Things to Do This Weekend in Washington, DC

Friday

Visit the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration
The highly anticipated National Geographic Museum of Exploration invites visitors to immerse themselves in the excitement of exploration and discovery. Expect cutting-edge technology that uncovers wildlife, communities and cultures from all over the world as well as an immersive outdoor courtyard. Visit the museum's website for more details on what to expect and to reserve your tickets to one of the most exciting new experiences the city has to offer this year.
9 a.m. – 8 p.m. |  Tickets
National Geographic Museum of Exploration, 1600 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
 

Smithsonian Institution

Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America
In the Arts and Industries Building (the Smithsonian’s second-oldest building and the country’s first national museum) right next to the Smithsonian Castle, explore what American independence really means, and how that meaning has evolved over time from the American Revolution until now. The special exhibit runs throughout the Arts and Industries Building's limited opening through Sept. 7.
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. |  Free Admission
Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building, 900 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Jazz in the Garden
Kick back and groove to the music with sangria in hand at Jazz in the Garden 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
 

Washington Mystics

Washington Mystics vs. Atlanta Dream
The Washington Mystics are more than DC's WNBA team; they're part of the fabric of the city. From championship history to the next generation of stars, Mystics games bring together basketball fans, families, friend groups and first-timers for an experience that's uniquely DC. 
7:30 p.m. |  Tickets
CareFirst Arena, 1100 Oak Drive SE, Washington, DC 20032
 

Washington Nationals

Nationals Postgame Concert Series: Jordan Davis
Friday night at Nationals Park will be lively as the Nats take on the Cincinnati Reds and the team celebrates Country Night with a cowboy hat giveaway. After the game, country music star Jordan Davis will fittingly take the stage to play hits like “Buy Dirt,” “Next Thing You Know” and “What My World Spins Around.” Your game ticket grants you access to the concert and on-field passes are also available for the show.
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
 

Saturday

MegaMahj Tournament
The largest multi-style mahjong tournament in the DC area takes over Dock 5 at Union Market for a full day of competitive and recreational play. Co-presented by DC Drop-in Mahjong, Mahjong United and DC Riichi Mahjong, MegaMahj features tracks for American, Hong Kong and Japanese Riichi games, with divisions for beginners and experienced players. Attendees can compete for prizes.
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. |  Registration
Competitive Tracks: $95 | Recreational Tracks: $75
Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
 

DockDogs

DockDogs at The Wharf
Chesapeake DockDogs brings its nationally sanctioned competition to District Pier at The Wharf. Cheer on canine athletes as they showcase their skills in Speed Retrieve, Big Air and Extreme Vertical. These dogs will make your jaw drop (and your face smile) as they jump, run and dash to see who earns the title of Iron Dog. Stick around for an awards ceremony featuring raffles, prizes, massive ribbons and medals.
12 p.m. |  Free Admission |  Register
Transit Pier at The Wharf, 970 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
 

The Phillips Collection

Tomorrow the Sun Will Rise
The Phillips Collection maintains its commitment to DMV artists with this juried exhibition that will showcase 48 local creatives. The intergenerational group of artists was culled from 1,500 applications. Their pieces reflect a wrestling with the contemporary world as well as themes of beauty, resilience and persistence.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
 

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Marlo Pascual: Making Something Out of Something
With images found in thrift stores and online, Marlo Pascual created pieces that beautifully blur the lines between photography and sculpture. This new exhibit at the National Museum of Women in the Arts displays 17 of Pascual’s works and showcases the artist’s tremendous ability to upend her audience’s expectations.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
 

Snarkitecture Architecture

THE PLAYGROUND
The National Building Museum has a penchant for hosting installations that double as spectacles. This summer will be no different with THE PLAYGROUND, which arrives just in time for Independence Day and celebrations for America's 250th anniversary. Infrastructure that is commonly outdoors is brought inside through nine unique activations that ask visitors to embrace exploration of the materials that make up the built environment around us. This type of interactive and immersive museum experience is unique to the National Building Museum and will be a popular destination throughout its run, so secure tickets at your earliest convenience.
Hours & Admission
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
 

Attend a Washington Spirit Game at Audi Field
August is a packed month for the National Women's Soccer League's Washington Spirit, with four home games at Audi Field taking place in the span of just 28 days. Make sure to secure your tickets so you can watch Trinity Rodman and the Spirit in the midst of their playoff push in a matchup against the North Carolina Courage.
Tickets
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
 

Sunday

National Museum of Asian Art

A Museum in the Making – Final Weekend
Mull over this meta exhibit about how the country’s first national art museum got made. To celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, the National Museum of Asian Art has partnered with the Freer House to tell the story of this bold experiment in art and design, which continues to shape the museum’s galleries today.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, West Building, Jefferson Drive at 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Smithsonian Institution

American Aspirations – Final Weekend
Co-curated by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch, American Aspirations brings together some of the Smithsonian’s most treasured objects to commemorate the Declaration of Independence and consider how founding ideals have been interpreted across generations. The special exhibit will be housed inside the majestic Smithsonian Castle, which is temporarily open through Sept. 7. Among the highlights: the desk Thomas Jefferson used while writing the Declaration, Sally Ride's in-space flight suit, a personal hymnal that belonged to Harriet Tubman and a candle stand used by George Washington.
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. |  Free Admission
Smithsonian Castle, 1000 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Arena Stage

CrazySexyCool: The TLC Musical – Final Weekend
Creep your way to one of the coolest venues in DC for a musical based on the fascinating story behind one of the most successful female pop groups ever. CrazySexyCool follows T-Boz, Left Eye and Chilli on a riveting, mostly true, journey that includes hit songs such as “Waterfalls,” “Creep” and “No Scrubs.”
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
 

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


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.