Dear Members,
Summer in the city remains in full swing as we celebrate America’s 250th all year. Visitors (and locals) continue to explore DC250 hotel packages, curated itineraries and special deals from restaurants, attractions and other local businesses throughout 2026.
Upcoming events also get the full treatment on washington.org and on Destination DC’s (DDC) social channels, where we are busy promoting the Freedom 250 Grand Prix (Aug. 22-23). You may not have ever expected to see an IndyCar street race in the nation’s capital, but since DC is the Grand Prix of cities, after all, it just makes sense. Beyond that, of course, visitors for the race generate room nights for the city and rev up economic impact through spending while they’re here.
The National Book Festival arrives on Aug. 22, the always enticing Summer Restaurant Week comes next (Aug. 24-30) and DC JazzFest harmonizes across the city from Sept. 2-6. Labor Day brings an abundance of opportunities to enjoy DC and I’m looking ahead to fall as well, with an array of outdoor festivals and cultural activities on the way.
Register for Marketing Outlook Meeting, DDC’s largest annual member event, on Sept. 2 at George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium. For over 20 years, Marketing Outlook has been the event to attend to gain insight into the travel industry, including forecasts and budget information for the year ahead. This year will be no different: you’ll get all the answers you’re looking for about travel to DC expected for 2027, the year the city will host the NFL Draft. Come be part of the huddle. Ticket proceeds benefit our affiliated nonprofit, NEXTDC – get yours before they’re sold out.
Elliott L. Ferguson, II
President & CEO
Destination DC
