Skip to main content
Meetings
search search search search search search
search
Home
Washington Mystics Header 2

Things to Do This Week in Washington, DC

Things to do the week of Aug. 3 – 6, 2026

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.

Looking for a local perspective delivered directly to your inbox every two weeks? Sign up for our "DC on the Go-Go" Local Newsletter to stay in the know.

Monday

 

An interior shot of the National Gallery of Art's modern East Building.

Homelands 
Discover how people and places relate to each other in a new exhibit at the National Gallery of Art’s East Building. Across 20 pieces, see the ways in which artists consider ancestral links, pressures that caused them to move from one place to the next and the larger histories to be found all across the United States.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565

 

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

 

Modern courtyard with a large yellow rectangular frame sculpture

Visit the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration
The highly anticipated National Geographic Museum of Exploration invites visitors to immerse themselves in the excitement of exploration and discovery. Expect cutting-edge technology that uncovers wildlife, communities and cultures from all over the world as well as an immersive outdoor courtyard. Visit the museum's website for more details on what to expect when it opens on June 26.
National Geographic Museum of Exploration, 1600 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

 

Tuesday

 

'Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America' at the Smithsonian Castle

Smithsonian Institution

Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America – Through Sept. 7
In the Arts and Industries Building (the Smithsonian’s second-oldest building and the country’s first national museum) right next to the Smithsonian castle, explore what American independence really means, and how that meaning has evolved over time from the American Revolution until now.
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. |  Free Admission
Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building, 900 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560

 

Flier for "Tomorrow the Sun Will Rise" at The Phillips Collection

The Phillips Collection

Tomorrow the Sun Will Rise 
The Phillips Collection maintains its commitment to DMV artists with this juried exhibition that will showcase 48 local creatives. The intergenerational group of artists was culled from 1,500 applications. Their pieces reflect a wrestling with the contemporary world as well as themes of beauty, resilience and persistence.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

 

'The Declaration's Promise' at the Library of Congress

The Declaration's Promise: A Revolutionary Idea 
In honor of America's 250th birthday, the Library of Congress showcases a range of rare artifacts that illustrate the promise found in the nation's original Declaration of Independence. Featured treasures include Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration, Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, Walt Whitman's writing pen and much, much more. Phrases from the Declaration are used to organize this dynamic exhibit.
Free Admission |  Hours
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540

 

Wednesday

 

Colorful mural of a bald eagle on a gray wall with stars

Art in Embassies

Passport to Patriotism 
The Art Museum of the Americas hosts a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition thanks to Art in Embassies. Passport to Patriotism showcases the work of more than 30 American artists. The pieces reflect how the American story transcends boundaries and politics and how the country’s ideals and values have been formed. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Free Admission
Art Museum of the Americas, 201 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006

 

'A Museum in the Making' at the National Museum of Asian Art

National Museum of Asian Art

A Museum in the Making 
Mull over this meta exhibit about how the country’s first national art museum got made. To celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, the National Museum of Asian Art has partnered with the Freer House to tell the story of this bold experiment in art and design, which continues to shape the museum’s galleries today.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, West Building, Jefferson Drive at 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20004

 

THE PLAYGROUND at the National Building Museum

Snarkitecture Architecture

THE PLAYGROUND
The National Building Museum has a penchant for hosting installations that double as spectacles. This summer will be no different with THE PLAYGROUND, which arrives just in time for Independence Day and celebrations for America's 250th anniversary. Infrastructure that is commonly outdoors is brought inside through nine unique activations that ask visitors to embrace exploration of the materials that make up the built environment around us. This type of interactive and immersive museum experience is unique to the National Building Museum and will be a popular destination throughout its run, so secure tickets at your earliest convenience.
Hours & Admission
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

Fans cheer on the Washington Mystics Basketball team

Washington Mystics

Washington Mystics vs. Dallas Wings 
The Washington Mystics are more than DC's WNBA team; they're part of the fabric of the city. From championship history to the next generation of stars, Mystics games bring together basketball fans, families, friend groups and first-timers for an experience that's uniquely DC.  The night will also feature a special Washington Mystics x Playa Society Baseball Jersey ticket offer, bringing together basketball and style in a way that reflects the culture surrounding the game. Pull up to CareFirst Arena and see what all the energy is about. 
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
CareFirst Arena, 1100 Oak Drive SE, Washington, DC 20032

 

Thursday

 

'Ms. Americana' and America250 at NMWA

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Ms. Americana 
The National Museum of Women in the Arts' (NMWA) take on nostalgia, Ms. Americana invites viewers to consider 250 years of the American experience through ten works of art by nine American women artists from the 18th through the 20th centuries. The paintings, which include still-lifes, portraits and landscapes, are curated from NMWA’s collection and were created by women who also owned businesses, traveled the world and engaged in politics. The scope here is broad and tender.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 

 

'Curious George: Let's Get Curious!' at National Children's Museum

National Children's Museum

Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! 
Kids will go crazy for this new exhibit at the National Children’s Museum, which immerses them in the world of Curious George through a variety of interactive experiences. Activations include an apartment building where kids use pulleys to move George, a construction site, mini-golf and the rocket George took to space.
Hours & Admission
National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

AdMo Vibe

Adams Morgan BID

AdMo Vibe 
The AdMo Vibe Summer Concert Series brings neighbors together around live local music and activated public spaces. Free Thursday evening concerts feature a rotating lineup of DC artists at Kalorama Park (Columbia Rd. at Belmont St.).
Free Admission
Kalorama Park, 1865 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20009

 

'CrazySexyCool: The TLC Musical' at Arena Stage

Arena Stage

CrazySexyCool: The TLC Musical
Creep your way to one of the coolest venues in DC for a musical based on the fascinating story behind one of the most successful female pop groups ever. CrazySexyCool follows T-Boz, Left Eye and Chilli on a riveting (mostly true) journey that includes hit songs such as “Waterfalls,” “Creep” and “No Scrubs”.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024

 

 

 

 

#Only1DC Fan Photos

Share your experiences with us using #Only1DC. 

Partner Content
Partner Content