Washington DC Arts & Culture

Tap into the city’s creative heartbeat.

Whether you're inspired by free museums or culturally diverse neighborhoods, this city has it all. Catch a musical before it hits Broadway. Go where DC creators hatch their best ideas. The District oozes with local flavor and one-of-a-kind experiences. Bottle it up on your trip when you tour colorful street murals, chat with artists at Eastern Market or accept a standing invite to the Meridian Hill drum circle.

Passport DC - Embassy Open Houses

Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Guests Taking Photo of Ben's Chili Bowl Mural

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Where to Find the Most Colorful Street Murals in Washington, DC

Vibrant street art adds color to DC in any season.

Henry the elephant in the National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC

History, science, art and culture come alive at these free DC museum...

Theaters & Performance Spaces to See a Show in Washington, DC

A variety of performances grace stages throughout the District – her...

25+ Cool & Interesting Museums in Washington, DC That Aren’t On the National Mall

Venture off the National Mall to these knowledge centers for a uniqu...

Inside National Museum of African American History and Culture

Ways to Celebrate African American History & Culture in Washington, DC

Honor the Black experience at these museums, memorials and more thro...

Two performers on stage beneath ornate theater balconies and chandelier.

Grab A Seat: Washington, DC’s Theaters Are Must-See Attractions

Why Washington, DC's performing arts scene is in a class of its own

Grandfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown Mural by Aniekan Udofia

Keep on Groovin’: An Intro to Go-Go Music in Washington, DC

The official music of the city has a fascinating history, but its st...

A couple looks at a colorful painting at the Phillips Collection.

2 Days of LGBTQ+ Culture & Arts in Washington, DC

Whether during Pride or year-round, visitors and locals can embrace ...

National Gallery of Art East Building - Museum on the National Mall - Washington, DC

Discover the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, DC

Explore modern artworks in this stunningly beautiful free museum on ...

The Best City to Visit in 2027

Washington, DC shines with can’t-miss events, new exhibits and prais...

@carahedge - Summer day outside The LINE Hotel in Adams Morgan - Unique hotels in Washington, DC

15 Cool Hotels for Your Next Trip to Washington, DC

These hip and trendy hotels offer unique experiences that blend the ...

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Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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Virginia

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps: Enter and experience what it means to be a Marine.

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Downtown

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration is Now Open!

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Dupont Circle

Woodrow Wilson House

Dine intimately in the presidential Dining Room, enjoy cocktails throughout the main museum rooms or relax and unwind in the tranquil period garden.

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National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

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Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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Virginia

George Washington's Mount Vernon

The iconic riverside estate of George Washington. Open daily, 365 days a year.

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Georgetown

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

Tudor Place offers unique and intimate settings perfect for special occasions.

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Adams Morgan

Shanklin Hall

Shanklin Hall provides a stunning backdrop and exceptional service for your private events.

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Ivy City

Throw Social and Kick Axe Throwing

Throwing Libations In A Modern Lodge Setting.

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Virginia

Airbus IMAX Theater

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Georgetown

The Magic Duel Comedy Show

Have DC's Favorite Comedy Show at Your Next Event

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Virginia

National Air and Space Museum Steven F. ...

Fly High at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

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Virginia

National Museum of the United States Arm...

The National Museum of the United States Army

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Maryland

Merriweather Post Pavilion

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Foggy Bottom

FEMME Art Fair

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Oct

23

2026

Foggy Bottom

Friday Noon Concert featuring Amy K. Bormet on piano & Melinda Rice on violin

Now - Oct 23, 2026

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Oct

23

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Prince Caspian Live onstage

Now - Oct 25, 2026

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Oct

23

2026

Logan Circle

Stumped

Now - Oct 24, 2026

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Oct

23

2026

Capitol Hill

Measure for Measure

Now - Nov 01, 2026

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Oct

24

2026

Virginia

Merrily We Roll Along

Now - Nov 01, 2026

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Oct

24

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

The Fruits of Our Labor

Now - Nov 01, 2026

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Oct

24

2026

Virginia

All The World's A Stage

Now - Dec 20, 2026

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Oct

24

2026

Capitol Hill

Soul Strolls

Now - Oct 31, 2026

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Oct

24

2026

Virginia

Merrily We Roll Along

Now - Nov 01, 2026

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Oct

24

2026

Dupont Circle

Hundred Days

Now - Nov 08, 2026

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Oct

24

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

The Score

Now - Oct 25, 2026

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Oct

24

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT

Now - Nov 08, 2026

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Oct

24

2026

Maryland

Summer - The Donna Summer Musical

Now - Nov 01, 2026

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Oct

24

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?

Now - Dec 06, 2026

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Oct

24

2026

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

Oct 24, 2026 - Oct 22, 2028

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Oct

24

2026

Maryland

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Now - Jun 13, 2027

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Oct

24

2026

Logan Circle

Fraudway! Presents

Oct 24, 2026

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Oct

25

2026

Maryland

Six the Musical

Oct 25, 2026 - Nov 01, 2026

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Oct

25

2026

Virginia

All The World's A Stage

Now - Nov 15, 2026

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Oct

25

2026

Downtown

Magician Charlie Ross at Barbouzard 'Le Brunch'

Oct 25, 2026 - Dec 27, 2026

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Featured Places to Stay

Book a memorable night at DC hotels

Boutique hotels, family-friendly hotels, budget-friendly hotels - whatever you're looking for, you'll find it. Explore the hotel options waiting for your arrival.

Take Me There

Southwest & The Wharf

Canopy Washington DC The Wharf

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Downtown

Eaton Washington DC

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Downtown

Hotel Zena

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Adams Morgan

The LINE DC

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Why DC is the Best City to Visit in 2026

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Your Meeting Planner Toolkit

Museums with After-Hours Programming in Washington, DC

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Top Ways Washington, DC is a Sustainable City

Member Testimonials

Learn More About Partnerships

The District Blog

Delightful Patio Dining

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

Why DC is the Best City to Visit in 2026

Order Your Free Visitors Guide

Arts & Culture

Tap into the city’s creative heartbeat.

Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Where to Find the Most Colorful Street Murals in Washington, DC

Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC

Theaters & Performance Spaces to See a Show in Washington, DC

25+ Cool & Interesting Museums in Washington, DC That Aren’t On the National Mall

Ways to Celebrate African American History & Culture in Washington, DC

Grab A Seat: Washington, DC’s Theaters Are Must-See Attractions

Keep on Groovin’: An Intro to Go-Go Music in Washington, DC

2 Days of LGBTQ+ Culture & Arts in Washington, DC

Discover the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, DC

The Best City to Visit in 2027

15 Cool Hotels for Your Next Trip to Washington, DC

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

Woodrow Wilson House

National Museum of the American Indian

National Postal Museum

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

Shanklin Hall

Throw Social and Kick Axe Throwing

Airbus IMAX Theater

The Magic Duel Comedy Show

National Air and Space Museum Steven F. ...

National Museum of the United States Arm...

Merriweather Post Pavilion

FEMME Art Fair

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

23

Foggy Bottom

Friday Noon Concert featuring Amy K. Bormet on piano & Melinda Rice on violin

23

Southwest & The Wharf

Prince Caspian Live onstage

23

Logan Circle

Stumped

23

Capitol Hill

Measure for Measure

24

Virginia

Merrily We Roll Along

24

Southwest & The Wharf

The Fruits of Our Labor

24

Virginia

All The World's A Stage

24

Capitol Hill

Soul Strolls

24

Virginia

Merrily We Roll Along

24

Dupont Circle

Hundred Days

24