Our end-of-the-week picks for July 17-19, 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
America 250 Military Music & Pageantry Spectacular (Washington Tattoo)
Celebrate America's 250th birthday with an unforgettable live performance of military music, cultural traditions and patriotic pageantry at the Washington Tattoo America 250 Experience on Friday and Saturday. The family-friendly production brings together military bands, massed pipes and drums, Highland dancers and cultural performers from across the U.S. and around the world, including the Grammy Award-winning Black Eagle Singers and ensembles representing branches of the U.S. military. It's a one-of-a-kind tribute to America's heritage, service and enduring spirit as the nation marks its 250th anniversary.
Hours & Admission
Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20052
Tickets
Courtesy of Refik Anadol Studio
Smithsonian Dreams
The Smithsonian Castle transforms into a living canvas during this free immersive public art experience from internationally acclaimed media artist Refik Anadol. Stemming from millions of digitized objects from Smithsonian collections and archives, the castle-wide projection will be cast across the bulding's red sandstone façade with light, sound and AI-generated imagery.
9-11 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian Castle, 1000 Jefferson Drive 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. 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
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
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 African American History and Culture
At the Vanguard – Final Weekend
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
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. to 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
Photo by Michelle Grace Hunder
Beetlejuice – Final Weekend
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
Sunday
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone – Final Weekend
Soccer’s monumental moment can be enjoyed within sight of monuments this summer. As part of Freedom 250, the National Mall will host live match-viewing of the World Cup as well as interactive exhibits, cultural showcases, food, music, family-friendly activities and youth programming throughout the tournament. Admission is free for this unique opportunity to take in the world’s most popular sport in one of the most scenic settings in the country.
More Information
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
Visit new galleries at 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
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
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.
