Our end-of-the-week picks for May 1-3, 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
Flower Mart
During Passport DC’s first weekend, the Washington National Cathedral hosts its annual Flower Mart, a two-day event that allows visitors to shop for plants and gifts, eat fun festival food, enjoy children’s activities, ride a historic carousel and take in the beauty of the International Floral Exhibit.
More Info | Free Admission
Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016
The National Theatre
The Book of Mormon
One of the funniest – and most acclaimed – plays of all-time comes to DC’s National Theatre. The musical comedy about two missionaries sent way too far from home will pack the evening with laughs. Note that the production contains explicit language.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
1776
The story of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is transformed into a vibrant musical as the country’s beginnings are brought to blazing life inside the historic Ford's Theatre.
Tickets
Ford's Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Saturday
Around the World Embassy Tour
A month of programming across the city focuses on highlighting DC’s international culture. The Around the World Embassy Tour kicks it off this Saturday with access to dozens of embassies in the District. Most events and tours can be enjoyed entirely free of charge. Read our guide to all of the fun and get more details at Events DC’s site below.
More Info
Adams Morgan Spring PorchFest
One of the District’s most popular neighborhoods showcases some of DC’s best musical talent. Adams Morgan Spring PorchFest will feature more than 80 bands playing an array of genres, including rock, reggae, funk, Go-Go, rap, bluegrass, classical and pop. Twenty porches, business patios and parks, as well as the closed 18th Street, will become stages for the day, drawing music-lovers from around the region into the tree-lined streets and small businesses of Adams Morgan.
Free Admission
Running of the Chihuahuas at The Wharf
The Wharf celebrates Cinco de Mayo with this too-cute-to-be-true chihuahua race. Watch the little pups run their way to glory at one of the most exciting places in DC. You’ll also be able to enjoy a beer garden, a DJ, an adoptable pet parade and an all-breed costume contest.
Free Admission
The Wharf, 600 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Experience a DC Defenders game at Audi Field
Defenders football has become a springtime tradition at Audi Field in the nation’s capital. Hard-hitting action returns so expect a rowdy atmosphere as the DC squad looks to defend home field. Purchase tickets through the link below to save up to 35% on their Saturday matchup against the Dallas Renegades.
Tickets (up to 35% off)
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Rubell Museum
Rubell Museum: Museums on Us
If you’re a Bank of America cardholder, you can enjoy free general admission at Rubell Museum on the first weekend of every month. The “Museums on Us” program allows you to explore the fascinating hub for contemporary art without paying a cent. Current must-see exhibitions include Material Witness and Basil Kincaid: Spirit in the Gift.
Hours
Rubell Museum, 65 I Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Sunday
Sandbox VR Experience
Sandbox VR Experience
Located at CityCenterDC, Sandbox is a cutting-edge virtual reality experience that’s ideal for groups of up to six people. You can both see and physically interact with everyone inside the experience with you. Inspired by Star Trek's Holodeck concept, the exclusive worlds (built by EA, Sony and Ubisoft veterans) will have you feeling as if you’ve stepped right into a video game or film.
Book Now
CityCenterDC, 824 9th Street NW, Suite 606 A/B, Washington, DC 20001
The Phillips Collection
peter campus: there somewhere – Final Weekend
The Phillips Collection showcases one of the leading figures in new media art with there somewhere. peter campus’ breakthrough videos from the early 1970s are displayed alongside four new, serene landscape works, which the artist has named “the phillips quartets”.
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
44: The Musical
Head to Klein Theatre for a healthy dose of political satire with a musical ideal for a DC audience. 44: The Musical tackles the Obama Era with hilarious characters and songs. Expect appearances by (actors humorously playing) Sarah Palin, Barack Obama, Mitch McConnell, Ted Cruz and Joe Biden.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Arena Stage
A Good Day to Me Not to You
Arena Stage welcomes a new work from Drama Desk Award-winning actor Lameece Isaaq and two-time Obie-winning director Lee Sunday Evans. The play concerns a 40-something dental lab tech who loses her job and relocates to a woman’s boarding house run by nuns. She’s forced to confront her own personal demons as well as the house’s deranged inhabitants in this deeply psychological production.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th 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 today!
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.
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