Things to Do This Weekend in Washington, DC

Friday

Visit the new Lincoln Memorial Undercroft
Just in time for America's 250th anniversary, the Lincoln Memorial invites visitors to experience its story in a whole new way. A century-old secret opens to the public this Thursday – 15,000 square feet of immersive exhibits right beneath your feet. Exhibits will also trace the construction history of the memorial and explore how its meaning has evolved across generations. Also, for the first time, original signed copies of both the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment will be on display together, housed beneath the president who made them law. It's a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stand in the presence of the documents that reshaped America. Free, same-day tickets will be distributed daily beginning at 8:45 a.m. Tickets can also be reserved online in advance.
More Information
 

The 2026 National STEM Festival
Celebrating youth innovation, STEM projects and hands-on experiences for all ages. The National STEM Festival is an official program partner of America250 – and the Open Build Day is its all-ages public expo celebrating the next generation of builders and the partners helping drive American innovation. The festival concludes on Saturday.
Register
1850 K Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20006
 

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 (June 16 to Sept. 7).
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. |  Free Admission
Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building, 900 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Photo by Joan Marcus

Suffs
Direct from Broadway comes the acclaimed, Tony Award®-winning musical Suffs about the brilliant, passionate and funny American women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote. Created by Shaina Taub, the first woman to ever independently win Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score in the same season. “Behind every powerful woman… are more powerful women.”
Tickets
National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Saturday

National Geographic Museum of Exploration Opens
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. to 8 p.m. |  Tickets
National Geographic Museum of Exploration, 1600 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
 

Great American State Fair
The National Mall transforms into a huge state fair for the entire country. From Maine lobster rolls to Hawaii’s shimmering hula stage, Texas-sized steaks to Alaska’s towering ice carvings, all fifty states, territories and federal agencies showcase their food, culture and pride in an unforgettable, coast-to-coast celebration. You can register for tickets online in advance.
Register
National Mall, Between Constitution & Independence Avenues SW, Washington, DC 20050
 

Red Bull

Red Bull Spin Off
A competition unlike any other activates The Wharf in DC. Red Bull Spin Off challenges teams of two to create their own bicycles and take them across the finish line on a floating racetrack. Take in the action as teams race their flashy bikes and explore restaurants, bars and shops around The Wharf before and after the creative and athletic spectacle. Admission is free but seating is first-come, first-served.
Begins at 10 a.m. |  More Information
The Wharf, 760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
 

Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle
Rib roasters and sauce bosses show off their delicious wares during the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle, which occurs on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Dozens of pit masters, local restaurants and live music shut down Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th streets NW for a lively street party. Cooking demos and free tastings make for a delicious (and filling) experience. Tickets start at $20.
Tickets
Pennsylvania Avenue (between 3rd & 7th Streets NW), Washington, DC
 

National Museum of Asian Art

A Museum in the Making
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
 

Red, White and Spy: Tradecraft Try Its
Ever wanted to write in invisible ink like George Washington? Slip a secret note to someone like Virginia Hall? If so, drop by the International Spy Museum to try your hand at real spy skills inspired by American history. Quick, hands-on activities for agents ages 9 and up will be available not only within the Museum’s exhibits, but also outside on its plaza (weather permitting).
More Information
International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024
 

Folger Theatre

How Shakespeare Saved My Life
In this one-man show, written and performed by Jacob Ming-Trent, Shakespeare speaks across time, place, age and race to help rescue its protagonist from the “slings and arrows” of his past. Calling on the Bard and a host of genius rappers, half-crazed preachers and soulful poets to throw him a lifeline, Ming-Trent takes us on a propulsive ride that reaffirms the power of language and music. The show runs from June 9 – July 5; approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.
Tickets
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
 

Arena Stage

CrazySexyCool: The TLC Musical
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
 

Sunday

National Portrait Gallery

The Spirit of Invention: Patent Office and Patentees
Timed with the U.S. semiquincentennial, the National Portrait Gallery commemorates the founding of its historic home with The Spirit of Invention: Patent Office and Patentees. The exhibition sketches the early history of the Patent Office – the third oldest building in DC – through works in the museum’s collection. 
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, First Floor, East Galleries, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
 

EAT250: America at the Table 
Celebrate 250 years of American history through every flavor the DC region has to offer, with collaboration dinners, public talks, tastings, immersive experiences and prix-fixe menus at restaurants across the city.
Citywide
 

Smithsonian Institution

From These Lands: Sharing Our Natural and Cultural Heritage
As part of Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250 programming, the National Museum of Natural History displays more than 600 artifacts that represent all 50 U.S. states, DC and an additional five U.S. territories. Items range from significant scientific discoveries to cultural keepsakes to ancient fossils like an American mastodon tooth.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Smithsonian Institution

American Aspirations
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
 

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone
Soccer’s monumental moment can be enjoyed within sight of monuments this summer. As part of Freedom 250, the National Mall will host live match-viewing of the World Cup as well as interactive exhibits, cultural showcases, food, music, family-friendly activities and youth programming throughout the tournament. Admission is free for this unique opportunity to take in the world’s most popular sport in one of the most scenic settings in the country.
More Information
 

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.

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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.