Our end-of-the-week picks for May 23-26, 2025
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this Memorial Day weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
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Friday
Little Beasts: Art, Wonder and the Natural World
Art and nature lovers young and old will be delighted by this new display at the National Gallery of Art. Across more than 70 paintings, prints and drawings, visitors can see how nature has inspired art since the dawn of European natural history in the 16th and 17th centuries. Specimens and taxidermy from the National Museum of Natural History will also be showcased along with a new film by artist Dario Robleto.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum Collection
LGBTJews in the Federal City
The exhibition is the first of its kind to explore DC history, Jewish history and LGBTQ+ history together, drawing from the Museum’s robust LGBTQ+ archive. Immerse yourself in historical and contemporary photography, artifacts and oral histories. Learn about legal milestones, far-ranging protests, change in religious spaces and vibrant cultural life. Opening in time for DC’s observation of its 50th Capital Pride celebration and as the city hosts WorldPride for the first time, LGBTJews in the Federal City offers an unprecedented opportunity to infuse Pride with local Jewish history.
Tickets
Lillian and Albert SmallCapital Jewish Museum, 575 3rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Jazz in the Garden
Kick back and groove to the music with sangria in hand at Jazz in the Garden on Fridays throughout the summer, held in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. An eclectic mix of DC-area jazz musicians lend a soundtrack to one of the city’s most idyllic scenes set around the sculpture garden’s central fountain. This is a free seasonal tradition that you do not want to miss. Due to high demand, the museum has instituted a lottery system; visit the Gallery’s website for more information.
6-8:30 p.m. | Free Admission | Register
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Washington National Opera
Porgy and Bess
It’s almost summertime and the “livin’ is easy” if you get the chance to see the Washington National Opera’s revival of Gershwin’s classic work. Often considered the “first great American opera,” Porgy and Bess marries jazz, blues and gospel to tell a beloved story of community and redemption. Some shows include a pre-performance talk or a post-performance artist Q&A – check dates when announced.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Black Masala & The JoGo Project
Two mainstays of the DC music scene will rock Pearl Street Warehouse on the same night. Black Masala goes all out with its combination of brass, funk and bass, making for dance-filled evenings. The JoGo Project mixes go-go and jazz for an unmistakable sound that echoes their District roots. Get ready to spend the night moving your feet.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Pearl Street Warehouse, 33 Pearl Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Saturday
Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art
The National Museum of African Art has assembled a powerful showcase of works that marks the first continental and diasporic survey of its scale outside of Africa. LGBTQ+ identities and experiences are the focus of the exhibit, with many of the pieces serving as challenges to legacies of homophobia and bigotry.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Maryland Plant Festival
In what has become an annual tradition, Plants Alive hosts a free three-day holiday weekend event that’s a dream for those with green thumbs as well as emerging plant lovers. Expect rare plants (including the Ecuagenera), a Makers Market (Sunday), a book signing with Maryland’s own plant celebrity Hilton Carter (Monday) to go along with mouthwatering food and strong communal vibes.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Free Admission | Reserve
Plants Alive, 15710 Layhill Road, Silver Spring, MD
Experience WorldPride in Washington, DC
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Pride in Washington, DC and we're celebrating by making it an all-out international experience. Join the momentous celebrations as the nation’s capital is painted with pride, featuring a variety of events to inspire, empower and connect the international LGBTQ+ community and their allies. The Fabric of Freedom theme emphasizes our community, woven together through our rich cultures, diverse identities and backgrounds.
More Info | Book Your Stay
Falsettos
Keegan Theatre presents a modern musical that dives headlong into relationships, families, baseball, the AIDS crisis and the pains of growing up, perfectly timed for WorldPride in DC. Everyone must learn to mature when Marvin leaves his wife and son to be with his lover. Equally funny and emotionally moving, the production promises to pack a punch.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Kimberly Akimbo
Winner of five Tony Awards, Kimberly Akimbo brings an all-star cast and crew together for a show that will light up the stage at National Theatre. Eternal optimist Kimberly is on the verge of her 16th birthday and recently moved to a new town in New Jersey – which means family dysfunction, a first crush, possible felony charges and even a rare genetic condition. Prepare yourself for a musical experience you won’t soon forget.
Tickets
National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 2004
We Are Gathered
Penned by Tarall Alvin McCraney – the screenwriter of Moonlight, one of the best films of the century so far – We Are Gathered is a can’t-miss summer show of queer love at Arena Stage. The production will be paired with a Loves Takes Center Stage immersive experience that will offer couples an incredible opportunity to exchange marriage vows on stage during select performances. The narrative follows W. Tre and Free as the two try to figure out whether they’re each other’s significant other after a chance meeting.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Out/Spoken: Stories That Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride
Celebrate 15 years of Out/Spoken, Story District’s beloved LGBTQ+ storytelling showcase, with a special WorldPride edition at the historic Howard Theatre. Hosted by comedian Anthony Oakes and featuring eight unforgettable personal stories, this milestone event will also include live music by D.C.'s Different Drummers to open and close the show. Laugh, reflect and connect through powerful tales of love, fear and growth.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Sunday
Rolling to Remember
This motorcycle rally is held to raise awareness of critical issues faced by veterans every day, as well as in tribute to those missing in action and prisoners of war. Rolling to Remember aims to deliver a message to Congress and the American people that veterans are in need of assistance, as the group struggles with a suicide crisis. Visit the event website for scheduling updates, registration and attendance info for this year's procession.
More Info
InSight: Photos and Stories from the Archives
Peer into Indigenous lives from across the Western hemisphere over time thanks to a new exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian. Through this special selection picked from more than 500,000 images, the museum highlights moments of everyday joy, education and familial bonding. Each photo has its own story to tell.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
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
Akira Kurosawa Explains His Movies and Yogurt (With Live & Active Cultures!)
Playwright Julia Izumi and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company invite audiences to a thoughtful and hilarious rumination on the amazing films and cultural contributions of Akira Kurosawa. The Japanese director is a character in the play, peering into his own filmography, discussing cultural imperialism and … yogurt. Among many other things.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Hedwig & The Angry Inch
Get ready for glam, grit, glitter and plenty of heart from the classic rock-n-roll romp when the Signature Theatre stages Hedwig & The Angry Inch this spring in its ARK Theatre. The story entails a song-stealing ex-lover, a childhood in Communist East Germany, a botched sex change operation and some of the most unforgettable songs in the history of musicals.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Monday
The National Memorial Day Parade
Our Sacred Honor tells the story of American sacrifice from the Revolution to today along Constitution Avenue through live, on-site historical re-enactors, veterans and active duty military personnel, joined by musical performances and celebrity appearances. The in-person parade takes place ‘live’ in Washington, filmed for a television special that airs on TV stations nationwide. For more ideas on how to spend the weekend, check out our suggestions.
National Memorial Day Concert
The annual musical tribute salutes the sacrifice made by the men and women in uniform as well as their families. The free annual concert airs on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The event is also live-streamed online and will be available on-demand for two weeks after the performance.
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!
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to award-winning hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
