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 Opens June 26

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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

Georgetown

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden ...

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

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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

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

National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

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Brookland

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in...

Experience the Holy Land in DC! Dedicated in 1898, the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America is one of our city's most beautiful destinations.

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Downtown

National Environmental Museum and Educat...

National Environmental Museum and Education Center

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NoMa & Union Market

Desert 5 Spot

Desert 5 Spot is a two-level, western-inspired venue in the Union Market district of DC designed for group events, celebrations, and memorable off-site experiences.

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Virginia

National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

Find Inspiration at the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

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Embassy Row

Theatre Washington

Theatre Week is back! Tickets on sale now.

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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.

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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

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Virginia

National Museum of the United States Arm...

The National Museum of the United States Army

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Mar

31

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

A Good Day to Me Not to You

Now - May 03, 2026

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Mar

31

2026

Downtown

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project

Now - Sep 30, 2026

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Mar

31

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Hamnet

Now - Apr 12, 2026

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Mar

31

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Eddie Izzard's The Tragedy of Hamlet

Now - Apr 05, 2026

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Mar

31

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

"1776" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 16, 2026

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Mar

31

2026

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

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Mar

31

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Travesty

Now - Apr 12, 2026

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Mar

31

2026

Capitol Hill

As You Like It

Now - Apr 12, 2026

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Mar

31

2026

Virginia

Safety Not Guaranteed

Now - Apr 12, 2026

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Mar

31

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Inherit the Wind

Now - Apr 05, 2026

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Mar

31

2026

National Mall

BloomFest at the Tidal Basin

Now - Apr 11, 2026

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H Street NE

Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest

Now - May 03, 2026

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Southwest & The Wharf

Prince Caspian Live onstage

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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Apr

04

2026

Georgetown

The Magic Duel at The Glover Park Hotel Georgetown

Apr 04, 2026 - May 30, 2026

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Apr

04

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

The Magic Duel in Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026

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Apr

04

2026

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

Now - Mar 26, 2028

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Apr

04

2026

Georgetown

The Magic Duel Comedy Show at Pinstripes Georgetown

Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026

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Apr

04

2026

Maryland

Comedy Shows Near Me - Silver Spring

Apr 04, 2026 - Mar 04, 2028

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Apr

06

2026

Petworth

Monday Funday Concerts

Now - Apr 27, 2026

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Apr

07

2026

Downtown

The Wiz

Apr 07, 2026 - Apr 12, 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

Downtown

Hotel Zena

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Southwest & The Wharf

Canopy Washington DC The Wharf

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Downtown

Eaton Washington DC

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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 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

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

National Children&#039;s Museum

Tudor Place Historic House &amp; Garden ...

Woodrow Wilson House

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

George Washington&#039;s Mount Vernon

National Museum of the American Indian

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in...

National Environmental Museum and Educat...

Desert 5 Spot

National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

Theatre Washington

National Building Museum

National Portrait Gallery

National Museum of the United States Arm...

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

31

Southwest & The Wharf

A Good Day to Me Not to You

31

Downtown

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project

31

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Hamnet

31

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Eddie Izzard's The Tragedy of Hamlet

31

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

"1776" at Ford's Theatre

31

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

31

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Travesty

31

Capitol Hill

As You Like It

31

Virginia

Safety Not Guaranteed

31

Southwest & The Wharf

Inherit the Wind

31

National Children's Museum

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden ...

George Washington's Mount Vernon