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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Downtown

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration recently opened

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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

Downtown

National Children's Museum

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

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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

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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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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Maryland

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

Board meetings, teleconferencing and broadcast video production by day; and elegant receptions and private screenings by nigh..

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U Street

Lincoln Theatre

The Lincoln Theatre, built in 1922, was a cultural center of D

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Dupont Circle

The Phillips Collection

Encounter superb works of modern art in an intimate setting at The Phillips Collection, an internationally recognized museum in Washington's vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood.

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Downtown

The Hamilton Live

The Hamilton is fast-becoming Washington, DC's new favorite gathering place for music, art, entertainment and inventive dining.

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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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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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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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Petworth

Hook Hall

DC's premier event venue, beer garden, cafe and tavern featuring a large indoor and outdoor space located in the heart of Washington, DC.

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Jul

07

2026

Virginia

Lizzo with the National Symphony Orchestra

Now - Jul 07, 2026

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Jul

08

2026

Downtown

Beetlejuice

Now - Jul 19, 2026

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Jul

08

2026

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

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Jul

08

2026

Downtown

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project

Now - Sep 30, 2026

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Jul

08

2026

Downtown

National Scrollathon

Now - Sep 07, 2026

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Jul

08

2026

Virginia

Pippin

Now - Jul 26, 2026

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Jul

08

2026

Virginia

What Became of Us

Now - Jul 26, 2026

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Jul

08

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

CrazySexyCool - The TLC Musical

Now - Aug 09, 2026

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Jul

08

2026

Virginia

Pippin

Now - Jul 26, 2026

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Jul

08

2026

Beetlejuice - The Musical

Now - Jul 26, 2026

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Jul

08

2026

Maryland

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Jul 08, 2026 - Aug 23, 2026

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Jul

08

2026

Virginia

Meki's Tamure Arts Group

Jul 08, 2026

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Jul

09

2026

Virginia

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert with the National Symphony Orchestra

Jul 09, 2026

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Jul

09

2026

Virginia

Rhythmaya Dance: Bollywood Beats

Jul 09, 2026

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Jul

09

2026

Dupont Circle

The Play That Goes Wrong

Now - Jul 12, 2026

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Jul

10

2026

Virginia

A.R. Rahman with the National Symphony Orchestra

Jul 10, 2026

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Jul

10

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

“A General’s Prayer”

Jul 10, 2026 - Jul 19, 2026

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Jul

10

2026

Virginia

Ricitos and the Three Bears: A Bilingual Goldilocks Musical

Jul 10, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026

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Jul

10

2026

Logan Circle

Escape with Washington Improv Theater

Jul 10, 2026 - Aug 01, 2026

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Jul

11

2026

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

Jul 11, 2026 - Jul 02, 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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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 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...

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

George Washington's Mount Vernon

National Children's Museum

Woodrow Wilson House

National Museum of the American Indian

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

National Museum of Women in the Arts

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

Lincoln Theatre

The Phillips Collection

The Hamilton Live

Eighteenth Street Lounge

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in...

Zenith Gallery

Hook Hall

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

07

Virginia

Lizzo with the National Symphony Orchestra

08

Downtown

Beetlejuice

08

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

08

Downtown

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project

08

Downtown

National Scrollathon

08

Virginia

Pippin

08

Virginia

What Became of Us

08

Southwest & The Wharf

CrazySexyCool - The TLC Musical

08

Virginia

Pippin

08

Beetlejuice - The Musical

08

Maryland