Things to Do This Weekend in Washington, DC

Friday

 

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 (June 16 to Sept. 7).
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. |  Free Admission
Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building, 900 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
 

The Hirshhorn

Smithsonian Solstice Saturday
Celebrate the official first weekend of summer with the Smithsonian. Institutions like the Hirshhorn, the National Zoo, the National Museum of Asian Art and the National Museum of American History will curate special projects and programs, host exciting performances and grant the rare chance to explore the museums into the evening. 
More Info | Free Admission
 

Events DC

Clipper Race Fleet Week
Hundreds of amateur sailors have embarked on the race of a lifetime. Now, the 40,000-nautical-mile-race around the world will make its only East Coast stop at The Wharf in Washington, DC. Tour boats, converse with crews, experience live art and celebrate the culture of DC as the city welcomes yachts from across the globe to its vibrant waterfront.
More Information
The Wharf, 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
 

Capital Pride in Washington, DC 
For over 50 years, the Capital Pride Alliance has been the heart of DC's LGBTQ+ celebrations. The District goes all-out with its signature parade and a packed calendar of events, block parties, shows, special exhibits and more. 

• RIOT! Opening Party – June 19

• Capital Pride Parade – June 20

• Capital Pride Festival – June 21

 

 

D.C. United

United In Play: 2026 FIFA World Cup Watch Parties
For the second straight weekend, D.C. United will host a free watch party for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Tingey Plaza hosts viewings from Friday through Sunday, including U.S.A. vs. Australia on June 19. Sign up for free admission tickets at the link above and take in the world's game in a communal atmosphere.
More Information
Tingey Plaza, 101 Tingey Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
 

Photo by Joan Marcus

Suffs
Direct from Broadway comes the acclaimed, Tony Award®-winning musical Suffs about the brilliant, passionate and funny American women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote. Created by Shaina Taub, the first woman to ever independently win Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score in the same season. “Behind every powerful woman… are more powerful women.”
Tickets
National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Lincoln Theatre

Juneteenth Celebration at Lincoln Theatre
One of DC’s most historic venues celebrates the Juneteenth holiday with an evening packed with performances headlined by the funky stylings of Tank and The Bangas. The eclectic group will be supported by Cecily and Akinola Pedor as well as readings from Amuche The Poet and Pi-Anir the Poet.
7:30 p.m. |  Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
 

Saturday

 

© Georgetown BID

Fête De La Musique – World Music Day
Faites la fête at Georgetown's iteration of the free, live music festival that has been celebrated in France for over 40 years. Listeners can catch R&B, Americana, jazz, bluegrass, spoken word or rock across the fest's locations throughout Georgetown's commercial district and at the French Embassy. 
More Info | Free Admission
 

Home Rule Music Festival
This DC-centric festival celebrates the rich music and cultural scene of the nation's capital. The day's programming kicks off with the next generation of artists' Youth Showcase and a full day of live performances at the Parks at Walter Reed. If you can't make this dates, plan ahead for the October edition. 
More Info
The Parks at Walter Reed, 7150 12th Street NW, Washington, DC 20012

 

Red, White and Spy: Tradecraft Try Its
Ever wanted to write in invisible ink like George Washington? Slip a secret note to someone like Virginia Hall? If so, drop by the International Spy Museum to try your hand at real spy skills inspired by American history. Quick, hands-on activities for agents ages 9 and up will be available not only within the Museum’s exhibits, but also outside on its plaza (weather permitting).
More Information
International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024

 

National Museum of Asian Art

Saodat Ismailova: Melted Into the Sun
The first major solo museum presentation in the U.S. by film and installation artist Saodat Ismailova highlights her ongoing interest in Central Asia’s traditions, oral histories and landscapes. A unique blend of images, sounds and textures, Ismailova’s work creates a space between dream and reality.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, East Building, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Folger Theatre

How Shakespeare Saved My Life
In this one-man show, written and performed by Jacob Ming-Trent, Shakespeare speaks across time, place, age and race to help rescue its protagonist from the “slings and arrows” of his past. Calling on the Bard and a host of genius rappers, half-crazed preachers and soulful poets to throw him a lifeline, Ming-Trent takes us on a propulsive ride that reaffirms the power of language and music. The show runs from June 9 – July 5; approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.
Tickets
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
 

Keegan Theatre

The Play That Goes Wrong 
This 1920s whodunit has everything you never wanted in a show – an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead and actors who trip over everything, including their lines. Part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes, this Olivier Award-winning comedy is a global phenomenon that’s guaranteed to leave you aching with laughter. 
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church 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
 

Warner Theatre

Daniel Tosh
One of the snarkiest stand-up comedians working today runs it back three straight nights at Warner Theatre. Daniel Tosh has shown time and again that there’s no topic he won’t touch, from his innovative work on the immensely popular Tosh.0 to his always hilariously interesting live sets. Expect some line-crossing and punchlines galore.
7 p.m. |  Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

9:30 Club

Rostam
With acclaim nearly unanimous for his album, American Stories, Rostam has unlocked a new phase of an already stunningly successful career. The GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter, producer and composer first achieved fame as a founding member of Vampire Weekend, then individually went on to work with world-renowned acts such as Frank Ocean, Charli XCX, Maggie Rogers, Clairo and Solange, among many others. His solo work is just as compelling as his work with those artists, so don’t miss his set at 9:30 Club.
6 p.m. |  Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
 

Sunday

 

EAT250: America at the Table 
Celebrate 250 years of American history through every flavor the DC region has to offer, with collaboration dinners, public talks, tastings, immersive experiences and prix-fixe menus at restaurants across the city.
Citywide
 

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
 

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone
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

Unconventional Diner

Pride Drag Bingo Dinner and Pride Month Deals at Unconventional Diner
Celebrate Pride Month with a special edition of Unconventional Diner's Drag Bingo Dinner. The lively evening features performances from some of DC’s most exciting drag artists, including India Larelle Houston from Perry’s famed drag brunch, as well as bingo, themed cocktails, tableside drink service and a buffet dinner with dessert. Throughout June, Unconventional Diner will fly rainbow flags on its patio and sell its legendary rainbow layer cake, donating a portion of sales to DC-based Whitman-Walker.
Doors: 6:30 p.m. | Event: 7:30 p.m. |  Tickets
$60 plus tax; service charge included
Unconventional Diner, 1207 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

Signature Theatre Company

What Became of Us
See the DC premiere of this “soaring, poetic play” about a sister and a brother, the elder born in “The Old Country” and the younger born in “This Country,” striving for connection over the course of a lifetime. Runtime is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes with no intermission.
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.