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

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...

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

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.

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Downtown

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration Opens June 26

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Downtown

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration Opens June 26

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

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

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

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

VIEW DETAILS

Capitol Hill

Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital

Hill Center aims to broaden the horizons of all who enter by providing high-quality arts, education, and cultural programs to engage more fully in the life of our city.

VIEW DETAILS

Logan Circle

Washington Improv Theater

An interactive, laughter-filled session from Washington Improv Theater (WIT) is the perfect addition to your next event!

VIEW DETAILS

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery gives visitors a chance to meet fascinating Americans from more than 225 years of history in its halls

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

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

National Building Museum

The National Building Museum is America's leading cultural institution devoted to the history and impact of the built environment.

VIEW DETAILS

Dupont Circle

O Museum In The Mansion

With over 100 rooms and 80 secret doors, O Museum in The Mansion is one of the most unique experiences in the world.

VIEW DETAILS

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

Ivy City

Throw Social and Kick Axe Throwing

Throwing Libations In A Modern Lodge Setting.

VIEW DETAILS

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Jul

17

2026

Foggy Bottom

Music Cabaret In Celebration of the American Semiquincentennial

Now - Jul 17, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

18

2026

Virginia

Pippin

Now - Jul 26, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

18

2026

Downtown

National Scrollathon

Now - Sep 07, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

18

2026

Beetlejuice - The Musical

Now - Jul 26, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

18

2026

Virginia

Pippin

Now - Jul 26, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

18

2026

Foggy Bottom

Mrs. Doubtfire - The Musical

Now - Aug 02, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

18

2026

Virginia

What Became of Us

Now - Jul 26, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

18

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

CrazySexyCool - The TLC Musical

Now - Aug 09, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

18

2026

Downtown

Beetlejuice

Now - Jul 19, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

18

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

“A General’s Prayer”

Now - Jul 19, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

18

2026

Maryland

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Now - Aug 23, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

18

2026

Maryland

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Jul 18, 2026 - Jun 13, 2027

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

18

2026

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

Jul 18, 2026 - Jul 16, 2028

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

18

2026

Downtown

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project

Now - Sep 30, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

18

2026

Logan Circle

Escape with Washington Improv Theater

Now - Aug 01, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

18

2026

Maryland

Comedy Shows Near Me - Arundel Mills

Jul 18, 2026 - Jul 15, 2028

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

19

2026

Virginia

Princess Backpack and Benjamin

Jul 19, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

20

2026

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

21

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Concert on the Avenue - Navy Band Jazz Ensemble

Jul 21, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Jul

25

2026

Virginia

New Squid on the Block: Barefoot Puppet Theatre

Jul 25, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026

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

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

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

Woodrow Wilson House

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Museum of Women in the Arts

National Children's Museum

National Museum of the American Indian

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital

Washington Improv Theater

National Portrait Gallery

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

National Building Museum

O Museum In The Mansion

ARTECHOUSE

Throw Social and Kick Axe Throwing

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

17

Foggy Bottom

Music Cabaret In Celebration of the American Semiquincentennial

18

Virginia

Pippin

18

Downtown

National Scrollathon

18

Beetlejuice - The Musical

18

Virginia

Pippin

18

Foggy Bottom

Mrs. Doubtfire - The Musical

18

Virginia

What Became of Us

18

Southwest & The Wharf

CrazySexyCool - The TLC Musical

18

Downtown

Beetlejuice

18

Southwest & The Wharf

“A General’s Prayer”

18

Maryland