Washington DC Arts & Culture

Anyone in DC can tap into the city’s creative heartbeat, you just need to know where to look.

Whether you become inspired by free museums or culturally diverse neighborhoods with bustling shops and cafes, this city has it all. Catch a musical before it hits Broadway. Go where DC creators hatch their best ideas. Subscribe to a podcast that’s recorded live from your hotel. 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

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

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

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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SPONSORED

Southwest & The Wharf

ARTECHOUSE

At the crossroads of art, science and technology, ARTECHOUSE brings a true 21st century art experience to the nation's capital.

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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

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

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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Virginia

National Museum of the United States Arm...

The National Museum of the United States Army

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U Street

9:30 Club

Concert venue located a few blocks from the U Street Metro stop

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Anacostia

The Go-Go Museum & Cafe

The Go-Go Museum & Café’s 16 interactive exhibits, recording studio and concert stages celebrate the past, present and future of go-go

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Shaw

SOST

Sost provides a versatile venue in DC’s historic Shaw neighborhood, rooted in the music, culture, and creativity of the Black and African Diaspora.

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Maryland

Strathmore

Strathmore Music Center

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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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National Mall

National Museum of African American Hist...

A People’s Journey, A Nation’s Story

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Foggy Bottom

Shear Madness

Shrieks of Laughter, Night After Night at Shear Madness

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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...

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 ...

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 ...

The Best City to Visit in 2025

Washington, DC shines with can’t-miss events, new exhibits and prais...

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Aug

13

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Last Chance to Experience Bond In Motion at the International Spy Museum!

Now - Sep 01, 2025

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Aug

13

2025

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

Now - Aug 13, 2027

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Aug

13

2025

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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Aug

13

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

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Aug

13

2025

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

Now - Nov 02, 2025

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Aug

13

2025

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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Aug

13

2025

Downtown

Free Community Day with Extended Summer Hours

Now - Aug 13, 2025

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Aug

13

2025

National Mall

American Landscapes in Watercolor from the Corcoran Collection

Now - Feb 01, 2026

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Aug

14

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

LGBTJews in the Federal City

Now - Jan 04, 2026

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Aug

14

2025

Downtown

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Now - Sep 07, 2025

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Aug

14

2025

Dupont Circle

Secret Beer Gardens

Now - Oct 22, 2025

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Aug

14

2025

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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Aug

14

2025

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

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Aug

14

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Guided Tour of the Missing Soldiers Office

Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 13, 2027

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Aug

14

2025

National Mall

Special Exhibitions and Installations

Now - Jan 01, 2027

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Aug

14

2025

Downtown

Faces of Civil War Nurses: A Photo Exhibit

Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025

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Aug

14

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Aug 14, 2025 - Apr 30, 2027

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Aug

16

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

The Delegate Presents The Magic Duel

Aug 16, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025

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Aug

16

2025

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 08, 2027

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Aug

16

2025

Capitol Hill

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 09, 2027

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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

Great Patios for Eating & Drinking in Washington, DC

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

What You Need to Know About Summer Restaurant Week

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

Learn more about how Washington, DC invests in the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders.

The District Blog

Great Patios for Eating & Drinking in Washington, DC

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

What You Need to Know About Summer Restaurant Week

Order Your Free Visitors Guide

Arts & Culture

Anyone in DC can tap into the city’s creative heartbeat, you just need to know where to look.

National Museum of Women in the Arts

National Children's Museum

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Postal Museum

ARTECHOUSE

National Museum of the American Indian

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Anacostia Community Museum

National Museum of the United States Arm...

9:30 Club

The Go-Go Museum & Cafe

SOST

Strathmore

Frederick Douglass National Historic Sit...

National Museum of African American Hist...

Shear Madness

Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Where to Find the Most Colorful Street Murals in Washington, DC

Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC

Discover the National Gallery of Art East Building 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

The Best City to Visit in 2025

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

13

Southwest & The Wharf

Last Chance to Experience Bond In Motion at the International Spy Museum!

13

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

13

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

13

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

13

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

13

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

13

Downtown

Free Community Day with Extended Summer Hours

13

National Mall

American Landscapes in Watercolor from the Corcoran Collection

14

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

LGBTJews in the Federal City

14

Downtown

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

14