Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
There’s no shortage of exciting events to help you stay cool in DC this summer, including Summer Restaurant Week, DC Bachata Congress, the National Book Festival and DC JazzFest.
Whether you’re in town for a concert, game or festival, DC boasts an abundance of special discounts and packages all summer long, from luxurious experiences to budget-friendly options.
All year long, you can take your pick of unforgettable experiences in the nation's capital. After you’ve read through this list, make sure to check out our things to do for the week and weekend as well as our accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.
LIVE! Concert Series on the Plaza – Through Sept. 27
From salsa to strings, and blues to swing, Live! Concert Series on the Plaza features hot entertainment for the downtown DC community. Head to Wilson Plaza between 12 and 1 p.m. and take in free lunchtime performances showcasing the area's most talented entertainers. This year’s lineup features a special focus on the official music of DC, Go-Go. The roster includes The Chuck Brown Band, DC Vybe, Heat Stroke, Junkyard Band and E.U. Featuring Sugar Bear.
12-1 p.m. | Free Admission | More Information
Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Willard InterContinental
Summer Soirée at Willard InterContinental
Daydreams become reality at one of the most historic and elegantly refined hotel properties in the nation’s capital. Willard InterContinental’s Summer Soiree includes fine-tuned seasonal options in the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Café du Parc, as well as masterfully mixed cocktails at the legendary Round Robin Bar. Also make sure to stop by the hotel’s pop-up bar, which features a jaw-dropping floral design, botanical-themed cocktails, zero-proof elixirs and even a vinyl listening station.
More Information
Willard InterContinental Washington DC, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Glen Kaino: Bridge – Opens July 26
This jaw-dropping aerial sculpture is comprised of 200 golden arms hanging from the ceiling of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Luce Foundation Center. Each piece is a casting of the outstretched right arm of Tommie Smith, the American winner of the men’s 200-meter race at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. During the medal ceremony, Smith bowed his head and raised his Black-gloved fist in an act of protest. Decades later, Glen Kaino collaborated with Smith on the grand statement of an installation.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Mubadala Citi DC Open – July 27 – Aug. 4
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.
Tickets
Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, 5220 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
The Ultimate Improv Show – July 30 – Aug. 11
Long-form improv comedy comes to the Kennedy Center thanks to The Ultimate Improv Show presented by Dan Black. The rotating cast will perform based on a unique process: an audience member suggests a prompt that is then used by a guest monologist as inspiration for a true story. The improvisers then weave all that into a hilarious experience.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Otakon – Aug. 2-4
Held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center each year, Otakon might just 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 much more.
Tickets
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001
Nine – Aug. 2-11
Based on Federico Fellini’s masterpiece, 8 ½, Nine is a musical journey through “director’s block” as Guido Contini can’t finish his latest film and reckons with a strained marriage. Contini retreats into dreamscapes, where his past and present merge and his whole sense of reality is upturned. Three-time Tony winner Andy Blankenbuehler directs a wondrous cast that includes Steven Pasquale, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Carolee Carmello.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Harry Potter™ Day at Nationals Park – Aug. 3
Time to head to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters at Hogsmeade and catch that Hogwarts Express right to … Nationals Park. Celebrate Harry Potter Day when the Nats take on the Milwaukee Brewers for a 4:05 p.m. Saturday game. The first 10,000 fans to arrive receive one of four Mystery House jerseys (sizes and styles subject to availability) and an array of Potter-themed activities and media are offered throughout the day, including photo booths, sand art potion-making, balloon twisters, caricaturists, face painters, content on the HD board and a themed GEICO Presidents Race.
4:05 p.m. | Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Jordan Klepper: Suffering Fools – Aug. 3
Known for his exceptional and hilarious reporting on The Daily Show as well as his Emmy-nominated specials, Jordan Klepper brings his stand-up skills to the Kennedy Center stage. Suffering Fools analyzes the inanity of our current political moment through personal stories that include run-ins with the president, entertainment failures, insurrectionists, anarchists and much, much more.
7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Mountain Goats & The New Pornographers – Aug. 4
Two of indie rock’s greatest acts share a bill at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Va. The Mountain Goats are led by singer/songwriter John Darnielle; their sound is dramatic, loud and lyrical, leading to some of the most thought-provoking songs of the century. Supergroup The New Pornographers have created power-pop masterpieces since debuting with Mass Romantic in 2000. Expect to hear classics and new tracks from both legendary bands.
7 p.m. | Tickets
Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Soft Power – Aug. 6 – Sept. 15
Billed as a “visionary musical fantasia,” Soft Power details the story of a Chinese American playwright attacked by an unknown assailant soon after the 2016 election. The playwright then imagines a Golden Age musical comedy featuring a Chinese theater producer and Hillary Clinton. The new political satire from Tony Award winners David Henry Hwang and Jeanine Tesori debuts at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Black Eyed Peas – Aug. 7
Few groups can claim the same success as Black Eyed Peas, who have sold more than 80 million albums worldwide across a 25-year period. Initially, will.i.am and the crew were an underground rap act before blossoming into an assembly line for anthems like “Where Is the Love?”, “Hey Mama” and “Let’s Get It Started”. You’ll hear those classics and a treasure trove of new songs during this performance at The Anthem.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Missy Elliott – Aug. 8
Responsible for some of the funkiest, most idiosyncratic hip-hop in history, Missy Elliott is bringing her electric stage show on the road again. The Virginia native uses a vocal style and distinctive beats to make songs that live with you forever. She’ll be accompanied by two other icons in Ciara and Busta Rhymes during this show at Capital One Arena.
7 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Summer Concert Series at Nationals Park: Teddy Swims – Aug. 9
Postgame concerts at Nationals Park have become a summer sensation in DC. August's edition features Teddy Swims, a certified Platinum artist whose music makes for the perfect summer night soiree. As soon as the Nats' game against the Los Angeles Angels concludes, Teddy takes the stage. Aug. 9 also marks Ladies' Night, with special offers and events available. Your game ticket purchase includes your admission to the show; you can also upgrade to on-field passes.
6:45 p.m. | Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
The LOX – Aug. 9
Styles P, Jadakiss and Sheek Louch are one of hip-hop’s all-time trios as The LOX. While each rapper has impressed as a solo act, their chemistry together is unbeatable. The group emerged as part of Bad Boy Records in the late-1990s, leading to a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums. After a long hiatus, The LOX released a new album in 2016 and have retaken the rap world by storm. Howard Theatre is their home for this August show.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Iron & Wine – Aug. 9
After struggling to tap into his creative process during the pandemic, Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam found his way back to joy with his seventh album Light Verse. The album’s description notes: “Fashioned as an album that should be taken as a whole, it sounds lovingly handmade and self-assured as a secret handshake.” Sure to be a night of indie-folk whimsy, catch this one-time, intimate performance at The Anthem.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac – Aug. 9-10
Celebrate the catalogue of one of the greatest rock groups in history with Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, the ultimate tribute to the ultimate band. Fans can re-engage with the songs and performances of the beloved quintet during this special show at The National Theatre.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Firsthand Experience: Pop-Up Books – Aug. 10
The National Museum of Women in the Arts hosts Firsthand Experience, events that bring contemporary artists together with students ages 13 and older for hands-on programs that mix discovery with gallery conversations, artmaking and more. In this session, attendees can learn about the engineering that goes into pop-up books and make their own with published author and acclaimed artist Carol Barton.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Tickets
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Juvenile & The 400 Degreez Band – Aug. 10
Hip-hop hasn’t been the same since Juvenile dropped 400 Degreez in 1998. The world’s first mega-exposure to the Cash Money Records sound and many listeners’ introduction to New Orleans rap, the album spawned numerous hit singles with Juvenile’s signature swagger and style at the center. He’ll take the stage at Howard Theatre with a full band in tow.
10:30 p.m. | Tickets
Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024 – Through Aug. 11
Discover how recent global turmoil has impacted and inspired women artists. Works by 28 artists are featured in New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024, offering pieces that explore a range of geographies, cultural viewpoints and perspectives. The exhibit immerses visitors in the National Museum of Women in the Arts’ renewed spaces. It is the seventh and largest installment of the museum’s Women to Watch exhibition series.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Back to the Future: The Musical – July 23 – Aug. 11
Great Scott! A cinematic classic that is now a Broadway musical is coming to the District. Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, Back to the Future: The Musical is adapted for the stage by the film’s creators Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis and directed by the Tony Award® winner John Rando. The play features original music by GRAMMY Award winners Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard alongside hit songs from the movie including “The Power of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Earth Angel,” and “Back in Time.”
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA – Aug. 11
Formed in 1996 and billed as the top ABBA tribute band in the world, The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA has traveled the world helping fans relive the Swedish europop group’s golden years with an evening of irresistible hits. Tunes like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia” are sure to get your feet moving at Wolf Trap.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Summer Restaurant Week – Aug. 12-18
Stay tuned for confirmed dates and more details from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. The celebration annually features deals from more than 150 restaurants throughout the DMV.
MAMMA MIA! – Aug. 13 – Sep. 1
Even though it’s become widely known as a successful film franchise, the stage rendition of MAMMA MIA! remains an absolute musical powerhouse. The essential hits of chart-topping Swedish group ABBA serve as the soundtrack to a daughter’s journey to find the father she’s never known, which prompts the arrival of three men from her mother’s past. Set on a sun-strewn Greek island, the joyous production will be a summer highlight at the Kennedy Center.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
MJ – Aug. 13 – Sept. 8
Winner of multiple Tony Awards, this breathtaking musical centers on Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous Tour, providing a rare look into the creative process behind one of the most dynamic entertainers of all-time. Created by Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, the acclaimed production makes its DC debut at The National Theatre.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Primus and Coheed & Cambria – Aug. 14
Two of the hardest rocking bands to emerge over the last three decades will both take the stage at The Anthem. Primus – known for propulsive slices of metallized funk-rock like “Tommy the Cat”, “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver” and “John the Fisherman” – will be joined by Coheed & Cambria, who have released some of the most stirring, high-concept metal albums of the last 20 years.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Sound of Music Sing-Along – Aug. 16
The hills will be alive with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music at Wolf Trap during this special sing-along event. While participants are not expected to come vocally warmed up – there will be a chance for that before the film begins! – they are invited to come in costume.
7 p.m. | Tickets
Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Ben Schwartz & Friends – Aug. 16
His spectacular turns on shows like Parks & Recreation, House of Lies and Space Force are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Ben Schwartz’s comedic brilliance. The dynamic performer, known for being hilarious when improvising, conversing or doing stand-up, brings along some friends for this seated show at The Anthem.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Tuan Andrew Nguyen: The Island – Aug. 16 – May 4, 2025
In his DC debut, Tuan Andrew Nguyen presents his video work The Island (2017) alongside the sculpted headdress Bidong Spirit I, which was created specifically for the film. Both works were inspired by and reference the Malaysian island of Pulau Bidong, a landing place for Vietnamese escaping by boat after South Vietnam’s collapse in 1975.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Future & Metro Boomin’ – Aug. 17
The rapper-producer duo of Future and Metro Boomin’ deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as all the legendary pairs to exist in hip-hop history. Future has won three GRAMMYs on the back of smash hit after smash hit, with the beats sturdily provided by Metro. The two bring their We Trust You tour to Capital One Arena for one night only.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Boyz II Men – Aug. 17-18
Legendary and Grammy-award-winning R&B group Boyz II Men are sure to entertain audiences with smash hits like “Motownphilly,” “I’ll Make Love to You” and “On Bended Knee.” Hip-hop and R&B sensation Bell Biv DeVoe will also take the stage across these consecutive nights of performances at Wolf Trap.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Jerry Seinfeld – Aug. 19-20
Wolf Trap will be roaring with laughter when one of stand-up comedy’s greatest acts come to town. Jerry Seinfeld rose to stardom after his first appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1981 and went on to co-create and star in the most successful sitcom in the history of television. Now, the legendary comedian embarks on another triumphant tour with new material in tow.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
The Gaslight Anthem – Aug. 20
Having turned rock and roll on its head across a seven-year stretch thanks to widely acclaimed releases such as The ’59 Sound and American Slang, The Gaslight Anthem disbanded in 2015. Fortunately for fans, the group reunited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The ’59 Sound in 2018, which eventually led to their first new album in nine years with 2023’s History Books. Mark the occasion by checking out their raucous show at The Anthem.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Usher – Aug. 20-21
After dazzling the world with his performance at this year’s Super Bowl halftime show, Usher treks to DC during his world tour for back-to-back nights of concerts at Capital One Arena. The multi-platinum artist has more than enough hits to pack an evening full of iconic R&B. His jaw-dropping dance moves are another reason you can’t miss this eight-time GRAMMY winner’s show.
7 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Washed Out – Aug. 21
The stage name of Ernest Greene has become synonymous with blissed-out, sun-drenched electronic pop. You likely know “Feel It All Around” due to its status as the opener for IFC’s long-running Portlandia, but the music of Washed Out has continued to evolve to offer an endearing mix of synth pop, rock, hip-hop and free jazz.
7 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Perpetual Groove – Aug. 21
Founded in Savannah, Ga., the band known affectionately known as “PGroove” comes to Dave Grohl’s Atlantis space for a night of blissed-out jamming. Fans have labeled the group’s signature sound and light-filled stage show as “Trance Arena Rock” after years of stunning crowds on the international jam band circuit.
6:30 p.m. | Tickets
The Atlantis, 2047 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
DC Bachata Congress – Aug. 22-26
Ranked as the best Latin dance festival in the U.S. five times, DCBX takes over the nation’s capital for five days each 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.
Tickets
The Westin Washington DC Downtown, 999 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
2024 Professional Fighters League (PFL) Playoffs – Aug. 23
World-class MMA action is back in the nation’s capital as the PFL returns to The Anthem at the Wharf for the last round of the 2024 PFL Playoffs. Featherweights and welterweights will battle for their spot in the 2024 Championship and the chance to earn a $1,000,000 purse.
5 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
WWE Smackdown – Aug. 23
One of the biggest, loudest and best touring sports/entertainment experiences in the world touches down at Capital One Arena. WWE Smackdown is a feast for the senses, showcasing the personalities, acrobatics and all-out swagger of the most beloved wrestling stars in the most successful wrestling league on the planet.
7:45 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Oh He Dead – Aug. 23
CJ Bowlin’ Johnson – whose voice has been described as “a combination of Stevie Nicks and Tracy Chapman” by NPR – leads the infectious, pop and funk-infused rock stylings of DC-based Oh He Dead. The five-piece sends shockwaves through any venue they inhabit, so it’s a great time to visit DC’s newest music venue, The Atlantis, to check out a local sensation.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The Atlantis, 2047 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
National Book Festival – Aug. 24
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.
More info | Free Admission
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001
Opera in the Outfield – Aug. 24
Visit Nationals Park for something beyond baseball this August. The free-for-all-ages Opera in the Outfield allows patrons to sit in the literal outfield while enjoying a broadcast of the Washington National Opera’s recent performance of Turandot (note that wristbands for outfield seating are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis). In addition, enjoy performances by local artists and take advantage of photo opportunities and chances to win prizes.
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. | More information
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Indigo Girls & Melissa Etheridge – Aug. 24-25
Heartland rock and folk-fusion superstars Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge return to the Barns at Wolf Trap. Concert-goers can expect a mix of new and old, with newer ballads and timeless hits like “Closer to Fine,” “I’m the Only One” and “Come to My Window.” Another pillar of both the Indigo Girls and Etheridge’s international presence is their involvement in grassroots activism and advocacy, so don’t miss this chance to see these legendary artists take the stage.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road Vienna, VA 22182
Women’s Equality Day Power Up Concert – Aug. 25
The Kennedy Center offers a celebration of music aimed at advancing women’s leadership. A robust lineup of performers includes world-renowned pianist and composer Marina Arsenijevic, indie-pop stalwarts BETTY and Grammy-nominated female a cappella quarter Sweet Honey in the Rock. Lynda Carter, the original Wonder Woman, will make a special appearance.
6:30 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Buju Banton – Aug. 27
For the first time, Buju Banton – an iconic reggae artist with numerous hit songs and Grammys to his name – is touring arenas. After crushing it at UBS Arena in Long Island, Buju is hitting the road to bring his idiosyncratic vision of reggae music to the masses. With an unmistakable syntax and voice and some of the best beats in the genre, Buju is going to put on one hell of a show at Cap One.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
DC JazzFest – Aug. 28 – Sept. 1
One of DC’s ultimate summer traditions 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 out the 2024 edition of DC JazzFest, which marks the 20th anniversary of the festival. Confirmed artists for the upcoming celebration include Samara Joy, Stanley Clarke, Kenny Barron, Dianne Reeves, Galactic, Bill Frisell, Bobby Sanabria, Cimafunk, Emmet Cohen, Nasar Abadey and the Michael Thomas Quintet.
More info
Childish Gambino – Aug. 29
Renaissance man Donald Glover has served as the beloved star of Community, the mastermind behind FX’s Atlanta and the conductor of his decades-long solo musical project, Childish Gambino. He’s retiring the moniker after releasing his most recent LP (with a film of the same name due later this year), so expect new bangers and Gambino classics during this Capital One Arena show.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Summer Concert Series at Nationals Park: Two Friends – Aug. 30
Postgame concerts at Nationals Park have become a summer sensation in DC. August's second edition features Two Friends, whose EDM stylings will turn the park into an all-out dance party. As soon as the Nats' game against the Chicago Cubs concludes, Two Friends will take the stage. Your game ticket purchase includes your admission to the show; you can also upgrade to on-field passes.
6:45 p.m. | Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
DC Festival of Magic – Aug. 30 – Sept. 1
Back at the Capital Hilton for a fourth year, the DC Festival of Magic brings together the best magicians in the Mid-Atlantic region for three nights of Labor Day weekend entertainment that will make your head spin.
More info
Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
An Epic of Kings: The Great Mongol Shahnama – Aug. 31 – Jan. 5, 2025
One of the most celebrated medieval Persian manuscripts – considered the national epic of Iran as it covers the beginning of time through the 7th century – informs a new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art. The Great Mongol Shahnama (now dismantled) includes stories and illustrations; the exhibit offers a rare opportunity to view 25 folios from the manuscript alongside contemporaneous works from China, the Mediterranean and the Latin West.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Forces for Change: Mary McLeod Bethune and Black Women’s Activism – Ongoing
Explore the powerful societal impact of local hero, educator and reformer Mary McLeod Bethune at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The exhibit space focuses on Bethune’s incredible work with the National Council of Negro Women as well as the contributions of other women who have fought for social change. In total, the display includes 75 images, 35 artifacts, a multimedia film, an eight-foot-tall plaster sculpture of Bethune and an interactive engagement.
More info | Free Admission
National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Pixar Putt
Pixar Putt at The Wharf – through Sept. 1
Go to infinity and beyond this summer with whimsical, Pixar-themed mini-golf. The outdoor pop-up is open daily at The Wharf for a limited time and includes 18 interactive putt-putt holes inspired by some of Pixar’s most beloved films, from Toy Story and Monsters, Inc. to Turning Red and Inside Out. Book your tee time for a daytime outing or an 18+ after-hours activity.
Tickets
580 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Pattern and Paradox: The Quilts of Amish Women – Through Sept. 2
Learn about the fascinating connection between Amish Women and quilting thanks to a new exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Over time, the practice has transcended its utilitarian roots and become a form of artistic expression for Amish Women. Treat your eyes to a wondrous mix of colors and patterns as you marvel at the innovation of extraordinary quilts.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Mindbender Mansion – May 25 – Sept. 2
The National Children’s Museum’s Visiting Exhibit Hall is ready to puzzle the whole family this summer. Mindbender Mansion features a variety of brainteasers and interactive challenges that will test even the most experienced problem-solvers. In total, the display offers 11 individual puzzles and three group activities.
Tickets
National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Forces of Nature: Voices that Shaped Environmentalism - Through Sept. 2
The National Portrait Gallery honors key scientists, politicians, activists, writers and artists who influenced attitudes toward the environment in the U.S. from the late-1800s to the present. Trace the environmentalist movement from turn-of-the-20th-century conservationism to mid-20th-century political actions and the backlash to them. It also addresses the current state of environmental justice, biodiversity and climate. Gaze at more than 25 portraits of figures like Rachel Carson, George Washington Carver, Maya Lin, Henry David Thoreau and Edward O. Wilson.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds – Through Sept. 8
ARTECHOUSE welcomes visitors to its seventh annual installation dedicated to celebrating the beauty of the cherry blossoms in DC. The museum treats your eyes to an exhibit inspired by the Isekai genre of Anime, allowing for the exploration of alternate universes stacked with colors, adventures and immersive technologies. Plus, discover Gachapons hidden throughout the exhibit to win prizes from local businesses or snag a book from the 'Isekai Library'. Make sure to take advantage of tickets with a 10% discount.
Tickets (10% off)
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
In the mid-1940s, William H. Johnson painted his Fighters for Freedom series to honor Black activists, scientists, teachers, performers and international heads of state working to bring peace to the world. Johnson celebrated these figures – some very famous, others unsung – while acknowledging the racism, violence and oppression each one fought against. The exhibit showcases many of these paintings, including Johnson’s portraits of Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, Mahatma Gandhi and Marian Anderson, elevating stories that are still relevant to the struggle for social justice today.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Reckoning with Remembrance: History, Injustice and the Murder of Emmett Till – Through Sept. 15
Fourteen-year-old Chicago native Emmett Till was brutally lynched in Mississippi in 1955; his mother insisted on an open-casket funeral in his hometown. The saga made national news and eventually led to the founding of the Emmett Till Memorial Commission in 2008, which erected nine historical markers to honor the youth. Since then, these markers have been stolen, riddled with bullets or chucked into a river. The National Museum of American History displays a desecrated marker as a reminder of the violent legacy of racism that continues to thrive in America today as part of a new exhibit.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Derek Fordjour, Airborne Double, 2022
Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage – July 6 – Sept. 22
The Phillips Collection presents the first large-scale exhibition dedicated to exploring collage by contemporary Black American artists. Explore more than 50 works by 49 artists including luminaries such as Mark Bradford, Kerry James Marshall, Tschabalala Self and Kara Walker. Celebrate the broad variety and complexity of Black identity in art across a wide range of forms, including paper, photographs, fabrics and salvaged materials.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
LIVE! Concert Series on the Plaza – July 15 – Sept. 27
From salsa to strings, and blues to swing, Live! Concert Series on the Plaza features hot entertainment for the downtown DC community. Head to Wilson Plaza between 12 and 1 p.m. and take in free lunchtime performances showcasing the area's most talented entertainers. This year’s lineup features a special focus on the official music of DC, Go-Go. The roster includes The Chuck Brown Band, DC Vybe, Heat Stroke, Junkyard Band and E.U. Featuring Sugar Bear.
12-1 p.m. | Free Admission | More Information
Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sewn in America: Making, Meaning, Memory – Through Dec. 31
The DAR Museum presents a groundbreaking exhibit featuring sewn items from every textile section of its collections including clothing, household items, needlework and quilts. Sewn in America examines how the activity shaped gender roles, from the homestead to professions like dressmaking, tailoring and factory work. Pieces from the 18th century to today will be juxtaposed to show how women of diverse backgrounds have used needles to express emotions and battle injustice.
Hours | Free Admission
DAR Museum, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women – Through Jan. 5, 2025
Encounter an alternative history of American art through 33 pieces that showcase the mastery and subversion of essential materials including cotton, wool, polyester and silk. The Renwick Gallery exhibit offers pieces as diverse as the collection of women artists who made them, also unveiling insights into their creative processes through sketches, photos, mail art and more.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Renwick Gallery, 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
Star Power: Photographs from Hollywood’s Golden Age by George Hurrell – Through Jan. 5, 2025
Hollywood’s premiere photographer during the onset of the studio system, George Hurrell set the template for how to capture the brightest stars of the cinematic universe. As MGM’s in-house portraitist and in his own studio, Hurrell used lighting expertise and the sharpest of eyes to create glamorous images of Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy and many, many more. The National Portrait Gallery displays many of these Golden Era photographs in the new exhibit.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Gordon Parks, Husband and Wife, Sunday Morning, Detroit, Michigan (Bert Collins and Pauline Terry), 1950
Gordon Parks: Camera Portraits from the Corcoran Collection – July 14 – Jan. 12, 2025
The National Gallery of Art honors one of the best set of eyes in American history with a 25-portrait exhibition. Gordon Parks revolutionized photography in post-World War II America, situating his subjects in their environment while also paying close attention to their expression, character and dress. You can see images of Muhammad Ali and Leonard Bernstein alongside shots of a Harlem gang leader and a Detroit couple in this moving tribute that features some of Parks’ most beloved photographs.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Bruce Onobrakpeya: The Mask and the Cross – Through Jan. 21, 2025
In 1966, acclaimed Nigerian sculptor and printmaker Bruce Onobrakpeya was petitioned by Catholic priests to interpret the Passion of the Christ, resulting in Fourteen Stations of the Cross, one of his most beloved works. The piece began a long fascination with Christian iconography in Onobrakpeya’s work. Many of his most striking pieces can be seen in this special presentation at the National Museum of African Art.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Capital Brutalism – Through Feb. 17, 2025
The National Building Museum goes deep into what’s up with all those brutalist buildings around DC. Capital Brutalism explores the history, current state and future of seven polarizing buildings and the WMATA Metro system in the District. Check out archival documents, drawings, construction photographs, architectural models and contemporary images that provide context and shed light on the stories of these buildings and what inspired their design.
Hours & Admission
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900-1939 – Through Feb. 23, 2025
Be amazed by sixty defiant women who made the courageous decision to cross the Atlantic Ocean to pursue their artistic dreams immersed in the majesty of Paris and its dynamic cultural scene. Brilliant Exiles marks the first exhibition to focus on the impact of American women on Paris – and of Paris on American women – from 1900 to the outbreak of the second World War. You can gaze at portraits of icons such as Josephine Baker, Isadora Duncan, Zelda Fitzgerald, Loïs Mailou Jones, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Anaïs Nin, Gertrude Stein, Ethel Waters and Anna May Wong.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Anacostia Community Museum
A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC, 1900-2000 – Through March 2, 2025
The Anacostia Community Museum sheds light on fascinating local history with an exhibit featuring captivating original artworks, rare video footage and can't-miss artifacts including Alma Thomas’s paintbrushes and watercolor paint set, an early 20th-century lifelike marionette that William Buckner made with his local high school students, original Elizabeth Catlett prints that once hung in the halls of her DC high school and Sam Gilliam pieces from his tenure as a teacher at McKinley Technical High School. Experience the influence, power and creativity of the Black artist-educators who empowered generations of DC students.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, DC 20020
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Southwestern Pennsylvania – Through March 17, 2025
The National Building Museum exhibits both realized and unrealized projects that the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed for the region of Southwestern Pennsylvania from the 1930s through the 1950s. The display examines how Wright’s vision of the future could have impacted urban, suburban and rural landscapes. Also, animated films created by Skyline Ink Animators + Illustrators provide a first-time virtual exploration of five unrealized projects.
Hours & Admission
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Bond In Motion – Through April 2025
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
Grandma Moses, 'The Old Oaken Bucket', 1945.
Revolutions: Art from the Hirshhorn Collection, 1860-1960 – Through April 20, 2025
This year, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden brings you one exciting event after another in celebration of their 50th anniversary. The museum's latest exhibit features works from more than 120 artists, so we suggest giving yourself plenty of time to soak up all the wonder. The revolutionary installation offers well-known masterpieces alongside contemporary creations from a wide range of artists including Francis Bacon, Jean Dubuffet, Lee Krasner, Wifredo Lam, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jackson Pollock.
10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Free admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance – Through April 20, 2025
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
Reclaiming My Time – Through May 2025
The National Museum of African American History and Culture will open the first exhibition space to exclusively feature Black designers. Named after a phrase uttered by Congresswoman Maxine Waters on the steps of the Capitol, Reclaiming My Time explores the intersection of rest and resistance through 15 objects from the museum’s collection, including seating, lighting, photography and graphic design.
More info | Free Admission
National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Forensic Science on Trial – Through June 2025
The National Museum of American History explores historic courtroom cases and how forensic science has come to be used in the pursuit of justice. Artifacts from more than 150 years of trials showcase at least 12 forensic science techniques; three items can claim to come from “the trial of the century.”
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Picturing the Presidents: Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes from the National Portrait Gallery’s Collection – Through June 28, 2025
In honor of the upcoming presidential election, the National Portrait Gallery displays daguerreotype and ambrotype portraits of eight commanders-in-chief who held the office in the 19th century. The collection includes a rare ambrotype pin from Abraham Lincoln’s first presidential campaign credited with contributing to Lincoln’s 1860 victory. Visitors can also check out a modern daguerreotype that depicts the 2009 inauguration of President Barack Obama.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
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
Blossom Time, Willard Metcalf, 1910
Shifting Boundaries: Perspectives on American Landscapes – July 13 – July 26, 2026
Discover powerful new details and context around some of the greatest works of art in American history. The National Museum of Asian Art approaches the fascinating New England landscape portraiture of legendary artists such as Willard Metcalf, Dwight Tryon, Winslow Homer and Abbott Thayer. By empowering a variety of voices, the exhibit reveals how the landscapes depicted have shifted in the century since these works were first showcased.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Ruffled Feathers: Creating Whistler’s Peacock Room – July 13 – Jan. 31, 2027
One of the most famous rooms in the nation’s capital receives a full in-depth investigation thanks to a new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art. The Peacock Room is the museum’s calling card, and this display will be located right next door. The creation of James McNeill Whistler was originally meant for the London home of British businessman Frederick Leyland. Its origin story and tangled history is detailed through paintings, works on paper, decorative art and additional ephemera.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Places to Stay
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