Hirshhorn Museum
Washington, DC shines with can’t-miss events, new exhibits and praiseworthy performances throughout the upcoming year.
Every year, Washington, DC earns its place on the world’s short list of essential travel destinations — and 2027 is no exception. Leading publications like Forbes, Architectural Digest and Travel + Leisure have previously named the nation’s capital among the best places to travel, citing major cultural milestones, thoughtful design and milestone moments for museums and memorials. We’ve rounded out how to get your travel kicks in 2027 — so whenever you’re ready, book your stay with these great deals at DC hotels.
If you're looking for things to do for the rest of 2026, check out our pieces on what to expect in October, November and December.
New Sculpture Garden at the Hirshhorn
Art lovers, rejoice. The Hirshhorn's sculpture garden returns on Oct. 31, 2026 with double the amount of works on display, a widened entryway from the National Mall and an underground passageway from the museum, a new feature that adds a whole new element to the experience. No longer will visitors have to cross Jefferson Drive to take in the 60 monumental sculptures showcased in the garden. The west lawn will now serve as a rotating exhibition space, with three works by Yoshitomo Nara serving as the inaugural display.
Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week – Jan. 2027 TBD
Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington hosts two annual celebrations of DC’s eclectic dining scene: one in January and a summer edition in August. For both seasonal editions, Restaurant Week offers diners pre-fixe menus for lunch/brunch ($25/$35) and dinner ($40/$55/$65).
Washington Auto Show – Jan. 22-31, 2027
The world-class event displays engineering prowess and innovation along with hundreds of new models from dozens of car manufacturers inside the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Interactive displays and on-site activations add to the fascination of this motor vehicle showcase.
Purpose at Arena Stage – Feb. 5 – March 28, 2027
Long-buried family secrets come to light when an unexpected guest upends a powerful Black political dynasty in a highly anticipated production at Arena Stage, the first racially integrated theater in DC upon its establishment in 1950.
Beauford Delaney: So Much Love and Beauty at The Phillips Collection – Feb. 27 – May 23, 2027
The singular work of the abstract artist includes New York street scenes, striking portraits and mind-bending experiments in modernism.
Folger Theatre
Hamlet at Folger Theatre – March 2 – April 11, 2027
“To be or not to be?” Definitely be at the staging of Shakespeare’s most iconic play helmed by acclaimed Broadway director Kate Whoriskey.
Ford's Theatre
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Ford’s Theatre – March 12 – May 15, 2027
The Tony Award-winning musical follows a spellbinding competition between six kids (and four audience members) in a poignant, funny and family-friendly tale.
National Gallery of Art
Broken: The Power of Fragment in Scupture at National Gallery of Art – March 13 – June 27, 2027
Explore how fragments of sculptures spanning 2,500 BCE to today reveal stories of resilience, loss and artistic reinvention in a spellbinding exhibit at the National Gallery of Art.
National Cherry Blossom Festival (100th Anniversary) – March 20 – April 11, 2027
The 2027 festival marks a century of celebrating the beloved cherry trees. Be part of DC’s longest running festival by joining a month of cultural programming, live entertainment and signature events for all ages. Mark the calendar for the Pink Tie Party (March 12), the Opening Ceremony (March 20), the Blossom Kite Festival (March 28), Petalpalooza (April 3) and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade (April 10). Make sure to check out our guide to the celebration, how to get the most popular blossom spots and the best places to snap photos.
Washington Nationals Baseball Home Opener on March 25, 2027
The Washington Nationals, who have four National League East titles, five postseason appearances and a World Series championship since coming to DC in 2005, are one of the city's main attractions throughout the spring and summer. Head to Nationals Park to experience MLB action with an exciting schedule, plenty of home runs and, of course, Racing Presidents. The Nats open their 2027 slate with a matchup against the rival Philadelphia Phillies.
Photo by Greg Hunter Ross
2027 NCAA Men's Frozen Four at Capital One Arena – April 8 & 10, 2027
College hockey’s premier championship takes center ice in Downtown DC at the recently reimagined and improved Capital One Arena.
Wendy Red Star: Whispering Spirit at National Portrait Gallery – April 9 – Jan. 30, 2028
Feast your eyes on new and dynamic portraiture work that spans seven galleries from the cherished Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star.
Awesome Con – April 23-25, 2027
More than 70,000 fans can see their favorite stars from comics, films, TV, toys and games throughout Awesome Con, a three-day festival that is Washington, DC’s own Comic Con. Expect plenty of costumed attendees and an array of activities to enjoy during one of the city’s most vibrant annual events.
National Theatre
Jersey Boys at National Theatre – April 27 – May 9, 2027
The Tony Award-winning story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons returns to the National Theatre in DC on its 20th anniversary tour.
Signature Theatre Company
Latin History for Morons at Signature Theatre – April 27 – June 13, 2027
John Leguizamo’s acclaimed piece features Emmy-nominated Brian Quijada as he takes you through 3,000 years of undertaught Latin history, from the Mayans to Pitbull.
2027 NFL Draft – April 29 – May 1, 2027
One of professional football’s monumental events will take place in front of national monuments for the first time. In addition to the unique experience of the NFL Draft on the National Mall, plan a trip to DC to enjoy all the nation's capital has to offer.
Passport DC – May 1-31, 2027
A month of programming across the city focuses on showcasing DC’s international culture. The Around the World Embassy Tour and the European Union Open House are annual highlights, usually held on the first two Saturdays of the month. Most events and tours can be enjoyed entirely free of charge.
The Washington Ballet
The Washington Ballet: Romeo & Juliet at National Theatre – May 14-16, 2027
The Washington Ballet's 50th anniversary season features a breathtaking adaptation of Shakespeare's iconic love story.
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Follies at Harman Hall – May 16 – June 20, 2027
Stephen Sondheim’s glorious masterpiece includes a 14-piece orchestra and a cast of 32 in a story of former showgirls who revisit their glamorous past.
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Love I Awethu Further at Woolly Mammoth Theatre – June 1-27, 2027
The Bard’s Julius Caesar is creatively adapted by Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company into a riveting tale of revolution set on a tobacco plantation, where main character Callie dreams of a burst to freedom.
Project Glow
Project GLOW – June 5-6, 2027
The two-day music and dance festival returns with electronic beats, food and art on the RFK Festival Grounds.
Capital Pride – June 11-20, 2027
The annual celebration of love, diversity and unity features major festivities including a parade, street festival and concert.
Vans Warped Tour
Vans Warped Tour – June 19-20, 2027
The legendary music festival showcases punk, rock and alternative favorites. Numerous ticket options are available. Warped Tour also features an array of experiences, from extreme sports to a record label row and much more.
Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle – June 26-27, 2027
Everyone’s favorite barbecue-flavored event has been held in DC for more than 30 years. Pitmasters from all 50 states, local restaurants and live music shut down Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th streets NW for a lively, two-day street party. Cooking demos and free tastings make for a savory (and filling) experience.
Keegan Theatre
American Idiot at Keegan Theatre – July 3 – Aug. 8, 2027
Green Day’s rock musical returns as the finale to the Keegan Theatre's 30th anniversary season.
Mubadala DC Open – July 24 – Aug. 1, 2027
The District’s signature professional tennis tournament returns to Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Top-tier talent from all over the world will compete for a prestigious trophy, leading to back-and-forth action that you do not want to miss.
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Gwen John: Strange Beauties at National Museum of Women in the Arts – July 30 – Nov. 28
The most comprehensive exhibit of Gwen John’s art in more than 40 years, encounter the full scope of her unique vision across paintings, drawings and watercolors at the wondrous National Museum of Women in the Arts.
Otakon – Aug. 6-8, 2027
Annually held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Otakon just might be the dedicated event space’s liveliest function all year long. The family-friendly convention is run by and dedicated to fans of Asian media, entertainment and pop culture, including anime, manga, music, movies and video games. The festivities range from cosplay contests, skits and live music to panel discussions with comic book (super)heroes, for-sale artworks and more.
DC JazzFest – Sept. 1-5
The ultimate American art form comes to DC stages with leading artists from all over the world during this annual festival. Performances, which take place across the city, are both free and ticketed.
WalkingTown DC – Sept. 2027 TBD
Events DC showcases the incredible walkability of the nation’s capital during WalkingTown DC, a free, week-long public tour program. In total, dozens of guided walking tours are held throughout the District, including neighborhood showcases, themed excursions, historical journeys and many more. Historians, licensed tour guides, community leaders and business owners, among others, host these adventures that will take you to both well-known and hidden gems across the city.
DowntownDC Holiday Market – Nov. 2027 TBD
DC’s free-to-frequent downtown bazaar is centrally located in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. The beloved market stretches across two blocks of F Street between 7th and 9th streets. Scope out eclectic wares from dozens of pop-up tents with seasonally flavored music performed live in the background.
National Menorah Lighting – Dec. 2027 TBD
Chanukah kicks off with this lighting ceremony of the world’s largest menorah on the White House Ellipse, which greets all with latkes, doughnuts, menorah kits and dreidels. Music from the United States Navy Band adds a soundtrack to the scene. As is the custom, a new candle is illuminated on each of the eight days of Hanukkah.
National Christmas Tree Lighting – Dec. 2027 TBD
The National Christmas Tree is DC’s claim to fame during the holidays, and for good reason. The gorgeous conifer lives in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse, where it's surrounded by trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 56 U.S. states and territories and is accompanied by nightly musical performances throughout the holiday season. The display is free to visit.
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