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...

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...

Two performers on stage beneath ornate theater balconies and chandelier.

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 2027

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

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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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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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Children's Museum

A playful learning adventure awaits at National Children's 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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SPONSORED

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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SPONSORED

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration is Now Open!

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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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National Mall

National Archives Museum

Home to the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, the National Archives holds more than 15 billion records.

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Downtown

Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle

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Upper Northwest

The Washington Ballet

The Washington Ballet (TWB) 2023/24 Season of Discovery Tickets On-Sale Now!

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Maryland

Glenstone

Glenstone seamlessly integrates art, architecture, and nature

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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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Foggy Bottom

National Museum of American Diplomacy

The first museum dedicated to telling the story of American diplomacy.

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H Street NE

Rorschach Theatre

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Nov

02

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?

Now - Dec 06, 2026

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Nov

03

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT

Now - Nov 08, 2026

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Nov

03

2026

Virginia

All The World's A Stage

Now - Dec 20, 2026

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Nov

03

2026

Downtown

MAMMA MIA

Now - Nov 15, 2026

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Nov

03

2026

Downtown

Mamma Mia!

Now - Nov 15, 2026

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Nov

02

2026

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Nov 02, 2026 - Jun 08, 2027

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Nov

04

2026

Virginia

All The World's A Stage

Now - Nov 15, 2026

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Nov

04

2026

Dupont Circle

Hundred Days

Now - Nov 08, 2026

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The Second Dream: Spanish Poetry in Translation

Nov

05

2026

Foggy Bottom

The Second Dream: Spanish Poetry in Translation

Nov 05, 2026

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Nov

06

2026

Maryland

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Now - Jun 13, 2027

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Friday Noon Concert featuring a Masterful Trio of Violin, Cello, and Piano

Nov

06

2026

Foggy Bottom

Friday Noon Concert featuring a Masterful Trio of Violin, Cello, and Piano

Nov 06, 2026

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Nov

07

2026

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

Now - Oct 29, 2028

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Washington National Opera - Madama Butterfly

Nov

07

2026

Downtown

Washington National Opera - Madama Butterfly

Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 20, 2026

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Nov

07

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

The Logos Theatre presents "Silent Star"

Nov 07, 2026 - Dec 06, 2026

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Nov

07

2026

Downtown

Mentalist Brian Curry: The Good Liar

Nov 07, 2026 - Feb 27, 2027

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Nov

07

2026

Maryland

Comedy Shows Near Me - Silver Spring

Nov 07, 2026 - Oct 07, 2028

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Nov

08

2026

Downtown

Magician Charlie Ross at Barbouzard 'Le Brunch'

Now - Dec 27, 2026

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Nov

12

2026

Foggy Bottom

iMusical: Washington Improv Theater’s improvised musical

Nov 12, 2026

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Friday Noon Concert featuring Ixia Chamber Music

Nov

13

2026

Foggy Bottom

Friday Noon Concert featuring Ixia Chamber Music

Nov 13, 2026

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Washington National Opera - Nixon in China

Nov

14

2026

Downtown

Washington National Opera - Nixon in China

Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 21, 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

Adams Morgan

The LINE DC

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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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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 2027

15 Cool Hotels for Your Next Trip to Washington, DC

Woodrow Wilson House

George Washington's Mount Vernon

National Museum of the American Indian

National Children's Museum

National Museum of Women in the Arts

National Postal Museum

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

National Portrait Gallery

National Archives Museum

Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle

The Washington Ballet

Glenstone

Arts Club of Washington

National Museum of American Diplomacy

Rorschach Theatre

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

02

Southwest & The Wharf

Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?

03

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT

03

Virginia

All The World's A Stage

03

Downtown

MAMMA MIA

03

Downtown

Mamma Mia!

02

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

04

Virginia

All The World's A Stage

04

Dupont Circle

Hundred Days

05

Foggy Bottom

The Second Dream: Spanish Poetry in Translation

06

Maryland

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

06