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...

25+ 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...

Two performers on stage beneath ornate theater balconies and chandelier.

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 2027

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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Virginia

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps: Enter and experience what it means to be a Marine.

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Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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SPONSORED

Georgetown

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

Tudor Place offers unique and intimate settings perfect for special occasions.

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SPONSORED

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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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

Downtown

National Children's Museum

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

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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration is Now Open!

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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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Virginia

National Museum of the United States Arm...

The National Museum of the United States Army

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National Mall

National Air and Space Museum

The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

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Virginia

Signature Theatre

The Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre is DC's positively swanky (The New York Times) home for contemporary musicals and new plays.

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Brookland

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in...

Experience the Holy Land in DC! Dedicated in 1898, the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America is one of our city's most beautiful destinations.

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Southwest & The Wharf

ARTECHOUSE

At the crossroads of art, science and technology, ARTECHOUSE brings a true 21st century art experience to the nation's capital.

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Virginia

National Air and Space Museum Steven F. ...

Fly High at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

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DC Metro Area

Charlie Ross Magic

Sophisticated Magic & Mentalism for Corporate Events

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Downtown

Wild Days @ Eaton Hotel

Eaton DC's indoor/outdoor rooftop music venue and bar serves up street food from Chef Tim Ma.

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Oct

11

2026

Downtown

MAYBE HAPPY ENDING

Now - Oct 11, 2026

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Oct

11

2026

Downtown

Maybe Happy Ending

Now - Oct 11, 2026

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Oct

11

2026

Theatre Week

Now - Oct 11, 2026

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Oct

11

2026

Downtown

Magician Charlie Ross at Barbouzard 'Le Brunch'

Now - Dec 27, 2026

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Oct

11

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Prince Caspian Live onstage

Now - Oct 25, 2026

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Oct

11

2026

Foggy Bottom

Capitol Comedy Midterm Mayhem Matinee

Now - Oct 11, 2026

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Oct

11

2026

Capitol Hill

Measure for Measure

Now - Nov 01, 2026

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Oct

12

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

The Fruits of Our Labor

Now - Nov 01, 2026

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Oct

12

2026

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Oct 12, 2026 - Jun 08, 2027

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Oct

13

2026

Virginia

Merrily We Roll Along

Now - Nov 01, 2026

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Oct

13

2026

Virginia

Merrily We Roll Along

Now - Nov 01, 2026

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Oct

13

2026

Maryland

Summer - The Donna Summer Musical

Oct 13, 2026 - Nov 01, 2026

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Oct

13

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

The Score

Now - Oct 25, 2026

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Oct

13

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT

Now - Nov 08, 2026

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Oct

15

2026

Maryland

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Now - Jun 13, 2027

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Oct

15

2026

Virginia

National Symphony Orchestra: Josefowicz & Adams: Scheherazade Two Point Oh!

Oct 15, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026

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Oct

15

2026

Foggy Bottom

Modern dance performance and conversation with Laura Halzack

Oct 15, 2026

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Oct

16

2026

Capitol Hill

Soul Strolls

Oct 16, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026

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Oct

16

2026

Foggy Bottom

Friday Noon Concert featuring a Special Salon Trio

Oct 16, 2026

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Oct

16

2026

Logan Circle

Stumped

Now - Oct 24, 2026

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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

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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Adams Morgan

The LINE DC

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Why DC is the Best City to Visit in 2026

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Your Meeting Planner Toolkit

Museums with After-Hours Programming in Washington, DC

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Member Testimonials

Learn More About Partnerships

The District Blog

Delightful Patio Dining

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

25+ 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 2027

15 Cool Hotels for Your Next Trip to Washington, DC

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

National Postal Museum

National Museum of the American Indian

National Children's Museum

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

Woodrow Wilson House

National Museum of the United States Arm...

National Air and Space Museum

Signature Theatre

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in...

ARTECHOUSE

National Air and Space Museum Steven F. ...

Charlie Ross Magic

Wild Days @ Eaton Hotel

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

11

Downtown

MAYBE HAPPY ENDING

11

Downtown

Maybe Happy Ending

11

Theatre Week

11

Downtown

Magician Charlie Ross at Barbouzard 'Le Brunch'

11

Southwest & The Wharf

Prince Caspian Live onstage

11

Foggy Bottom

Capitol Comedy Midterm Mayhem Matinee

11

Capitol Hill

Measure for Measure

12

Southwest & The Wharf

The Fruits of Our Labor

12

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

13

Virginia

Merrily We Roll Along

13

Virginia