DAR Constitution Hall
Our end-of-the-week picks for April 17-19, 2026
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
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Friday
The DAR Celebrates America 250! Weekend
Join the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for a weekend packed with activities and events in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Saturday includes a free public event at DAR Headquarters as well as DAR Celebrates America 250!: A Salute to Women Veterans, headlined by the legendary Patti LaBelle at Constitution Hall.
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America’s State Flowers: An America250 Celebration
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the U.S. Botanic Garden showcases the official flowers of every U.S. state and territory. Varieties on display include fragrant magnolias, roses, orchids, bluebonnets, saguaro cactus flowers and many more; all of them symbolize the natural beauty of America.
Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
Mexican Cultural Institute
Dressing Absences: The Textile Journey of Pedro Páramo
The Mexican Cultural Institute's exhibit explores the creative process behind Netflix's adaptation of Juan Rulfo's iconic novel, Pedro Páramo. The display includes original garments worn during the filming of the adaptation and highlights the work of award-winning designer Anna Terrazas, whose pieces translate the essence of each character into textiles and color palettes that evoke identity.
Hours | Free Admission
Mexican Cultural Institute, 2829 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
I Put A Spell on You: Nina Simone
The brilliant Felicia Curry pays tribute to Nina Simone and the many women artists she inspired with a new cabaret at Signature Theatre. Simone songs like “Mississippi Goddam” and “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” will be performed alongside additional classics like Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” and Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman”.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
1776
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
Saturday
Filmfest DC
The largest and longest-running annual international film festival in Washington, DC, Filmfest DC returns each April with a new lineup featuring quite the genre exercise: comedies, dramas, thrillers, shorts, documentaries and more.
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National Museum of the American Latino
¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
The Molina Family Latino Gallery, the first gallery space of the National Museum of the American Latino, is housed inside the National Museum of American History. The space hosts a new bilingual exhibition that explores how Afro-Cuban music became an essential part of U.S. culture. Artists like Tito Puente and Celia Cruz – as well as local legends – are covered.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Experience 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 as the DC squad looks to defend home field against the St. Louis Battlehawks. Purchase tickets through the link below to save up to 35%.
Tickets (up to 35% off)
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
District Sounds 2026
In its return to The Wharf, District Sounds 2026 promises a compelling mix of hip-hop, flamenco, cumbia and house music across six hours of live performances. Both students from local public schools as well as world-class musicians will take to the stage. On the schedule: a flamenco-versus-tap showcase, a shamanic Argentine orchestra and a can’t-miss finale.
3-9 p.m. | Tickets
District Pier at The Wharf, 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
Glow Block Party
Black Book Records and Project Glow collaborate to present the first-ever electronic music show on DC’s Pennsylvania Avenue. Chris Lake, a fixture in the city’s club scene, headlines this 18-and-over block party that is meant to create an unforgettable moment in the nation’s capital. A world-class stage layout complimented by local vendors and art installations makes for an exciting spring experience.
4-10 p.m. | Tickets
600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580
Arena Stage
A Good Day to Me Not to You
Arena Stage welcomes a new work from Drama Desk Award-winning actor Lameece Isaaq and two-time Obie-winning director Lee Sunday Evans. The play concerns a 40-something dental lab tech who loses her job and relocates to a woman’s boarding house run by nuns. She’s forced to confront her own personal demons as well as the house’s deranged inhabitants in this deeply psychological production.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Florence + The Machine
Capital One Arena’s outstanding spring lineup continues with Florence + The Machine, one of the most inventive acts in pop music today. Lead vocalist Florence Welch is backed by an enchanting soundscape that has produced some of the most innovative songs to chart this century.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sunday
21st Annual DC Emancipation Day Festival, Parade and Concert
DC’s Emancipation Day holiday, celebrated for 21 years, honors the Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862, which freed more than 3,000 enslaved people in DC. Enjoy a day packed with free, family-friendly events and activities at Franklin Park. The celebration includes a parade with community groups, bands and entertainers as well as live music, food and a grand finale that you won’t want to miss. The festival grounds at Franklin Park open at 1 p.m. The parade begins at 14th Street NW and New York Avenue at 1:30 p.m.
More Information
Franklin Park, 1332 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Dear America
Explore how artists have captured and questioned the American experience over the last 250 years. Through more than 100 works on paper spanning photography, prints and drawings, discover powerful depictions of the nation’s landscapes, people and ideals of freedom.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
National Museum of Asian Art
Of the Hills: Pahari Paintings from India’s Himalayan Kingdoms
Discover the jaw-dropping beauty and fascinating history of paintings made for Hindu kings in the Pahari region of India between the 1620s and 1830s. The National Museum of Asian Art’s new exhibit examines the political, cultural and religious contexts of 48 pieces filled with exquisite detail. Some of these works have never been shown publicly before.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20004
ARTECHOUSE
Peak Bloom: Dome Experience
Hi-Lawn, in collaboration with ARTECHOUSE Studio, transforms its rooftop dome into a breathtaking digital cherry blossom spectacle. The immersive visual show features 360 degrees of petals, light and motion projected overhead, surrounding guests with luminous blooms and flowing digital landscapes.
Tickets
Hi-Lawn, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
44: The Musical
Head to Klein Theatre for a healthy dose of political satire with a musical ideal for a DC audience. 44: The Musical tackles the Obama Era with hilarious characters and songs. Expect appearances by (actors humorously playing) Sarah Palin, Barack Obama, Mitch McConnell, Ted Cruz and Joe Biden.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Photo by Cameron Whitman
The Minutes
The Keegan Theatre hosts a production from one of the great purveyors of the art form. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tracy Letts’ brilliant examination of small-town politics plays out over the course of one city council meeting.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Lily Allen
Last year’s West End Girl, Lily Allen’s most personal album yet, finds the British singer revealing a lyrical honesty previously unseen in her work. Its release was also lavished with accolades and 2026 finds Allen at the peak of her powers. You can experience the mega-talent live and in-person as she performs West End Girl in its entirety at Warner Theatre.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
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!
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to award-winning hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
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