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...

20+ 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...

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 2026

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 ...

SPONSORED

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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SPONSORED

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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SPONSORED

Shaw

The Howard Theatre

One-of-a-Kind Private Event Experience: From Concert Venue to Corporate Awards Dinner

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SPONSORED

National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

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SPONSORED

Virginia

George Washington's Mount Vernon

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

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SPONSORED

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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SPONSORED

Georgetown

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

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

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SPONSORED

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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Brookland

Basilica of the National Shrine of the I...

The largest Roman Catholic church in the United States and North America, and is one of the ten largest churches in the world.

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Mount Vernon Square

Cloakroom

DC's premier venue features 5,000 sq. ft. of space, a rooftop with panoramic views, a large stage, high-tech sound and lighting and luxe finishes.

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National Mall

National Air and Space Museum

The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

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Downtown

Mastro's Steakhouse

You can order delicious dine-at-home steak kits from Mastro's for delivery or carry-out

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National Mall

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

The National Museum of Asian Art is dedicated to advancing public knowledge about the arts and cultures of Asia through exhibitions, publications, research and education.

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Downtown

National Gallery of Art

National Gallery of Art: Of the nation and for all the people.

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Wesley Heights

The Kreeger Museum

The Kreeger Museum is a DC art museum focused on Impressionism, early Modernism, and Contemporary sculpture.

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Virginia

National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

Find Inspiration at the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Apr

15

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

A Good Day to Me Not to You

Now - May 03, 2026

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Apr

15

2026

H Street NE

Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest

Now - May 03, 2026

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Apr

15

2026

Downtown

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project

Now - Sep 30, 2026

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Apr

15

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

"1776" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 16, 2026

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Apr

15

2026

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

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Apr

16

2026

Dupont Circle

The Minutes

Now - May 03, 2026

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Apr

16

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Prince Caspian Live onstage

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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Apr

17

2026

Foggy Bottom

Friday Noon Concert, in Celebration of International House Museum Days!

Apr 17, 2026

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Apr

17

2026

Adams Morgan

Magic Night at Blunt Sluts

Apr 17, 2026

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Apr

17

2026

Virginia

Sense and Sensibility

Apr 17, 2026 - May 03, 2026

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Apr

18

2026

Georgetown

The Magic Duel at The Glover Park Hotel Georgetown

Apr 18, 2026 - May 30, 2026

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Apr

18

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

The Magic Duel in Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026

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Apr

18

2026

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

Now - Apr 09, 2028

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Apr

18

2026

Capitol Hill

Shakespeare's Birthday Celebration

Apr 18, 2026

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Apr

18

2026

Maryland

Comedy & Magic at The Hyatt Regency Bethesda

Apr 18, 2026

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Apr

18

2026

Maryland

Comedy Shows Near Me - Arundel Mills

Apr 18, 2026 - Mar 18, 2028

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Apr

18

2026

Downtown

"DC's Must See Magic Show"

Apr 18, 2026 - May 23, 2026

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Apr

19

2026

Capitol Hill

Tell Out My Soul: Whats The Story and Whos Telling It?

Apr 19, 2026

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Apr

20

2026

Petworth

Monday Funday Concerts

Now - Apr 27, 2026

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Apr

24

2026

Virginia

Legally Blonde

Apr 24, 2026 - May 02, 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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Partner Content

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

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5 Reasons to Partner with a DMO

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Your Meeting Planner Toolkit

Museums with After-Hours Programming in Washington, DC

Learning on Location

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

20+ 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 2026

15 Cool Hotels for Your Next Trip to Washington, DC

National Postal Museum

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

The Howard Theatre

National Museum of the American Indian

George Washington's Mount Vernon

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

Woodrow Wilson House

Basilica of the National Shrine of the I...

Cloakroom

National Air and Space Museum

Mastro's Steakhouse

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

National Gallery of Art

The Kreeger Museum

National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

15

Southwest & The Wharf

A Good Day to Me Not to You

15

H Street NE

Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest

15

Downtown

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project

15

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

"1776" at Ford's Theatre

15

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

16

Dupont Circle

The Minutes

16

Southwest & The Wharf

Prince Caspian Live onstage

17

Foggy Bottom

Friday Noon Concert, in Celebration of International House Museum Days!

17

Adams Morgan

Magic Night at Blunt Sluts

17

Virginia

Sense and Sensibility

18

Tell Out My Soul: Whats The Story and Whos Telling It?