Long-Lead Inspiration

Major Anniversaries in 2026:

• America’s 250th anniversary
• 75th anniversary of Arena Stage
• 50th anniversary of the National Air and Space Museum
• 50th anniversary of the Art Museum of the Americas
• 10th anniversary of the National Museum of African American History and Culture
• 50th anniversary of Go-go Music

Major events in 2026:

• FIFA World Cup 26 | North America

  Washington, DC will serve as a gateway destination for the FIFA World Cup matches on the U.S. East Coast, with easy flight access through Dulles International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Washington is well-connected to host cities through short Amtrak train routes and will host watch parties and offer a myriad of hotel packages featuring special pricing for fans.

• Dulles International Airport Expansion  | Yearlong, 2026

  A $580 million concourse expansion begins in 2026, adding seven new international gates to accommodate increasing global travel demand.

• DC 250 | Yearlong, 2026

  2026 Washington, DC is center stage for the nation’s yearlong celebration of America's 250th anniversary with dynamic events citywide. Museums, theaters, restaurants and iconic landmarks across the city will host special exhibitions, performances, culinary experiences and public art installations reflecting America’s rich cultural tapestry and historical evolution from 1776 to the present. Just a few of the new attractions and exhibits are listed below. For an expanded list, visit DC250.us.

  • 51 Steps to Freedom Trail (Through 2026) – DC becomes the largest outdoor museum in the world with this new augmented reality trail that explores DC's hidden history, pivotal events and legendary figures. From Frederick Douglass to Duke Ellington and Mrs. Rosa Parks, the 8-mile trail features 300+ stories and 51 historic stops.
  • National Archives – Washington, DC is the only place to see the charter documents: the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights – admission is free.
    • In March 2026, the Archives plan to add the Emancipation Proclamation and 19th Amendment (which removed restrictions for women to vote) to its permanent display.
    • Road to Revolution (through Aug. 6, 2026) – A rotating exhibition showcases original documents that detail major milestones and give critical historical context to the American Revolution and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
• National Mall – Explore the swath of land nicknamed “America’s front yard” for free inspiring monuments and memorials, museums and family fun.
• Smithsonian Castle Temporary Reopening (May 22, 2026 – Sept. 7, 2026) – The iconic Smithsonian Castle will pause its renovation to reopen temporarily with a cafe, shop, special exhibition and visitor’s center.
• National Gallery of Art – One of the world’s most preeminent museums, the Gallery’s collection includes over 141,000 paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculpture, decorative arts and new media from the Middle Ages to the present. 2026 will bring special exhibitions like American Icon: The U.S. Flag in Art and a block party, the Gallery’s largest-ever public program where entire campus will come alive with artmaking, food, music, film screenings and more.
• National Portrait Gallery – Through portraits and performances, the Portrait Gallery tells the stories of poets and presidents, visionaries and villains, actors and activists who speak American history.
  • America’s Presidents (ongoing) – This permanent gallery featuring the only complete collection of presidential portraits on view outside of the White House will include a newly installed portrait of President Joe Biden by 2026.
  • The Outwin 2025: American Portraiture Today (Oct. 18, 2025 – Aug. 30, 2026) – The gallery showcases a juried selection of 35 portraits by 36 artists sourced from the museum’s seventh Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition. Held every three years, the competition has accelerated the careers of nearly 300 contemporary artists in portraiture today.
• Smithsonian National Museum of American History – The American History Museum’s collection contains more than three million historical objects—including the famed Star-Spangled Banner—and documents that explore the evolution of the American identity. A new exhibition that explores the ideals of the Declaration of Independence will open in March 2026.

Historic and iconic restauraunts celebrate:

• 1789 Restaurant – Six intimate dining rooms have been known to host some of DC’s most powerful figures, including President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Business formal attire is suggested.
• Ben’s Chili Bowl – A DC institution legendary for DC’s signature dish, the Half-Smoke, and its role in the Civil Rights movement. Family owned and operated; you'll probably see the family behind the counter at Ben's original location on U Street.
• Martin’s Tavern – The historic corner restaurant has hosted nearly every U.S. president from Truman to George W. Bush and President Biden, as well as elected officials, foreign dignitaries, sports, music and film stars. JFK proposed to Jaqueline Bouvier here. Nestled in the heart of Georgetown, the historic architecture and furnishings will immerse you in the Washington of the 18th century, when cobblestone streets and grand rowhouses dominated the landscape.
• Old Ebbitt Grill – DC’s oldest tavern was established in 1856. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night dining daily, and weekend brunch. It’s located around the corner from the White House.
• Succotash Prime – Succotash features a menu by Chef Edward Lee that draws on the recipes of the American South, influenced by his Korean roots.

Summer

National Geographic Museum of Exploration | Summer 2026

Following a major renovation, the Museum of Exploration will provide a sustainably built destination illuminating the wonder of the world through innovative technology, immersive displays, iconic photography and artifacts. Highlights include an immersive theater experience and stunning outdoor projections with dynamic sound each night.

July

• The Great American State Fair on the National Mall | June 25-July 10, 2026

  This free daily event transforms the National Mall into the biggest in the country with food and culture showcases representing all fifty states, territories and federal agencies. Expect everything from Alaskan ice carvings and Texas-sized steaks to a Hawaiian hula stage. 

• Fourth of July Celebration on the National Mall | July 4, 2026

  Celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday with this cornerstone event featuring the National Independence Day Parade, A Capitol Fourth Concert, Fireworks on the National Mall and family fun experiences like Ranger Talks about Founding Fathers and a Family Fun Area where visitors can sign a giant reproduction of the Declaration of Independence.

• Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Museum | July 2026

  Beneath a national icon, 15,000 square feet of new exhibit space will tell a more complete story of the Lincoln Memorial and provide an in-depth look at the structure's foundations in its cavernous undercroft. New exhibits and multimedia presentations will showcase the construction history of the memorial and how the site has become the nation's foremost backdrop for civil rights demonstrations.

• National Air and Space Museum expansion  | July 2026

  Following an extensive renovation that began in 2018, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum anticipates most of its galleries and public spaces will be open in time for the museum’s 50th anniversary.

August

• Summer Restaurant Week | TBD

  Enjoy special pricing from 150+ restaurants across the city.

• Summer movie series | ongoing

  Enjoy various summer movie series at various DC venues including Events DC’s series at The Wharf and the Film Series at The REACH.

Fall

• Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden revitalization | Fall 2026

  The Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden will reopen with fanfare after a three-year revitalization. The $68 million project is expected to increase visitation to the national museum of modern and contemporary art threefold. The 1.4-acre art park will reopen as the easiest-to-access American space for the presentation of outdoor sculpture, time-based artwork and performances, large-scale commissions, public education, dining and reflection.

Major Anniversaries in 2027:

• Marriott International’s 100th Anniversary - In May 1927, J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott opened a nine-stool A&W Root Beer stand in Washington, DC. To combat slow, cold-weather sales, they adapted by adding hot food, evolving into the "Hot Shoppes" restaurant chain before launching their first hotel in 1957. Visitors can find a historical marker on the Columbia Heights Heritage Trail and stay at the 16 Marriott-branded hotels in Washington, including the J.W. Marriott, Marriott Marquis Washington, DC , Courtyard by Marriott Washington, DC/U.S. Capitol and more.
• National Press Building 100th Anniversary - The current 14-story National Press Building, located at 529 14th St. NW, opened in December 1927,  its cornerstone laid by President Calvin Coolidge. The National Press Club (NPC), who now inhabits the space held its grand opening celebration on May 18, 1908.
  • Fox Theatre “lost movie palace” 100th Anniversary – at the National Press Building Closed in 1967, this theater was once housed in the National Press Building. Designed by noted theatre architectural firm, Rapp & Rapp it is “often cited as the most beautiful and grande of Washington’s lost movie palaces.” Its arched facade still forms the entrance to the National Press Building today.
• First solo trans-Atlantic flight – 100 Years - Charles Lindbergh made history with the first non-stop solo trans-Atlantic flight on May 20-21, 1927, quickly becoming an international celebrity. His plane, the Spirit of St. Louis is currently on exhibit at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. On June 11, 1927, the National Press Club held a reception at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for Lindbergh.
• Alaska Purchase Treaty Signed in DC – 160 years - The check for the purchase of Alaska (1868) is housed at the National Archives.
• Smithsonian Folklife Festival – 60th Anniversary - Festival history began July 1–4, 1967, on/near the National Mall museum terrace. 2027 theme TBD.
• Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden – 50th Anniversary - Opened to the public in 1977. Special events and celebrations TBD.
• First March on the Pentagon – 60 years - Anchored at the Lincoln Memorial, the march to the Pentagon served as a demonstration against the Vietnam War on Oct 21, 1967. Visitors can explore more at The Price of Freedom: Americans at War exhibit at the National Museum of American History.