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

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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SPONSORED

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal 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 Children's Museum

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

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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

Georgetown

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

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

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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 Opens June 26

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Maryland

Strathmore

Strathmore Music Center

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Sixth & I

Sixth & I is a center for arts, entertainment, ideas, and Jewish life in Washington, DC.

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Maryland

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

Board meetings, teleconferencing and broadcast video production by day; and elegant receptions and private screenings by nigh..

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Downtown

U.S. Navy Memorial

The United States Navy Memorial

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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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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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DC Metro Area

Mexican Cultural Institute

The Mexican Cultural Institute of Washington, D.C. is committed to enriching the relationship between Mexico and the United States by sharing Mexico's vibrant cultural past and present with the local community

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Congress Heights

Congress Heights Arts & Culture Center

Discover a hidden cultural gem in Washington, D.C.’s historic Southeast corridor.

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Jul

25

2026

Logan Circle

Escape with Washington Improv Theater

Now - Aug 01, 2026

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Jul

26

2026

Foggy Bottom

Mrs. Doubtfire - The Musical

Now - Aug 02, 2026

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Jul

26

2026

Downtown

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project

Now - Sep 30, 2026

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Jul

26

2026

Downtown

National Scrollathon

Now - Sep 07, 2026

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Jul

26

2026

Virginia

Pippin

Now - Jul 26, 2026

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Jul

26

2026

Virginia

What Became of Us

Now - Jul 26, 2026

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Jul

26

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

CrazySexyCool - The TLC Musical

Now - Aug 09, 2026

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Jul

26

2026

Maryland

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Now - Aug 23, 2026

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Jul

26

2026

Virginia

Pippin

Now - Jul 26, 2026

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Jul

26

2026

Beetlejuice - The Musical

Now - Jul 26, 2026

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Jul

26

2026

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

Now - Jul 23, 2028

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Jul

26

2026

Virginia

New Squid on the Block: Barefoot Puppet Theatre

Now - Jul 26, 2026

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Jul

27

2026

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

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Jul

28

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

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

Jul 28, 2026

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Jul

29

2026

Virginia

Dinosaur Hunter Safari!

Jul 29, 2026 - Jul 30, 2026

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Jul

31

2026

Maryland

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Now - Jun 13, 2027

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Jul

31

2026

Virginia

Maryland Youth Ballet: Sleeping Beauty

Jul 31, 2026 - Aug 02, 2026

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Aug

01

2026

Maryland

Comedy Shows Near Me - Silver Spring

Aug 01, 2026 - Jul 01, 2028

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Aug

04

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

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

Aug 04, 2026

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Aug

06

2026

Virginia

Native Arts Collaborative: Traditional Native American Dance

Aug 06, 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

Woodrow Wilson House

National Postal Museum

National Museum of the American Indian

National Children's Museum

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

Strathmore

Sixth & I

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

U.S. Navy Memorial

Hook Hall

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in...

Mexican Cultural Institute

Congress Heights Arts & Culture Center

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

25

Logan Circle

Escape with Washington Improv Theater

26

Foggy Bottom

Mrs. Doubtfire - The Musical

26

Downtown

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project

26

Downtown

National Scrollathon

26

Virginia

Pippin

26

Virginia

What Became of Us

26

Southwest & The Wharf

CrazySexyCool - The TLC Musical

26

Maryland

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

26

Virginia

Pippin

26

Beetlejuice - The Musical

26

Georgetown