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...

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...

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

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

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 Children's Museum

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

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Downtown

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration is Now Open!

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Georgetown

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

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

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Virginia

George Washington's Mount Vernon

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

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

VIEW DETAILS

DC Metro Area

Charlie Ross Magic

Sophisticated Magic & Mentalism for Corporate Events

VIEW DETAILS

Downtown

11:Eleven Gallery

11:Eleven gallery is a contemporary art gallery and event space located in Downtown Washington, DC, just steps from the White House and the Convention Center.

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

Columbia Heights

Spain-USA Foundation

Enjoy and discover cultural events and works of internationally renowned Spanish artists in the fields such as design, urban culture, architecture, visual arts, performing arts, literature and music

VIEW DETAILS

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.

VIEW DETAILS

Petworth

President Lincoln's Cottage

President Lincoln's Cottage offers a unique, historic, and award-winning experience for locals and travelers alike!

VIEW DETAILS

Downtown

Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Ameri...

Permanent collection and exhibitions of American crafts. This gem of a museum, located in a historic building near the White House, is dedicated to exhibiting the finest American crafts from the 19th century to the present

VIEW DETAILS

Capitol Hill

Folger Shakespeare Library

The Folger welcomes everyone—from communities throughout Washington DC to communities across the globe—to connect in their own way.

VIEW DETAILS

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Aug

20

2026

Downtown

The Notebook - The Musical

Now - Aug 30, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Aug

20

2026

Downtown

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project

Now - Sep 30, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Aug

20

2026

Downtown

National Scrollathon

Now - Sep 07, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Aug

20

2026

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

VIEW DETAILS

Aug

20

2026

Maryland

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Now - Aug 23, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Aug

20

2026

Virginia

Respect: Aretha Franklin

Now - Aug 30, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Aug

20

2026

Dupont Circle

Gruesome Playground Injuries

Aug 20, 2026 - Sep 06, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Aug

20

2026

Downtown

The Notebook

Now - Aug 30, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Aug

22

2026

Virginia

Josh Groban

Aug 22, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Aug

22

2026

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

Aug 22, 2026 - Aug 19, 2028

VIEW DETAILS

Aug

25

2026

Virginia

Merrily We Roll Along

Aug 25, 2026 - Nov 01, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Aug

25

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Concert on the Avenue - U.S. Navy Concert Band (Wind Ensemble)

Aug 25, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Aug

27

2026

Virginia

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in Concert

Aug 27, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Aug

29

2026

Maryland

The Magic Duel Live Shows in Bethesda, MD

Aug 29, 2026 - Dec 28, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Sep

01

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Concert on the Avenue - Sea Chanters

Sep 01, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Sep

04

2026

Downtown

2026 DC Festival of Magic - The Magic of Puck

Sep 04, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Sep

04

2026

Virginia

Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration with the National Symphony Orchestra

Sep 04, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Sep

04

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Prince Caspian Live onstage

Sep 04, 2026 - Oct 25, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Sep

05

2026

Downtown

2026 DC Festival of Magic - Magician Ben Barnes

Sep 05, 2026

VIEW DETAILS

Sep

05

2026

Downtown

2026 DC Festival of Magic - Mark Kalin: Master Magician

Sep 05, 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 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 2026

15 Cool Hotels for Your Next Trip to Washington, DC

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Woodrow Wilson House

National Children's Museum

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

George Washington's Mount Vernon

National Museum of the American Indian

Charlie Ross Magic

11:Eleven Gallery

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

Spain-USA Foundation

Hook Hall

President Lincoln's Cottage

Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Ameri...

Folger Shakespeare Library

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

20

Downtown

The Notebook - The Musical

20

Downtown

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project

20

Downtown

National Scrollathon

20

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

20

Maryland

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

20

Virginia

Respect: Aretha Franklin

20

Dupont Circle

Gruesome Playground Injuries

20

Downtown

The Notebook

22

Virginia

Josh Groban

22

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

25