There’s no shortage of exciting events to help you stay cool in DC this summer, including Summer Restaurant Week, DC Bachata Congress and DC JazzFest.
Whether you’re in town for a concert, game or festival, DC boasts an abundance of special discounts and packages all summer long, from luxurious experiences to budget-friendly options.
All year long, you can take your pick of unforgettable experiences in the nation's capital. 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.
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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
Washington Nationals Baseball: 20th Anniversary Season
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. The team celebrates its 20th anniversary in the nation's capital with a year filled with special events. Purchase single-game tickets now and use the code VISITDC for 10% or more off!
Tickets: Use code VISITDC for 10% off
1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Five New Galleries at the National Air and Space Museum
Thousands of artifacts have gone back on display in five reopened galleries at the National Air and Space Museum. Popular items such as the Spirit of St. Louis, the North American X-15, John Glenn’s Mercury Friendship 7 capsule, the Apollo Lunar Module 2 and the touchable moon rock are available to view again. The building also welcomes several new artifacts, including the Sopwith F.1 Camel, Virgin Galactic’s RocketMotorTwo, a Blue Origin New Shepard crew capsule mockup and a Goddard 1935 A series rocket. Free timed-entry passes are required for entry.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | More Info | Free Admission
National Air and Space Museum, 6th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Shark Bites & Brews – Aug. 2
Transit Pier at The Wharf hosts shark-themed fun that features a mechanical shark, live music, Pacifico swag, shark hats, shark-themed doughnuts, a dunk tank and much more. Food and drink will be available for purchase and all ages are welcome to the free event (must be 21 or over to consume alcohol).
5-8 p.m. | Free Admission
Transit Pier at The Wharf, 970 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Drive-By Truckers & Deer Tick – Aug. 2
Two bands that marvelously mix blues, folk, country and rock share a bill at The Anthem. Drive-By Truckers are the 21st century’s ultimate Southern rock band while Deer Tick, who formed in Providence, Rhode Island, sport a folksier sound. It’s a great chance to see two awesome bands for the price of one.
7 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
American Landscapes in Watercolor from the Corcoran Collection – Aug. 2 – Feb. 1, 2026
The National Gallery of Art’s new exhibit of stunning watercolors allows you to travel from the Washington Monument to Yosemite National Park and back to the waters of New England. Experience how artists took a format meant for mapping and landscaping and elevated it to transcendence.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Broccoli City Festival – Aug. 8-10
This beloved festival focused on celebrating music, culture and community takes on a new format this year with a full weekend of collaborations at Nationals Park and around Southwest neighborhood: hosting Trap Karaoke, throwing a massive Block Party and sponsoring Breezy Bowl XX with headliner Chris Brown.
More Info
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Otakon – Aug. 8-10
Held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center each year, Otakon might just 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 much more.
Tickets
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001
Apropos of Nothing, a Comedy – July 12 – Aug. 10
The Keegan Theatre treats audiences to an evening packed with laughs thanks to this new production. Owen confesses to being in love with his best friend’s wife but quickly attempts to retract it. Too late. From there, spurned on by a clever millennial, five friends are forced to deal with their many unresolved issues.
Tickets
The Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Uncanny – Through Aug. 10
The National Museum of Women in the Arts invites visitors to an exploration of unease across a range of surreal media. The only museum solely dedicated to championing women artists treads into new territory with Uncanny, which reveals women’s authorship of surreal narratives, revealing how the concept is used by these artists to regain agency and dissect feelings of revulsion, fear and discomfort.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Play On! – Aug. 12 – Oct. 5
Does a musical based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night set to the music of Duke Ellington sound like a good time to you? Us too. Signature Theatre’s latest production follows Vy, who discovers that the doors of opportunity in 1930s Harlem are closed to her. She then disguises herself as a man to sing her songs for the Duke himself. A tale packed with intrigue, mistaken identity and incredible jazz tunes ensues.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
DC Bachata Congress – Aug. 14-18
Ranked as the best Latin dance festival in the U.S. five times, DCBX takes over the nation’s capital for five days each 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.
The Westin Washington DC Downtown, 999 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Nationals Postgame Concert Series: Sam Hunt – Aug. 15
Diamond-selling artist and five-time Grammy nominee Sam Hunt will take to the field for a live show at Nationals Park after the team’s Aug. 15 game against the Philadelphia Phillies. A game ticket earns you access to the postgame show.
Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
The Armed – Aug. 16
Unbridled and unfettered in their experimentation, the pop collective known as The Armed have their sights set on shattering punk rock and putting it back together again. The Atlantis hosts their widely acclaimed and blisteringly energetic brand of kaleidoscopic music for one night only.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The Atlantis, 2047 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Pictures of Belonging: Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi and Miné Okubo – Through Aug. 17
The Smithsonian American Art Museum honors three of the most important female American artists of Japanese descent in the years leading up to World War II. Across eight decades, the careers of Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi and Miné Okubo helped shape modern American art. This new exhibit examines the three trailblazers like never before, tracing their artistic evolution before, during and after the internment and displacement of Japanese Americans during World War II.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Summer Restaurant Week – Aug. 18-24
Stay tuned for confirmed dates and more details from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. The celebration annually features deals from more than 150 restaurants throughout the DC area.
PARADE – Aug. 19 – Sept. 7
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts stages the 2023 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical Revival. PARADE focuses on Leo and Lucille Frank, a recently married Jewish couple who are struggling to adjust to life in Georgia. Leo is then accused of a heinous crime, leading to a rigorous test of justice, devotion and humanity.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
2025 James McLaughlin Staff Show – Aug. 19 – Feb. 8, 2026
Named after the gifted still-life painter who learned under the mentorship of museum founder Duncan Phillips, the James McLaughlin Staff Show proudly displays the work of The Phillips Collection’s own team. The voices behind the scenes are gorgeously brought to life in this annual tribute.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
James Taylor & His All-Star Band – Aug. 21, 23 & 24
The fact that the legendary singer-songwriter responsible for “Fire and Rain,” “How Sweet It Is” and “Carolina in My Mind” has chosen to play Wolf Trap in Vienna, Va. for three nights should tell you that venue and artist are simpatico. Fans of the artist and great live music in general won’t want to miss this perfect duo of performer and setting.
6:30 p.m. | Tickets
Filene Center at Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Pete Holmes – Aug. 22
Consistently one of the most acclaimed and entertaining stand-up comedians on the popular circuit, Pete Holmes has also shined as a podcaster, writer, producer and actor. The Lincoln Theatre is likely to be packed as Holmes regularly draws big crowds during his visits to the nation’s capital.
Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Justin Favela, Capilla de Maíz
Justin Favela: Capilla de Maíz – Opens Aug. 22
Multidisciplinary artist Justin Favela reimagines the Renwick Gallery’s Rubenstein Grand Salon with Capilla de Maíz, which translates to “Maize Chapel”. The site-specific installation features gold-fringed walls and piñata corncobs, with its visual effect showcasing the importance of corn to North American culture. The introduction of this piece marks the reopening of the Gallery along with the new exhibit, State Fairs: Growing American Craft.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Renwick Gallery, 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
State Fairs: Growing American Craft – Aug. 22 – Sept. 7, 2026
After five years of research and months of preparation, the Renwick Gallery debuts this extraordinary exhibit that is the first to survey American state fairs’ unconventional crafts from the 19th century to the present. Personal stories and regional traditions will be showcased across more than 240 artworks. Highlights include a life-size butter cow made on-site, size-96 boots from the State Fair of Texas and a pyramid of 700 glass jars of preserved fruits and vegetables.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Renwick Gallery, 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
Photo by Cpl. Chloe McAfee
Friday Evening Parades at the Marine Barracks – Through Aug. 22
This breathtaking 75-minute ceremony showcases the precision and pride of the Marine Corps with spectacular performances by "The President's Own" Marine Band, "The Commandant's Own" Drum & Bugle Corps and the renowned Silent Drill Platoon. Held every Friday from May through August at the historic "Oldest Post of the Corps," the free event has captivated audiences for decades.
Marine Barracks, 8th & I Streets SE, Washington, DC 20390
Arena Stage Community Day – Aug. 23
Free and open to the public with no registration necessary, Arena Stage’s annual event opens the theater’s doors so visitors can experience the venue like never before. Community Day will also spread across 6th Street SW with food vendors, live music, performances and much more.
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Opera in the Outfield: Porgy and Bess – Aug. 23
The Washington National Opera’s annual free broadcast at Nationals Park features the company’s acclaimed production of the classic Porgy and Bess. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. so families can file in and find a comfortable spot on the field to take in the show. Crafts, balloon twisters and live entertainment will be available. Slopera! A Bite-Sized Opera serves as an appetizer at 5:30.
4:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Delighting Krishna: Paintings of the Child-God – Through Aug. 24
A new exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art puts the Pushtimarg tradition front-and-center and showcases 14 “pichwais,” which are monumental paintings of Krishna on cotton cloth. The pieces have not been displayed to the public since the 1970s. Museum visitors can encounter the larger-than-life creations and learn about how the Hindu Pushtimarg community engages with the spiritual.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Silversun Pickups – Aug. 26
Formed in 2000, Silversun Pickups are woven into the fabric of guitar-driven indie rock. Blending post-punk revival, shoegaze and pure pop songwriting, the group has released six critically acclaimed albums, with their most recent coming in 2022. The iconic 9:30 Club the dynamic five-piece.
7 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Robert Randolph – Aug. 28
After releasing his highly anticipated solo album Preacher Kids in late-June, virtuoso pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph will visit The Atlantis in DC. Expect to hear new songs as well as Randolph’s signature combination of rock, folk, blues, gospel and soul.
6:30 p.m. | Tickets
The Atlantis, 2047 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Summer Films at The REACH – Through Aug. 29
The REACH at the Kennedy Center presents an outdoor film series all summer long. The Millennium Stage Outdoor Film screenings presents classic and modern feature films on the REACH video wall every Friday from May 30 – Aug. 29. The lineup kicks off with The Bourne Identity.
Movies begin at dusk | Free Admission
The REACH, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20003
Nationals Postgame Concert Series: Ja Rule & Ashanti – Aug. 29
Purchase tickets to the Nats’ game against the Tampa Bay Rays and you also gain access to one of the coolest shows of the month. Ja Rule and Ashanti teamed up for some of the biggest hits of the 2000s, including “Wonderful,” Mesmerize” and “Always On Time,” and now the duo will take the stage at Nationals Park for an awesome late-summer concert. On-field passes are available.
Game begins at 6:45 p.m. | Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
DC JazzFest – Aug. 29 – Sept. 1
One of DC’s ultimate summer traditions 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 out this year's edition of DC JazzFest.
More info
RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq The World – Aug. 30
Go behind the velvet ropes of the coolest awards show in herstory. RuPaul’s Drag Race brings an all-star lineup of performers to The Anthem for an unforgettable night. Catch Jimbo as Joan Rivers, Daya Betty as Lady Gaga, Jaida Essence Hall as Beyoncé, Jorgeous as Ariana Grande, Kim Chi as Celine Dion and Vanessa Vanjie as Rihanna.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
DC Festival of Magic – Aug. 30 – Sept. 1
Back at the Capital Hilton for a fourth year, the DC Festival of Magic brings together the best magicians in the Mid-Atlantic region for three nights of Labor Day weekend entertainment that will make your head spin.
More info
Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Last Chance: Summer Evenings at the U.S. National Arboretum – Through Aug. 30
Thanks to the nonprofit Friends of the National Arboretum, the 451-acre park will stay open until 8 p.m. (three hours past regular closing time) giving visitors the chance to experience one of DC’s most picturesque destinations in a new light. This limited-time opportunity invites you to picnic, walk or bike after hours, catch golden-hour views of the Capitol Columns and enjoy special events throughout the summer.
More Info | Excludes June 7, 14 & 21
3501 New York Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002
Essex Hemphill: Take Care of Your Blessings – Through Aug. 31
The Phillips Collection showcases the relationship between the trailblazing work of poet and activist Essex Hemphill and contemporary visual art in a new exhibit. Hemphill was born in Chicago and raised in DC, where he became one of the most outspoken LGBTQ+ advocates of his time, both through his poetry and the spoken word. Hemphill tragically died of an AIDS-related illness in 1995 at the age of 38, but his work powerfully lives on, as can be observed in Take Care of Your Blessings, which puts him in dialogue with artists of his time and the present.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Sesame Street the Musical – Through Aug. 31
A can’t-miss slice of family entertainment comes to the Kennedy Center for an extended run this summer. Cookie Monster, Elmo, Abby Cadabby and many more of your Sesame Street friends will be live onstage to perform iconic songs and stir up plenty of furry fun that all ages can enjoy.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Bond In Motion – Through September
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
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – July 8 – Sept. 7
The Harry Potter franchise continues to offer spellbinding entertainment. The record-breaking play that won six Tony Awards, including Best Play, comes to The National Theatre. Harry’s son, Albus, befriends Draco Malfoy’s son, leading to a riveting adventure that can alter the past and future.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure! – Through Sept. 7
The PBS Kids’ Wild Kratts® team takes over the National Children Museum’s Visiting Exhibit Hall. With technology from the program, kids can solve problems, complete missions, assist animals and stop villainous plans. Exhibit experiences include themed areas like The Tortuga, the Dolphin Decoder, an Amphisub and a digital aquarium.
Hours & Admission
National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture – Through Sept. 14
The Smithsonian American Museum’s new exhibit examines sculpture’s role in understanding and constructing race in the United States. Across 82 sculptures created between 1792 and 2023 by 70 different artists, visitors can observe historical and modern works that inspire conversation and reflections on how power, identity and race are intertwined.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
A Radical Alteration: Women’s Studio Workshop as a Sustainable Model for Art Making – Through Sept. 28
The National Museum of Women in the Arts celebrates the Women’s Studio Workshop (WSW) with a special exhibit that examines the organization’s history as a proponent of the book arts in marginalized communities across the U.S. Founded in 1974 by four women, WSW emerged at the vanguard of second-wave feminism and has published more than 240 artists’ books thanks to its Artist-in-Residence program. The display showcases more than 40 objects, including artists’ books, zines, ephemera and archival materials.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Guerrilla Girls: Making Trouble – Through Sept. 28
An artist collective that continues to make its mark today, Guerrilla Girls celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2025. The National Museum of Women in the Arts honor the attention-grabbing group known for their provocative, text and graphic-based prints that denounce discrimination. Their work uses bold and eye-catching aesthetics to call out gender disparity and other important social injustices across billboards, banners, buildings and other sites. The museum’s extensive collection informs the exhibit that features an expansive and enthralling chronology of Guerrilla Girls’ vital work.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Vivian Browne: My Kind of Protest – June 28 – Sept. 28
The Phillips Collection uncovers previously unknown pieces and archival findings to showcase the depth of three decades of work by Vivian Browne. The exhibition features paintings, prints, works on paper and additional ephemera, highlighting Browne’s incredible career as an artist, activist, teacher and founder of one of the first women’s art cooperatives in Manhattan. Her approach to color and form continues to challenge concepts of figuration and abstraction.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
With Passion and Purpose: Gifts from the Collection of Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson – Through Oct. 5
A collection that spans 100 years of Black creativity comes to the National Gallery of Art’s East Building Mezzanine thanks to Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson. The largest group of objects by Black artists to enter the museum’s collection at one time includes 175 works. These range from lyrical abstractions to intricate sculptures to well-known paintings. Featured artists include Jacob Lawrence, Archibald Motley, Vivian Browne, Mildred Thompson, Alison Saar and many others.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Little Beasts: Art, Wonder and the Natural World – Through Nov. 2
Art and nature lovers young and old will be delighted by this new display at the National Gallery of Art. Across more than 70 paintings, prints and drawings, visitors can see how nature has inspired art since the dawn of European natural history in the 16th and 17th centuries. Specimens and taxidermy from the National Museum of Natural History will also be showcased along with a new film by artist Dario Robleto.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Cut + Paste: Experimental Japanese Prints and Photographs – June 21 – Nov. 20
The National Museum of Asian Art showcases 17 Japanese artists who have pushed boundaries in printmaking and photography. The exhibit features multilayered images that challenge distinctions between mediums, traditions and notions of fine art and commercial design.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Niki de Saint Phalle In Print – Through Nov. 30
The National Museum of Women in the Arts displays 20 of multimedia artist Niki de Saint Phalle’s large-scale prints. Although primarily known for performances and sculptures, Saint Phalle showcases mastery as a printmaker as well, using striking colors, a whimsical and animated drawing style and looping handwriting to stamp a style all her own.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Collecting Memories – Through Dec. 2025
The Library of Congress opens its new David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery with a brand-new exhibit filled to the brim with fascinating artifacts across its 120 items. Collecting Memories includes Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, a map from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, lyrics from The Sound of Music and much more in its examination of how cultures preserve the past.
Hours | Free Admission
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
Martin E. Red Bear / National Museum of the American Indian
Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains – Through Jan. 20, 2026
The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates narrative art among Native nations of the Great Plains with an exciting new exhibition. You'll see historical works alongside contemporary commissions, from battle records to ledger books to pop culture takes.
More info | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution – Through March 21, 2026
The Library of Congress brings together letters, ledgers, diaries, maps, drawings and other artifacts to illuminate the similarities and differences between two iconic figures of the Revolutionary War: George Washington and King George III. Although the two never met, visitors can envision where they would clash and where they would compromise in this stirring exhibit that features items from a wide range of collections, including the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle, London’s Science Museum and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Hours | Free Admission
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
Smithsonian Institution
Making a Statement – Through March 2026
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian displays two gowns worn by Oscar-nominated actor Lily Gladstone (Siksikaitsitapi [Blackfeet]/Nimiipuu [Nez Perce]) in a special installation. Four public programs are planned for Women's History Month as well. Both gowns were designed by Gucci and Indigenous artist Joe Big Mountain (Mohawk/Cree/Comanche) of Ironhorse Quillwork and were worn by Gladstone the evening of March 10, 2024, to the 96th Academy Awards and the Vanity Fair Oscars party. Gladstone was the first Native American nominated for best actress for her work in the film Killers of the Flower Moon.
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne – Through April 25, 2026
Four stunning art works across six centuries are in conversation in a new exhibit at the National Gallery of Art. Through a recent piece by Rozeal., Titian’s Venus with a Mirror and Ranuccio Farnese and Cezanne’s Boy in a Red Waistcoat, visitors can find unexpected connections and visual similarities that draw the 16th, 19th and 21st centuries together.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Reasons to Gather: Japanese Tea Practice Unwrapped – Through April 26, 2026
The Japanese tea practice of chanoyu revolves around the appreciation of utensils that assist in the preparation and consumption of matcha (powdered green tea). This new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art presents 11 historic tea utensils and accessories, including ceramics, hanging scrolls, boxes and wrapping cloths. All the objects tell a story of trade and exchange across Asia and reveal a vast network of tea practitioners.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Shahzia Sikander: The Last Post – July 3 – July 12, 2026
The Smithsonian American Art Museum showcases a groundbreaking work that deeply examines the legacy of British colonialism in Asia. Shahzia Sikander’s signature approach is evident in the way The Last Post blends Indo-Persian miniature paintings with contemporary flavor: see the score by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Du Yun and the way images form and dissolve around the piece’s central figure.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Blossom Time, Willard Metcalf, 1910
Shifting Boundaries: Perspectives on American Landscapes – Through July 26, 2026
Discover powerful new details and context around some of the greatest works of art in American history. The National Museum of Asian Art approaches the fascinating New England landscape portraiture of legendary artists such as Willard Metcalf, Dwight Tryon, Winslow Homer and Abbott Thayer. By empowering a variety of voices, the exhibit reveals how the landscapes depicted have shifted in the century since these works were first showcased.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
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
Ruffled Feathers: Creating Whistler’s Peacock Room – Through Jan. 31, 2027
One of the most famous rooms in the nation’s capital receives a full in-depth investigation thanks to a new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art. The Peacock Room is the museum’s calling card, and this display will be located right next door. The creation of James McNeill Whistler was originally meant for the London home of British businessman Frederick Leyland. Its origin story and tangled history is detailed through paintings, works on paper, decorative art and additional ephemera.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Forces for Change: Mary McLeod Bethune and Black Women’s Activism – Ongoing
Explore the powerful societal impact of local hero, educator and reformer Mary McLeod Bethune at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The exhibit space focuses on Bethune’s incredible work with the National Council of Negro Women as well as the contributions of other women who have fought for social change. In total, the display includes 75 images, 35 artifacts, a multimedia film, an eight-foot-tall plaster sculpture of Bethune and an interactive engagement.
More info | Free Admission
National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise
The U.S. Botanic Garden invites you to see the ferocious side of flora and fauna at its special new exhibit. Many plants have evolved defenses against infection, herbivores and their plant competition. The multisensory display will showcase this evolution and also pinpoint how these plants can be both harmful and helpful to humans.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
InSight: Photos and Stories from the Archives – Ongoing
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
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