There’s no shortage of exciting events to help you stay cool in DC this summer, including the Home Rule Music Festival and the Mubadala Citi Open.
Whether you’re in town for a concert, game or festival, DC boasts an abundance of special discounts and packages all summer long, from luxurious experiences to budget-friendly options.
All year long, you can take your pick of unforgettable experiences in the nation's capital. After you’ve read through this list, make sure to check out our things to do for the week and weekend as well as our accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.
Summer in DC is just a train ride away
Only-in-DC events, unparalleled museums, world-class dining and neighborhood charm await in the nation's capital. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a spontaneous city adventure, Amtrak makes it easy with Flex Fares. Book now – swap later.
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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 Baseball: 20th Anniversary Season
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 celebrates its 20th anniversary in the nation's capital with a year filled with special events. Purchase single-game tickets now and use the code VISITDC for 10% or more off!
Tickets: Use code VISITDC for 10% off
1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Vivian Browne: My Kind of Protest – Through Sept. 28
The Phillips Collection uncovers previously unknown pieces and archival findings to showcase the depth of three decades of work by Vivian Browne. The exhibition features paintings, prints, works on paper and additional ephemera, highlighting Browne’s incredible career as an artist, activist, teacher and founder of one of the first women’s art cooperatives in Manhattan. Her approach to color and form continues to challenge concepts of figuration and abstraction.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Duel Reality – July 1-20
Shakespeare Theatre Company stages The Bard’s most beloved tale in a way you’ve never seen before. Duel Reality combines theatre, dance, circus acrobatics and stunts in pitting the two families of Romeo and Juliet against each other. You need to see Shakespeare told through acrobatics, trust us. The show is suitable for all ages.
Tickets
Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Smithsonian Folklife Festival – July 2-7
The free festival salutes different international cultures every year on the National Mall with craft exhibits, live music and cooking demos. The 2025 edition focuses on "Youth and the Future of Culture."
More Info | Free Admission
You’ve Got A Friend: Women Pop Songwriters – July 2-13
Contemporary pop music features a staggering array of brilliant women who sing and write their own compositions. Signature Theatre Company celebrates icons like Adele, Alicia Keys, Brandi Carlile, Dolly Parton, Carole King, Carly Simon and Joni Mitchell with performances of their classic songs. The setlist will include “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “Rolling in the Deep,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” “You’re So Vain” and “Cactus Tree,” among many others.
Tickets
Signature Theatre Company, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Shahzia Sikander: The Last Post – Through July 12, 2026
The Smithsonian American Art Museum showcases a groundbreaking work that deeply examines the legacy of British colonialism in Asia. Shahzia Sikander’s signature approach is evident in the way The Last Post blends Indo-Persian miniature paintings with contemporary flavor: see the score by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Du Yun and the way images form and dissolve around the piece’s central figure.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Momentum Park(our) – July 3-20
The National Building Museum' summer installation transforms the Museum’s Great Hall into an immersive parkour environment. The family-friendly physical and educational journey takes visitors through elements of design, spatial awareness and movement. Developed in partnership with Mark Toorock, founder of American Parkour, the space allows for guests to navigate an obstacle landscape that challenges agility and invites new ways of engaging with the built environment.
Hours & Admission
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
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 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.
Jazz in the Garden – Fridays through July 11
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 | Register
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Through Sept. 7
The Harry Potter franchise continues to offer spellbinding entertainment. The record-breaking play that won six Tony Awards, including Best Play, comes to The National Theatre. Harry’s son, Albus, befriends Draco Malfoy’s son, leading to a riveting adventure that can alter the past and future.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Dead Inside – July 9-27
Ali Wong and Bill Hader present this one-woman show from actress, comedian and songwriter Riki Lindhome. Woolly Mammoth Theatre hosts this part musical, part stand-up special that details Lindhome’s real-life fertility journey through humor, humility and original songs.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sesame Street the Musical – Through Aug. 31
A can’t-miss slice of family entertainment comes to the Kennedy Center for an extended run this summer. Cookie Monster, Elmo, Abby Cadabby and many more of your Sesame Street friends will be live onstage to perform iconic songs and stir up plenty of furry fun that all ages can enjoy.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Chris Grace: As Scarlett Johansson – July 11-12
Self-proclaimed as “America’s 88th-most beloved Chinese actor,” you’ll recognize Chris Grace from NBC’s Superstore and numerous other roles. In his new show, Grace riffs on Scarlett Johansson, specifically her role in 2017’s Ghost in the Shell. Watch the comedian (dressed as Johansson) pontificate on the relationship between art and identity with the songs of Tom Waits and some stage combat thrown in as well.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Wavves – July 12
Set to release their first collection of new music in four years, Wavves visit DC’s Union Stage to play favorites from the first 15 years of their discography along with new tracks. Led by singer/songwriter Nathan Williams, the group barrels through surf-flavored punk rock and pop melodies with reckless abandon.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Union Stage, 740 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Apropos of Nothing, a Comedy – Through Aug. 10
The Keegan Theatre treats audiences to an evening packed with laughs thanks to this new production. Owen confesses to being in love with his best friend’s wife but quickly attempts to retract it. Too late. From there, spurned on by a clever millennial, five friends are forced to deal with their many unresolved issues.
Tickets
The Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical – Through July 13
If you’re full of fear and loathing, boy, does Signature Theatre have a show for you this summer. A rock musical about Hunter S. Thompson promises to be a raucous, bewildering immersion into Gonzo journalism, political anarchy and drug culture. The anticipated production is directed by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Les Misérables – Through July 13
Back in 1986, the Kennedy Center hosted the pre-Broadway run of what has become one of the most popular musicals of all time. And in the summer of 2025, Les Mis comes home. Seen by more than 130 million people worldwide, this brilliant new interpretation of the classic production tells an epic story of love, passion, redemption and survival set in 19th-century France.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
LIVE! Concert Series on the Plaza
From salsa to strings, and blues to swing, Live! Concert Series on the Plaza features hot entertainment for the downtown DC community. Head to Wilson Plaza between 12 and 1 p.m. and take in free lunchtime performances showcasing the area's most talented entertainers.
12-1 p.m. | Free Admission | More Information
Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Arena Stage
A Wrinkle in Time – Through July 20
With music and lyrics by Heather Christian, a book by Lauren Yee (the mind behind Cambodian Rock Band) and direction by Lee Sunday Evans, this highly anticipated production comes to Arena Stage next summer. Join main character Meg on an epic quest in an adventurous new musical adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's Newbery Medal-winning novel. Prepare for a spellbinding journey through space and time.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Kyle Mooney – July 20
You may be familiar with Kyle Mooney from his nine-year tenure on Saturday Night Live or any number of comedy projects he’s helmed. He also happens to be a remarkable musician who can write and perform songs across multiple genres with aplomb. Mooney’s singular musical vision will be evident during this show at 9:30 Club.
6 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Mubadala Citi DC Open – July 21-27
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
Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern – July 22 – Aug. 3
Whether you’ve run your own Dungeons & Dragons campaign or you’re completely unfamiliar with the game, the Kennedy Center has a magical evening in store for you. The legendary role-playing game comes to the stage, combining theatre, gaming and unique storytelling. Choose heroes and battle monsters as you assist three players in an interactive fantasy adventure.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Sailing: Yacht Rock – July 22 – Aug. 10
Signature Theatre’s summer cabaret season is in full swing with Sailing, which invites you to join Deimoni Brewington and Tracy Lynn Olivera for an evening of the lush harmonies and lighthearted lyrics of yacht rock. Relax with a drink in hand to soothing singalongs like “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl),” “Come and Get Your Love” and “What a Fool Believes.”
Tickets
Signature Theatre Company, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
CJM After Sunset: After Hours Pride Party – July 24
Keep the Pride party going with the Capital Jewish Museum’s after-hours event of community and celebration. Explore the LGBTJews in the Federal City exhibition and enjoy drag performances, curator talks, crafts, themed cocktails and food from Catalyst Hot Dogs.
6-9 p.m. | Tickets
The Artist’s Experience: From Brotherman to Batman – Through July 24
Visit Phillips@THEARC for a distinctive exhibition of the vitality of comic book art. From Brotherman to Batman focuses on 20 Black artists from across the spectrum of comic books, including Dawud Anyabwile (creator of Brotherman), Denys Cowan (co-founder of Milestone Media and legendary Batman illustrator for DC Comics) and many others. Dive deep into how each panel of a comic book page tells a story as well as how these fascinating creatives break the confines of the art form.
Wednesday & Thursday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
Phillips@THEARC, 1801 Mississippi Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020
Pixies – July 25-26
Alternative rock legends Pixies are set to release new material this fall, but up first is a North American tour that includes a visit to The Anthem in DC. The beloved group will play their classic albums, Trompe le Monde and Bossanova, in full during the show. Kurt Vile and the Violators serve as a great opening act.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Alley Fest – July 26
Don't miss this chance to see this only-in-DC area activated with summer festivities: the Blagden Alley, Naylor Court and Shepard Court Historic District hosts its second annual "Alley Fest" this July. The action-packed afternoon includes a live DJ, chalk mural making, games and special offers from local businesses like the award-winning Causa/Amazonia. The event will also launch of the DC Alley Pass, a digital membership offering special incentives at businesses in this happening part of the District.
1-4 p.m.
Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001
The Dinner Detective – July 26
At this exciting true crime murder mystery dinner, the culprit isn't dressed in costume: they're hidden in the audience. Feast on a fabulous dinner and lots of laughs at this surprising, social and interactive take on a classic concept, with tickets available for select nights through the end of the year. Each ticket purchase covers admission to the show, plus a full plated dinner and waitstaff gratuity.
Tickets
Courtyard Alexandria Pentagon South, 4641 Kenmore Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304
Five New Galleries Open at the National Air and Space Museum – July 28
Thousands of artifacts go back on display in five reopened galleries at the National Air and Space Museum. Popular items such as the Spirit of St. Louis, the North American X-15, John Glenn’s Mercury Friendship 7 capsule, the Apollo Lunar Module 2 and the touchable moon rock will all be available to view again. The building will also welcome several new artifacts, including the Sopwith F.1 Camel, Virgin Galactic’s RocketMotorTwo, a Blue Origin New Shepard crew capsule mockup and a Goddard 1935 A series rocket. Free timed-entry passes will be required for entry.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | More Info | Free Admission
National Air and Space Museum, 6th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
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.
OSGEMEOS: Endless Story – Through Aug. 3
Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo are the identical twin brothers that comprise OSGEMEOS, which is Portuguese for “the twins.” The Hirshhorn Museum presents the first U.S. survey and the largest American exhibition of work by the duo to date. In total, the full-floor exhibit features roughly 1,000 artworks, photos and archival materials that detail OSGEMEOS’ unique artistic voice that combines heritage, urban art, graffiti and magical elements.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
In the Tower: Chakaia Booker – Treading New Ground – Through Aug. 3
The National Gallery of Art presents three extraordinary sculptures from visionary artist Chakaia Booker in its East Building this spring. Booker transforms tires – cutting, coiling and contorting them – to sculpt industrial waste into awe-inspiring abstract forms. The environmentally conscious work inspires visitors to ponder the effect of materials on the natural world.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Uncanny – Through Aug. 10
The National Museum of Women in the Arts invites visitors to an exploration of unease across a range of surreal media. The only museum solely dedicated to championing women artists treads into new territory with Uncanny, which reveals women’s authorship of surreal narratives, revealing how the concept is used by these artists to regain agency and dissect feelings of revulsion, fear and discomfort.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
How to Be A Power Player: Tudor Edition – Through Aug. 10
The Folger Shakespeare Library exhibit features more than 60 objects from the collection to demonstrate the dos and don’ts for how to be a successful courtier in 16th-century England. Social climbing was a sport in Tudor England and visitors can engage with the entire playbook and even create their own with a 21st-century spin. You can also draw your portrait, design a dinner menu and make your own rules.
Hours | Free Admission
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Pictures of Belonging: Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi and Miné Okubo – Through Aug. 17
The Smithsonian American Art Museum honors three of the most important female American artists of Japanese descent in the years leading up to World War II. Across eight decades, the careers of Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi and Miné Okubo helped shape modern American art. This new exhibit examines the three trailblazers like never before, tracing their artistic evolution before, during and after the internment and displacement of Japanese Americans during World War II.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Photo by Cpl. Chloe McAfee
Friday Evening Parades at the Marine Barracks – Through Aug. 22
This breathtaking 75-minute ceremony showcases the precision and pride of the Marine Corps with spectacular performances by "The President's Own" Marine Band, "The Commandant's Own" Drum & Bugle Corps and the renowned Silent Drill Platoon. Held every Friday from May through August at the historic "Oldest Post of the Corps," the free event has captivated audiences for decades.
Marine Barracks, 8th & I Streets SE, Washington, DC 20390
Delighting Krishna: Paintings of the Child-God – Through Aug. 24
A new exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art puts the Pushtimarg tradition front-and-center and showcases 14 “pichwais,” which are monumental paintings of Krishna on cotton cloth. The pieces have not been displayed to the public since the 1970s. Museum visitors can encounter the larger-than-life creations and learn about how the Hindu Pushtimarg community engages with the spiritual.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Summer Films at The REACH – Through Aug. 29
The REACH at the Kennedy Center presents an outdoor film series all summer long. The Millennium Stage Outdoor Film screenings presents classic and modern feature films on the REACH video wall every Friday from May 30 – Aug. 29. The lineup kicks off with The Bourne Identity.
Movies begin at dusk | Free Admission
The REACH, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20003
Summer Evenings at the U.S. National Arboretum – Through Aug. 30
Thanks to the nonprofit Friends of the National Arboretum, the 451-acre park will stay open until 8 p.m. (three hours past regular closing time) giving visitors the chance to experience one of DC’s most picturesque destinations in a new light. This limited-time opportunity invites you to picnic, walk or bike after hours, catch golden-hour views of the Capitol Columns and enjoy special events throughout the summer.
More Info | Excludes June 7, 14 & 21
3501 New York Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002
Essex Hemphill: Take Care of Your Blessings – Through Aug. 31
The Phillips Collection showcases the relationship between the trailblazing work of poet and activist Essex Hemphill and contemporary visual art in a new exhibit. Hemphill was born in Chicago and raised in DC, where he became one of the most outspoken LGBTQ+ advocates of his time, both through his poetry and the spoken word. Hemphill tragically died of an AIDS-related illness in 1995 at the age of 38, but his work powerfully lives on, as can be observed in Take Care of Your Blessings, which puts him in dialogue with artists of his time and the present.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure! – Through Sept. 7
The PBS Kids’ Wild Kratts® team takes over the National Children Museum’s Visiting Exhibit Hall. With technology from the program, kids can solve problems, complete missions, assist animals and stop villainous plans. Exhibit experiences include themed areas like The Tortuga, the Dolphin Decoder, an Amphisub and a digital aquarium.
Hours & Admission
National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture – Through Sept. 14
The Smithsonian American Museum’s new exhibit examines sculpture’s role in understanding and constructing race in the United States. Across 82 sculptures created between 1792 and 2023 by 70 different artists, visitors can observe historical and modern works that inspire conversation and reflections on how power, identity and race are intertwined.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
A Radical Alteration: Women’s Studio Workshop as a Sustainable Model for Art Making – Through Sept. 28
The National Museum of Women in the Arts celebrates the Women’s Studio Workshop (WSW) with a special exhibit that examines the organization’s history as a proponent of the book arts in marginalized communities across the U.S. Founded in 1974 by four women, WSW emerged at the vanguard of second-wave feminism and has published more than 240 artists’ books thanks to its Artist-in-Residence program. The display showcases more than 40 objects, including artists’ books, zines, ephemera and archival materials.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Guerrilla Girls: Making Trouble – Through Sept. 28
An artist collective that continues to make its mark today, Guerrilla Girls celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2025. The National Museum of Women in the Arts honor the attention-grabbing group known for their provocative, text and graphic-based prints that denounce discrimination. Their work uses bold and eye-catching aesthetics to call out gender disparity and other important social injustices across billboards, banners, buildings and other sites. The museum’s extensive collection informs the exhibit that features an expansive and enthralling chronology of Guerrilla Girls’ vital work.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Bond In Motion – Through Sept. 1
Across more than six decades of films, James Bond has become the on-screen embodiment of spies for millions. The International Spy Museum pays homage to the fictional character, along with his allies and adversaries, with a breathtaking display of iconic vehicles from the movies. In total, visitors can fix their eyes on 17 pieces, including cars, motorcycles, submarines and even more from the Q Branch Garage.
Hours & Admission
International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024
With Passion and Purpose: Gifts from the Collection of Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson – Through Oct. 5
A collection that spans 100 years of Black creativity comes to the National Gallery of Art’s East Building Mezzanine thanks to Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson. The largest group of objects by Black artists to enter the museum’s collection at one time includes 175 works. These range from lyrical abstractions to intricate sculptures to well-known paintings. Featured artists include Jacob Lawrence, Archibald Motley, Vivian Browne, Mildred Thompson, Alison Saar and many others.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Little Beasts: Art, Wonder and the Natural World – Through Nov. 2
Art and nature lovers young and old will be delighted by this new display at the National Gallery of Art. Across more than 70 paintings, prints and drawings, visitors can see how nature has inspired art since the dawn of European natural history in the 16th and 17th centuries. Specimens and taxidermy from the National Museum of Natural History will also be showcased along with a new film by artist Dario Robleto.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Cut + Paste: Experimental Japanese Prints and Photographs – Through Nov. 20
The National Museum of Asian Art showcases 17 Japanese artists who have pushed boundaries in printmaking and photography. The exhibit features multilayered images that challenge distinctions between mediums, traditions and notions of fine art and commercial design.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Niki de Saint Phalle In Print – Through Nov. 30
The National Museum of Women in the Arts displays 20 of multimedia artist Niki de Saint Phalle’s large-scale prints. Although primarily known for performances and sculptures, Saint Phalle showcases mastery as a printmaker as well, using striking colors, a whimsical and animated drawing style and looping handwriting to stamp a style all her own.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Collecting Memories – Through December
The Library of Congress opens its new David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery with a brand-new exhibit filled to the brim with fascinating artifacts across its 120 items. Collecting Memories includes Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, a map from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, lyrics from The Sound of Music and much more in its examination of how cultures preserve the past.
Hours | Free Admission
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
Martin E. Red Bear / National Museum of the American Indian
Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains – Through Jan. 20, 2026
The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates narrative art among Native nations of the Great Plains with an exciting new exhibition. You'll see historical works alongside contemporary commissions, from battle records to ledger books to pop culture takes.
More info | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution – Through March 21, 2026
The Library of Congress brings together letters, ledgers, diaries, maps, drawings and other artifacts to illuminate the similarities and differences between two iconic figures of the Revolutionary War: George Washington and King George III. Although the two never met, visitors can envision where they would clash and where they would compromise in this stirring exhibit that features items from a wide range of collections, including the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle, London’s Science Museum and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Hours | Free Admission
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
Smithsonian Institution
Making a Statement – Through March 2026
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian displays two gowns worn by Oscar-nominated actor Lily Gladstone (Siksikaitsitapi [Blackfeet]/Nimiipuu [Nez Perce]) in a special installation. Four public programs are planned for Women's History Month as well. Both gowns were designed by Gucci and Indigenous artist Joe Big Mountain (Mohawk/Cree/Comanche) of Ironhorse Quillwork and were worn by Gladstone the evening of March 10, 2024, to the 96th Academy Awards and the Vanity Fair Oscars party. Gladstone was the first Native American nominated for best actress for her work in the film Killers of the Flower Moon.
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne – Through April 25, 2026
Four stunning art works across six centuries are in conversation in a new exhibit at the National Gallery of Art. Through a recent piece by Rozeal., Titian’s Venus with a Mirror and Ranuccio Farnese and Cezanne’s Boy in a Red Waistcoat, visitors can find unexpected connections and visual similarities that draw the 16th, 19th and 21st centuries together.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Reasons to Gather: Japanese Tea Practice Unwrapped – Through April 26, 2026
The Japanese tea practice of chanoyu revolves around the appreciation of utensils that assist in the preparation and consumption of matcha (powdered green tea). This new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art presents 11 historic tea utensils and accessories, including ceramics, hanging scrolls, boxes and wrapping cloths. All the objects tell a story of trade and exchange across Asia and reveal a vast network of tea practitioners.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
From Shadow to Substance: Grand-Scale Portraits During Photography’s Formative Years – Through June 7, 2026
The National Portrait Gallery displays early photographic mastery in an exhibit featuring works in the impressive whole-plate format (8.5 × 6.5 inches). Trace the evolution of the art form, from daguerreotypes to ambrotypes to tintypes. Featured icons include Daniel Webster, John C. Calhoun, Gaetano Bedini and John Frederick Kensett.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Blossom Time, Willard Metcalf, 1910
Shifting Boundaries: Perspectives on American Landscapes – Through July 26, 2026
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
Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art – Through Summer 2026
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
Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen – Through Jan. 3, 2027
Known for his rigorous work in creating jaw-dropping paintings, Adam Pendleton will showcase new and recent pieces as well as single-channel video in this landmark exhibition at the Hirshhorn Museum. Pendleton’s first solo showcase will highlight his contributions to contemporary American painting and utilize the architecture of the Hirshhorn and the vast history of DC’s National Mall.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
InSight: Photos and Stories from the Archives – Ongoing
Peer into Indigenous lives from across the Western hemisphere over time thanks to a new exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian. Through this special selection picked from more than 500,000 images, the museum highlights moments of everyday joy, education and familial bonding. Each photo has its own story to tell.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Places to Stay
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