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...

25+ 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...

Two performers on stage beneath ornate theater balconies and chandelier.

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 2027

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

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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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

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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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

Downtown

National Children's Museum

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

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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration is Now Open!

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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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Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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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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Dupont Circle

Egyptian Cultural and Education Center

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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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Virginia

Signature Theatre

The Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre is DC's positively swanky (The New York Times) home for contemporary musicals and new plays.

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National Mall

National Museum of Natural History

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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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Southwest & The Wharf

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for Ameri...

Tony Award-winning theater with a focus on the production, presentation, development and study of American voices from classics to world premieres.

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Georgetown

Anna Weatherley's Hand-Painted Porcelain...

Step inside the private studio of internationally acclaimed porcelain artist Anna Weatherley for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience just minutes from Georgetown.

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Nov

14

2026

Logan Circle

Tara' Hootenanny

Nov 14, 2026 - Apr 10, 2027

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Nov

14

2026

Downtown

Mamma Mia!

Now - Nov 15, 2026

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Nov

14

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?

Now - Dec 06, 2026

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Nov

14

2026

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 12, 2028

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Nov

14

2026

Virginia

All The World's A Stage

Now - Nov 15, 2026

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Washington National Opera - Madama Butterfly

Nov

15

2026

Downtown

Washington National Opera - Madama Butterfly

Now - Nov 20, 2026

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Nov

14

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

The Logos Theatre presents "Silent Star"

Now - Dec 06, 2026

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Nov

14

2026

Maryland

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Nov 14, 2026 - Jun 13, 2027

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Nov

14

2026

Virginia

All The World's A Stage

Now - Dec 20, 2026

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Nov

14

2026

Downtown

MAMMA MIA

Now - Nov 15, 2026

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Nov

15

2026

Downtown

Magician Charlie Ross at Barbouzard 'Le Brunch'

Nov 15, 2026 - Dec 27, 2026

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Nov

16

2026

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

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Nov

17

2026

Maryland

Hell's Kitchen The Musical

Nov 17, 2026 - Nov 23, 2026

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Nov

17

2026

Downtown

THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER

Nov 17, 2026 - Nov 22, 2026

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Renée Fleming, Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness

Nov

17

2026

Foggy Bottom

Renée Fleming, Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness

Nov 17, 2026

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Washington National Opera - Nixon in China

Nov

14

2026

Downtown

Washington National Opera - Nixon in China

Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 21, 2026

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Nov

19

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

A Christmas Carol

Nov 19, 2026 - Dec 20, 2026

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Nov

19

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Magic Mic Close-Up Magic Showcase

Nov 19, 2026

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Friday Noon Concert featuring Yuanju Liu, violin

Nov

20

2026

Foggy Bottom

Friday Noon Concert featuring Yuanju Liu, violin

Nov 20, 2026

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Nov

21

2026

Maryland

Comedy Shows Near Me - Arundel Mills

Nov 21, 2026 - Oct 21, 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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Why DC is the Best City to Visit in 2026

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5 Reasons to Partner with a DMO

Exceptional Venues 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

25+ 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 2027

15 Cool Hotels for Your Next Trip to Washington, DC

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Woodrow Wilson House

National Museum of Women in the Arts

National Children's Museum

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

National Museum of the American Indian

National Postal Museum

ARTECHOUSE

Egyptian Cultural and Education Center

Basilica of the National Shrine of the I...

Signature Theatre

National Museum of Natural History

The National Theatre

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for Ameri...

Anna Weatherley's Hand-Painted Porcelain...

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

14

Logan Circle

Tara' Hootenanny

14

Downtown

Mamma Mia!

14

Southwest & The Wharf

Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?

14

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

14

Virginia

All The World's A Stage

15

Downtown

Washington National Opera - Madama Butterfly

14

Southwest & The Wharf

The Logos Theatre presents "Silent Star"

14

Maryland

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

14

Virginia

All The World's A Stage

14

Downtown

MAMMA MIA

15