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 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

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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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

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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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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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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Anacostia

Frederick Douglass National Historic Sit...

The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site preserves the last residence of Frederick Douglass (1818 -1895), one of the most prominent African American leaders of the 19th century

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Downtown

Hedy's Rooftop

Hedy's Rooftop at Hotel Zena

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Capitol Hill

Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital

Hill Center aims to broaden the horizons of all who enter by providing high-quality arts, education, and cultural programs to engage more fully in the life of our city.

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Upper Northwest

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

One of the premier art collector's museums in the United States

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National Mall

Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden

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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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Southwest & The Wharf

International Spy Museum

Experience an interactive mission at the International Spy Museum!

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

May

06

2026

Foggy Bottom

History Program and Reception

Now - May 06, 2026

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May

07

2026

Downtown

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project

Now - Sep 30, 2026

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May

07

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

"1776" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 16, 2026

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May

07

2026

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

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May

07

2026

Downtown

1776 - The Musical

Now - May 16, 2026

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May

07

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

The Motion

Now - Jun 14, 2026

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May

07

2026

Downtown

44 - The Obama Musical

Now - May 10, 2026

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May

07

2026

Downtown

Drunk Shakespeare

Now - Jun 07, 2026

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May

09

2026

Georgetown

The Magic Duel at The Glover Park Hotel Georgetown

May 09, 2026 - May 30, 2026

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May

09

2026

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

May 09, 2026 - May 06, 2028

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May

09

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

The Magic Duel in Penn Quarter & Chinatown

May 09, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026

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May

09

2026

Georgetown

The Magic Duel Comedy Show at Pinstripes Georgetown

May 09, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026

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May

09

2026

Logan Circle

Tara' Hootenanny

May 09, 2026 - Apr 10, 2027

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May

09

2026

The Dinner Detective Washington DC

May 09, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026

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May

09

2026

Downtown

Cinderella

May 09, 2026 - May 10, 2026

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May

09

2026

Downtown

"DC's Must See Magic Show"

May 09, 2026 - May 23, 2026

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May

12

2026

Downtown

The Great Gatsby - A New Musical

May 12, 2026 - May 24, 2026

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May

12

2026

Virginia

Pippin

May 12, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026

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May

12

2026

Foggy Bottom

New Play Reading featuring the work of Chris Stezin

May 12, 2026

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May

15

2026

Adams Morgan

Magic Night

May 15, 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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Your Meeting Planner Toolkit

Museums with After-Hours Programming in Washington, DC

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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 Museum of Women in the Arts

National Postal Museum

National Children's Museum

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Museum of the American Indian

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

National Museum of the Marine Corps

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in...

Frederick Douglass National Historic Sit...

Hedy's Rooftop

Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden

Hook Hall

International Spy Museum

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

06

Foggy Bottom

History Program and Reception

07

Downtown

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project

07

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

"1776" at Ford's Theatre

07

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

07

Downtown

1776 - The Musical

07

Southwest & The Wharf

The Motion

07

Downtown

44 - The Obama Musical

07

Downtown

Drunk Shakespeare

09

Georgetown

The Magic Duel at The Glover Park Hotel Georgetown

09

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

09