Washington DC Arts & Culture

Anyone in DC can tap into the city’s creative heartbeat, you just need to know where to look.

Whether you become inspired by free museums or culturally diverse neighborhoods with bustling shops and cafes, this city has it all. Catch a musical before it hits Broadway. Go where DC creators hatch their best ideas. Subscribe to a podcast that’s recorded live from your hotel. 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

SPONSORED

Downtown

National Children's Museum

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

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Downtown

National Museum of Women in the Arts

First major museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts.

VIEW DETAILS

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.

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Foggy Bottom

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Southwest & The Wharf

ARTECHOUSE

At the crossroads of art, science and technology, ARTECHOUSE brings a true 21st century art experience to the nation's capital.

VIEW DETAILS

Downtown

Hedy's Rooftop

Hedy's Rooftop at Hotel Zena

VIEW DETAILS

Georgetown

Old Stone House

The oldest house on its original foundation in Washington, DC.

VIEW DETAILS

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Shakespeare Theatre Company

VIEW DETAILS

Embassy Row

Theatre Washington

Experience Theatre in Washington, DC

VIEW DETAILS

Woodley Park

Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservat...

Enjoy thousands of exotic animals

VIEW DETAILS

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

District E Powered by Ticketmaster

District E is a state-of-the-art destination gaming and hospitality space, conveniently located directly adjacent to Capital One Arena. OPENING 2023!

VIEW DETAILS

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).

VIEW DETAILS

Capitol Hill

Folger Shakespeare Library

While our historic building is under renovation (2020-22), connect with the Folger at sites across DC, on tour and online. More at folger.edu.

VIEW DETAILS

Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Guests Taking Photo of Ben's Chili Bowl Mural

Learn More

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...

Couple walking with child during Capital Pride Parade - LGBTQ Summer Events in Washington, DC

2 Days Exploring LGBTQ+ Washington, DC

The nation’s capital is one of the most diverse—and welcoming—cities...

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 ...

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...

The Best City to Visit in 2025

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

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Apr

17

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

17

2025

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

Now - Apr 20, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

17

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

17

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

17

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

17

2025

Upper Northwest

47th Amethyst Anniversary

Now - Apr 19, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

17

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Apr 17, 2027

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

18

2025

Dupont Circle

The Magic Duel Comedy Show at Pinstripes Georgetown

Apr 18, 2025 - May 31, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

18

2025

Petworth

Spring Break at President Lincoln's Cottage

Now - Apr 18, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

18

2025

Downtown

Annie

Now - Apr 20, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

18

2025

Dupont Circle

Easter Tour & Candy

Now - Apr 21, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

18

2025

Foggy Bottom

Earth to Space Festival

Now - Apr 20, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

18

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Fake It Until You Make It

Now - May 02, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

18

2025

Logan Circle

Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament

Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

18

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Uncle Vanya

Now - Apr 20, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

18

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

18

2025

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 17, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

18

2025

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Now - Jun 22, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

18

2025

Virginia

In the Heights

Now - May 04, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

19

2025

Mount Vernon Square

The Delegate Presents The Magic Duel

Apr 18, 2025 - May 17, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

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

VIEW DETAILS

Downtown

Eaton Washington DC

VIEW DETAILS

Downtown

Hotel Zena

VIEW DETAILS

Adams Morgan

The LINE DC

VIEW DETAILS

Partner Content

Free Things to Do: Best of Washington, DC

Great Patios for Eating & Drinking in Washington, DC

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

Celebrate WorldPride in Washington, DC: May 17 – June 8

Order Your Free Visitors Guide

Explore the Connected Capital

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

Learn more about how Washington, DC invests in the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders.

Free Things to Do: Best of Washington, DC

Great Patios for Eating & Drinking in Washington, DC

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

Celebrate WorldPride in Washington, DC: May 17 – June 8

Order Your Free Visitors Guide

Arts & Culture

Anyone in DC can tap into the city’s creative heartbeat, you just need to know where to look.

National Children's Museum

National Museum of the American Indian

National Museum of Women in the Arts

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

Anacostia Community Museum

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

ARTECHOUSE

Hedy's Rooftop

Old Stone House

Shakespeare Theatre Company

Theatre Washington

Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservat...

District E Powered by Ticketmaster

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

Folger Shakespeare Library

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

2 Days Exploring LGBTQ+ Washington, DC

Discover the National Gallery of Art East Building 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

The Best City to Visit in 2025

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

17

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

17

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

17

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

17

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

17

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

17

Upper Northwest

47th Amethyst Anniversary

17

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

18

Dupont Circle

The Magic Duel Comedy Show at Pinstripes Georgetown

18

Petworth

Spring Break at President Lincoln's Cottage

18

Downtown

Annie

18