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

Downtown

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration is coming to Washington, D.C. summer 2026.

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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Museum of Women in the Arts

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

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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

Foggy Bottom

The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for ...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

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Virginia

George Washington's Mount Vernon

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

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SPONSORED

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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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

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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Downtown

National Environmental Museum and Educat...

National Environmental Museum and Education Center

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Downtown

DAR Constitution Hall

Newly-renovated 3,702-seat facility capable of hosting a wide variety of events, including concerts, television, meetings, commencements and award shows.

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Virginia

Arlington House

Former home of Robert E. Lee. Open daily 9:30 am–4:30 pm

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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.

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Maryland

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

Board meetings, teleconferencing and broadcast video production by day; and elegant receptions and private screenings by nigh..

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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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Southwest & The Wharf

Museum of the Bible

Museum of the Bible: What's in it will truly surprise you!

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Downtown

Wild Days @ Eaton Hotel

Eaton DC's indoor/outdoor rooftop music venue and bar serves up street food from Chef Tim Ma.

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Jan

17

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

The Ford’s Theatre Legacy Commissions: A First Look

Now - Jan 17, 2026

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Jan

17

2026

National Mall

Tidal Basin 5k Running Tour

Now - Dec 31, 2027

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Jan

17

2026

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

Now - Jan 16, 2028

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Jan

17

2026

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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Jan

17

2026

Dupont Circle

Out of Many: Reframing an American Art Collection

Now - Feb 15, 2026

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Jan

17

2026

National Mall

The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art

Now - Mar 01, 2026

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Jan

17

2026

National Mall

American Landscapes in Watercolor from the Corcoran Collection

Now - Feb 01, 2026

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Jan

17

2026

Virginia

Historic Blenheim - Tours & History

Now - Jan 16, 2028

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Jan

17

2026

Downtown

Tour: Verbal Description

Now - Jan 17, 2026

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Jan

17

2026

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Apr 30, 2027

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Jan

17

2026

Downtown

Mentalist Brian Curry The Good Liar

Now - Feb 21, 2026

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Jan

17

2026

The Dinner Detective Washington DC

Now - Jan 24, 2026

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Jan

17

2026

Maryland

Comedy Shows Near Me - Arundel Mills

Now - Jan 15, 2028

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Jan

17

2026

Downtown

"DC's Must See Magic Show"

Now - May 23, 2026

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Jan

18

2026

Virginia

In Clay

Now - Feb 01, 2026

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Jan

18

2026

Virginia

Fiddler on the Roof

Now - Jan 25, 2026

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Jan

18

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Antony & Cleopatra

Now - Jan 25, 2026

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Jan

18

2026

Capitol Hill

Julius X

Now - Jan 16, 2028

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Jan

18

2026

Anacostia

Rik Freeman: Wade in the Waters

Now - Feb 19, 2026

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Jan

18

2026

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

Now - Jan 16, 2028

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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

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The District Blog

20+ Restaurants with Fires to Cozy Up to

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 Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Tudor Place Historic House &amp; Garden ...

The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for ...

George Washington&#039;s Mount Vernon

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Children&#039;s Museum

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Environmental Museum and Educat...

DAR Constitution Hall

Arlington House

ARTECHOUSE

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

National Gallery of Art

Museum of the Bible

Wild Days @ Eaton Hotel

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

17

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

The Ford’s Theatre Legacy Commissions: A First Look

17

National Mall

Tidal Basin 5k Running Tour

17

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

17

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

17

Dupont Circle

Out of Many: Reframing an American Art Collection

17

National Mall

The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art

17

National Mall

American Landscapes in Watercolor from the Corcoran Collection

17

Virginia

Historic Blenheim - Tours & History

17

Downtown

Tour: Verbal Description

17

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

17

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden ...

George Washington's Mount Vernon

National Children's Museum