Things to Do July 2026 in Washington, DC

Experience America's 250th anniversary in the nation's capital
2026 marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a monumental moment being celebrated on stages across America. But nowhere is the celebration more spectacular than in Washington, DC.

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Washington Spirit

Soccer season in Washington, DC
Head to Audi Field to catch four-time MLS Cup winners D.C. United or 2021 NWSL Champion Washington Spirit, which fields some of the best women’s soccer players in the country. Whether you're a longtime fan or just looking for a high-energy night out, experiencing the electric atmosphere of professional soccer is easy in DC.
Spirit Tickets
D.C. United Tickets

 

Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals Baseball
The Nats, who have four National League East titles, five postseason appearances and a World Series championship since coming to DC in 2005, are one of the city's main attractions throughout the spring and summer. Head to Nationals Park to experience MLB action with an exciting schedule, plenty of home runs and, of course, Racing Presidents. The team celebrated its 20th anniversary in the nation's capital last year, and plenty of exciting events are already on the calendar for 2026. 
1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
 

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 on June 25 – 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.
More Information
 

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 when it opens on June 26.
National Geographic Museum of Exploration, 1600 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
 

Daytime Baseball at Nationals Park – July 4
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. 
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
 

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. Plan a trip now.
 

© Successió Miró /Easton Foundation, 2026 via Phillips Collection

Miró and the United States – Through July 5
The Phillips Collection's new exhibit will explore the artistic conversation between Spanish artist Joan Miró (1893–1983) and American artists from the 1940s to the 1960s. The exhibition will trace Miró’s relationships with American artists, collectors and institutions in an examination of the ways this exchange spurred inspiration and experimentation on both sides of the Atlantic. Expect to see works by Alexander Calder, Louise Bourgeois, Lee Krasner, Norman Lewis, Jackson Pollock, Helen Frankenthaler, Adolph Gottlieb and many more.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
 

Great American State Fair – Through July 10
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
 

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Grandma Moses: A Good Day's Work – Through July 12
Anna Mary Robertson Moses, who was dubbed “Grandma Moses” by the press, lived through the American Civil War, two world wars and the civil rights era. In the 1940s, she emerged as a central figure thanks to her unique tapestries of American life. The Smithsonian American Art Museum introduces her essential work to new generations with an in-depth exhibit.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen – Through July 12
Studio Theatre hosts a new one-man show that goes on a stand-up comedian’s journey into (and potentially out of) love. All the stresses of modern life are touched upon as a painfully neurotic single person tries intimacy and encounters just a bit too much self-sabotage along the way.
Tickets
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
 

The Kennedy Center

The Play That Goes Wrong – Through July 12
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
 

Red, White and Spy: Tradecraft Try Its – Through July 14
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 African American History and Culture

At the Vanguard – Through July 19
The National Museum of African American History and Culture’s new exhibit features more than 100 objects from the collections of five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Clark Atlanta, Florida A&M, Jackson State, Texas Southern, Tuskegee) in a stunning display of how these institutions have shaped American education and culture through innovation, ingenuity, resistance and activism.
Free Admission |  Hours & Information
National Museum of African American History & Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
 

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone – Through July 19
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
 

Mubadala Citi DC Open

Mubadala DC Open – July 25 – Aug. 2
The District’s signature professional tennis tournament returns to Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Top-tier talent from all over the world will compete for a prestigious trophy, leading to action that you do not want to miss.
Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, 5220 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
 

National Museum of Asian Art

Of the Hills: Pahari Paintings from India’s Himalayan Kingdoms – Through July 26
Discover the jaw-dropping beauty and fascinating history of paintings made for Hindu kings in the Pahari region of India between the 1620s and 1830s. The National Museum of Asian Art’s new exhibit examines the political, cultural and religious contexts of 48 pieces filled with exquisite detail. Some of these works have never been shown publicly before.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Pippin – Through July 26
Located in Arlington, Va., Signature Theatre regularly stages modern rei-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
 

Blossom Time, Willard Metcalf, 1910

Shifting Boundaries: Perspectives on American Landscapes – Through July 26
Discover powerful new details and context around some of the greatest works of art in American history. The National Museum of Asian Art approaches the fascinating New England landscape portraiture of legendary artists such as Willard Metcalf, Dwight Tryon, Winslow Homer and Abbott Thayer. By empowering a variety of voices, the exhibit reveals how the landscapes depicted have shifted in the century since these works were first showcased.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Smithsonian Institution

American Aspirations – Through July 26
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
 

Signature Theatre Company

What Became of Us – Through July 26
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
 

China Chilcano

Celebrate Peruvian Independence Day in the District – July 28
Honor this Latin American nation's heritage – as well as its 200-year anniversary of diplomatic ties with the U.S. – by exploring its rich cultural and culinary traditions in Washington, DC. Sample plates at Pisco y Nazca, take part in three days of special menus at local favorite China Chilcano or opt for a walk-through experience at the James Beard Award-winning Causa/Amazonia. Ceviches, anticuchos, pisco sours and more await at these and other locations across the city.
 

Folger Shakespeare Library

Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era – Through Aug. 2
For the first time since 1805, 14 paintings from the renowned Boydell Shakespeare Gallery in London are on view together. Visit the Folger Shakespeare Library and capitalize on this rare chance to see the tremendous collection, which features depictions of scenes from the Bard’s plays as imagined by leading artists of the day.
Hours |  Free Admission
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
 

National Museum of Asian Art

A Museum in the Making –  Through Aug. 8
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
 

Arena Stage

CrazySexyCool: The TLC Musical – Through Aug. 9
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
 

Jazz in the Garden – Fridays through Aug. 14
Kick back and groove to the music with sangria in hand at Jazz in the Garden 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
 

National Gallery of Art

In the Library: Photobooks and American Energy – Through Aug. 21
With the National Gallery of Art’s Library as its source, this new exhibit examines how artists have used photobooks to indicate the impact of America’s energy industry. The images join text to tell fascinating stories that have forever changed the country’s landscapes and people.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
 

National Museum of African Art

Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art – Through Aug. 23
The National Museum of African Art has assembled a powerful showcase of works that marks the first continental and diasporic survey of its scale outside of Africa. LGBTQ+ identities and experiences are the focus of the exhibit, with many of the pieces serving as challenges to legacies of homophobia and bigotry.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
 

National Gallery of Art

Mary Cassatt: An American in Paris – Through Aug. 30
The National Gallery of Art presents the vibrant work of Mary Cassatt across three galleries. The museum’s impressionist collection served as the source for this in-depth examination of how Cassatt went about creating her radically modern pieces. Roughly 40 paintings, drawings and prints will be on display.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Extended Hours at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden – Through Sept. 5
Summertime is the right time to visit the gorgeous (and totally free) Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art. The museum meets the moment with extended hours for the garden from Wednesday through Saturday throughout the summer, remaining open until 8 p.m. and offering a special happy hour menu (5-7 p.m. except during Jazz in the Garden on Fridays).
More Information
National Gallery of Art, 700 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
 

National Children's Museum

Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! – Through Sept. 6
Kids will go crazy for this new exhibit at the National Children’s Museum, which immerses them in the world of Curious George through a variety of interactive experiences. Activations include an apartment building where kids use pulleys to move George, a construction site, mini-golf and the rocket George took to space.
Hours & Admission
National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Smithsonian Institution

Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America – Through Sept. 7
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.
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. |  Free Admission
Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building, 900 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Keith Lowry

Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building Reopens – Through Sept. 7
The second oldest building of the Smithsonian Institution reopens to the public for a limited time in perfect alignment with America’s 250th anniversary. Visitors can explore two exhibitions: a special version of the traveling exhibition, Voices & Votes: Democracy in America, and another showcasing objects and stories from past Folklife Festivals. The building will also host For the Common Good: The Smithsonian on Our Shared Future 250, a series of conversations with Smithsonian staff, community partners and thought leaders, as well as the Folklife Marketplace, featuring handcrafted items from artisans.
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. |  Free Admission
900 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20004
 

National Gallery of Art

Dear America – Through Sept. 20
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
 

DC Public Library

District Vibes / American Pride: How DC Changed American Culture – Through Sept. 27
DC gave the world the football huddle, the modern blood bank and legends like Marvin Gaye. Discover the vibrant contributions of Washingtonians through images, artifacts, storytelling and free programs. The main exhibit location is Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, but satellite locations can be found across the city.
More Information |  Free Admission
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
 

National Museum of Asian Art

Into the Waters with Senju and Bingyi: Two Contemporary Paintings – Through Sept. 27
Japanese artists Hiroshi Senju and Bingyi and their different visualizations of water – each hypnotic and transfixing in their own way – form the basis of this new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art. Senju’s abstract approach and Bingy’s traditional methods along with each painter’s influences and ethos are examined in detail.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20004
 

U.S. Botanic Garden

America’s State Flowers: An America250 Celebration – Through Oct. 12
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the U.S. Botanic Garden showcases the official flowers of every U.S. state and territory. Varieties on display include fragrant magnolias, roses, orchids, bluebonnets, saguaro cactus flowers and many more; all of them symbolize the natural beauty of America.
Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
 

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Ms. Americana – Through Oct. 31
The National Museum of Women in the Arts' (NMWA) take on nostalgia, Ms. Americana invites viewers to consider 250 years of the American experience through ten works of art by nine American women artists from the 18th through the 20th centuries. The paintings, which include still-lifes, portraits and landscapes, are curated from NMWA’s collection and were created by women who also owned businesses, traveled the world and engaged in politics. The scope here is broad and tender.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
 

National Museum of Asian Art

Saodat Ismailova: Melted Into the Sun – Through Nov. 29
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
 

©Jasper Johns and ULAE, National Gallery of Art

American Icon: The US Flag in Art – Through Dec. 6
The exhibition spotlights more than 30 works from the late-1800s to today, each illustrating the changing uses and interpretations of the American flag. Paintings, prints and photographs from seminal artists such as Gordon Parks, Dorothea Lange, Jasper Johns and Faith Ringgold examine the ever-evolving symbolism of the Stars and Stripes.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
 

National Museum of the American Indian

Water's Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe – Through Jan. 1, 2027
The acclaimed Ho-Chunk artist receives his first major retrospective at the National Museum of the American Indian. Truman Lowe used willow branches, feathers and organic materials to create minimalist sculptures to evoke rivers, streams and waterfalls. The exhibit also features similarly distinctive drawings and paintings by Lowe.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Nick Cave: Mammoth – Through Jan. 3, 2027
Internationally renowned artist Nick Cave uses surrealism, real-life experiences, raw materials and an unceasing creative intensity to create works that speak to race, gender, identity and history in America. This new installation at the Smithsonian American Art Museum explores the entanglement of land and race in the national consciousness.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. |  Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Hillwood Museum

Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles – Through Jan. 3, 2027
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, the sumptuous estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post, presents myriad treasures literally in every corner – this year they’ve rounded up their rich holding of fabrics for their first ever textile-focused exhibition. The offering invites visitors to consider the enduring power of textiles, not only as decorative or domestic objects but also as expressions of identity, devotion, innovation and exquisite craftsmanship.
No tickets required; suggested $20 donation for adults
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
 

National Portrait Gallery

The Spirit of Invention: Patent Office and Patentees – Through June 6, 2027
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

Reset: Abstraction Embodied in Design – Through June 2028
Running for two years beginning on June 12, this exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) takes a cerebral look at the way thoughtfully shaped furniture shapes our environments and our perspectives. Explore the ways that designers, much like visual artists, harness abstraction as both a technique and a source of inspiration.
Free Admission |  Hours & Information (timed passes required)
National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Smithsonian Institution

Revelation: A Journey Into Abstraction – Through June 2028
NMAAHC dives even deeper into abstraction with this installation which explores the profound range and depth of abstract art created by African American artists from the mid‑20th century to the present. The exhibit reintroduces key works from the museum's collection and debuts new acquisitions, offering fresh contexts and perspectives.
Free Admission |  Hours & Information (timed passes required)
National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Smithsonian Institution

From These Lands: Sharing Our Natural and Cultural Heritage – Through 2029
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
 

Places to Stay

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