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A snowy scene of a downtown street leading up to the National Archives in Washington, DC.

What's Open in Washington, DC During a Government Shutdown

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Find the latest status updates on attractions, museums, theater, festivals, events and more

Washington, DC is open for business

The nation's capital is ready to welcome you even during a government shutdown (check out our guide to DC during a shutdown). While some federally funded attractions and sites may offer limited access, daily life in DC remains active, full of museums, restaurants and can't-miss things to do, including the city's celebrations of America's 250th anniversary.

Shutdown Update

As of Jan. 31, 2026, a shutdown is underway, but unlike with past shutdowns, the impacts to visitors are limited, with many major attractions funded through Sept. 30 and remaining open. One major attraction that is closed due to the shutdown is the National Archives, however Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, the National Gallery of Art and National Park Service sites remain operating as normal. Note: Some temporary closures may currently be weather-related rather than shutdown-related, due to the recent snowstorm. Travelers should continue checking this page for more updates. 

Find things to do this week, weekend and month, plus guides to the best things to do during a shutdown and attractions ready to welcome visitors.

 

What's Open (most attractions)

Museums, Attractions & Tours

Visitors sit and interact with a dynamic word display at Planet Word, a language-focused museum in Washington, DC.

Planet Word

Museums & Attractions

Smithsonian museums

 

National Park Service sites, monuments and memorials

 

Other museums, attractions and cultural institutes

 

Tours

 

Theater, Performances, Sports & Games

The exterior of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington, DC with it doors open.

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

The show must go on: Washington, DC's theater scene is alive and well during a shutdown. Most venues do not receive federal funds.
 

Theaters & Playhouses

 

Music & Concert Venues

 

Sports & Games

 

Parks, Gardens & Recreation

Open-air national parks like the National Mall and Rock Creek Park will remain accessible during the shutdown. With NPS being funded through Sept. 30, regular operations are expected during this shutdown. Learn more about DC's parks and gardens and find a list below of what is currently open.
 

 

Restaurants

Places to eat and drink remain open to the public and unaffected due to the shutdown. Due to the popularity of DC's dining scene, it's always recommended to reserve your table in advance online. For diners who prefer to eat outdoors, check out these fall-friendly, al fresco options: beer gardens, patios and rooftop restaurants. And we encourage visitors and locals to join in on the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington's Together We Dine initiative, celebrating the dining scene through events and menus through October.

 

Shopping

Shopping and retail attractions affected by the shutdown are limited to museum gift shops that are closed. Shop around the District at Black-owned businesses, made-in-DC shops and LGBTQ-owned enterprises and others. 

 

Hotels

Royal Sonesta Washington, DC Capitol Hill

DC-area hotels are open and ready to welcome guests. You can also take advantage of special deals and peruse properties that are ideal for sports fans, history buffs, families with kids and guests looking for cool places to stay.

 

Transportation

A long-exposure shot captures the motion of a train at Metro Center station in Washington, DC.

Metrorail and Metrobus will operate as usual during a federal government shutdown. Travel Metro easily with touch-free SmarTrip service for iPhone and Apple Watch devices, becoming the first rail system in the U.S. to offer a full service, touch-free payment option at every single stop.
 

What's Closed

It's possible certain staff-led tours, visitor centers and other federal staffing delays may be occur. 

Check here to learn the latest closed statuses.

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