This June in DC will be one for the books thanks to Capital Pride, the Giant National BBQ Battle, Home Rule Music Festival and more.
DC was named one of the best places in the world to travel in June by AFAR and The Points Guy, so whether you’re in town for a concert, game or festival, you can take your pick of unforgettable experiences in the nation's capital.
Choose from an abundance of summer special discounts and packages, from luxurious experiences to budget-friendly options – and make sure to check out our things to do for the week and weekend, plus accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.
Washington Nationals Baseball
The Nats, 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.
1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Washington Spirit
Soccer season in Washington, DC
Head to Audi Field to catch four-time MLS Cup winners D.C. United or 2021 NWSL Champion Washington Spirit, which fields some of the best women’s soccer players in the country. Whether you're a longtime fan or just looking for a high-energy night out, experiencing the electric atmosphere of professional soccer is easy in DC.
Spirit Tickets
D.C. United Tickets
Armed Forces Cycling Classic
The Armed Forces Cycling Classic includes two days of closed course biking open to enthusiasts of all abilities. Cyclists can keep it low-key with amateur, non-competitive events like the Challenge Ride and Kids Race or choose to challenge themselves at the Women’s and Men’s Pro/AM Races (including the famous Clarendon Cup). Everyone who completes more than one lap gets a medal.
More Info
Pride on the Pier
Throughout the two days, DC’s prime waterfront spot will feature family-friendly activities, a live DJ, plenty of dancing, a boat parade, a fireworks show and more.
More Info
District & Transit Pier, 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
Capital Pride in Washington, DC – June 8-16
For over 50 years, the Capital Pride Alliance has been the heart of DC's LGBTQ+ celebrations. The District goes all-out with not only the signature parade but a packed calendar of events, block parties, shows, special exhibits and more.
Street Fest
Union Market District packs consecutive weekends with art, entertainment, dance and much, much more. Street Fest includes eight specially curated art shows, the sixth annual Light Reel Film Festival, a collision of punk rock and circus arts from NY Circus Project, dance parties and classes, singalongs, live artmaking and plenty to eat and drink.
More Info
Union Market District, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
DC/DOX Film Festival
The annual DC/DOX Film Festival takes 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.
Home Rule Music Festival
This DC-centric festival celebrates the rich music and cultural scene of the nation's capital. The 2025 edition included a Youth Showcase at Woolly Mammoth and a full day of live performances at the Parks at Walter Reed. If you can't make these dates, plan ahead for the October edition.
More Info
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St NW, Washington, DC 20004 & The Parks at Walter Reed, 1010 Butternut Street, NW, Washington, DC
Swedish Midsummer on the National Mall
Welcome summer the Swedish way. On Midsummer Eve, the Embassy of Sweden invites you to the open-air lawn of the Sylvan Theater for an evening of joy, music and tradition, set against the stunning backdrop of the Washington Monument. Dance around the maypole (midsommarstång), make your own flower crown and celebrate like a true Swede.
Free Admission
Independence Ave SW & 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 2000
© Georgetown BID
Fête De La Musique – World Music Day
Faites la fête at Georgetown's iteration of the free, live music festival that has been celebrated in France for over 40 years. Listeners can catch R&B, Americana, jazz, bluegrass, spoken word or rock across the fest's locations throughout Georgetown's commercial district and at the French Embassy.
More Info | Free Admission
The Hirshhorn
Smithsonian Solstice Saturday
Celebrate the official first Saturday of summer with the Smithsonian. Institutions like the Hirshhorn, the National Zoo, the National Museum of Asian Art and the National Museum of American History will curate special projects and programs, host exciting performances and grant the rare chance to explore the museums into the evening.
More Info | Free Admission
Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle
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. Cooking demos and free tastings make for a delicious (and filling) experience. Tickets start at $20.
Tickets
Pennsylvania Avenue (between 3rd & 7th Streets NW), Washington, DC
Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend
Take two days to enjoy free admission at seven awesome DC museums. The Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk weekend includes Anderson House, Dumbarton House, Dupont Underground, the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, O Museum in The Mansion, The Phillips Collection and the Woodrow Wilson House. You will have access to new exhibits, fascinating stories and live music at each museum, an incredible free opportunity that comes only once a year.
More Info | Free Admission
Open Streets Capitol Hill
Mayor Bowser and DDOT invite you to enjoy the Capitol Hill neighborhood through their Open Streets initiative for the first time. A full mile of streets will be closed to vehicles to allow for safe walking, biking and playing. Expect hourly programmed classes and performances that will include live music, yoga and dancing. The event is free and suitable for all ages and abilities.
Free Admission
North Carolina Avenue SE, East Capitol Street & Massachusetts Avenue SE from 6th Street SE to 17th Street SE
Jazz in the Garden – Fridays through July
Kick back and groove to the music with sangria in hand at Jazz in the Garden throughout the summer, held in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. An eclectic mix of DC-area jazz musicians lend a soundtrack to one of the city’s most idyllic scenes set around the sculpture garden’s central fountain. This is a free seasonal tradition that you do not want to miss. Due to high demand, the museum has instituted a lottery system; visit the Gallery’s website for more information.
6-8:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Capital Harvest on the Plaza – Wednesdays through October
Located at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Capital Harvest on the Plaza is open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesdays from May through October. During your visit, you’ll find plenty of farm-fresh deliciousness and artisanal crafts, as well as recipes and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Check out the full list of vendors to start planning your haul.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Wednesdays | Free Admission
Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art – Through Summer 2026
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
Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen – Through Jan. 3, 2027
Known for his rigorous work in creating jaw-dropping paintings, Adam Pendleton will showcase new and recent pieces as well as single-channel video in this landmark exhibition at the Hirshhorn Museum. Pendleton’s first solo showcase will highlight his contributions to contemporary American painting and utilize the architecture of the Hirshhorn and the vast history of DC’s National Mall.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
InSight: Photos and Stories from the Archives
Peer into Indigenous lives from across the Western hemisphere over time thanks to a new exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian. Through this special selection picked from more than 500,000 images, the museum highlights moments of everyday joy, education and familial bonding. Each photo has its own story to tell.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Places to Stay
Hotel Nell
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all.
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