With headline openings, once-in-a-generation exhibitions, free festivals and only-in-DC experiences, there’s no better place to make history
WASHINGTON, DC – Momentum is building for what promises to be an epic summer in the nation’s capital. Over the coming months, Washington, DC will debut major new attractions, including the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, an innovative museum beneath the Lincoln Memorial and an expansion of the National Air and Space Museum. Plus, DC is ready for its center stage role for America’s 250th anniversary with a jampacked lineup of free cultural festivals, historic exhibits and modern experiences across the city.
“For years, Washington, DC’s cultural institutions, hotels, restaurants, local neighborhoods and more have been gearing up for an ambitious commemoration, with summer as the pinnacle. Now we’re on the verge of seeing those plans in action,” said Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO, DDC. “Add the major openings, as well as DC’s unmatched value, and summer is an all-access pass to the country’s biggest moments. You won’t want to miss this summer in DC.”
Begin planning your trip at DC250.us, where visitors can take advantage of more than 35 summer hotel deals tied to local culture, special experiences and value. Explore a sortable planning calendar and itinerary inspiration for every traveler. Discover deeper stories of civil rights struggles and immigrant experiences, arts and culture and hyperlocal experiences.
DC’s headline summer openings include:
New Exhibits at the Jefferson Memorial (Early Summer)
A dramatically improved visitor experience. The existing exhibit area on the lower level, installed in 1999, will provide more perspectives on Jefferson’s multi-faceted story.
Tempo by Hilton Washington, DC Downtown (May)
A 12-story former office building with the favorable address of 1776 K Street NW in downtown DC has been converted into a 278-key Tempo by Hilton.
National Geographic Museum of Exploration (June 26)
A $300 million revitalization of the nearly 130-year-old headquarters of the National Geographic Society features over 100,000 square feet of new public space that inspires global stewardship. Interactive and educational experiences include a striking courtyard with cutting-edge projections, exhibitions on the Society’s legacy of storytelling and iconic photography, a 360-degree view of wildlife from around the globe and an international food hall.
CitizenM Washington Georgetown (June)
The façade of a 100-year-old building along the Georgetown waterfront has been preserved as CitizenM debuts a stylish 230-room, seven-story hotel.
Museum underneath the Lincoln Memorial (By July)
New exhibits and multimedia presentations will highlight the construction history of the memorial and discuss how it has become the nation's foremost backdrop for civil rights demonstrations. Glass walls will provide a view of the undercroft, and an immersive theater presentation will project images of historic events onto the foundations.
Expansion of the National Air and Space Museum (July 1)
A massive renovation project that began in 2018 concludes this year. Five new galleries will open on the museum’s 50th anniversary, including World War II aircraft and space technologies.
African American Civil War Memorial Museum (Reopening 2026)
Honoring the role of 209,145 U.S. Colored Troops in ending slavery and keeping America united under one flag.
The Hoya Hotel at Georgetown (August)
Georgetown University’s hotel reopens as a newly renovated boutique stay on campus.
Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden reopens (October)
After the largest renovation in its 50-year history, the 1.4-acre art park will reopen with fanfare as the easiest-to-access American space for the presentation of outdoor sculpture.
Desert Shield Desert Storm Memorial (Oct. 24)
Located on Constitution Avenue at 23rd Street, one block north of the Lincoln Memorial.
Dulles Airport Expansion (Fall)
Following record-setting passenger growth, the modern new 14-gate Concourse E will add capacity to DC’s international gateway.
Experience the story of America through only-in-DC experiences, including:
DC’s World-Class Culinary Scene:
Taste of History – National Mall, began May 1
Kiosks across the National Mall and Memorial Parks now offer a reimagined food experience, such as a Lincoln-inspired grilled cheese and cherry blossom ice cream.
America at the Table – Citywide, June 14-28
A culinary and cultural initiative bringing together leading chefs, restaurants, embassies, museums, libraries and neighborhoods across DC for collaboration dinners, public talks, tastings and immersive experiences exploring the American story through food.
Eat250 – Citywide, June 14-28
Celebrating 250 years of American history through every flavor the DC region has to offer, restaurants will offer pre-fixe menus for $25 or $50
Seasonal Sips – Citywide
Taste cocktails inspired by historic figures like Josephine Baker and Chuck Brown at Doyle; Americana specials at Bar Pendry; and 250 years of beers at Dacha.
Summer Restaurant Week – Citywide, Late August
The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s annual celebration of DC’s dining scene offers pre-fixe menus for lunch/brunch ($25) and dinner ($40 and $55).
DC250 Hotel Packages:
Many align with DC’s culture and lean into the history of the property and neighborhood.
Capital Hilton: Capital 250
Guests will receive a seasonal collectable pin, history booklet that explores the property's legacy in DC's cultural landscape and a voucher to enjoy a complimentary Truman Mule.
Darcy Hotel: DC250 Logan Circle Dream and Dine Package
A stay dedicated to General John A. Logan, whose vision helped shape DC.
Morrow Hotel: Capitol 250, the Ultimate DC Celebration
Enjoy all-day water taxi passes and a CityCruises monument tour for two.
Moxy Washington, DC Downtown: Rebels of 1776
Matching the hotel’s playful energy, enjoy two cocktails and a commemorative gift.
Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill: Royal Explorers on the Hill
Enjoy breakfast at Bistro Du Jour, discover the city with an interactive Explorers Map and redeem a $100 Smithsonian Museum Store gift card.
Sixty DC: The American Affair
$250 food and beverage credit, two cocktails, a DC250 welcome treat and late check-out.
St. Regis Washington, DC: The 1926 Experience
Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the St. Regis is offering guests who book two nights a third night for just $19.26 in honor of the hotel’s opening year.
Waldorf Astoria Washington, DC: America’s 250th Anniversary Experience
$250 hotel credit, commemorative gift and a movie night. Or stay in the American Dream Suite with private airport transfers and dinner at Bazaar Meat by José Andrés.
- View more here.
July 4 Hotel Experiences:
- Conrad Washington, DC: 1776 to 2026: A Capital Celebration
- InterContinental Washington, DC – The Wharf: 4th of July Celebration
- JW Marriott Washington, DC: Stars & Suites
- Rosewood Washington, DC: America’s 250th Celebration Experience
- Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle: A Capital Experience
- Watergate Hotel: America’s 250th Birthday
- Westin Washington, DC Downtown: Stars, Stripes & Stories Willard
- InterContinental: Celebrate America’s 250th
Summer Festivals and Events:
Spirit of Independence Festival – National Archives, June 4-6
The three-day festival on Constitution Avenue features free family-friendly daytime events on June 5 and 6, including a Stars & Stories Fest, Yappy Hour and Salute to Service. Benefit experiences take place in the evening and include a Garth Brooks concert, Taste of America chef collaboration and gala.
Block Party – National Gallery of Art – June 6
The National Gallery will throw its largest ever public program.
Solstice Celebration – Smithsonian Museums, June 18-21
Smithsonian museums will stay open late with programs and performances.
Red, White and Spy: Tradecraft Try Its –International Spy Museum, June 19-July 14
A hands-on family festival for agents 9+ years old.
Great American State Fair – National Mall, June 25-July 10
All 50 states and territories will showcase their food, culture and pride.
Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle – Pennsylvania Avenue, June 27-28
Transforming Pennsylvania Avenue into a stretch of grills, tasting tents and stages.
Fourth of July – Citywide, July 4
Kick off the milestone day by joining the National Archives for a historic reenactment of the Declaration of Independence. Stay for the renowned. National Independence Day Parade along Constitution Avenue. Catch baseball at Nationals Park and explore rooftop celebrations. At night, the National Park Service plans a fireworks show befitting the occasion.
Mubadala Citi DC Open – Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, July 25-Aug. 2
The District’s signature professional tennis tournament returns with top-tier talent.
Freedom 250 Grand Prix – National Mall and vicinity, Aug. 21-23
The cars will race up Pennsylvania Avenue before crossing the Mall.
DC JazzFest – Citywide, including the Wharf, Sept. 2-6
The theme is "The Future of Jazz: America’s Next 250 Years," celebrating jazz as both a reflection of American history and a forward-looking art form that continues to evolve.
10th Anniversary Celebration – National Museum of African American History and Culture, Sept. 24-27
Plans are in the works to commemorate the museum’s 10th anniversary, including a weekend of public programs and block party.
Tours Designed for the Moment:
From Duke Ellington to Rosa Parks, as you stand where history happened, use “point your phone” technology to bring these figures and others to life.
Black Broadway in Washington, DC
Celebrate Black history and explore the musical and cultural heritage of U Street.
Connect to the story of America through honest, engaging and memorable experiences.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon by Boat
CityCruises offers a roundtrip tour from The Wharf with admission to the estate included, while Nautiste offers a private yacht experience with a VIP guided tour of the estate.
Experience one of DC’s iconic landmarks through relaunched guided tours.
A new digital platform for exploring the Mall. Trace the nation’s journey from revolution to today with a special America’s 250th Tour.
Unscripted Tours’ Downtown DC Food Tour
An intimate culinary journey through the heart of DC to savor the flavors of José Andrés.
A series of walking tours that highlight the influential Americans, landmark architecture and watershed moments that have impacted our democracy.
New Exhibits, Galleries and Experiences:
The Source – Library of Congress, opened May 5
Years in the making, this new gallery will show young researchers how they can utilize primary source collections at the largest library in the world.
Bison: Standing Strong – Museum of Natural History, opened May 7
Celebrating all things American bison – the national mammal.
Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience – National Gallery of Art, through Sept. 20
What does it mean to be American? More than 100 works on paper show how artists have examined this question over the last 250 years.
National Museum of American History - In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness – Opens May 14
Across three floors, visitors will encounter 250 significant objects, including the desk Jefferson used to draft the Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat and gloves worn by a “Miracle on Ice” hockey player.
We Make History – Anacostia Community Museum, May 30-Jan. 2, 2028
A tribute to celebrating communities and a better understanding of our shared past.
American Aspirations – Smithsonian Castle, June 2-July 26
In the temporarily reopened Castle, the exhibit, co-curated by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch, brings together for the first time some of the Smithsonian’s most treasured objects.
District Vibes / American Pride – MLK Library, June 3 –
DC gave the world the football huddle, the modern blood bank and legends like Marvin Gaye. Discover the vibrant contributions of Washingtonians.
American Icon: The US Flag in Art – National Gallery of Art, June 6–Dec. 6
Spotlights over 30 works that illustrate changing interpretations of the American flag.
Beverly Pepper Monumental Sculptures – New York Avenue Sculpture Corridor, June 18-June 1, 2027
Ten works by celebrated American sculptor Beverly Pepper will line the only sculpture corridor in the U.S. anchored by a national museum.
The Declaration’s Promise – Library of Congress, Opens July 3
Featured treasures will include Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration of Independence and Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
Snarkitecture – National Building Museum, July 3-Aug. 30
The studio behind The BEACH and Fun House brings a bold new immersive experience to the Great Hall. Additional details will be announced in late May.
Shakespeare and the American Story – Folger Shakespeare Library, through Aug. 2
Gain unique insights into American history with a Shakespearean focus.
State Fairs: Growing American Craft – Renwick Gallery, through Sept. 7
Personal stories and regional traditions will be showcased across more than 240 artworks.
America’s State Flowers – U.S. Botanic Garden, through Oct. 1
See the official flowers of each U.S. state and territory.
Ms. Americana – National Museum of Women in the Arts, through Oct. 31
A selection of historic works by American women artists from the collection.
Founding Fortunes – Tudor Place, through Dec. 31
Explore the 1802 public sale of Martha Washington’s household contents.
Spirit of 2076 – Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, through Dec. 31
The exhibition asks, “As we celebrate 250 years, what will the next 50 years look like?”
Revolution in Their Words – DAR Museum, through Dec. 31
Examining the nation’s founding through the firsthand accounts of those who lived it.
Free and Independent – National Archives, through July 2027
Meet the men who risked everything by signing America’s founding document.
Theater:
Broadway at the National – National Theatre, all summer
Hits SUFFS (June 16-28), Beetlejuice (July 7-19) and The Notebook (Aug. 18-30).
CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical – Arena Stage, June 12-Aug. 9
The semi-biographical musical about the most successful female group of all time makes its world premiere with a powerhouse cast.
Othello – Shakespeare Theatre Company, May 19-June 28
Wendell Pierce (The Wire, Elsbeth) returns to STC for the first time since 1987.
Media assets, including a 30-second DC250 commercial, are available here. All assets are courtesy of washington.org unless otherwise noted.
About Destination DC
Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation's capital, is a private, nonprofit membership organization committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism, and special events destination, with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural, and historic communities.
May 13, 2026