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

National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration Opens June 26

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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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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 Museum of Women in the Arts

First major museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts.

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Petworth

President Lincoln's Cottage

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

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Foggy Bottom

Arts Club of Washington

Welcome to our haven for lively programs of all artistic forms - literary, performing, and visual – and of historical exploration.

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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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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.

VIEW DETAILS

Mount Vernon Square

Cloakroom

DC's premier venue features 5,000 sq. ft. of space, a rooftop with panoramic views, a large stage, high-tech sound and lighting and luxe finishes.

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Ivy City

Throw Social and Kick Axe Throwing

Throwing Libations In A Modern Lodge Setting.

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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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Foggy Bottom

The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for ...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Aug

04

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Concert on the Avenue w/ the U.S. Navy Band

Now - Aug 04, 2026

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Aug

05

2026

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

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Aug

05

2026

Maryland

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Now - Aug 23, 2026

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Aug

05

2026

Downtown

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project

Now - Sep 30, 2026

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Aug

05

2026

Downtown

National Scrollathon

Now - Sep 07, 2026

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Aug

05

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

CrazySexyCool - The TLC Musical

Now - Aug 09, 2026

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Aug

06

2026

Virginia

Native Arts Collaborative: Traditional Native American Dance

Aug 06, 2026

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Aug

07

2026

Virginia

Tosca

Aug 07, 2026

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Aug

07

2026

Virginia

The Wonders of Wiggly River: River City Puppets

Aug 07, 2026 - Aug 09, 2026

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Aug

08

2026

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

Now - Jul 30, 2028

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Aug

08

2026

Maryland

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Aug 08, 2026 - Jun 13, 2027

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Aug

08

2026

Logan Circle

Tara' Hootenanny

Aug 08, 2026 - Apr 10, 2027

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Aug

11

2026

Virginia

Respect: Aretha Franklin

Aug 11, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026

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Aug

11

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Concert on the Avenue w/ the U.S. Navy Band

Aug 11, 2026

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Aug

14

2026

Virginia

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!

Aug 14, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026

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Aug

15

2026

Maryland

Comedy Shows Near Me - Arundel Mills

Aug 15, 2026 - Jul 15, 2028

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Aug

15

2026

Maryland

The Magic Duel Live Shows in Bethesda, MD

Aug 15, 2026 - Dec 28, 2026

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Aug

18

2026

Downtown

The Notebook

Aug 18, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026

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Aug

18

2026

Downtown

The Notebook - The Musical

Aug 18, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026

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Aug

18

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Concert on the Avenue - U.S. Navy Band Cruisers

Aug 18, 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

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 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's Museum

National Museum of the American Indian

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

National Museum of the Marine Corps

George Washington's Mount Vernon

National Postal Museum

National Museum of Women in the Arts

President Lincoln's Cottage

Arts Club of Washington

The Phillips Collection

The Phillips Collection

Cloakroom

Throw Social and Kick Axe Throwing

National Building Museum

The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for ...

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

04

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Concert on the Avenue w/ the U.S. Navy Band

05

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

05

Maryland

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

05

Downtown

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project

05

Downtown

National Scrollathon

05

Southwest & The Wharf

CrazySexyCool - The TLC Musical

06

Virginia

Native Arts Collaborative: Traditional Native American Dance

07

Virginia

Tosca

07

Virginia

The Wonders of Wiggly River: River City Puppets

08

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

08