Washington DC Arts & Culture

Tap into the city’s creative heartbeat.

Whether you're inspired by free museums or culturally diverse neighborhoods, this city has it all. Catch a musical before it hits Broadway. Go where DC creators hatch their best ideas. The District oozes with local flavor and one-of-a-kind experiences. Bottle it up on your trip when you tour colorful street murals, chat with artists at Eastern Market or accept a standing invite to the Meridian Hill drum circle.

Passport DC - Embassy Open Houses

Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Guests Taking Photo of Ben's Chili Bowl Mural

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Where to Find the Most Colorful Street Murals in Washington, DC

Vibrant street art adds color to DC in any season.

Henry the elephant in the National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC

History, science, art and culture come alive at these free DC museum...

Theaters & Performance Spaces to See a Show in Washington, DC

A variety of performances grace stages throughout the District – her...

20+ Cool & Interesting Museums in Washington, DC That Aren’t On the National Mall

Venture off the National Mall to these knowledge centers for a uniqu...

Inside National Museum of African American History and Culture

Ways to Celebrate African American History & Culture in Washington, DC

Honor the Black experience at these museums, memorials and more thro...

Grab A Seat: Washington, DC’s Theaters Are Must-See Attractions

Why Washington, DC's performing arts scene is in a class of its own

Grandfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown Mural by Aniekan Udofia

Keep on Groovin’: An Intro to Go-Go Music in Washington, DC

The official music of the city has a fascinating history, but its st...

A couple looks at a colorful painting at the Phillips Collection.

2 Days of LGBTQ+ Culture & Arts in Washington, DC

Whether during Pride or year-round, visitors and locals can embrace ...

National Gallery of Art East Building - Museum on the National Mall - Washington, DC

Discover the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, DC

Explore modern artworks in this stunningly beautiful free museum on ...

The Best City to Visit in 2026

Washington, DC shines with can’t-miss events, new exhibits and prais...

@carahedge - Summer day outside The LINE Hotel in Adams Morgan - Unique hotels in Washington, DC

15 Cool Hotels for Your Next Trip to Washington, DC

These hip and trendy hotels offer unique experiences that blend the ...

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Downtown

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration is coming to Washington, D.C. summer 2026.

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SPONSORED

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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SPONSORED

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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SPONSORED

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Children's Museum

A playful learning adventure awaits at National Children's Museum!

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SPONSORED

Virginia

George Washington's Mount Vernon

The iconic riverside estate of George Washington. Open daily, 365 days a year.

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SPONSORED

National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

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SPONSORED

Dupont Circle

Woodrow Wilson House

Dine intimately in the presidential Dining Room, enjoy cocktails throughout the main museum rooms or relax and unwind in the tranquil period garden.

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Downtown

Hedy's Rooftop

Hedy's Rooftop at Hotel Zena

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Virginia

DEA Museum

Now open! Navigate your way to a new experience.

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U Street

9:30 Club

Concert venue located a few blocks from the U Street Metro stop

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Upper Northwest

The Washington Ballet

The Washington Ballet (TWB) 2023/24 Season of Discovery Tickets On-Sale Now!

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Anacostia

Frederick Douglass National Historic Sit...

The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site preserves the last residence of Frederick Douglass (1818 -1895), one of the most prominent African American leaders of the 19th century

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DC Metro Area

Charlie Ross Magic

Sophisticated Magic & Mentalism for Corporate Events

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Downtown

U.S. Navy Memorial

The United States Navy Memorial

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

National Building Museum

The National Building Museum is America's leading cultural institution devoted to the history and impact of the built environment.

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Feb

20

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Girl Scout Sneak In

Now - Feb 20, 2026

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Feb

20

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Mardi Gras Shabbat with Rabbi Aaron

Now - Feb 20, 2026

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Downtown

State Fairs: Growing American Craft

Now - Sep 07, 2026

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Feb

21

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Guided Tour of the Missing Soldiers Office

Now - Feb 19, 2028

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Feb

21

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

The Magic Duel in Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 07, 2026

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Feb

21

2026

Downtown

Stereophonic

Now - Mar 01, 2026

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Feb

21

2026

Dupont Circle

John Doe

Now - Feb 22, 2026

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Feb

21

2026

International Winter Village at Wunder Garten

Now - Feb 28, 2026

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Feb

21

2026

Virginia

America's 250th Passport at Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center

Now - Dec 31, 2026

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Feb

21

2026

Downtown

The American Story

Now - Feb 20, 2028

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Feb

21

2026

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

Feb 21, 2026 - Feb 20, 2028

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Feb

21

2026

Georgetown

The Magic Duel Comedy Show at Pinstripes Georgetown

Feb 21, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026

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Feb

21

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

The World to Come

Now - Mar 01, 2026

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Feb

21

2026

Downtown

Mentalist Brian Curry: The Good Liar

Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026

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Feb

21

2026

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill Architecture Walking Tour

Now - Feb 19, 2028

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Feb

21

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Chez Joey

Now - Mar 15, 2026

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Feb

21

2026

Virginia

Un/Bound Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865

Now - Mar 09, 2026

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Feb

21

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

On Beckett

Now - Mar 15, 2026

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Feb

21

2026

National Mall

Special Exhibitions and Installations

Now - Jan 01, 2027

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Feb

21

2026

Capitol Hill

Julius X

Now - Feb 20, 2028

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Featured Places to Stay

Book a memorable night at DC hotels

Boutique hotels, family-friendly hotels, budget-friendly hotels - whatever you're looking for, you'll find it. Explore the hotel options waiting for your arrival.

Take Me There

Adams Morgan

The LINE DC

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Southwest & The Wharf

Canopy Washington DC The Wharf

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Downtown

Eaton Washington DC

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Downtown

Hotel Zena

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Partner Content

The District Blog

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Your Meeting Planner Toolkit

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Member Testimonials

Learn More About Partnerships

The District Blog

20+ Restaurants with Fires to Cozy Up to

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

Why DC is the Best City to Visit in 2026

Order Your Free Visitors Guide

Arts & Culture

Tap into the city’s creative heartbeat.

Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Where to Find the Most Colorful Street Murals in Washington, DC

Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC

Theaters & Performance Spaces to See a Show in Washington, DC

20+ Cool & Interesting Museums in Washington, DC That Aren’t On the National Mall

Ways to Celebrate African American History & Culture in Washington, DC

Grab A Seat: Washington, DC’s Theaters Are Must-See Attractions

Keep on Groovin’: An Intro to Go-Go Music in Washington, DC

2 Days of LGBTQ+ Culture & Arts in Washington, DC

Discover the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, DC

The Best City to Visit in 2026

15 Cool Hotels for Your Next Trip to Washington, DC

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

National Postal Museum

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

Anacostia Community Museum

National Children&#039;s Museum

George Washington&#039;s Mount Vernon

National Museum of the American Indian

Woodrow Wilson House

Hedy&#039;s Rooftop

DEA Museum

9:30 Club

The Washington Ballet

Frederick Douglass National Historic Sit...

Charlie Ross Magic

U.S. Navy Memorial

National Building Museum

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

20

Southwest & The Wharf

Girl Scout Sneak In

20

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Mardi Gras Shabbat with Rabbi Aaron

Downtown

State Fairs: Growing American Craft

21

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Guided Tour of the Missing Soldiers Office

21

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

The Magic Duel in Penn Quarter & Chinatown

21

Downtown

Stereophonic

21

Dupont Circle

John Doe

21

International Winter Village at Wunder Garten

21

Virginia

America's 250th Passport at Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center

21

Downtown

The American Story

21

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

National Children's Museum

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Hedy's Rooftop