Things to Do This May in Washington, DC

Passport DC – May 1-31
A month of programming across the city focuses on highlighting DC’s international culture. The Around the World Embassy Tour and the European Union Open House are annual highlights. Most events and tours can be enjoyed entirely free of charge. Read our guide to all of the fun and get more details at Events DC’s site below. 
More Info

 

Flower Mart – May 2-3
During Passport DC’s first weekend, the Washington National Cathedral hosts its annual Flower Mart, a two-day event that allows visitors to shop for plants and gifts, eat fun festival food, enjoy children’s activities, ride a historic carousel and take in the beauty of the International Floral Exhibit.
More Info | Free Admission
Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016

 

National Museum of African Art

Mimouna Festival
The National Museum of African Art, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024, hosts this free event that will allow visitors to sample delicious dishes, listen to traditional songs and tour artworks throughout the museum. The Mimouna Festival is a tribute to a time when Moroccan Jews and Muslims break bread together to mark the conclusion of Passover, inspired by Moroccan narratives of unity and goodwill.
Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

 

Events DC

International City Food Festival
Get a taste of DC’s global food and drink at the second annual International City Food Festival complementing the first weekend of Passport DC. The three-day event will include celebrations aimed at making culinary diplomacy accessible — with free admission — to all ages. The festival offers a timely launch point to travel the globe and understand other cultures, all in the heart of DC.
More Info | Free Admission
The Square, 1875 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006

 

Star Wars Weekend at Nationals Park
Experience the magic of Friday nights with the Nats this May the Fourth weekend. Fans can enjoy fireworks with Star Wars-themed music plus weekend-long giveaways, including beanies and bobbleheads.
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

 

Adams Morgan BID

Adams Morgan Spring PorchFest
One of the District’s most popular neighborhoods showcases some of DC’s best musical talent. Adams Morgan Spring PorchFest will feature more than 80 bands playing an array of genres, including rock, reggae, funk, Go-Go, rap, bluegrass, classical and pop. Twenty porches, business patios and parks, as well as the closed 18th Street, will become stages for the day, drawing music-lovers from around the region into the tree-lined streets and small businesses of Adams Morgan.
Free Admission

 

Financial Times Weekend Festival – May 10
Experience the Financial Times weekend paper come to life at the FTWeekend Festival: U.S. edition. In previous years, the lineup has been both online and in-person, featuring your favorite FT writers in conversation with names like Nancy Pelosi and Jake Sullivan. From debates and performances to wine and whiskey tastings, this is a Saturday event not to be missed.
Note: This event is an external rental presented in coordination with The Kennedy Center Campus Rentals Office and is not produced by The Kennedy Center.
The REACH at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

Anacostia River Festival

Anacostia River Festival
Spend the afternoon outdoors taking in the beauty of the 11th Street Bridge Park during the annual Anacostia River Festival. The free, family-friendly event is hosted right next to the river and includes a market as well as live music and plenty of activities.
Free Admission | More Information
11th Street Bridge Park, 1901 Mississippi Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020

 

Merriweather Post Pavilion

M3 Rock Festival
Rock 'n roll diehards can get the full ‘80s arena experience at the two-day M3 Rock Festival. Celebrating its 16th year, the can't-miss event has featured legendary rockers like Bret Michaels, Dee Snider, Queensryche, Steven Pearcy, Doro, Quiet Riot, Chris Caffery and Night Ranger. 
Merriweather Post Pavilion 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044

 

National Gallery of Art

National Gallery Nights
A true only-in-DC experience, National Gallery Nights in the National Gallery of Art’s East Building are whimsical way to spend an evening. While themes vary, odds are festivities will involve dressing up, dancing, participating in interactive activities, taking photos and discovering artworks in the museum. Activities on the 4th Street Plaza are free; registration is typically required to enter the East Building.
Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565

 

National Museum of Asian Art

Arts and Culture Festival
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art puts on a huge party across three days, all in honor and celebration of the Middle East, Asia and Asian-American communities. Expect pop-ups, live performances and lively discussions around Asian diasporic experiences. All events are free and open to the public.
More Information |  Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

 

EU Embassies’ Open House
Take your very own day-trip to Europe and enjoy the Old Continent without any jet lag. From Ireland and Italy to Spain and Slovakia, all European Union member states participate in this citywide open house experience.
More Info | Free Admission
 

Waldorf Astoria Mother's Day Tea

Celebrate Mother’s Day in DC
While mothers should be celebrated every day, Mother’s Day only comes once per year. We’re here to help you honor the occasion and plan out an unforgettable holiday experience in the nation’s capital, so be sure to check out our rundown of Mother’s Day must-dos.

 

Dupont Kalorama Museums Consortium

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 Information | Free Admission

 

Fiesta Asia!
Embrace Asian Heritage Month with a day jam-packed with culture, from the performing arts to culinary delights. The annual Fiesta Asia! takes over Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 6th streets NW with exciting performances, interactive displays, flea markets and food stalls.
Free Admission
Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd & 6th Streets NW

 

The Wharf

Running of the Chihuahuas at The Wharf
The Wharf celebrates Cinco de Mayo with this too-cute-to-be-true chihuahua race. Watch the little pups run their way to glory at one of the most exciting places in DC. You’ll also be able to enjoy a beer garden, a 360-degree pet photo booth, a DJ, an adoptable pet parade, an all-breed costume contest and music throughout the afternoon.
Free Admission 
The Wharf, 600 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 

 

canowine

Rolling to Remember
This motorcycle rally is held to raise awareness of critical issues faced by veterans every day, as well as in tribute to those missing in action and prisoners of war. Rolling to Remember aims to deliver a message to Congress and the American people that veterans are in need of assistance, as the group struggles with a suicide crisis. Visit the event website for scheduling updates, registration and attendance info for this year's procession.
More info

 

DC Black Pride

DC Black Pride
The District is home to one of the first and largest African American Gay Pride events in the country: DC Black Pride. Hosted at the Westin Downtown, festivities include social events, vendor expos, a poetry slam, a writers forum, faith services and complimentary wellness services and screenings – all of which are free unless otherwise noted. Other highlights typically include an Opening Night Reception and Brunch & Babes Drag Brunch fundraiser, where attendees can enjoy bottomless mimosas for a cause.
More info
The Westin Washington, DC Downtown, 999 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

dougvansant

National Memorial Day Concert – May 26
The National Memorial Day Concert salutes the sacrifice made by the men and women in uniform, as well as their families. The free annual concert will be aired on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The event will also be live-streamed online and will be available on-demand for two weeks after the performance.
More info 

 

The National Memorial Day Parade – May 26
Our Sacred Honor tells the story of American sacrifice from the Revolution to today along Constitution Avenue through live, on site historical re-enactors, veterans, and active duty military personnel, joined by musical performances and celebrity appearances. The in-person parade takes place ‘live’ in Washington, filmed for a television special that will air on ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox stations nationwide. For more ideas on how to spend the weekend, check out our suggestions.

 

Jazz in the Garden
Kick back and groove to the music with sangria in hand at Jazz in the Garden on Fridays throughout the summer, held in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden starting in the final days of May. 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.
Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565

 

Washington, DC Hosts WorldPride
The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Pride in Washington, DC and we're celebrating by making it an all-out international experience. Join the momentous celebrations as the nation’s capital is painted with pride, featuring a variety of events to inspire, empower and connect the international LGBTQ+ community and their allies.

 

National Museum of Asian Art

Do Ho Suh: Public Figures – Ongoing
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

 

National Museum of American History

Zen and the Open Road – Ongoing
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

 

 

Places to Stay

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. Find your stay today!