Things to Do This Weekend in Washington, DC

Friday

Jazz in the Garden
Kick back and groove to the music with sangria in hand at Jazz in the Garden on Fridays 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
 

Othello
Shakespeare’s Earth-shaking tale of deceit, betrayal and paranoia is vividly staged by Simon Godwin with The Wire’s Wendell Pierce in the titular role. Shakespeare Theatre Company's Harman Hall serves as the venue.
Tickets
Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Pippin
Located in Arlington, Va., Signature Theatre regularly stages modern re-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
 

Nationals Park

Nationals Postgame Summer Concert Series: Taio Cruz
After the Washington Nationals take on the San Diego Padres, spend the rest of your Friday night grooving to the sounds of Taio Cruz at Nationals Park. The international star behind hits such as “Dynamite” and “Break Your Heart” has also worked with Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Britney Spears. Your game ticket grants you access to the show, but on-field passes are also available.
Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
 

Saturday

Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum

We Make History
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum dives into how communities in DC – and all over the country – collect, preserve and share local history. Stories of civic engagement and historical narrative-building will be at the center of this in-depth exhibit that showcases how American has been built one act, one document and one story at a time. Note that the museum is currently closed and will reopen along with the debut of the exhibit.
Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, DC 20020
 

2nd Annual Oysterfest at Chevy Chase Lake
This lively community event brings together fresh oysters, local flavor, live music and drinks for an unforgettable way to celebrate the season. Enjoy all-you-can-eat oysters and seafood favorites from spots like Clyde's and Nina May while supporting a healthier Chesapeake Bay. 
Tickets
8525 Chevy Chase Lake Terrace, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
 

Armed Forces Cycling Classic

Armed Forces Cycling Classic
The Armed Forces Cycling Classic includes two days of closed-course biking open to enthusiasts of all abilities. Cyclists can keep it low-key with amateur, non-competitive events like the Challenge Ride and Kids Race or choose to challenge themselves at the Women’s and Men’s Pro/AM Races (including the famous Clarendon Cup). Everyone who completes more than one lap gets a medal.
More Information
 

Project GLOW
Festival goers can enjoy a transformation of one of the city’s most prominent recreational hubs, with two thoughtfully curated stages of music, exquisite food and beverage offerings and a collection of globally-recognized artists at the RFK Festival Grounds. True to the historic nature of the city, Project GLOW is the culmination of the past 20 years of Club Glow, representing its impact on the DC music scene while championing the superstar acts that will take to the festival stages.
Tickets
RFK Festival Grounds, 2400 East Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20003
 

The Motion
A fierce debate among four scholars becomes a journey through belief, memory and identity in a new play at the legendary Arena Stage.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
 

How Sweet the Sound – May 30
America’s #1 gospel music competition comes to DC for a one-night-only celebration of faith, music and community. Showcasing some of the nation’s top gospel choirs, soloists, dance ensembles and spoken word artists – with special performances from Tamela Mann, David Mann, Donald Lawrence, Kierra Sheard, Jekalyn Carr, JJ Hairston and more – the night is sure to uplift and inspire. Audiences of all ages can expect an evening filled with powerful voices and joyful energy.
Doors: 6 p.m. | Show: 7:30 p.m. |  Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
 

Sunday

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Burnished: Pueblo Pottery at NMWA
For more than two millennia, Pueblo potters in the southwestern region of the U.S. have created clay jars and bowls for storage and ceremonial purposes. Women are at the forefront of this work and its legacy. Burnished presents 24 elegantly shaped clay ollas, seed jars and bowls. The show features indigenous artists and is part of the the museum's participation in Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, an initiative of Craft in America.  
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
 

The National Theatre

The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic vision of fragile hope and destructive desire in the Jazz Age practically begs for the stage. You'll be able to see Broadway's take on the 1920s glamor, tension, love and deception -- dance numbers and all -- right in the heart of downtown DC. We're giving you the "green light": get your tickets now, and don't miss the Great American Novel on a great American stage. Just watch out for any billboards on your way there.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Studio Theatre

Purlie Victorious
Studio Theatre stages this satire that is sure to deliver timely social commentary and a healthy helping of madcap laughs. Originally staged in 1961 and revived on Broadway in 2023, Purlie Victorious immerses you in the Jim Crow South as our main character returns home to take back his father’s church and free sharecroppers from a ruthless racist.
Tickets
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
 

National Museum of the American Indian

Stretching the Canvas: Ten Decades of Native Painting
The National Museum of the American Indian’s new exhibit surveys 10 decades of Native painting, demonstrating how seminal artists elevated the art form after World War I. In an environment that dismissed Native art, trendsetting painters like Fred Kabotie, Tonita Peña and Stephen Mopope advocated for themselves and carved out a space for their distinctive work. Later generations expanded the field even more, making for an exhibition that illustrates the breadth and depth of Native self-expression.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Woolly Mammoth Theatre

A Fine Madness
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company presents a special local tour of the latest work from company artist Justin Weaks. A Fine Madness will be staged at four different venues across the District. The piece lives at the intersection of “performance” and “event” as Weaks weaves his own story of growing up as a Black gay man in DC and HIV diagnosis with audience participation. His goal: to build a new archive inclusive of his experience and yours.
More Info & Tickets
 

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.