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 ...

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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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Downtown

National Children's Museum

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

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SPONSORED

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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SPONSORED

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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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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National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

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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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Upper Northwest

Zenith Gallery

Zenith Gallery, the premiere source of art in WDC, 45 years, hundreds of artists in a wide range of styles & mediums from monumental to small.

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National Mall

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art...

The National Museum of Asian Art is dedicated to advancing public knowledge about the arts and cultures of Asia through exhibitions, publications, research and education.

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Downtown

Hedy's Rooftop

Hedy's Rooftop at Hotel Zena

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National Mall

Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden ...

Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden

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National Mall

National Museum of African Art

Devoted to the collection, exhibition, conservation and study of the arts of Africa

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Southwest & The Wharf

Angie D Entertainment

Full service entertainment and engagement production company using digital photo technology to create interactive entertainment for events.

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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!

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Shaw

Eighteenth Street Lounge

Stunningly furnished venue with outdoor patio, a max capacity of up to 300 guests, located directly across from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Options for live entertainment, full bar service, and catering.

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Feb

07

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Paranormal Activity: A New Story Live on Stage

Now - Feb 07, 2026

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Feb

07

2026

National Mall

Tidal Basin 5k Running Tour

Now - Dec 31, 2027

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Feb

07

2026

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

Now - Feb 07, 2028

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Feb

07

2026

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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Feb

07

2026

National Mall

The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art

Now - Mar 01, 2026

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Feb

07

2026

Dupont Circle

Out of Many: Reframing an American Art Collection

Now - Feb 15, 2026

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Feb

07

2026

Dupont Circle

peter campus: there somewhere

Now - May 03, 2026

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Feb

07

2026

National Mall

Black History Walking Tour With NMAAHC entry

Now - Feb 07, 2026

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Feb

07

2026

Virginia

Historic Blenheim - Tours & History

Now - Feb 07, 2028

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Feb

07

2026

Virginia

Fairfax Food Tour

Now - Feb 05, 2028

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Feb

07

2026

Upper Northwest

Black History Month Exhibit Receptions & Artist Talks

Now - Feb 28, 2026

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Feb

07

2026

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Apr 30, 2027

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Feb

07

2026

Logan Circle

Joyride with Washington Improv Theater

Now - Feb 22, 2026

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Feb

07

2026

Maryland

Comedy Shows Near Me - Silver Spring

Now - Feb 05, 2028

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Feb

07

2026

Downtown

"DC's Must See Magic Show"

Now - May 23, 2026

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Feb

08

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Dead Sea Scrolls

Now - Sep 07, 2026

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Feb

08

2026

Capitol Hill

Julius X

Now - Feb 07, 2028

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Feb

08

2026

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

Now - Feb 06, 2028

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Feb

08

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Chez Joey

Now - Mar 15, 2026

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Feb

08

2026

Dupont Circle

John Doe

Now - Feb 22, 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

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

Tudor Place Historic House &amp; Garden ...

The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for ...

National Children&#039;s Museum

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

Anacostia Community Museum

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

National Museum of the American Indian

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Zenith Gallery

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art...

Hedy&#039;s Rooftop

Hirshhorn Museum &amp; Sculpture Garden ...

National Museum of African Art

Angie D Entertainment

District E Powered by Ticketmaster

Eighteenth Street Lounge

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

07

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Paranormal Activity: A New Story Live on Stage

07

National Mall

Tidal Basin 5k Running Tour

07

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

07

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

07

National Mall

The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art

07

Dupont Circle

Out of Many: Reframing an American Art Collection

07

Dupont Circle

peter campus: there somewhere

07

National Mall

Black History Walking Tour With NMAAHC entry

07

Virginia

Historic Blenheim - Tours & History

07

Virginia

Fairfax Food Tour

07

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden ...

National Children's Museum

Hedy's Rooftop

Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden ...