Our end-of-the-week picks for May 30 - June 1, 2025
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
Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure!
The PBS Kids’ Wild Kratts® team takes over the National Children Museum’s Visiting Exhibit Hall. With technology from the program, kids can solve problems, complete missions, assist animals and stop villainous plans. Exhibit experiences include themed areas like The Tortuga, the Dolphin Decoder, an Amphisub and a digital aquarium.
Hours & Admission
National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
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 | Register
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Washington National Opera
Porgy and Bess
It’s almost summertime and the “livin’ is easy” if you get the chance to see the Washington National Opera’s revival of Gershwin’s classic work. Often considered the “first great American opera,” Porgy and Bess marries jazz, blues and gospel to tell a beloved story of community and redemption. Some shows include a pre-performance talk or a post-performance artist Q&A – check dates when announced.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Saturday
Armed Forces Cycling Classic
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
Street Fest
Union Market District packs consecutive weekends with art, entertainment, dance and much, much more. Street Fest includes eight specially curated art shows, the sixth annual Light Reel Film Festival, a collision of punk rock and circus arts from NY Circus Project, dance parties and classes, singalongs, live artmaking and plenty to eat and drink.
More Info
Union Market District, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Experience WorldPride in Washington, DC
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Pride in Washington, DC and we're celebrating by making it an all-out international experience. Join the momentous celebrations as the nation’s capital is painted with pride, featuring a variety of events to inspire, empower and connect the international LGBTQ+ community and their allies. The Fabric of Freedom theme emphasizes our community, woven together through our rich cultures, diverse identities and backgrounds.
More Info | Book Your Stay
Falsettos
Keegan Theatre presents a modern musical that dives headlong into relationships, families, baseball, the AIDS crisis and the pains of growing up, perfectly timed for WorldPride in DC. Everyone must learn to mature when Marvin leaves his wife and son to be with his lover. Equally funny and emotionally moving, the production promises to pack a punch.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece comes to the stage at Klein Theatre thanks to Shakespeare Theatre Company and the writing/directing talents of Emily Burns. The foundational tale concerns Elizabeth and Victor Frankenstein and the creation of a monster that continues to resonate throughout contemporary art.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sunday
Akira Kurosawa Explains His Movies and Yogurt (With Live & Active Cultures!)
Playwright Julia Izumi and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company invite audiences to a thoughtful and hilarious rumination on the amazing films and cultural contributions of Akira Kurosawa. The Japanese director is a character in the play, peering into his own filmography, discussing cultural imperialism and … yogurt. Among many other things.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Little Beasts: Art, Wonder and the Natural World
Art and nature lovers young and old will be delighted by this new display at the National Gallery of Art. Across more than 70 paintings, prints and drawings, visitors can see how nature has inspired art since the dawn of European natural history in the 16th and 17th centuries. Specimens and taxidermy from the National Museum of Natural History will also be showcased along with a new film by artist Dario Robleto.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
InSight: Photos and Stories from the Archives
Peer into Indigenous lives from across the Western hemisphere over time thanks to a new exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian. Through this special selection picked from more than 500,000 images, the museum highlights moments of everyday joy, education and familial bonding. Each photo has its own story to tell.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Mosaic Theater: Andy Warhol in Iran
Set in 1976, the new production from Mosaic Theater Company set to debut at the Atlas Performing Arts Center concerns the Empress Farah and her desire for iconic artist Andy Warhol to compose pop-art portraits of the royals in Tehran. The plan is disrupted when a University student takes Warhol hostage, leading to a lethal showdown.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Pinback
Named after a little-known character in an obscure John Carpenter film, Pinback have had their niche figured out since first forming in San Diego in 1998. The two constant members – Rob Crow and Armistead Burwell Smith IV – have managed to build a catalogue that conquers several genres, from prog rock to math rock to indie pop. Take a journey through their career during this set at Union Stage.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Union Stage, 740 Water 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 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.
