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Summer

It’s always easy to pack your days with fun, free things to do in Washington, DC - and it’s even easier during the summertime, when free and bargain-priced concerts, performances, festivals and more abound.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
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For 10 days in summer, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival draws a million people to the Mall to experience storytelling, music, dance, cookery and craft.
Summer in Washington, DC
DC's summer sizzles with festivals, events, outdoor music, al fresco dining and much more.
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Fourth of July fireworks splash the sky with reds, whites and blues above the U.S. Capitol.
Summer Holidays in DC
Celebrate summer’s most patriotic moments in America’s capital city.
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DC Travel Inspiration

Trip Ideas

Cheese Flights in DC
The skyrocketing interest in regional food is mirrored by the number of cheese plates on DC menus. Paired with wine flights, this combo transports diners to nearby Virginia hillsides or farther afield to the likes of Napa, Mendoza or Tuscany.
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Seafood in DC
Located near the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, DC is known for its seafood specialties such as delicious blue crab cakes and tasty rockfish. Cozy up to an oyster bar or take a stroll through the oldest operating fish market in the United States.
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Music lovers flock to Washington each summer to attend the annual DC Jazz Festival, featuring up to 100 performances across more than 60 venues.
DC Jazz Festival
The annual DC Jazz Festival, June 5-16, features more than 125 live performances throughout DC.
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D.C. United is one of the signature franchises in Major League Soccer, having won four MLS Cups while reaching the postseason 10 times.
Summer Sports in DC
Warm weather and a sports town through and through means plenty of chances to enjoy a good game.
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Every summer, fourth of July fireworks splash the sky with reds, whites and blues above the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol.
Top Spots to Catch the Fireworks
The most critical part of any Independence Day is where you’re going to hunker down to watch the fireworks. You’ll want to catch all the booming flashes and floating cascades of red, white and blue, and we have just the spots to optimize your view.
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Performing Arts
The U.S. Capitol isn’t the only place to see the theater in DC. Check out these trusted venues.
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The Great Outdoors
When the concrete of the city becomes too much, Washingtonians and visitors recharge with any of these types of activities.
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Outdoor Dining in DC
When warm weather descends on the nation’s capital, outdoor dining is clutch. Get the low-down on all kinds of alfresco experiences, from historic chili dog vendors to exotic food trucks or from patio lunches to restaurants with retractable rooftops.
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The National Memorial Day Parade attracts more than 250,000 patriotic Americans to honor those who have sacrificed through service to our country.
10 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in Washington, DC
From parades to The Changing of the Guard, honor veterans and fallen heroes in the nation's capital.
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Every summer, fourth of July fireworks splash the sky with reds, whites and blues above the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol.
10 Ways to Celebrate Independence Day in Washington, DC
Spend the Fourth of July in the nation’s capital and celebrate with fireworks and festivals.
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For 10 days in summer, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival draws a million people to the Mall to experience storytelling, music, dance, cookery and craft.
Summer Festivals in DC
Washington, DC's summer festivals celebrate everything from food to film.
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Fourth of July fireworks soar over the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument in DC.
Summer Holidays in DC
Between Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day, DC is where to celebrate the patriotic holidays.
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The open parkland of the National Mall is a popular place for morning and evening walks and jogs. The distance between the steps of the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial is 1.9 miles.
10 Ways to Spend Labor Day Weekend in Washington, DC
Celebrate the last days of summer with football, music and more in the nation's capital.
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Each spring, Passport DC packs the month of May with free, family-friendly performances, such as these traditional Vietnamese dancers, on stages around the city.
Passport DC
Presented by Cultural Tourism DC, this annual event celebrates the international side of DC.
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Outdoor Activities for Families
From biking and boating to picnics and playgrounds, outdoor activities abound for all ages in DC.
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A summertime tradition: Free flicks are shown on the National Mall as part of Screen on the Green on designated Monday evenings. Blankets and picnics are a must.
DC Itinerary: 3 Days in Summer
A hot three-day itinerary designed to hit up DC's coolest summertime spots.
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Want more inspiration? Visit these pages.