There’s no shortage of exciting events to help you stay cool in DC this summer, including Capital Pride, DC/DOX Film Festival and the Giant National BBQ Battle.
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.
Capital Pride – May 31 – June 9
Each year, local nonprofit Capital Pride hosts an array of exciting events and 2024 will be no different. There will be plenty of ways to show the community love. Last year’s attractions included a Pridemobile Parade and a Taste of Pride brunch in addition to the yearly concert and festival. Event dates and details will be announced in the coming months. Also note that DC will host World Pride in 2025. Make sure to read our piece on the events for more details.
More info | Book Your Stay
Martin E. Red Bear / National Museum of the American Indian
Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains – June 1, 2024 – 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
Armed Forces Cycling Classic – June 1-2
Now in its 26th year, 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
Register for the Challenge Ride
See HAIR or Where the Mountain Meets the Sea at Signature Theatre – through July 7
Get an up-close musical experience at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va. This summer’s lineup includes the legendary rock musical HAIR (April 16 - July 7) and the new folk musical Where the Mountain Meets the Sea (May 21 - July 7). Since its founding in 1989, Signature has won 90 Helen Hayes Awards for excellence in the DC region's professional theater, so whichever you choose, it is bound to be a memorable experience.
More info
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout – June 1
Meant to bring social impact issues to the center stage and encourage participants to explore joy and love as forms of growth and resistance, The Gathering is billed as "a sonic melodic quest” with the American Composers Orchestra and NEWorks Voices of Inspiration. The one-night-only event is sure to leave you reflective and rejuvenated.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Pride Block Party – June 8
Expect entertainment, food and beverages from local vendors, food trucks and restaurants along 17th Street and plenty of good vibes ahead of the Pride Parade later in the day. There’s also two beverage gardens for those ages 21 and over to refresh and watch performers on the Block Party Stage.
More info | Free Admission | Book Your Stay
17th Street NW, Washington, DC
Capital Pride Parade – June 8
Celebrate with the LGBTQ+ community and its allies at the beloved tradition that honors LGBTQ+ history and acknowledges the evolution of the LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in DC. The event also respects the origins and importance of taking to the streets in the fight for equality. Be prepared to experience one of the largest Pride Parades to ever take place in the nation’s capital. Entry is free and open to the public.
More info | Free Admission | Book Your Stay
U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team vs. Colombia – June 8
This international friendly match at FedExField in Landover, Md. marks the first time the U.S. Men’s National Team has played in the DMV since 2012. Both teams will be ramping up for the 2024 Copa America, so it’s bound to be an exciting matchup between two rivals.
Tickets
FedExField, 1600 FedEx Way, Greater Landover, MD 20785
Patti LaBelle + Gladys Knight – June 8
Get two powerhouse vocal performers in one evening with Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Va. The “Godmother” and “Empress” of soul (and also decades-long friends) will perform classics like “Lady Marmalade,” “You Are My Friend,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” and “Every Beat of My Heart.”
8 p.m. | Tickets
Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road Vienna, VA 22182
Pride Festival & Concert – June 9
America's Mainstreet, Pennsylvania Avenue, becomes Capital Pride central during the epic festival that lets DC's LGBTQ+ community truly shine. You can enjoy entertainment across three stages, food, beverages and a chance to meet with more than 300 exhibitors, including local and national advocacy groups. Entry is free and open to the public.
More info | Free Admission | Book Your Stay
Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC
DC/DOX Film Festival – June 13-16
The new annual DC/DOX Film Festival will take place at theater venues across the District. Passes go on sale May 1 for four days of visionary documentaries and conversations with the talent behind dozens of innovative and acclaimed works of non-fiction storytelling. Locations include 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.
More info
Argentina vs. Guatemala National Soccer Teams – June 14
Following the USA vs. Colombia match, the defending Copa America and FIFA World Cup champions Argentina will take on Guatemala in an international friendly match at FedExField in Landover, Maryland – a rare chance to see fútbol legend Lionel Messi work his magic!
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
FedExField, 1600 FedEx Way, Landover, MD 20785
Pasión y Fuego: The Music of Spain – June 15
Bask in the beauty of Pasión y Fuego, a multi-hyphenate evening showcasing work by Spain's most prominent composers. The Pan American Symphony Orchestra will be joined by an enchanting flamenco interpretation by Maria Juncal and the vocals of Allegra Da Vita, a mezzo-soprano from the Washington National Opera's Cafritz Young Artist Program.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
PORTRAITS by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC – June 16
Catch the world premiere of the latest show from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. The nine-movement performance explores the vibrant spectrum of sexual, gender, racial, ethnic and cultural identities through visual art, music and dance. Each piece has its own unique artist, composer and choreographer.
5 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Clipper Round the World Yacht Race
Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Arrival & Activation – June 17, 21-23
For the first time, the nation’s capital will serve as a host port and team partner for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, in which eleven teams must circumnavigate the globe under extreme conditions. Having begun their journeys last September in Portsmouth, UK, the fleet is expected to arrive in DC on June 17. Before the teams traverse the Atlantic Ocean to their next stop, there will be an exciting activation at The Wharf from June 21-23. Check out the Events DC website for more details.
More info
Folger Shakespeare Library’s New Galleries, Café and Shop – Opening June 21
After a multi-year renovation, there’s a myriad of new ways to explore the world's largest Shakespeare collection: investigate the First Folios, try your hand at setting type, unwind in the scenic gardens, get some reading done in the Great Hall or sip a tea at Quill & Crumb Café. Additionally, the Elizabethan Theatre will reopen its doors for shows and poetry readings, and the learning lab will present opportunities for families to connect with Shakespeare in interactive new formats.
More Info
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003
Home Rule Music Festival – June 21-22 & July 20
Now in its second year, the Home Rule Music Festival celebrates the rich music and cultural scene of DC. Events take place across three days over two weekends, with performances at venues spread across the city. Opening Night takes place at Black Cat in DC on June 21 with a day of performances at The Parks at Walter Reed on June 22. Then, on July 20 in partnership with NoMa BID, the festival puts on a show at Alethia Tanner Park.
Tickets
The Parks at Walter Reed, 1010 Butternut Street, NW, Washington, DC
Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way, NW, Washington, DC
Out and About Festival feat. Brittany Howard – June 22
Celebrate nature, music and Pride at this year’s Out & About Festival, which highlights LGBTQ+ artists and allies who live out loud. The one-day festival, hosted in America’s only National Park for the Performing Arts, will be headlined by Grammy-winning artist Brittany Howard, beloved by fans as the lead singer and guitarist for Alabama Shakes.
Tickets
Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road Vienna, VA 22182
Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle – June 22-23
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
Disney in Concert: The Sound of Magic – June 22-23
Let the National Symphony Orchestra whisk you away to the worlds of Peter Pan and Encanto with Disney in Concert. The one-weekend-only, live-to-film concert celebrates the centennial of Walt Disney Animation studios and is sure to have something for every Disney fan.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Kite Runner – June 25-30
Khaled Hosseini’s best-selling novel has been brilliantly adapted by playwright Matthew Spangler for this special production at the Kennedy Center. Set in Afghanistan, The Kite Runner concerns two childhood friends torn apart by war, which erupts on the day of their highly anticipated kite-flying tournament. From there, the epic tale stretches across two decades and two continents, revealing the power of forgiveness and friendship.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Funny Girl – June 25 – July 14
The Kennedy Center hosts a sensational Broadway revival of Funny Girl, the story of Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreams of mega-stardom on the stage. Even though she’s told time and again she’ll never succeed, Fanny becomes an iconic Broadway star. Featuring classic songs like “Don’t Rain On My Parade” and “People,” Funny Girl is a timeless love letter to the theater.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Smithsonian Folklife Festival – June 26 – July 1
The free festival salutes different international cultures every year on the National Mall with craft exhibits, live music and cooking demos. The 2024 edition focuses on Indigenous Voices of the Americas and specifically celebrates the National Museum of the American Indian, which turns 20 this year.
More info | Free Admission
Washington Mystics vs. Las Vegas Aces – June 29
See DC’s exciting WNBA team in action at the 4,200-seat Entertainment and Sports Arena in Congress Heights. The Mystics will take on Candace Parker, A’ja Wilson and the two-time defending WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces.
2 p.m. | Tickets
Entertainment & Sports Arena, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001
Places to Stay
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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!
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