 18
The PostClassical Ensemble honors iconic Italian composer Nino Rota with an evening dedicated to his little-known concert works. Rota, well-known for his score to The Godfather as well as his work on the films of Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti, was a prolific artist who also composed music for concertos, ballets, chamber ensembles and orchestras.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
NMWA Nights – March 19
The National Museum of Women in the Arts’ popular evening series has returned. Admire the museum’s awesome galleries as you sip on a cocktail; listen to a live music performance; join a guided tour of the museum; participate in art-making activities. Your admission includes two drink tickets with additional food and beverages available for purchase.
5:30-8 p.m. | Tickets
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Stumpy’s Petal & Paddles Race – March 20
As the calendar turns to springtime, mark the occasion with an on-the-water adventure. The inaugural Stumpy’s Petal & Paddles Race asks tandems to challenge each other across the water of the Tidal Basin. Spectators are welcome, with live music and local food vendors expected on-site. Half of the proceeds from the event go towards the Trust for the National Cherry Blossom Tree Endowment Fund.
4 p.m. | Tickets
Meet at 1501 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
The National Cherry Blossom Festival – March 20 – April 13
DC celebrates the blooming of cherry trees with a month-long festival that commemorates the 1912 gift from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city. Check out popular festival events in the lead-up to the celebration, in addition to our guide to the celebration, how to get the most popular blossom spots and the best places to snap photos.
Friday Night Concert Series: Shaq AKA DJ Diesel – March 21
The Washington Wizards host a post-game concert featuring DJ Diesel on the 1's and 2's. Okay, we buried the lede. DJ Diesel is NBA legend and entertainment icon Shaq (you can probably tell from the picture above), so you'll be grooving to sounds from an all-time superstar after you watch the Wiz take on the Orlando Magic. The concert experience is free with the purchase of a game ticket.
Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Evening of Comedy at Wolf Trap – March 21-22
Wolf Trap welcomes three top-tier comedians of Seinfeld, Saturday Night Live and That’s So Raven fame for hilarious onstage hijinks. Four shows mean four times the laughs! Be there as The Barns fill with glee thanks to Carol Leifer, Rich Hall and Rondell Sheridan.
Tickets
1635 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony – March 22
Along with the Japan Foundation, the National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the 113th anniversary of the gift of trees with an exciting tribute to the longstanding relationship between Japan and the United States.The spectacle at the historic Warner Theatre features world-renowned artists connected to both the U.S. and Japan who gather on the stage together for one-night only. Early access to tickets to this epic spring celebration can be obtained by signing up for the Festival's email list. The event will also be livestreamed on the Festival's YouTube channel.
5-6:30 p.m. | More Information
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Yo La Tengo & Sun Ra Arkestra: One Cosmic Night – March 22
The music of Sun Ra dates to the 1950s while Yo La Tengo have been a fixture of alternative rock since the mid-1980s. The two seminal groups will both take the stage at Howard Theatre for a night that promises to be “cosmic”. Expect music that reminds you of stargazing as the two masterful acts reflect and refract decades upon decades of sound.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
#Charlottesville – March 22 – April 13
Keegan Theatre serves as the platform for a powerful new one-woman show from award-winning performance artist Priyanka Shetty. In 2017, the “Unite the Right” rally and counter-protests shook Charlottesville, Va. and the country at-large. Shetty’s play uses interviews and her own insights to paint a portrait of the toll the incident has taken on residents of Charlottesville.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
JewCE: The Jewish Comics Experience – Through March 23
A hero is a hero, but which iconic comic book character(s) can be called a real mensch? Find the answer and learn some fascinating trivia at the Capital Jewish Museum, which explores the theme of superheroes from the 1930s to the 1960s with Jewish backgrounds. Whether these well-loved protagonists had Jewish creators or celebrated their own bar mitzvahs in the comic’s pages, fun facts and a history of chutzpah await. Contemporary graphic novels and DC-focused lore are also included.
Tickets
Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, 575 3rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Samantha Box: Confluences – Through March 23
The National Museum of Women in the Arts presents stunning documentary and studio-based photographs from Bronx-based artist Samantha Box in her first solo exhibition in the nation’s capital. Box’s two major bodies of work are seen together for the first time, revealing complex conversations around nationality, race, class, gender and sexual orientation.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
An Evening of Words and Music with Roxy Music’s Phil Manzanera – March 25
Since the early 1970s, Phil Manzanera has been at the center of UK’s rock scene. His virtuosic guitar playing as part of one of glam rock’s greatest purveyors, Roxy Music, and his acclaimed work as a producer has led to a monumental career. Share an evening with a legend thanks to this one-night-only performance at Howard Theatre.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
© Kennedy Center
New York City Ballet: Coppélia – March 25-30
The New York City Ballet returns to the Kennedy Center to stage a comedic masterpiece about an eccentric toymaker and the doll he creates. The entire family can delight in the misadventures of the spirited Swanilda, her foolish sweetheart Frantz and the mad inventor Dr. Coppélius in a ballet filled with unforgettable moments and a legendary finale.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Mary J. Blige – March 26
Calling all 90s lovers (and who isn’t): make your way to Capital One Arena on March 26 for the Queen of Hip Hop Soul herself. Mary J. Blige will have the place percolating as she brings her For My Fans tour to the nation’s capital in support of her latest album, Gratitude. With special guests NE-YO and Mario, this is sure to be a show full of “real love.”
Tickets
601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Washington Nationals Baseball: 20th Anniversary Season Home Opener – March 27
The Washington Nationals, who have four National League East titles, five postseason appearances and a World Series championship since coming to DC in 2005, are one of the city's main attractions throughout the spring and summer. Head to Nationals Park to experience MLB action with an exciting schedule, plenty of home runs and, of course, Racing Presidents. The Nats, as they are lovingly called by locals, celebrate their 20th anniversary in the nation's capital with a year filled with special events.
Tickets
1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Jason’s Lyric Live! – March 27 – May 4
A star-studded cast that includes Allen Payne, Eva Marcille, Treach, Tyrin Turner, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs and K. Michelle brings Je’Caryous Johnson’s stage adaptation of Jason’s Lyric to vivid life at the National Theatre. Based on the motion picture, the production focuses on a couple fighting for their love and future in the gritty streets of Houston.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Presents: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (in concert) – March 28
Experience one of the greatest films of all time as you never have before at Strathmore. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will perform John Williams’ legendary score for Raiders of the Lost Ark as you watch the movie play on the big screen. Indiana Jones’ adventures take him across the world and you’ll be swept up in the action during this unique opportunity.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Earth to Space: Arts Breaking the Sky – March 28 – April 20
Across three weeks of programming, the Kennedy Center welcomes musicians, astronauts, poets, researchers, visual artists, engineers, actors, environmentalists, architects, astronomers, dancers, scientists, filmmakers and more to provide insights into the marvel of the universe. Earth to Space aims to inspire action to protect the planet and stimulate thinking on the challenges that modern society faces.
More Information
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Blossom Kite Festival – March 29
Head to the Washington Monument grounds for this free kite-flying extravaganza, one of the most highly anticipated events of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The entire family can watch expert kite fliers from all over the world, whether enjoying the event near the Monument or at a featured park. More information is available on the Festival's website.
Bloomaroo at the Wharf – March 29
Visit The Wharf for Bloomaroo®, a free spring extravaganza featuring an evening of cherry-blossom themed art, music, fireworks and family-friendly fun along the waterfront. Enjoy beer gardens on District Pier, fireworks and three stages, each with its own lineup of live music. You can also check out more than 80 shops and restaurants along The Wharf.
4-9 p.m. | Free Admission
760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Age of Innocence – Through March 30
Adapted from the beloved Edith Wharton novel by playwright Karen Zacarías, this new play at Arena Stage will captivate audiences with its stirring depiction of 1870s New York City. The Age of Innocence is timeless in its powerful critique of the harshness of societal norms as it masterfully depicts Newland Archer’s struggles as he must choose between privilege and passion.
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Sound of Black Music – March 30
Viewed through a utopian, Afrofuturistic lens, this vibrant one-act concert reimagines the classic musical, featuring songs such as "Do-Re-Mi," "Edelweiss" and "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," all recast through a Black Roots music kaleidoscope. With beautiful voices, dazzling arrangements and a powerful message of unity and resilience, this electrifying show celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Black music and its indelible impact on American popular culture. “One of the most titanically musical nights of my year” (New York Times).
Tickets
Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Uncle Vanya – March 30 – April 20
Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Hall welcomes acclaimed English actor Hugh Bonneville to its stage for a tension-filled production. Bonneville plays the titular role in this play that sees a family and its traditions torn apart when its elderly figurehead debuts a new young wife. Audiences will be dazzled by this dramedy from the mind of Anton Chekhov.
Tickets
Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
In the Heights – Through May 4
One of the most beloved and energetic American musicals will light up Signature Theatre this spring. Between beloved Latin beats, colorful choreography and favorite numbers like “96,000,” “Paciencia y Fe,” and “Carnaval del Barrio," In the Heights will immerse viewers in the characters, community and culture of Washington Heights.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line – Feb. 22 – May 18
A new exhibit at The Phillips Collection reappraises the work of Art Nouveau pioneer Alphonse Mucha and explores his impact on graphic art over the last 60-plus years. Visitors can experience Mucha’s distinct style and learn how psychedelic artists of later generations rediscovered his work and used it to inspire a wide range of media, from comics to manga and murals.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
We Gather at the Edge: Contemporary Quilts by Black Women Artists – Feb. 21 – June 22
Two years ago, the Smithsonian American Art Museum acquired 35 quilts from Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi, who holds a doctorate in aerospace engineering and is also a prolific artist, curator and scholar. The scope of the quilts featured is remarkable and groundbreaking in its representation of Black history and culture.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
The ‘70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography – Through April 6
Across a wondrous collection of roughly 100 works by more than 80 artists, the National Gallery of Art gives visitors a chance to explore the dramatic shift in documentary photography that played out during the turmoil-filled decade of the 1970s. As Americans faced the Watergate scandal, inflation, energy crises and a host of other developments, documentary photographers shifted their collective perspective, leading to brilliant images that depict vibrant communities, suburban sprawl, conceptual art, nature and much more.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance – Through April 20
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
The Print Generation – Through April 27
Early in the 20th century, a new generation of Japanese print artists took hold of the entire process of creation, from designing to carving to printing. The new approach, known as “sōsaku hanga”, led to raw and unique works throughout a period of turmoil in Japan. Many of these fascinating pieces are on display in this exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Harry Benson: Washington D.C.
For the duration of the 2024-25 NBA and NHL seasons, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Ted and Lynn Leonsis and Jeff Skoll present a landmark exhibit featuring more than 150 photographs by legendary photojournalist Harry Benson, renowned for his chronicles of culture, politics, music, movies, television and sports. The gallery, produced by Ted Leonsis and Jeff Skoll, is located next door to Capital One Arena at 707-709 7th Street NW and spans two floors across 10,000 square feet. The free exhibit includes photographs of every President and First Lady since Dwight Eisenhower, iconic images of legendary athletes and musicians, a behind-the-scenes look at The Beatles' arrival to the United States, stunning moments from the Civil Rights Movement and much more.
Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Free Admission | Reserve Tickets
707-709 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Animationland – Through May 11
The National Children’s Museum invites learners from ages 6 to 12 and their families to join Tracey the pencil dog and her crew on a fantastically immersive journey, creating stories using science and imagination. Dive into the world of storytelling and creativity. Kids can develop their own animated masterpiece using animation basics and enjoy a variety of exhibit experiences.
Hours & Admission
National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
National Museum of African American History and Culture
In Slavery's Wake – Through June 8
The National Museum of African American History and Culture's new exhibit offers a dynamic mix of history, art and media. Visitors can observe connections between Black freedom-makers across time and join in a global conversation on the continued impacts of slavery and colonialism. The multi-lingual experience features 100 objects, 250 images and 10 multi-media interactives and films.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily | Reserve Timed Passes
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
OSGEMEOS: Endless Story – Through July 6
Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo are the identical twin brothers that comprise OSGEMEOS, which is Portuguese for “the twins.” The Hirshhorn Museum presents the first U.S. survey and the largest American exhibition of work by the duo to date. In total, the full-floor exhibit features roughly 1,000 artworks, photos and archival materials that detail OSGEMEOS’ unique artistic voice that combines heritage, urban art, graffiti and magical elements.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
Felix Gonzalez-Torres: Always to Return – Through July 6
The National Portrait Gallery and the Archives of American Art present an exhibition that goes in-depth on artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres’ engagement with portraiture, identity and history. Gonzalez-Torres’ groundbreaking work revolutionized the artform, elevating the notion of what a portrait could be.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sublime Light: Tapestry Art of DY Begay – Through Summer 2025
In honor of one of the great fiber artists, the National Museum of the American Indian showcases 48 works by DY Begay. Across these dozens of tapestries, Begay explores her homeland and heritage through a divine sense of color, stirring innovation and sharp eye for design. Her pieces effectively illustrate a non-Western way of being to contemporary audiences.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Pictures of Belonging: Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi and Miné Okubo – Through Aug. 17
The Smithsonian American Art Museum honors three of the most important female American artists of Japanese descent in the years leading up to World War II. Across eight decades, the careers of Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi and Miné Okubo helped shape modern American art. This exhibit examines the three trailblazers like never before, tracing their artistic evolution before, during and after the internment and displacement of Japanese Americans during World War II.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture – Through Sept. 14
The Smithsonian American Museum’s new exhibit examines sculpture’s role in understanding and constructing race in the United States. Across 82 sculptures created between 1792 and 2023 by 70 different artists, visitors can observe historical and modern works that inspire conversation and reflections on how power, identity and race are intertwined.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Bond In Motion – Through September
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
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
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