Enjoy free summer activities in Washington, DC, including Smithsonian museums, holiday celebrations and much more.
It’s not summertime in the nation's capital without an epic Independence Day celebration featuring fireworks soaring over the iconic National Mall. After the music of 'A Capitol Fourth' concludes, the night sky lights up with a colorful display that you will never forget. Make sure to stay tuned to the event website for details. We've also compiled a list of the best spots to watch the Fourth of July fireworks in Washington, DC, as well as other ways to celebrate Independence Day in the District.
If you think DC’s National Mall is stunning during the day, you’re in for a treat when you explore its monuments and memorials on a summer night for the first time. The Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial and World War II Memorial are all stunning in moonlight, as is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
Summertime and movies go hand-in-hand. Yes, the biggest blockbusters are in theaters, but step your movie-going experience up a notch and relax outdoors while taking in a classic film or one you’ve never seen before. These outdoor movie screenings, which feature beautiful scenery, are often free to attend (note that dates have yet to be announced for 2024 events). Turn a summer night into a monumental memory.
The free Smithsonian Folklife Festival (June 26 through July 1) salutes different international cultures every year on the National Mall with craft exhibits, live music, cooking demos and an expansive marketplace full of pottery, books, textiles, toys, sculptures, clothing and more. The 2024 edition will focus on Indigenous Voices of the Americas and celebrate the National Museum of the American Indian, which turns 20 this year.
The National Gallery of Art and its gorgeous outdoor sculpture garden make for the ideal spot for an afternoon stroll. Inside the West Building, you can discover thousands of essential works, organized by period and national origin and arranged in spectacular and comprehensive galleries across two floors of exhibition space.
The Smithsonian's National Zoo awaits you, offering a free, family-friendly afternoon of seeing lions, tigers, bears and many, many more. Also, make sure to check out the calendar for can't-miss events.
The National Native American Veterans Memorial is a fitting and outstanding addition to the grounds of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, located at 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW. The intimate space was designed by architect Harvey Pratt and opened on Veterans Day 2020. The memorial is specifically tailored to inspire remembrance, reflection and healing as visitors contemplate the immense sacrifice of Native soldiers. Be sure to check out the museum as well, which celebrates its 20th anniversary throughout 2024.
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture is a state-of-the-art building that addresses nearly every aspect of the African American experience, covering the arts, slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, athletics and much more.
Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens equals paradise for nature lovers, with its famous water lilies and lotus flowers providing picturesque scenery. The gardens even host an annual festival in honor of the plants which typically takes place on mid-July. There’s also plenty of space for picnicking and you may even spot some wildlife during your adventure!
There’s nothing like some water-themed fun in the summertime. DC has plenty of options, including the Capitol Riverfront's Yards Park and its 11-inch basin and dancing fountains, Canal Park’s interactive fountain, Georgetown Waterfront Park’s 50-foot space and Petworth’s spray park.
Sharing a building with the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Kogod Courtyard makes for a perfect spot for an afternoon cool-down. There is plenty of space to lounge, an incredible roof that lets in natural light and even a cafe so that you can power up with a snack or drink.
The National Museum of American History is located on Constitution Avenue NW and runs along the National Mall. Through research, in-depth exhibits, extensive collections and public outreach, the museum presents America’s history in all of its complexity. The museum's collection features more than three million artifacts, from Dorothy’s ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz to sheet music written by DC legend Duke Ellington.
During the edgy Capital Fringe Festival (July 11-21), you can catch out-there performances from local creatives, including improv dramas, punk rock shows and colorful dance shows. Events take place at libraries, museums, galleries and other locations throughout the District. Make sure to check out the festival's website as it gets closer for programming information.
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