Blossom Time, Willard Metcalf, 1910
Our end-of-the-week picks for July 24-26, 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
Shifting Boundaries: Perspectives on American Landscapes – Final Weekend
Discover powerful new details and context around some of the greatest works of art in American history. The National Museum of Asian Art approaches the fascinating New England landscape portraiture of legendary artists such as Willard Metcalf, Dwight Tryon, Winslow Homer and Abbott Thayer. By empowering a variety of voices, the exhibit reveals how the landscapes depicted have shifted in the century since these works were first showcased.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
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. 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
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
Jason Derulo
After the Washington Nationals take on the Arizona Diamondbacks, spend the rest of your Friday night grooving to the sounds of Jason Derulo at Nationals Park. The multi-Platinum singer-songwriter will play a set filled with his classics. Your game ticket grants you access to the show, but on-field passes are also available.
Game Tickets | On-Field Passes
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
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
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
Mubadala DC Open
The District’s signature professional tennis tournament returns to Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Top-tier talent from all over the world will compete for a prestigious trophy, leading to action that you do not want to miss.
Tickets
Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, 5220 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
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
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
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 Museum of Asian Art
Of the Hills: Pahari Paintings from India’s Himalayan Kingdoms – Final Weekend
Discover the jaw-dropping beauty and fascinating history of paintings made for Hindu kings in the Pahari region of India between the 1620s and 1830s. The National Museum of Asian Art’s new exhibit examines the political, cultural and religious contexts of 48 pieces filled with exquisite detail. Some of these works have never been shown publicly before.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20004
DC Public Library
District Vibes / American Pride: How DC Changed American Culture
DC gave the world the football huddle, the modern blood bank and legends like Marvin Gaye. Discover the vibrant contributions of Washingtonians through images, artifacts, storytelling and free programs. The main exhibit location is Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, but satellite locations can be found across the city.
More Information | Free Admission
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
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
Pippin – Final Weekend
Located in Arlington, Va., Signature Theatre regularly stages modern rei-imaginings of classic productions. Next May, the company takes on Pippin. The coming-of-age tale will be brought to vivid life with wit, wonder and unforgettable music.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
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.
