Things to Do This Weekend in Washington, DC

Friday

 

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
 

Expansion of the National Air and Space Museum
A massive renovation project that began in 2018 concludes. Five new galleries open on the museum’s 50th anniversary, including galleries focused on World War II aircraft and space technologies. The debut of these galleries also coincides with America's 250th anniversary. Visit the Air and Space Museum's website for more information.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Air and Space Museum, 650 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Visit the new Lincoln Memorial Undercroft
Just in time for America's 250th anniversary, 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 (June 16 to Sept. 7).
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. |  Free Admission
Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building, 900 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Driving America Forward: A Ford Experience at Union Station
As part of America's 250th birthday celebration, Ford hosts a free experience that will showcase iconic vehicles, artifacts and stories from more than a century of American innovation and culture. Visitors can check out automotive icons like the 1941 Ford GP, a pre-Pearl Harbor prototype of the famous WWII 'jeep.' The experience will not just feature vehicles—visitors will learn how transportation, industry and innovation helped shape the nation's history through rare pieces from the Ford archives. The experience is free and open to the public. No ticket required.
Free Admission
Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
 

A Capitol Fourth
The star-studded concert on the National Mall will air on PBS and can also be enjoyed in-person; just make sure to get there early. The star-spangled birthday party begins at 8 p.m. on July 3 this year with the usual epic fireworks celebration taking place the following day. The event is free and open to the public and tickets are not required. The dress rehearsal on July 2 is also free to attend.
8 p.m. | FAQ
West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, First Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Saturday

 

Daytime Baseball at Nationals Park
The Washington Nationals annually play at home on Independence Day, holding a daytime game to accommodate the activities throughout the city the rest of the day. This year, the Nats will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates in the holiday matchup. Use code VISITDC when you purchase tickets for 15% off!
11:05 a.m. |  Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
 

July 4th Celebration at the National Archives
Join the National Archives for a one-of-a-kind July 4th celebration. The only place where you can view the original Declaration of Independence makes for a perfect destination on the day of America's 250th anniversary. Get ready to be greeted by George and Martha Washington re-enactors, enjoy family-fun activities and sign a facsimile of the Declaration at this party hosted on the steps of the Archives. Reserve your tickets early and note that the museum will host extended hours from June 22 through July 5 (excluding June 23). Also, be sure to explore the new American Story exhibit, displayed in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary.
Activities begin at 8:30 a.m. |  Free Admission
National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20408
 

We the Woolly: Remixing 250
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company hosts a month packed with free programming to celebrate the diversity of the nation’s capital as America encounters its 250th anniversary. Events will showcase dance, live music, spoken word, circus acts and family-friendly entertainment. There will be free Smartwater and Topo Chico while supplies list, as well as a photo booth and giveaways throughout.
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

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
 

Great American State Fair
The National Mall transforms into a huge state fair for the entire country. From Maine lobster rolls to Hawaii’s shimmering hula stage, Texas-sized steaks to Alaska’s towering ice carvings, all fifty states, territories and federal agencies showcase their food, culture and pride in an unforgettable, coast-to-coast celebration. You can register for tickets online in advance.
Register
National Mall, Between Constitution & Independence Avenues SW, Washington, DC 20050
 

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
 

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
 

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
 

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
 

July 4th Fireworks
Watching the fireworks is one of the highlights of Independence Day in Washington, DC and fortunately, the city and the surrounding area offer a plethora of scenic viewing options.  July 4th is a great time to be in DC for plenty of other reasons as well. The Salute to America Celebration & Fireworks will be a grand spectacle in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary. Note that the fireworks show does not begin until 10:30 p.m. this year.
 

Sunday

 

The Declaration's Promise
In honor of America's 250th birthday, the Library of Congress showcases a range of rare artifacts that illustrate the promise found in the nation's original Declaration of Independence. Featured treasures include Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration, Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, Walt Whitman's writing pen and much, much more. Phrases from the Declaration are used to organize this dynamic exhibit.
Free Admission |  Hours
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
 

National Portrait Gallery

The Spirit of Invention: Patent Office and Patentees
Timed with the U.S. semiquincentennial, the National Portrait Gallery commemorates the founding of its historic home with The Spirit of Invention: Patent Office and Patentees. The exhibition sketches the early history of the Patent Office – the third oldest building in DC – through works in the museum’s collection. 
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, First Floor, East Galleries, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
 

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
 

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.