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.

• National Mall – Explore the swath of land nicknamed “America’s front yard” for free inspiring monuments and memorials, museums and family fun.
  • Great American State Fair (Daily, June 25 – July 10, 2026) - All 56 U.S. states and territories join in an exposition of the country’s traditions and culture on a World’s Fair-scale event along the National Mall.
  • 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.
  • Smithsonian National Carousel Reopening (April 25, 2026) - The historic National Carousel with ties to the Civil Rights Movement made its return to the National Mall after three years of restoration work.
• 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 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.

Fall

Cozy up in Washington, DC with fall colors surrounding iconic sites, spooky tours through cobblestone streets and special events like oyster festivals, Oktoberfest celebrations and Halloween fun. 

• 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.

• Theatre Week | TBD Fall 2026

  Visitors can celebrate the launch of the 2026 theatre season in DC with dozens of shows at low prices, a community festival and other special events. 

   

September

• DC JazzFest | Sept. 2-6, 2026

  Spanning more than 20 venues across Washington, DC, the citywide celebration will honor major jazz centennials while spotlighting the next generation of artists shaping the future of the music. This year’s festival features NEA Jazz Masters, GRAMMY Award winners and rising stars including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling, Cory Henry, Danilo Pérez, Bill Frisell and Nate Smith.  

• Oktoberfest events throughout the District | September – October 2026

  Beer lovers can celebrate Oktoberfest and German culture throughout the city at various top beer gardens, and at multiple annual events like the Polka on the Pier and the Dachshund Dash at The Wharf. 

October

• Hispanic Heritage Month | Sept. 15-Oct. 15, 2026

  Washington, DC’s culture features deep Hispanic roots. Discover this heritage throughout the city with the nation’s largest Latino Festival, multiple heritage night games at DC’s professional sports arenas and flavorful Latin American restaurants.

• DC Coffee Festival | Oct. 3-4, 2026

  Dock 5 at Union Market will bring together DC’s top coffee roasters and tea brewers to celebrate with live music.  

• Army Ten-Miler | Oct. 11

  Now in its 40th year, this run and expo is open to military, civilians, wheelchair athletes and wounded warrior athletes, attracting 900 teams each year. 

November

• Indoor Sports Action | Ongoing

  Enjoy DC as the Capital of Sports with indoor games at Capital One Arena for the NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards, and Entertainment and Sports Arena for Capital City Go-Go, part of the NBA’s developmental G-League.

• Outdoor Ice Skating | Late November

  Multiple locations throughout DC reopen for the holiday season for outdoor ice skating including rinks at The Wharf, Washington Harbour in Georgetown and the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden.

• DowntownDC Holiday Market | Nov. 13-Dec. 23, 2026

  The DowntownDC BID partners with The Makers Show (of BKN & Snowport holiday market fame) to produce a market infused with holiday cheer and ample shopping from local exhibitors.  

Winter

Washington, DC dazzles with lights, holiday markets and high teas in the winter. Warm up with a bespoke cocktail after a visit to multiple ice-skating rinks or revel in a festive performance. 

December

• National Menorah Lighting  – White House Ellipse | Dec. TBD  

  The world’s largest menorah is on the White House Ellipse and its lighting ceremony includes music from the United States Navy Band. As is custom, a new candle is illuminated on each of the eight days of Hanukkah.  

• National Christmas Tree Lighting – Presidents Park | Dec. 4, 2026

  The free annual event features a gorgeous conifer in the President’s Park on the White House Ellipse, where it's surrounded by trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 56 U.S. states and territories. The tree is accompanied by nightly musical performances throughout the holiday season.  

• Holiday Boat Parade and Party at the Wharf | Dec. 5, 2026

  Over 60 beautifully decorated boats parade up the Washington Channel alongside live music, Santa photo ops, fireworks and other holiday activities. 

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.
• Smithsonian Folklife Festival – 60th Anniversary – Festival history in DC location began July 1–4, 1967, along the National Mall. 2027’s theme and special anniversary celebrations are TBD.
• Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden – 50th Anniversary – Opened to the public in 1977, Hillwood is hosting special ‘golden anniversary’ exhibit titled, Gold: Celebrating 50 Years of Beauty at Hillwood, which will explore the complicated history of gold as a material and color..
• 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.