National Museum of Asian Art
Our end-of-the-week picks for Feb. 20-22, 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
Into the Waters with Senju and Bingyi: Two Contemporary Paintings
Japanese artists Hiroshi Senju and Bingyi and their different visualizations of water – each hypnotic and transfixing in their own way – form the basis of this new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art. Senju’s abstract approach and Bingy’s traditional methods along with each painter’s influences and ethos are examined in detail.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20004
Studio Theatre
Octet – Final Weekend
How does an a cappella chamber musical featuring eight people who have stashed away their phones while trapped in a church basement sound? Octet at Studio Theare will be just that, as total strangers battle their digital dependency and make attempts at true connection through the power of their voices. Escape your screen with this theater-in-the-round performance.
Tickets
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
The World to Come
As the world crumbles, Fanny, Barbara, Ruth and Hal try to carry on their daily routines inside the SeaBreeze Hebrew Home for the Aging. The quartet take on armored nurses, an ostrich, bewildering prophecies and their own weakening bodies. The epic tale demonstrates how friendship and community can hold strong even in the face of disaster.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
The National Theatre
Stereophonic
The most Tony Award-winning show of 2024. The most Tony Award-nominated play of all time. Stereophonic mines the agony and the ecstasy of creation as it zooms in on a music studio in 1976. Here, an up-and-coming rock band recording a new album finds itself suddenly on the cusp of breaking up — or breaking through to superstardom. Featuring original music by Arcade Fire’s Will Butler, the play is "... a staggering, ingeniously entertaining achievement," according to The New York Times.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Saturday
Zenith Gallery
Zenith Gallery: Black History Month Exhibit, Receptions & Artist Talks
Visit Zenith Gallery, one of DC's many free museums, to check out enthralling art pieces from an array of Black artists throughout Black History Month. The gallery also hosts a wearable art show on Saturday and a closing reception on Feb. 28, which offers guests a chance to meet the artists showcased. Art on display is also available for purchase.
Free Admission | More Information
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
National Gallery of Art
Mary Cassatt: An American in Paris
The National Gallery of Art presents the vibrant work of Mary Cassatt across three galleries. The museum’s impressionist collection served as the source for this in-depth examination of how Cassatt went about creating her radically modern pieces. Roughly 40 paintings, drawings and prints will be on display.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Duel in The District
You won't want to miss this matchup between reigning ACC Men’s Basketball Champion Duke and reigning Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament Champion Michigan at Capital One Arena. The event marks the return of both teams to the arena, following Duke’s appearance in the 2024 ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament and Michigan’s conference title win during the 2017 Big 10 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Arena Stage
Chez Joey
Prepare for a blockbuster at Arena Stage as Chez Joey lands at the historic playhouse. Co-directed by Tony Award-winning choreographer Savion Glover and actor, director and producer Tony Goldwyn, the set-in-1940s-Chicago show includes a Rodgers and Hart score as well as a spellbinding tale of a singer caught between a rich baroness and an ambitious chorus girl on his way to the top (he hopes).
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Keegan Theatre
John Doe – Final Weekend
Zia is anti-social; in fact, she suffers from anthropophobia, the literal fear of people. Then there’s Doe, who is totally cool with watching people but is actually dead. And of course, only Zia can see him! She might (gasp) have to even interact with some people in order to help Doe figure out his forgotten life. Keegan Theatre’s Boiler Room Series commissioned this world premiere.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Le Patin Libre: Murmuration
The Kennedy Center debuts an outdoor ice rink in its plaza to showcase this outdoor production. Le Patin Libre’s Murmuration features 15 dancers in a demonstration of “glide,” a unique blend of dance, skating and choreography that will dazzle audiences.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Sunday
Tawny Chatmon: Sanctuaries of Truth, Dissolution of Lies
The photography-based work of Tawny Chatmon receives a glorious tribute at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The exhibition will debut pieces from Chatmon’s latest series, which also incorporate audio narrative, embroidery, film and assemblage. Selections from Chatmon’s acclaimed previous work will also be on display.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Nick Cave: Mammoth
Internationally renowned artist Nick Cave uses surrealism, real-life experiences, raw materials and an unceasing creative intensity to create works that speak to race, gender, identity and history in America. This new installation at the Smithsonian American Art Museum explores the entanglement of land and race in the national consciousness.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Paranormal Activity
Shakespeare knew how to deal out some scares, so don’t be surprised that DC’s outstanding local theatre company named after The Bard is staging a new tale from the world-renowned Paranormal Activity universe. James and Lou relocate from Chicago to London and … well, you’ll just need to see this chilling production for yourself to find out what happens.
Tickets
Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Shakespeare Theatre Company
On Beckett
Bill Irwin is both a Tony Award-winning actor and a master clown. When he steps on the stage at Klein Theatre, he’ll explore both the comedy and tragedy of the essential work of Nobel Prize winner Samuell Beckett. The one-man show features physical and verbal comedy that makes Beckett’s writings accessible to all.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th 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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