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Summer 2025 in the nation’s capital is packed with free and family-friendly festivals featuring everything from jazz music to the wonders of barbecue.
In conjunction with local nonprofit Capital Pride, the nation's capital is proud to host WorldPride 2025, an event that celebrates diversity, equality and love on a global scale. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of celebrating Pride in DC, this momentous occasion will bring together millions from around the world to honor and uplift the LGBTQ+ community through a spectacular series of events, parades and cultural festivities. Set against the iconic backdrop of Washington, DC, WorldPride 2025 promises an unforgettable experience filled with electrifying energy, historical significance and a unifying spirit. Make sure to read our piece on the events for more details.
The annual DC/DOX Film Festival will take place at theater venues across the District. Expect four days of visionary documentaries and conversations with the talent behind dozens of innovative and acclaimed works of non-fiction storytelling. Locations have included Edlavitch Community Center, Eaton Cinema, MLK Memorial Library, the National Portrait Gallery’s Nan Tucker McEvoy Auditorium, the National Archives and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Rib roasters and sauce bosses show off their delicious wares during the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle. Dozens of pit masters, local restaurants and live music shut down Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th streets NW for a lively street party in late June. Cooking demos and free tastings make for a delicious (and filling) experience.
The free Smithsonian Folklife Festival salutes different international cultures every year on the National Mall with craft exhibits, live music and cooking demos. Hosted across multiple days over the July 4th holiday, the 2025 edition focuses on Youth and the Future of Culture.
Watching the fireworks is one of the highlights of Independence Day in Washington, DC and fortunately, the city and the surrounding area offer a plethora of scenic viewing options. July 4th is a great time to be in DC for plenty of other reasons as well. Plan a trip now.
Now at Audi Field in Navy Yard, Broccoli City is a music festival focused on celebrating not just music but culture and community, with not just concerts but interactive art installations and culinary vendors.
Mubadala Citi DC Open
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.
Otakon is held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and just might 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 more.
Ranked as the best Latin dance festival in the U.S. five times, DCBX takes over the nation’s capital across multiple days this 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.
DC JazzFest 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 it out. Lineup headliners for 2025 include Branford Marsalis, Eddie Palmieri, Ron Carter, Lalah Hathaway, the String Queens, the John Scofield Trio, Sun Ra Arkestra and Matthew Whitaker.
Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington hosts two annual celebrations of DC’s eclectic dining scene: one in January and a summer edition in August. For both seasonal editions, Restaurant Week offers diners pre-fixe menus for lunch/brunch ($25) and dinner ($40 and $55).
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 and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
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