Skip to main content
Meetings
search search search search search search
search
Home
NCBF Kite Festival

80+ Things to Do This April in Washington, DC

Experience spring in DC and can’t-miss events like the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Opening Day at Nationals Park, National Gallery Nights, DC Beer Festival, the National Cannabis Festival, the Georgetown French Market and many more.

Make plans for unforgettable experiences in the nation's capital this April and throughout 2024. 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.

Mosaic Theater: Nancy – March 28 – April 21
The Atlas Performing Arts Center turns into a time machine to 1985 thanks to a new play presented by Mosaic Theater and written by award-winning playwright Rhiana Yazzie. Nancy concerns one Nancy Reagan (yep, that one), who’s steering her husband’s decisions from the Oval Office according to astrological signs, and Esmeralda, a Navajo mother standing up for her community. When Nancy’s familial connection to Pocahontas is discovered, a captivating adventure unfolds filled with humor, heart and empathy.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

 

Pattern and Paradox: The Quilts of Amish Women – March 28 – 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

 

A Conversation with Larry David
The Anthem welcomes the crankiest cultural icon of all-time. As the co-creator of Seinfeld and the creator and star of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David has left an imprint on comedy that few others can match in the history of entertainment. We think he’ll have a few interesting things to share during this chat at The Anthem, which is perfectly timed, as it takes place nine days before the series finale of Curb. 
7:30 p.m. |  Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024

 

Steve Aoki – March 29
An icon of electronic dance music, Steve Aoki has transcended the genre and achieved worldwide success. Echostage, one of DC’s premier venues and the ideal setting for one of Aoki’s shows, will host the DJ/producer/musician. Aoki has legions of fans around the world, so expect a packed house and dancing that will shake the floor.
9 p.m. |  Tickets
Echostage, 2135 Queens Chapel Road NE, Washington, DC 20018

 

Unknown Soldier – March 29 – May 5
Arena Stage welcomes an elegiac musical that concerns Ellen Rabinowitz, who discovers a photo of an anonymous soldier while cleaning out her grandmother’s home. Daniel Goldstein and the late Michael Friedman penned this captivating tale of a woman’s journey to uncover the secrets of her family’s past, inevitably leading her towards the future.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024

 

NCBF Kite Festival

Blossom Kite Festival – March 30
Head to the Washington Monument grounds for this free kite-flying extravaganza, one of the most highly anticipated events of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, presented by Amazon. The entire family can watch expert kite fliers from all over the world, whether enjoying the event near the Monument or at a featured park. More information is available on the Festival's website.

 

Loudon Wainwright III – March 30
Since emerging as one of folk music’s zaniest characters in the 1970s, Loudoun Wainwright III has recorded 27 albums, starred in TV shows and films, performed his own one-man show, composed scores for major motion pictures, written a memoir and managed to keep his fans interested every step of the way. You’re lucky to have a chance to see such a legend for free on Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage.
6 p.m. |  Register
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

Robert Glasper – Black Radio: A Duke x Dilla Celebration – March 30
Five-time Grammy winner Robert Glasper, who’s also a founding member of the Kennedy Center’s Hip Hop Culture Council, hosts a special celebration in honor of Duke Ellington’s 150th birthday and the late great J. Dilla’s 50th. The one-night-only tribute to the musical legacies of two icons features Glasper along with the Black Radio Orchestra led by two-time Grammy winner Derrick Hodge.
8 p.m. |  Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

Nicki Minaj – April 1
Capital One Arena hosts one of hip-hop’s biggest stars for one night only. Nicki Minaj is the total package, a brilliant lyricist who also knows how to light up stages and screens. She’s not just one of the best female rappers ever; she’s one of the most influential artists of her time. Her Pink Friday 2 World Tour is her first headlining venture since 2016.
8 p.m. |  Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

Grab discounted tickets and attend a Capitals or Wizards game
The NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards play their exciting games inside Capital One Arena and you can purchase discounted tickets to games for both teams at the links below.
Caps Ticket Discount (and free hat with purchase)
Wizards Ticket Discount (up to 20% off)

 

Nationals Baseball Park

Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals Baseball – Begins April 1
The Washington Nationals, who have four National League East titles, five postseason appearances and a World Series championship since coming to DC in 2005, are one of the city's main attractions throughout the spring and summer. Head to Nationals Park to experience MLB action with an exciting schedule, plenty of home runs and, of course, Racing Presidents.
More Info & Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

 

DC History Conference – April 4-6
Learn about the history of the nation’s capital for free by attending this interdisciplinary community conference that considers the city’s past, present and future. The event celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and provides a stimulating forum for original research on DC as well as the wider metropolitan area and the federal government.
Free Admission |  Register
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo – April 4-6
The Kennedy Center welcomes the world’s foremost all-male comic ballet company for an evening of hilarious spoofs in honor of the group’s 50th anniversary. Lovingly known as “The Trocks,” the troupe will bowl you over with laughter through their irresistibly campy sendups of classic productions.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

The Washington School of Ballet: Don Quixote – April 5-7
Watch the next generation of ballet performers take on an expertly abridged version of a legendary story at Atlas Performing Arts Center. Expect plenty of humor and razzle-dazzle as the family-friendly rendition of Don Quixote is enthusiastically rendered by students of The Washington School of Ballet, which has been a DC institution since 1944.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

 

National Cherry Blossom Festival

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Petalpalooza at Capitol Riverfront – April 6

The one-day neighborhood takeover presented by Chase features live music across multiple stages, interactive art installations, family-friendly activities, a beverage garden, local cuisine and more. Petalpalooza will take place at The Yards Park in Capitol Riverfront and is free for all ages to attend. Be sure to stay for the official National Cherry Blossom Festival fireworks show. 
1-9 p.m. |  More Info

 

Webster’s B**** - April 6 – May 5
The Keegan Theatre stages another thought-provoking play this spring, a comedy about vulgar words and who gets to define them. Employees of Webster’s Dictionary are embroiled in social media controversy when their Editor-in-Chief gets caught using profanity. Office politics run into morality, lexicography and professional ambition as the future of the English language hangs in the balance.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

 

Reckoning with Remembrance: History, Injustice and the Murder of Emmett Till – Opens April 6
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

 

DC Defenders vs. Houston Roughnecks – April 7
The United Football League – a new league founded through a merger of the XFL and the USFL – kicks off in DC in epic style. The Defenders play raucous home games at Audi Field and feature quite possibly the best team the new football league has to offer after a sensational XFL showing last year. Prepare for hard-hitting, fast-paced action on the gridiron as the Houston Roughnecks come to town.
4 p.m. |  Tickets
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
 

Young Fathers – April 8
The sky is the limit for this Scottish trio that has managed to captivate music audiences all over the world, growing in stature and acclaim with each successive release. Young Fathers are reimagining pop music for turbulent times, capable of mining moments of pure darkness only to pull you back up into the light. Last year’s Heavy Heavy, shortlisted for the 2023 Mercury Prize, is only further proof that this is a band not to be missed, so catch them at the 9:30 Club. You won’t be sorry.
7 p.m. |  Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

Bad Bunny – April 9
Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny is a worldwide sensation, a household name thanks to his unique take on Latin trap and reggaeton music. After making a name for himself on SoundCloud, Bad Bunny guest starred on Cardi B and Drake tracks on his way to superstardom. His irresistible personality has even landed him a gig with the WWE. Capital One Arena will barely be able to contain its excitement for this show from a pop music darling.
8 p.m. |  Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

 

Peter Pan – April 9-21
The Broadway musical based on J.M. Barrie’s legendary character turns the National Theatre into Neverland. The play, which has been dazzling audiences for more than 70 years, receives a reimagination by playwright Larissa FastHorse and is directed by Emmy Award winner Lonny Price. Peter Pan and his fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, will take the entire family on a magical voyage, performing songs like “I’m Flying,” “I Gotta Crow” and “I Won’t Grow Up” along the way.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

Message In A Bottle – April 9-21
A jaw-dropping new dance-theatre show from five-time Olivier Award nominee Kate Prince inspired by and set to the iconic hits of 17-time Grammy Award–winning artist Sting drops in at the Kennedy Center. Message In A Bottle focuses on three siblings in the village of Bebko, which has come under sudden attack. The trio embarks on a perilous journey to survive that will uplift and inspire.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

Macbeth – April 9 – May 5
Perhaps the most haunting of Shakespeare’s tragedies, Macbeth comes to DC like never before this spring thanks to the Shakespeare Theatre Company. Ralph Fiennes plays the title character while Indira Varma takes on Lady Macbeth in the thrilling tale that concerns assassination, betrayal, the thirst for power and how a guilty conscience can undo us all. Tickets are currently sold out but more will be made available in late March.
Ticket Info
Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

National Gallery Nights: Flowers After Hours – April 11
April’s edition of National Gallery Nights invites you to don your best fascinator and celebrate all things cherry blossoms. The free event at the National Gallery of Art features activities open to all on the 4th Street Plaza, with registration required to enter the East Building. Dance performances and artist demos will take place on the plaza while inside, guests can create wearable flower art, take photos in front the Gallery’s flower wall, complete a blossom scavenger hunt, enjoy pop-up talks, go behind-the-scenes with National Gallery staff, dance to sounds from a DJ and take in art on the roof terrace.
6-9 p.m. |  More Info
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565

 

VOCA: A Not So Quiet Nocturne – April 11-21
Atlas Performing Arts Center stages a new play from Visionaries of the Creative Arts (VOCA), which supports the works of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing BIPOC artists. A Not So Quiet Nocturne takes place in New York City in the early 1990s and follows Charyn, a young Black Deaf woman who has contracted AIDS and has lost her husband and infant daughter. In the face of immense tragedy and struggle, Charyn showcases her resilience and is able to blossom and evolve even in the face of her own mortality.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

 

Chronicles of Nina … What now? – April 12-13
The Kennedy Center’s Local Dance Commissioning Project showcases Project ChArma, a local artists’ collective founded by DMV natives Ama and Chris Law that promotes social change through movement. Chronicles of Nina...What now? uses modern dance styles to explore the process of grief and the yearning to establish deep connections with our ancestry.
7:30 p.m. (both nights) |  Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade – April 13

Witness DC's grandest petal procession with the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade presented by Events DC. Catch everything from giant helium balloons to elaborate floats to live musical performances. Enjoy prime performance viewing in the grandstand (tickets are $25-$40), or stand along the parade route – which runs for 10 blocks along Constitution Avenue NW – for free.
More Info
 

Jacqueline Woodson’s Block Party – April 13
Join the Kennedy Center and the REACH for a celebratory event masterminded by Education Artist-in-Residence and award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson. Take in free live performances (including music and spoken word), participate in fun-filled games, create chalk drawings, build forts with Arts on the Horizon and check out an awesome array of vendors on-site. Food and refreshments will also be available for purchase from local food trucks.
1 p.m. |  Free Admission |  Reserve
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

DC Beer Festival – April 13
The annual DC Beer Festival takes place at Nationals Park, making for one of the District’s best outdoor parties of the year. Across two sessions, more than 80 breweries will be showcasing their seasonal suds, as local food trucks divvy out their tastiest eats. The event also features live music and access to a dueling piano bar. Use code “APRIL5” for $5 off your ticket.
Session 1: 12-3 p.m. |  Session 2: 5-8 p.m. |  Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

 

The Feelies – April 13
Since their debut LP, Crazy Rhythms, was released in 1980, The Feelies have been staples of alternative rock, their signature jangling guitar sound serving as the backbone for one acclaimed release after another. Their influence is incalculable; just like their heroes, The Velvet Underground, the group has inspired the creation of countless bands. Expect an intergenerational crowd of appreciators at the Black Cat for this show.
8 p.m. |  Tickets
Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

 

Sakura Matsuri: Japanese Street Festival – April 13-14

The Sakura Matsuri, produced by the Japan-America Society of Washington DC, returns for two exciting days again this year. The event will present over 80 cultural groups, art vendors, food booths and dozens of hours of programming. You can also enjoy a Ginza Marketplace, popular Japan Now! Pavilion, a cosplay contest, sake tasting and more. This goes down on Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd to 7th Streets NW.
More Info

 

 

National Cherry Blossom Festival – Through April 14
DC celebrates the blooming of cherry trees with a month-long festival that commemorates the 1912 gift from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city. Peak bloom, defined as when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees at the Tidal Basin have fully opened, occurred on March 17, and blossoms can be visible for up to a week or more in ideal conditions. Check out popular festival events in the lead-up to the celebration, in addition to our guide to the celebration, how to get the most popular blossom spots and the best places to snap photos.

 

National Cherry Blossom Festival

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Petal Porches – Through April 14
Presented by Amazon, Petal Porches asks participants to decorate their porches in cherry blossom style from March 20 through April 14. Residents can register now to add their homes to the Petal Porches map and participate in friendly decorating competitions for prizes. Festival-goers will be encouraged to #SpringTogether in DC by admiring Petal Porches across the area based on registered locations. For more information, including the official map of locations and registration details, visit the festival's website.

 

Art in Bloom – Through April 14
Custom cherry blossom public art sculptures will be placed at distinct locations all over the DC metro area as part of Art In Bloom presented by Amazon. Challenge your friends and family to discover all of them across the four-week celebration and make sure to post your poses with the pieces on social media using the hashtag #ArtInBloom. Check the Festival’s website for updates on the promotion.

 

New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024 – April 14 – 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

 

Washington, DC International Music Festival – April 15
The Kennedy Center’s concert hall invites you to explore and engage with music from all over the world as performed by the Arrowhead Union High School Wind Ensemble (from Hartland, Wis.), the Lexington High School Wind Ensemble (from Lexington, Mass.) and the Concordia University Ann Arbor Orchestra & Choir (Ann Arbor, Mich.).
7:30 p.m. |  Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

Real Estate – April 15
Now 15 years into their career, Real Estate have blossomed into elder statesmen of indie rock, blazing a torch one sun-streaked song at a time. The group believes they’ve just made their best album, Daniel, which was released this past February to widespread acclaim. They’re coming to DC’s iconic 9:30 Club as confident and cohesive as ever.
7 p.m. |  Tickets
9:30 Club. 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

Zen and the Open Road – Opens April 15
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the publication of Robert M. Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, the National Museum of American History places the writer’s 1966 Honda Super Hawk motorcycle in a temporary display within the permanent America on the Move exhibit. Encounter Pirsig’s stories related to riding, writing and sailing and check out cool artifacts such as his typewriter, a manuscript of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and a recently attributed book on the 14th century bubonic plague.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

 

Beyond Category: The Concert Music of Duke Ellington – April 16
DC native and musical icon Duke Ellington is most well-known for his beloved jazz compositions and standards. However, the Duke also wrote brilliant concert pieces, several of which will be celebrated by the Kennedy Center during this special performance. Jazz pianist Ellington Carthan will take the audience on a journey through Ellington’s work, including his magnificent Black, Brown, and Beige, the suite from the ballet The River and the debut of Scott Silbert’s orchestration of Caravan featuring guest conguero Felix Contreras.
7:30 p.m. |  Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

The Pharcyde – April 16
With hip-hop roughly 50 years into its existence, few groups have been as distinctive as The Pharcyde. When the group released Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde in 1992, they truly were taking music fans on a journey they’d never gone on before. Mixing playful, story-minded and eccentric lyrics with jazzy, soulful beats, the group redefined West Coast hip-hop in the ‘90s. Don’t miss the group’s show at the legendary Howard Theatre.
7 p.m. |  Tickets
The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

HAIR – April 16 – July 7
Signature Theatre Company hosts a classic rock musical that broke new ground with its rebellion, spirit and psychedelic colors when it debuted in 1967. HAIR concerns a group of hippies on the verge of adulthood who champion freedom, pacifism and joy, but are confronted by a world thrown into chaos when one of their friends is drafted to the Vietnam War. The play features unforgettable songs such as “Aquarius,” “Let the Sunshine In,” and “Good Morning, Starshine”.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206

 

 

Up Close with Paul Cézanne – April 17 – July 14
The Phillips Collection unveils two recently conserved works by French painter Paul Cézanne in an exciting new exhibit. The major paintings, Mont Sainte-Victoire (1886-87) and Self-Portrait (1878-80), are part of the museum’s world-renowned collection by the legendary artist and will be displayed together for the first time in decades along with five other pieces by Cézanne. Learn about the conservation of Mont Sainte-Victoire and Self-Portrait and how it reveals details previously obscured by varnishes while providing insight into the artist’s process.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

 

 

Filmfest DC – April 18-28
The largest and longest-running annual international film festival in Washington, DC, Filmfest DC returns with another varied lineup featuring quite the genre exercise: comedies, dramas, thrillers, shorts and documentaries will all be on display.
More Info & Tickets

 

 

Hip Hop & Jazz Festival – March 27 – April 19
The Kennedy Center launches a new festival that focuses on how hip-hop intersects with other musical forms, genres and disciplines. Hip Hop & … “is dedicated to celebrating the multi-hyphenate”, highlighting the myriad of ways in which hip hop influences the culture at-large. For the inaugural showcase, the Center puts hip hop and jazz together for weeks of programming that celebrates the relationship between the two, including listening sessions, live music performances, dance parties and so much more.
More Info
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

The Rakim & DJ Jazzy Jeff & Ravi Coltrane Project – April 19
A trio of legends comes together to create an epic evening of music backed by a live band. Conceived and produced by Jill Newman Productions and hosted as the closing event for the Kennedy Center’s inaugural Hip Hop &... Festival, this can’t-miss concert features iconic rapper Rakim, two-time Grammy Award winner DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Grammy-nominated saxophonist, bandleader and composer Ravi Coltrane. Songs, histories and influences will be combined to create an unforgettable evening of exploration and creation. The concert will open with a special DJ set from Jazzy Jeff.
8 p.m. |  Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

National Cannabis Festival – April 19-20
RFK Campus will be decked out to celebrate legal weed across two days in April (including 4/20) during this 21-and-over event. Expect an incredible lineup of live music, including performances by Thundercat, Wu-Tang Clan with Redman, Devin the Dude, Backyard Band and many, many more. The festival also features the National Cannabis Championship as well as a Munchie Zone with dozens of vendors, an exhibitor fair, a demo day and lots of other weed-related fun.
Tickets
RFK Campus, 401 Oklahoma Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002

 

Asian AF – April 19-20
DC’s ultimate cultural center welcomes the premier Asian American variety show. Asian AF has received raves in Los Angeles and New York as well as features in the New York Times, the LA Times, NBC News, ABC News and Vulture. The troupe spotlights the best Asian American actors, stand-up comedians, improvisers, sketch performers and storytellers.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

Wanda Sykes – April 20
There are a lot of stand-up comedians, but there’s only one Wanda Sykes. Her idiosyncratic brand of humor combines one-liners and vivid storytelling with plenty of shade thrown to boot. If you think she’s funny on Curb Your Enthusiasm or hosting an awards show, just wait until you see this set at Warner Theatre.
Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

 

Penelope – Through April 21
It’s time for a new perspective on the Trojan War. Signature Theatre hosts the DC premiere of Penelope, in which the wife of Odysseus takes center stage. She steps into the spotlight, glass of bourbon and microphone in hand, to detail the 20 years she spent waiting on the island of Ithaca in a one-woman show. This musical spin on Greek tragedy is unlike anything else you’ll see on a stage this season.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206

 

 

One Life: Frederick Douglass – Through April 21
Activist, writer, speaker, intellectual – Frederick Douglass was one of the most influential people of 19th century America, making him one of the most influential figures in the history of the country. The National Portrait Gallery celebrates the icon, who befriended and advised Abraham Lincoln, through a series of prints, photographs and ephemera.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

 

Ancestral Places: People of African Descent at Tudor Place – Through April 21
Tudor Place will be outfitted to showcase the historic house from the perspective of the enslaved and free individuals who worked and lived on the property. Through maps, artifacts, photos and audio recordings, visitors will be educated on the ways these individuals dealt with everyday life at Tudor Place as well as how they practiced resistance and activism.
Register
Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

 

 

The Illusionists – April 23-28
The most popular magic show in the world has toured through hundreds of cities, inspired two TV specials and shattered box office records. The Illusionists now comes to the illustrious Kennedy Center, where it will amaze audiences of all ages with astonishing, non-stop magic that is more sophisticated than anything you’ve seen before.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

Trevor Noah: Off The Record – April 24-28
Although you likely know him from The Daily Show, Trevor Noah has been crushing it on stage for more than a decade. Now, the insightful comedian is no longer behind a desk and is ready to cut it loose. His Off The Record tour sets up shop at DAR Constitution Hall in DC across five consecutive nights.
Tickets
DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006

 

Oneohtrix Point Never – April 25
Attempting to describe the music of Daniel Lopatin is a fool’s errand; the man who performs as Oneohtrix Point Never creates sounds as inscrutable as his alias would suggest. It’s as if the artist has tapped into an existence that only he can access; he pulls pieces of audio from familiar sources, layering them with his own sonic creations to harness and then transcend the typical boundaries of music. Hold on tight for whatever Lopatin has in store for this performance at The Howard Theatre.; we’re sure you’re going to hear sounds that you have never heard before.
7 p.m. |  Tickets
The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

Ilana Glazer – April 25
Thanks to the incredible success of Broad City during its run on Comedy Central, Ilana Glazer became one of the hottest names in comedy. The sensationally talented and meme-able performer now has a movie on the way and is ready to unleash a night of hilarity that few other comedians could deliver. Don’t miss your chance to see this superstar in action. Note that the event is intended for ages 15 and over.
8 p.m. |  Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

Teenage Fanclub – April 26
Ringing guitars, soaring vocal harmonies, choruses that you can sing along to, forever. Teenage Fanclub have been crafting pop-rock gems since first gaining recognition with 1991’s Bandwagonesque, a critical darling and a hallmark of the last 35 years of guitar rock (along with 1995’s Grand Prix). Last year, the group released their 11th album, Nothing Lasts Forever, an ironic name as Teenage Fanclub’s music is certain to live in hearts and minds for eternity. Their live shows are resplendent; see for yourself during this Friday night show at the 9:30 Club.
6 p.m. |  Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

Here It Is: A Tribute to Leonard Cohen – April 26-27
The songs of Leonard Cohen contain entire worlds and sets of beliefs; the legendary singer/songwriter would sometimes years perfecting a single lyric. His attention to detail paid off with a career filled with songs that have become a part of the international musical lexicon. The Kennedy Center pays tribute with an ensemble of luminaries including Madison Cunningham, Ben Folds, Bill Frisell, Don Henley, Gregory Porter, JD Souther, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and Trisha Yearwood (April 26 only). The National Symphony Orchestra will provide backing music and will be conducted by seven-time Grammy–winning sensation Vince Mendoza. Expect to hear renditions of classic Cohens such as “Suzanne,” “Hallelujah,” “Famous Blue Raincoat” and many more.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

Georgetown French Market

Georgetown French Market – April 26-28
Georgetown's Book Hill neighborhood turns into its own version of Paris for an entire weekend every April. The Georgetown French Market features more than 35 locally owned merchants, restaurants, galleries and salons participating in an open-air shopping frenzy from Friday through Sunday. Spectacles also include a caricature artist, live music and stilt-walkers.
More Information
Wisconsin Avenue NW, O Street to Reservoir Road, Washington, DC

 

Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900-1939 – April 26 – 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

 

 

Atlas Intersections Festival – Through April 27
The Atlas Performing Arts Center presents work that impacts society, culture and the world through the annual Intersections Festival. Engage with excellent art that inspires a connected community from artists that hail from all over the DMV area. You can see stunning performances in dance, music, theater, art, ballet and other disciplines throughout the festival’s run.
More Info
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

 

 

Project GLOW – April 27-28
Festival goers can enjoy a transformation of one of the city’s most prominent recreational hubs, with two thoughtfully curated stages of music, exquisite food and beverage offerings and a collection of globally-recognized artists at the RFK Festival Grounds. True to the historic nature of the city, Project GLOW is the culmination of the past 20 years of Club Glow, representing its impact on the DC music scene while championing the superstar acts that will take to the festival stages.
Tickets
RFK Festival Grounds, 2400 East Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20003

 

Do Ho Suh: Public Figures – April 27 – April 29, 2029
South Korean artist Do Ho Suh has created a special edition of his work Public Figures for installation at the very front of the National Museum of Asian Art, signifying the next phase of the museum. Suh was commissioned for the project thanks to his outstanding international reputation. He was one of the earliest contemporary artists featured at the museum and this new sculpture will be the first installed outside the Freer Gallery of Art in more than 30 years.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

 

 

The Future of Orchids: Conservation and Collaboration – Through April 28
The Smithsonian American Art Museum features 200 varieties of orchids in the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard during a special exhibition. Organized by Smithsonian Gardens in collaboration with the U.S. Botanic Garden, visitors can admire living collections and a series of newly commissioned and loaned paintings and sculptures by multimedia artist Phaan Howng. The exhibit also highlights the challenges facing wild orchids today and examines the work done by conservationists to protect the flower.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. |  Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

 

Jennifer Bartlett: In and Out of the Garden – Through April 30
One of the most ambitious projects of Jennifer Bartlett’s career is the centerpiece of the latest exhibit at The Phillips Collection. During a 1979-80 winter stay at a friend’s rented house in Nice, France, Bartlett embarked on what would turn into a years-long quest to depict a small, rundown garden on the property from literally hundreds of perspectives. Known for her rigorous combination of mathematical elements, abstract expressionism and minimalism, Bartlett’s artistic interpretations of the garden evolved from freehand drawings to paintings on steel plates, canvas and glass, many of which are featured in the exhibition.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

 

 

Whistler: Streetscapes, Urban Change – Through May 4
The National Museum of Asian Art’s renowned collection of works by James McNeill Whistler inform this exhibition that explores European cities in an era of rapid change. Streetscapes, Urban Change showcases oil paintings, watercolors, pastels and prints, some of which are on some on view at the museum for the first time. Visitors will be able to experience the American expatriate artist’s fascination with the stunning growth and transformation of major cities at the end of the 19th century.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

 

 

Shaun the Sheep: Flock This Way – Through May 12
The popular British animated series, Shaun the Sheep, partnered with the National Children’s Museum on an interactive exhibit that builds problem-solving and motor skills while also exploring literacy and technology. Kids can mix up Shaun’s pal Bitzer’s face to create new expressions, create stop motion animation with items from the scrap heap, hop in a truck and rescue a member of the flock in the top of a tree and much, much more.
Tickets & Admission
National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

 

Little Shop of Horrors – March 15 – May 18
Originally a sci-fi/horror comedy film released in 1960, Little Shop of Horrors then became an off-Broadway musical in the early 1980s. Yet another film adaptation followed a few years later, showing how this timeless story of a floral shop assistant and his singing, deadly plant will always dazzle audiences. The historic Ford’s Theatre revives the dynamic production during its upcoming spring season. Make sure to use code DDCSHOP20 for 20% off your tickets to the show (valid for March 16 - April 6 & May 1-18; limit two tickets per purchase)!
Tickets
Ford's Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

 

The Anxious Eye: German Expressionism and Its Legacy –  Through May 27
One of the 20th century’s most important artistic movements takes center stage at the National Gallery of Art. German Expressionists who first came to prominence in the early part of the 20th century are featured throughout, including Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Erich Heckel and Emil Nolde. Their influence can be registered through the contemporary pieces in the exhibition, including work by Leonard Baskin, Nicole Eisenman and Orit Hofshi. In total, visitors can marvel at more than 70 prints, drawings, illustrated books, portfolios and sculptures.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC

 

 

ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds – Through June 1
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. Make sure to take advantage of tickets with a 10% discount.
Tickets (10% off)
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024

 

 

Bonnard’s Worlds – Through June 2
The first major retrospective of the work of Pierre Bonard at the Phillips Collection in 20 years, Bonnard’s Worlds opens new avenues for exploring the mind and surroundings of the French artist. Some of the most celebrated works by the master have been brought together from museums across Europe and the U.S. and from private collections worldwide for an exhibition that highlights how Bonnard translated the spaces around him, from Parisian landscapes to the interior spaces of his dwellings and thoughts.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

 

 

Jessica Diamond: Wheel of Life – Through June 2
One of America’s greatest conceptual artists presents her largest museum installation to date at the Hirshhorn. Wheel of Life fills the museum’s second-floor, inner-circle galleries with 15 text-and-image-based works that highlight Diamond’s inventiveness. Much of the work on display reflects on Diamond’s stunning 40-year career as an artist.
10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. |  Free admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560

 

 

Robert Houle: Red is Beautiful – Through June 2
The National Museum of the American Indian presents the first major retrospective dedicated to Robert Houle (Saulteaux Anishinaabe, Sandy Bay First Nation, b. 1947), an Indigenous artist known for masterfully blending Western and ancient traditions in his contemporary works. Visitors can marvel at more than 50 years of Houle’s creativity, including paintings pierced by porcupine quills and historic scenes reimagined from an Indigenous perspective.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

 

 

Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas – Through June 2
Alma Thomas, who lived in DC and worked at Howard University for many years, developed a style all her own as a painter. She took to abstract painting late in her own life and at a crucial period in the country’s history, as political turmoil dramatically impacted the mid-1960s. The Smithsonian American Art Museum, which possesses the largest public collection of Thomas’ art, will offer an intimate look at her creative evolution from 1959 to 1978 through her signature color-driven pieces.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. |  Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

 

Sydney Vernon – Through June 6
Local artist and native of the DC region Sydney Vernon receives an in-depth showcase at Phillips@THEARC, which does not charge admission. Vernon’s idiosyncratic approach sees her superimpose and alter family photos with both authentic and imagined stories from Black history and culture. Her work pairs perfectly with Pierre Bonard’s, which will be on display over at the Phillps Collection.
Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |  Free Admission
Phillips@THEARC, 1801 Mississippi Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020

 

Duty, Honor, Country: Antebellum Portraits of West Pointers – Through June 9
In the lead up to the Civil War, the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, emerged as a training ground for men who built the nation’s infrastructure, played important roles in its military campaigns and took part in its politics. Drawn exclusively from the Gallery’s collection, the exhibition will feature early camera portraits of Ulysses S. Grant, George Armstrong Custer, John Pelham, “Stonewall” Jackson and Gouverneur Kemble Warren, among many others.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

 

Woven Histories: Textiles and Modern Abstraction – Through July 28
The National Gallery of Art dives deep on the overlap between fashion, design, arts and crafts. Through 160 works including oil paintings, weaving, basketry, knotting and knitting, you can see how textiles have influenced modern artists and movements. The exhibit also showcases moments when social and political issues activated textile production and artmaking with heightened focus and urgency.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC

 

 

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

 

 

Imagined Neighbors: Japanese Visions of China, 1680-1980 – Through Sept. 3
From 1603-1868 during what is known as the Edo period in feudal Japan, many of the country’s artists combined their limited knowledge of China with their own imaginations to create breathtaking works of painting and calligraphy. Once modernization set in during the Meiji era (1868-1912), Chinese art and culture remained a touchstone for Japanese artists, even through imperialism and war.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

 

 

Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice – Through Sept. 8
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

 

 

Staging the Supernatural: Ghosts and the Theater in Japanese Prints – Through Oct. 6
The Japanese Edo period (1603–1868) gave credence to essential ideas about the supernatural in Japanese culture. Many of the beliefs that came to prominence during this time are still held as conventional wisdom today. This exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art allows you to explore the roles that ghosts and spirits play in the retelling of Japanese legends as well as real events. Staging the Supernatural features woodblock prints and illustrated books that showcase the spooky specters that haunt the Japanese theater traditions of noh and kabuki.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

 

 

Park Chan-kyong: Gathering – Through Oct. 13
The Seoul-based Park Chan-kyong has gained international recognition for photography and film that has been unflinching in its examination of the history of modern Korea. The National Museum of Asian Art will showcase the first solo presentation of his work in a major U.S. museum. The exhibition features images that highlight the artists’ masterful use of the camera to capture tradition, history and disaster in a contemporary society.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

Conversations: Kerry James Marshall and John Singleton Copley – Through Jan. 31, 2025
The National Gallery of Art opens its second installation as part of the Conversations series, which focuses on three masterpieces from artists working nearly two centuries apart. An 18th century canvas by John Singleton Copley and two 20th century works by Kerry James Marshall each address the horrors of the Middle Passage and the transatlantic slave trade. Visitors can consider each in a shared exhibition space for the first time.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC

 

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.

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

 

Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour – Frederick Douglass – Through Nov. 26, 2026
The first joint acquisition of the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum (the two share a building) is Sir Isaac Julien’s fascinating moving image installation, which blends period reenactments across give screens to give the viewer insight into the life, accomplishments, activism and brilliance of Frederick Douglass (1818-1895).
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

 

Change Your Game – Ongoing
The National Museum of American History’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention developed a new exhibit filled with interactive elements that highlight the intersection of invention, sports and technology. Items on display include a prototype of the Jogbra from the 1970s, a football helmet with Crash Cloud prototype to help protect the brain, a Hawk-Eye camera used during the pandemic by the U.S. Open to automate line calls and prostheses that made extreme sports possible for athletes with amputations.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

 

Building Stories 
The National Building Museum invites your family to embark on an immersive exploration of architecture, construction, engineering and design found in children’s books. Curated by children’s literature expert Leonard Marcus, Building Stories marks the first national exhibition to showcase the built environment’s role as an essential character in formative tales of our collective youth. Expect plenty of interactive elements.
Hours & Admission
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

 

John Akomfrah: Five Murmurations – Ongoing
Artist and filmmaker John Akomfrah addresses the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and worldwide protests in support of Black Lives Matter in a visual essay to define our turbulent times. Utilizing an image archive filled with seminal works of art and scenes shot during the fraught 18-month period between 2019 and 2021, Five Murmurations features insights into post-colonialism, diasporic experience and the concept of collective memory.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

Partner Content
Partner Content