Our end-of-the-week picks for July 31 – Aug. 2, 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
Otakon
Held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center each year, Otakon might just be the dedicated event space’s liveliest function (emphasis on FUN) all year long. The family-friendly convention is run by and dedicated to fans of Asian media, entertainment and pop culture, including anime, manga, music, movies and video games. The festivities range from cosplay contests, skits and live music to panel discussions with comic book (super)heroes, for-sale artworks and much more.
Tickets
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001
Art in Embassies
Passport to Patriotism
The Art Museum of the Americas hosts a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition thanks to Art in Embassies. Passport to Patriotism showcases the work of more than 30 American artists. The pieces reflect how the American story transcends boundaries and politics and how the country’s ideals and values have been formed. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Free Admission
Art Museum of the Americas, 201 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
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
Saturday
The Phillips Collection
Tomorrow the Sun Will Rise
The Phillips Collection maintains its commitment to DMV artists with this juried exhibition that will showcase 48 local creatives. The intergenerational group of artists was culled from 1,500 applications. Their pieces reflect a wrestling with the contemporary world as well as themes of beauty, resilience and persistence.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Dear America
Explore how artists have captured and questioned the American experience over the last 250 years. Through more than 100 works on paper spanning photography, prints and drawings, discover powerful depictions of the nation’s landscapes, people and ideals of freedom.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
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. This weekend marks the championship rounds.
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
Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art
The National Museum of African Art has assembled a powerful showcase of works that marks the first continental and diasporic survey of its scale outside of Africa. LGBTQ+ identities and experiences are the focus of the exhibit, with many of the pieces serving as challenges to legacies of homophobia and bigotry.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Folger Shakespeare Library
Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era – Final Weekend
For the first time since 1805, 14 paintings from the renowned Boydell Shakespeare Gallery in London are on view together. Visit the Folger Shakespeare Library and capitalize on this rare chance to see the tremendous collection, which features depictions of scenes from the Bard’s plays as imagined by leading artists of the day.
Hours | Free Admission
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
National Museum of Asian Art
A Museum in the Making
Mull over this meta exhibit about how the country’s first national art museum got made. To celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, the National Museum of Asian Art has partnered with the Freer House to tell the story of this bold experiment in art and design, which continues to shape the museum’s galleries today.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, West Building, Jefferson Drive at 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20004
Attend a Washington Spirit Game at Audi Field
August is a packed month for the National Women's Soccer League's Washington Spirit, with four home games at Audi Field taking place in the span of just 28 days. Make sure to secure your tickets so you can watch Trinity Rodman and the Spirit in the midst of their playoff push in a matchup against fellow postseason aspirant San Diego Wave.
Tickets
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Live Nation
Lord Huron
A childhood friendship constitutes the basis of Lord Huron, a project that has grown from a solo venture of Ben Schneider to a full-fledged band that tours the world. Responsible for some of the most popular albums of the last decade, the group’s vibrant sound has earned widespread critical acclaim, and their live performances are not to be missed as they’ve conquered both festivals and major arenas.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf 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
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.
