Long-Lead Inspiration

Yearlong Anniversaries, Events, & Celebrations

DC 250 | Yearlong, 2026

Washington, DC will lead the nation’s yearlong celebration of America's 250th anniversary with dynamic events citywide. Museums, theaters, restaurants, and iconic landmarks across the city will host special exhibitions, performances, culinary experiences, and public art installations reflecting America’s rich cultural tapestry and historical evolution from 1776 to the present. Examples of new attractions and exhibits include:

• 51 Steps to Freedom Trail (Through 2026) – An unforgettable opportunity to engage with the nation's ongoing journey toward freedom and equality. Through cutting-edge Augmented Reality, visitors will explore DC's hidden histories, from pivotal events to legendary figures. This trail offers a fresh look at the history that shaped the nation. From Frederick Douglass to Duke Ellington and Mrs. Rosa Parks, the trail brings these figures and many others to life. 

• National Archives – The only place to see the charter documents: the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights.  

  • In March 2026, the Archives plan to add the Emancipation Proclamation and 19th Amendment (which removed restrictions for women to vote) to permanent display.  

  • Road to Revolution (through Aug. 6, 2026) – This rotating exhibition showcases original documents that document major milestones and give critical historical context to the American Revolution and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. 

• DAR Museum 

  • Fighting for Freedom: Black Craftspeople and the Pursuit of Independence (through 2025) - This exhibition highlights the creations, contributions and legacies of African Americans as they fought for freedom. Fighting for Freedom spans the war years of the Revolution through the present, as African Americans have sought to pursue agency and liberty through craft. 

  • Revolution in Their Words: How the Cause Became the Revolution (March 2026 - Jan. 2027) - The exhibit illustrates the inexorable movement from outrage to war. Documentary sources and artifacts will provide the context of the cause and how it irrevocably led to the War for Independence. 

• Find a Media Toolkit Here.

 

October

Boo at the Zoo – Smithsonian's National Zoo | Oct. 17 - 19

Visitors can experience special after-hours access with fiendishly decorated animal habitats and trick-or-treat stations throughout.

 

Theatre Week – Citywide | TBD Fall 2025 

Visitors can celebrate DC’s thriving theater scene through a weeklong celebration of shows priced $20/40/60 at multiple venues across the city and other related events. 

 

Washington Capitals - National Hockey League Season Begins | TBD Fall 2025 

Catch Washington, DC’s NHL team, the Washington Capitals, as they take to the ice at Capital One Arena downtown. 

 

November

DowntownDC Holiday Market | Nov. 21 – Dec. 23 

The DowntownDC BID partners with The Makers Show (of BKN & Snowport holiday market fame) to produce a market infused with holiday cheer and ample shopping from local exhibitors. 

 

The Wharf Ice Rink Opening – The Wharf | November TBD 

Experience DC’s only over-water ice skating rink, located on top of Transit Pier at the Wharf. Visitors will enjoy views of the water and iconic monuments with hot beverages and seasonal specialties located at nearby shops and restaurants. 

 

Ice Skating at The Washington Harbour – Washington Harbour | Mid November  

Experience the largest ice-skating rinks in the city along the water at Washington Harbour in the historic Georgetown neighborhood. 

 

December

National Christmas Tree Lighting – Presidents Park | December TBD 

The free annual event features a gorgeous conifer in the President’s Park on the White House Ellipse, where it's surrounded by trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 56 U.S. states and territories. The tree is accompanied by nightly musical performances throughout the holiday season. 

 

National Menorah Lighting  – White House Ellipse| December TBD 

The world’s largest menorah is on the White House Ellipse and its lighting ceremony includes music from the United States Navy Band. As is custom, a new candle is illuminated on each of the eight days of Hanukkah.  

 

2026

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's 50th Anniversary | July 2026 

Following extensive renovations, the National Air and Space Museum will celebrate its 50th anniversary with most galleries reopening. Exhibits feature historic milestones in air and space exploration, offering exciting educational experiences for visitors. 

• Five new exhibits open July 28, 2025, focusing on subjects like the creation of military aviation, aerospace and climate change and the future of space travel. 

• Seven new exhibits open July 1, 2026, focusing on subjects like understanding our universe, exploring how people could live in space and a new Flight and Arts Center. 

Lincoln Memorial: Immersive Museum | July 2026 

This ambitious project adds 15,000 square feet of interactive museum space beneath the iconic memorial. Exhibitions will share untold stories about the monument's construction and its legacy as a symbolic space for civil rights. 

 

National Geographic Museum of Exploration | Summer 2026 

Set to become one of DC’s groundbreaking attractions, this museum invites visitors on thrilling expeditions through immersive exhibits and state-of-the-art technologies, showcasing wildlife, landscapes, cultures, and global communities.

 

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Reopening | Fall 2026 

The Hirshhorn's renowned Sculpture Garden reopens following an $88 million revitalization. Visitors will enjoy a refreshed outdoor experience, blending innovative art installations with iconic sculptures. 

 

 Dulles International Airport Expansion | 2026 

A $580 million concourse expansion begins in 2026, adding seven new international gates to accommodate increasing global travel demand. 

 

2027 and Beyond

NFL Draft 2027 | April 2027 

Washington, DC was chosen to host the 2027 National Football League Draft across iconic landmarks like the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue. The three-day event will include a concert series and a free fan festival. 

 

11th Street Bridge Park | 2027  

The city’s first elevated public park over the Anacostia River, visitors can expect an amphitheater, picnic gardens, interactive art and waterfalls among other attractions and events. 

 

Washington Commanders Move to RFK Stadium | Ongoing 

DC mayor Muriel Bowser announced a deal in April 2025 to bring DC’s professional football team back to Washington, DC’s RFK campus. The campus will be revitalized with a state-of-the-art roofed stadium and the transformation will include new hotels, restaurants, retail and neighborhood amenities.