National Museum of American History
Our end-of-the-week picks for Jan. 16-18, 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
How Can You Forget Me: Filipino American Stories
A new exhibit at the National Museum of American History, presented by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, explores California’s “Little Manila,” a community of Filipinos that thrived from the 1910s to the 1970s. Through more than 50 artifacts found in preserved steamer trunks (three of which are on display in the gallery), visitors can gain insight into what was once the largest population of Filipinos living outside of their home country.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Ice skate in DC
Lace up some skates and triple axel 'round the District at popular ice skating rinks at the National Building Museum, the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, Washington Harbour in Georgetown, Canal Park in Capitol Riverfront and The Wharf. Make sure to read our detailed breakdown of each spot.
Studio Theatre
Octet
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
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The Rite of Spring: Trifonov plays Brahms
Gianandrea Noseda and virtuoso pianist Daniil Trifonov combine for two timeless compositions across three nights of performances at the Kennedy Center. First up is Brahms’ epic First Piano Concerto, which will be followed by the rule-changing The Rite of Spring from Stravinsky.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Ford’s Theatre Legacy Commissions: A First Look
The historic Ford’s Theatre hosts a free two-day festival that showcases new plays in development from members of the Theatre’s Legacy Commissions initiative. Readings of three works-in-progress will take place, providing exclusive early access. On Jan. 17 at 7 p.m., audience members are invited to stay and continue the conversation.
Tickets
Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Saturday
National Museum of African American History and Culture
At the Vanguard
The National Museum of African American History and Culture’s new exhibit features more than 100 objects from the collections of five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Clark Atlanta, Florida A&M, Jackson State, Texas Southern, Tuskegee) in a stunning display of how these institutions have shaped American education and culture through innovation, ingenuity, resistance and activism.
Free Admission | Hours & Information
National Museum of African American History & Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
The Phillips Collection
peter campus: there somewhere
The Phillips Collection showcases one of the leading figures in new media art with there somewhere. peter campus’ breakthrough videos from the early 1970s are displayed alongside four new, serene landscape works, which the artist has named “the phillips quartets”.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Photo by Kate Capshaw
Portrait of a Nation: 2025 Honorees
In honor of recent recipients of the Portrait of a Nation Award, the National Portrait Gallery showcases an exhibit dedicated to stunning work. The award elevates “extraordinary individuals who have made transformative contributions to the United States and its people.” This year’s group of honorees includes Jamie Dimon, business leader, by photographer Jason Alden; Temple Grandin, professor, inventor and groundbreaking researcher of animal science, by artist David Lenz; Joy Harjo, renowned poet, performer and writer of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and 23rd U.S. poet laureate, by artist Joel Daniel Phillips; and Steven Spielberg, Academy Award-winning director, producer and writer, by artist Kate Capshaw.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Shen Yun 2026
The Kennedy Center annually hosts this journey through five thousand years of Chinese culture. Classical dance informs the theatrical experience, which also includes visual effects, original orchestral works and stories that will transport you to the distant past.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
National Theatre
STOMP
Celebrate 30 years of STOMP at National Theatre across three nights of performances. The unique percussive show features an eight-member troupe employing a range of instruments unlike any other, including Zippo lighters, hubcaps, wooden poles, garbage cans, matchboxes and much more.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sunday
National Building Museum
Winter Skate Spectacular
Don’t fret! The National Building Museum will bring back its indoor ice-skating rink this year. Sponsored by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District and Events DC, the Winter Skate Spectacular will offer daytime and after-hours skate sessions this year. Visitors can also enjoy The Wave, a 55-by-180-foot recycled aluminum space frame suspended in the Great Hall.
Tickets & More Information
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Grandma Moses: A Good Day's Work
Anna Mary Robertson Moses, who was dubbed “Grandma Moses” by the press, lived through the American Civil War, two world wars and the civil rights era. In the 1940s, she emerged as a central figure thanks to her unique tapestries of American life. The Smithsonian American Art Museum introduces her essential work to new generations with an in-depth exhibit.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Gary Owen
While still enlisted in the Navy, Gary Owen won BET’s Comic View and has been on fire ever since. Lincoln Theatre hosts the viral and YouTube sensation known for his hilarious crowd work and peak timing for one night only as he embarks on a world tour. Owen's first two shows at the venue sold out, so grab tickets to this one quickly.
7 p.m. | Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
9:30 Club
Atmosphere: Winter Carnival Tour
Joined by special guests such as Kool Keith, Sage Francis and R.A. the Rugged Man, hip-hop duo Atmosphere bring their Winter Carnival Tour to town in the form of an epic one-night show at 9:30 Club. Expect the evening’s set to span Atmosphere’s breathtaking discography.
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 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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