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 ...

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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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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

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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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

Downtown

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration Opens June 26

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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Children's Museum

A playful learning adventure awaits at National Children's Museum!

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SPONSORED

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration Opens June 26

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Foggy Bottom

National Museum of American Diplomacy

The first museum dedicated to telling the story of American diplomacy.

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Warner Theatre

The Warner is host to a variety of televised events, award shows, conferences, film screenings and unique dinners on stage.

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Downtown

The National Theatre

Located on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House, the historic National is one of America's oldest, continually-operating theaters.

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Dupont Circle

The Keegan Theatre

The Keegan Theatre a unique meeting space just steps away from Dupont Circle.

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Upper Northwest

Washington National Cathedral

Standing at one of the city's highest points, this soaring Gothic cathedral extends almost the length of two football fields and pierces the city's skyline.

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Upper Northwest

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

One of the premier art collector's museums in the United States

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

An innovator in the development of new plays earning a reputation for staying plugged in to the mad temper of the times (New York Times).

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Adams Morgan

Shanklin Hall

Shanklin Hall 2325 is a non-membership required social club centered at the intersection of community, creativity, and wellness.

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Jun

12

2026

Capitol Hill

Creative Conversations: How Shakespeare Saved My Life

Now - Jun 12, 2026

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Jun

12

2026

Foggy Bottom

iMusical: Washington Improv Theater’s improvised musical

Now - Jun 12, 2026

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Jun

12

2026

Logan Circle

Escape with Washington Improv Theater

Now - Aug 01, 2026

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Jun

13

2026

Downtown

National Scrollathon

Now - Sep 07, 2026

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Jun

13

2026

Capitol Hill

How Shakespeare Saved My Life

Now - Jul 05, 2026

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Jun

13

2026

Virginia

Pippin

Now - Jul 26, 2026

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Jun

13

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

The Motion

Now - Jun 14, 2026

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Jun

13

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

“A General’s Prayer”

Now - Jul 19, 2026

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Jun

13

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

CrazySexyCool - The TLC Musical

Now - Aug 09, 2026

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Jun

13

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

The Magic Duel in Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026

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Jun

13

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Othello

Now - Jun 21, 2026

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Jun

13

2026

Virginia

The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long

Jun 13, 2026

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Jun

13

2026

H Street NE

Precarious

Now - Jun 28, 2026

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Jun

13

2026

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

Now - Jun 04, 2028

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Jun

13

2026

Downtown

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project

Now - Sep 30, 2026

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Jun

13

2026

Logan Circle

Tara' Hootenanny

Jun 13, 2026 - Apr 10, 2027

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Jun

14

2026

Downtown

National Symphony Orchestra at The Kennedy Center

Now - Jun 21, 2026

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Jun

15

2026

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

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Jun

16

2026

Virginia

What Became of Us

Jun 16, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026

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Jun

16

2026

SUFFS

Jun 16, 2026 - Jun 28, 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

Exceptional Venus for Your Meeting in Washington, DC

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 Museum of the American Indian

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Postal Museum

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

National Children's Museum

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

National Museum of American Diplomacy

Warner Theatre

The National Theatre

The Keegan Theatre

Washington National Cathedral

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

Shanklin Hall

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

12

Capitol Hill

Creative Conversations: How Shakespeare Saved My Life

12

Foggy Bottom

iMusical: Washington Improv Theater’s improvised musical

12

Logan Circle

Escape with Washington Improv Theater

13

Downtown

National Scrollathon

13

Capitol Hill

How Shakespeare Saved My Life

13

Virginia

Pippin

13

Southwest & The Wharf

The Motion

13

Southwest & The Wharf

“A General’s Prayer”

13

Southwest & The Wharf

CrazySexyCool - The TLC Musical

13

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

The Magic Duel in Penn Quarter & Chinatown

13