National Park Service
Our end-of-the-week picks for July 10-12, 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
Mary McLeod Bethune’s 151st Birthday Celebration
The National Park Service invites you to celebrate the life and achievements of the iconic educator and activist Mary McLeod Bethune on her 151st birthday. Lincoln Park, the site of the memorial to Bethune, will host kids’ activities, a scavenger hunt, live music, remarks and a wreath-laying ceremony. The event is free to attend.
Begins at 10 a.m. | Free Admission
Lincoln Park, 12th Street & East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Visit the new Lincoln Memorial Undercroft
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
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
Driving America Forward: A Ford Experience at Union Station
As part of America's 250th birthday celebration, Ford hosts a free experience that will showcase iconic vehicles, artifacts and stories from more than a century of American innovation and culture. Visitors can check out automotive icons like the 1941 Ford GP, a pre-Pearl Harbor prototype of the famous WWII 'jeep.' The experience will not just feature vehicles—visitors will learn how transportation, industry and innovation helped shape the nation's history through rare pieces from the Ford archives. The experience is free and open to the public. No ticket required.
Free Admission
Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
Photo by Michelle Grace Hunder
Beetlejuice
The musical adaptation of Tim Burton's classic film comes to the National Theatre for a limited engagement in July. The ghost-with-the-most returns to DC by popular demand after a previous, very successful run at the historic venue. The strange and unusual Lydia Deetz meets a recently deceased couple and a demon who's really into stripes (make sure not to say his name three times). An adventure unlike any other unfolds from there, packed with unforgettable songs.
Tickets
National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Saturday
Fitness at Franklin
The DowntownDC BID hosts free Saturday morning fitness classes in the gorgeous and spacious Franklin Park. Expect high-energy movement that flows into a Pilates-inspired class meant to build core strength, then finish with a yoga flow that focuses on breath, mobility and restoration. Juice shots are available from Fruitive on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is recommended.
8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Free Admission | Register
Franklin Park, 1332 I Street 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
We the Woolly: Remixing 250
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company hosts a month packed with free programming to celebrate the diversity of the nation’s capital as America encounters its 250th anniversary. Events will showcase dance, live music, spoken word, circus acts and family-friendly entertainment. There will be free Smartwater and Topo Chico while supplies list, as well as a photo booth and giveaways throughout.
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
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. to 8 p.m. | Tickets
National Geographic Museum of Exploration, 1600 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
World Cup Watch Party Benefitting the Special Olympics
Take in the riveting action of the FIFA World Cup Quarterfinal on Wunder Garten's large outdoor screens. You'll be doing so for a great cause: 10% of all beverage sales benefit Special Olympics DC. There will also be a Kick for a Cause Soccer Shootout for a chance to win two tickets to the NWSL Championship at Audi Field in DC later this year, a D.C. United ticket raffle, a live DJ, face painting and even Special Olympic athletes from DC in attendance.
4-8 p.m. | RSVP
Wunder Garten, 1101 1st Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
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
Expansion of the National Air and Space Museum
A massive renovation project that began in 2018 concludes. Five new galleries have opened to honor the museum’s 50th anniversary, including showcases focused on World War II aircraft and space technologies.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Air and Space Museum, 650 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
The Declaration's Promise
In honor of America's 250th birthday, the Library of Congress showcases a range of rare artifacts that illustrate the promise found in the nation's original Declaration of Independence. Featured treasures include Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration, Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, Walt Whitman's writing pen and much, much more. Phrases from the Declaration are used to organize this dynamic exhibit.
Free Admission | Hours
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
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
Washington Mystics vs. Seattle Storm
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. Pull up to CareFirst Arena and see what all the energy is about this Saturday when the squad takes on the Seattle Storm.
3 p.m. | Tickets
CareFirst Arena, 1100 Oak Drive SE, Washington, DC 20032
9:30 Club
American Football
After releasing one self-titled album in 1999 to little fanfare, the defining band of the Midwest Emo genre parted ways. Over the ensuing decade, internet culture enabled American Football’s single album to become a pillar of an entire subculture. The band reunited and have since released three more albums and toured to world acclaim. A first show at 9:30 Club sold out, so grab tickets quickly to the second one.
7 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
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.
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