The nation's capital buzzes with excitement in May, a month beloved for events like Passport DC, Flower Mart at the National Cathedral and the National Memorial Day Concert & Parade.
Condé Nast Traveler named Washington, DC, one of the top destinations worldwide to visit last May.
Whether you’re in town for a concert, game or festival, DC boasts an abundance of special discounts and packages, from luxurious experiences to budget-friendly options.
Regardless of the season, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience in the nation's capital. After you’ve read through this list, make sure to check out our things to do for the week and weekend as well as our accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.
Washington Nationals Baseball
The Nats, 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.
Tickets: Use code VISITDC for 15% off
1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Passport DC – May 1-31
A month of programming across the city focuses on highlighting DC’s international culture. The Around the World Embassy Tour and the European Union Open House are annual highlights. Most events and tours can be enjoyed entirely free of charge. Read our guide to all of the fun and get more details at Events DC’s site below.
More Info
Embassy Chef Challenge / Events DC
Savor the Flavors – May 1-31
As part of Passport DC, the city’s annual celebration of international cultures hosted by Events DC, Savor the Flavors activates restaurants across the city, highlighting signature dishes and specials to showcase the authentic, global food experiences available in DC.
Flower Mart – May 1-2
During Passport DC’s first weekend, the Washington National Cathedral hosts its annual Flower Mart, a two-day event that allows visitors to shop for plants and gifts, eat fun festival food, enjoy children’s activities, ride a historic carousel and take in the beauty of the International Floral Exhibit.
More Info | Free Admission
Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016
M3 Rock Festival – May 2
Rock 'n roll diehards can get the full ‘80s arena experience at the two-day M3 Rock Festival. The can't-miss event features legendary rockers, a celebration for both the "people who lived it and their children who remember hearing about this cultural movement."
Merriweather Post Pavilion 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044
Around the World Embassy Tour – May 2
A month of programming across the city focuses on highlighting DC’s international culture. The Around the World Embassy Tour kicks it off this Saturday with access to dozens of embassies in the District. Most events and tours can be enjoyed entirely free of charge. Read our guide to all of the fun and get more details at Events DC’s site below.
More Info
Adams Morgan Spring PorchFest – May 2
One of the District’s most popular neighborhoods showcases some of DC’s best musical talent. Adams Morgan Spring PorchFest will feature more than 80 bands playing an array of genres, including rock, reggae, funk, Go-Go, rap, bluegrass, classical and pop. Twenty porches, business patios and parks, as well as the closed 18th Street, will become stages for the day, drawing music-lovers from around the region into the tree-lined streets and small businesses of Adams Morgan.
Free Admission
Running of the Chihuahuas at The Wharf – May 2
The Wharf celebrates Cinco de Mayo with this too-cute-to-be-true chihuahua race. Watch the little pups run their way to glory at one of the most exciting places in DC. You’ll also be able to enjoy a beer garden, a DJ, an adoptable pet parade and an all-breed costume contest.
Free Admission
The Wharf, 600 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Phillips Collection
peter campus: there somewhere – Through May 3
The Phillips Collection showcases one of the leading figures in new media art with there somewhere. peter campus’ breakthrough videos from the early 1970s are displayed alongside four new, serene landscape works, which the artist has named “the phillips quartets."
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
The Motion – May 6 – June 14
A fierce debate among four scholars becomes a journey through belief, memory and identity in a new play at the legendary Arena Stage.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
EU Embassies’ Open House – May 9
Take your very own day-trip to Europe and enjoy the Old Continent without any jet lag. From Ireland and Italy to Spain and Slovakia, all European Union member states participate in this citywide open house experience.
More Info | Free Admission
Celebrate Mother’s Day in DC – May 10
While mothers should be celebrated every day, Mother’s Day only comes once per year. We’re here to help you honor the occasion and plan out an unforgettable holiday experience in the nation’s capital, so be sure to check out our rundown of Mother’s Day must-dos.
National Children's Museum
The Pigeon Comes to Washington, DC! A Mo Willems Exhibit – Through May 10
The National Children’s Museum tips its cap to Mo Willems with a special exhibit that features a phone booth that makes you sound like the famous Piggie, a hot-dog-launching catapult, a fashion runway, art inspired by popular Willems characters and much, much more, all in the Visiting Exhibit Hall.
Hours & Admission
National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Museum of Illusions
Cherry Blossom Takeover at the Museum of Illusions – Through May 10
The Museum of Illusions partnered with local artist Hiba Alyawer for a limited-time cherry blossom-themed takeover. The immersive artistic experience is inspired by DC's most iconic season. Selected illusion rooms throughout the museum feature stunning blossom installations and floral-inspired artistic elements, blending the magic of visual perception with the delicate beauty of spring in DC. Special workshops are also available.
Buy Tickets
Museum of Illusions, 927 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
The National Theatre
The Great Gatsby – May 12-24
F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic vision of fragile hope and destructive desire in the Jazz Age practically begs for the stage. You'll be able to see Broadway's take on the 1920s glamor, tension, love and deception -- dance numbers and all -- right in the heart of downtown DC. We're giving you the "green light": get your tickets now, and don't miss the Great American Novel on a great American stage. Just watch out for any billboards on your way there.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Pippin – May 12 – July 26
Located in Arlington, Va., Signature Theatre regularly stages modern rei-imaginings of classic productions. Next May, the company takes on Pippin. The coming-of-age tale will be brought to vivid life with wit, wonder and unforgettable music.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
National Museum of American History
In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness – Opens May 14
A bold exhibition explores the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. Across three floors and 300,000 square feet, visitors can encounter 250 significant objects, including the portable desk used by Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence. Another noteworthy artifact is the only surviving ship of the early U.S. Navy, the gunboat Philadelphia. This National Historic Landmark helped stall British forces and now undergoes an on-site conservation to preserve it for future generations.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Fiesta Asia! – May 16
Embrace Asian Heritage Month with a day jam-packed with culture, from the performing arts to culinary delights. The annual Fiesta Asia! takes over Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 6th streets NW with exciting performances, interactive displays, flea markets and food stalls.
Free Admission
Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd & 6th Streets NW
1776 – Through May 16
The story of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is transformed into a vibrant musical as the country’s beginnings are brought to blazing life inside the historic Ford's Theatre.
Tickets
Ford's Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Othello – May 19 – June 21
Shakespeare’s Earth-shaking tale of deceit, betrayal and paranoia is vividly staged by Simon Godwin with The Wire’s Wendell Pierce in the titular role. Shakespeare Theatre Company's Harman Hall serves as the venue.
Tickets
Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Go to a DC Defenders game at Audi Field
Defenders football has become a springtime tradition at Audi Field in the nation’s capital. Hard-hitting action returns so expect a rowdy atmosphere.
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Jazz in the Garden
Kick back and groove to the music with sangria in hand at Jazz in the Garden on Fridays throughout the summer, held in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. An eclectic mix of DC-area jazz musicians lend a soundtrack to one of the city’s most idyllic scenes set around the sculpture garden’s central fountain. This is a free seasonal tradition that you do not want to miss. Due to high demand, the museum has instituted a lottery system; visit the Gallery’s website for more information.
6-8:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Smithsonian Castle Temporary Reopening – May 22 – Sept. 7
While the Smithsonian Industries Building (known more commonly as "the Castle") has been closed for renovations since 2023, it will be temporarily reopened this summer to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. Be sure to catch the brand-new exhibit American Aspirations, which will include treasured artifacts such as Thomas Jefferson’s desk, Harriet Tubman’s hymnal and the gold flake that sparked the California gold rush.
National Memorial Day Concert – May 24
The annual musical tribute salutes the sacrifice made by the men and women in uniform as well as their families. The free annual concert airs on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The event is also live-streamed online and will be available on-demand for two weeks after the performance.
The National Memorial Day Parade – May 25
Our Sacred Honor tells the story of American sacrifice from the Revolution to today along Constitution Avenue through live, on-site historical re-enactors, veterans and active duty military personnel, joined by musical performances and celebrity appearances. The in-person parade takes place ‘live’ in Washington, filmed for a television special that airs on TV stations nationwide. For more ideas on how to spend the weekend, check out our suggestions.
Armed Forces Cycling Classic – May 30-31
The Armed Forces Cycling Classic includes two days of closed-course biking open to enthusiasts of all abilities. Cyclists can keep it low-key with amateur, non-competitive events like the Challenge Ride and Kids Race or choose to challenge themselves at the Women’s and Men’s Pro/AM Races (including the famous Clarendon Cup). Everyone who completes more than one lap gets a medal.
More Info
Project GLOW – May 30-31
Festival goers can enjoy a transformation of one of the city’s most prominent recreational hubs, with two thoughtfully curated stages of music, exquisite food and beverage offerings and a collection of globally-recognized artists at the RFK Festival Grounds. True to the historic nature of the city, Project GLOW is the culmination of the past 20 years of Club Glow, representing its impact on the DC music scene while championing the superstar acts that will take to the festival stages.
Tickets
RFK Festival Grounds, 2400 East Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20003
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
