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

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

Virginia

George Washington's Mount Vernon

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

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SPONSORED

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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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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Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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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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SPONSORED

Georgetown

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

Tudor Place offers unique and intimate settings perfect for special occasions.

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Southwest & The Wharf

Rubell Museum

Rubell Museum DC

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National Mall

Smithsonian Office of Visitor Services

Plan your Smithsonian visit

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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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Dupont Circle

Egyptian Cultural and Education Center

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Mount Pleasant

Mexican Cultural Institute

The Mexican Cultural Institute of Washington, D.C. is committed to enriching the relationship between Mexico and the United States by sharing Mexico's vibrant cultural past and present with the local community

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Virginia

DEA Museum

Now open! Navigate your way to a new experience.

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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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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

The Second Dream: Spanish Poetry in Translation

Nov

05

2026

Foggy Bottom

The Second Dream: Spanish Poetry in Translation

Nov 05, 2026

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Nov

05

2026

Dupont Circle

Hundred Days

Now - Nov 08, 2026

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Nov

05

2026

Downtown

Mamma Mia!

Now - Nov 15, 2026

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Nov

05

2026

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

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Nov

05

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?

Now - Dec 06, 2026

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Nov

05

2026

Virginia

All The World's A Stage

Now - Nov 15, 2026

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Nov

06

2026

Maryland

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Nov 06, 2026 - Jun 13, 2027

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Nov

05

2026

Virginia

All The World's A Stage

Now - Dec 20, 2026

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Nov

05

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT

Now - Nov 08, 2026

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Nov

05

2026

Downtown

MAMMA MIA

Now - Nov 15, 2026

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Friday Noon Concert featuring a Masterful Trio of Violin, Cello, and Piano

Nov

06

2026

Foggy Bottom

Friday Noon Concert featuring a Masterful Trio of Violin, Cello, and Piano

Nov 06, 2026

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Nov

07

2026

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 04, 2028

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Washington National Opera - Madama Butterfly

Nov

07

2026

Downtown

Washington National Opera - Madama Butterfly

Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 20, 2026

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Nov

07

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

The Logos Theatre presents "Silent Star"

Nov 07, 2026 - Dec 06, 2026

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Nov

07

2026

Downtown

Mentalist Brian Curry: The Good Liar

Nov 07, 2026 - Feb 27, 2027

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Nov

07

2026

Maryland

Comedy Shows Near Me - Silver Spring

Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 04, 2028

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Nov

08

2026

Downtown

Magician Charlie Ross at Barbouzard 'Le Brunch'

Nov 08, 2026 - Dec 27, 2026

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Nov

12

2026

Foggy Bottom

iMusical: Washington Improv Theater’s improvised musical

Nov 12, 2026

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Friday Noon Concert featuring Ixia Chamber Music

Nov

13

2026

Foggy Bottom

Friday Noon Concert featuring Ixia Chamber Music

Nov 13, 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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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

Adams Morgan

The LINE DC

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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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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 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

Woodrow Wilson House

George Washington's Mount Vernon

National Postal Museum

National Children's Museum

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Museum of the American Indian

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

Rubell Museum

Smithsonian Office of Visitor Services

National Gallery of Art

Egyptian Cultural and Education Center

Mexican Cultural Institute

DEA Museum

Washington National Cathedral

Anna Weatherley's Hand-Painted Porcelain...

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

05

Foggy Bottom

The Second Dream: Spanish Poetry in Translation

05

Dupont Circle

Hundred Days

05

Downtown

Mamma Mia!

05

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

05

Southwest & The Wharf

Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?

05

Virginia

All The World's A Stage

06

Maryland

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

05

Virginia

All The World's A Stage

05

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT

05

Downtown

MAMMA MIA

06