Things to do the week of Aug. 18-21, 2025
We've gathered up things to do across the nation's capital, including museum exhibits, concerts, only-in-DC events and much more. Don't miss our things to do this weekend and things to do this month as well.
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Monday
Summer Restaurant Week
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 DC area.
Delighting Krishna: Paintings of the Child-God
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
DC Bachata Congress
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.
The Westin Washington DC Downtown, 999 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Tuesday
2025 James McLaughlin Staff Show
Named after the gifted still-life painter who learned under the mentorship of museum founder Duncan Phillips, the James McLaughlin Staff Show proudly displays the work of The Phillips Collection’s own team. The voices behind the scenes are gorgeously brought to life in this annual tribute.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Events DC Summer Movie Series
Enjoy summer evenings under the stars with EventsDC’s free outdoor screenings, held in some of the city's most iconic spaces. Expect live DJs, themed activities, giveaways and snacks. Movie on Aug. 19 is Moana 2.
Times vary by date | Free Admission
Carnegie Library Lawn
PARADE
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts stages the 2023 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical Revival. PARADE focuses on Leo and Lucille Frank, a recently married Jewish couple who are struggling to adjust to life in Georgia. Leo is then accused of a heinous crime, leading to a rigorous test of justice, devotion and humanity.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Wednesday
American Landscapes in Watercolor from the Corcoran Collection
The National Gallery of Art’s new exhibit of stunning watercolors allows you to travel from the Washington Monument to Yosemite National Park and back to the waters of New England. Experience how artists took a format meant for mapping and landscaping and elevated it to transcendence.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Five New Galleries at the National Air and Space Museum
Thousands of artifacts have gone back on display in five reopened galleries at the National Air and Space Museum. Popular items such as the Spirit of St. Louis, the North American X-15, John Glenn’s Mercury Friendship 7 capsule, the Apollo Lunar Module 2 and the touchable moon rock are available to view again. The building also welcomes several new artifacts, including the Sopwith F.1 Camel, Virgin Galactic’s RocketMotorTwo, a Blue Origin New Shepard crew capsule mockup and a Goddard 1935 A series rocket. Free timed-entry passes are required for entry.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | More Info | Free Admission
National Air and Space Museum, 6th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Summer Evenings at the U.S. National Arboretum
Thanks to the nonprofit Friends of the National Arboretum, the 451-acre park will stay open until 8 p.m. (three hours past regular closing time) giving visitors the chance to experience one of DC’s most picturesque destinations in a new light. This limited-time opportunity invites you to picnic, walk or bike after hours, catch golden-hour views of the Capitol Columns and enjoy special events throughout the summer.
More Info
3501 New York Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002
Thursday
Adams Morgan BID
AdMo Vibe
The AdMo Vibe Summer Concert Series brings neighbors together around live local music and activated public space. Free Thursday evening concerts feature a rotating lineup of DC artists at Kalorama Park (Columbia Rd. at Belmont St.). The lineup includes Emma G (Aug. 7), The Montaines (Aug. 14) and Justin Trawick & The Common Good (Aug. 21).
6-7:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Kalorama Park, 1865 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20009
James Taylor & His All-Star Band
The fact that the legendary singer-songwriter responsible for “Fire and Rain,” “How Sweet It Is” and “Carolina in My Mind” has chosen to play Wolf Trap in Vienna, Va. for three nights should tell you that venue and artist are simpatico. Fans of the artist and great live music in general won’t want to miss this perfect duo of performer and setting.
6:30 p.m. | Tickets
Filene Center at Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Play On!
Does a musical based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night set to the music of Duke Ellington sound like a good time to you? Us too. Signature Theatre’s latest production follows Vy, who discovers that the doors of opportunity in 1930s Harlem are closed to her. She then disguises herself as a man to sing her songs for the Duke himself. A tale packed with intrigue, mistaken identity and incredible jazz tunes ensues.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
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