National Museum of Asian Art
Things to do the week of April 27-30, 2026
We've gathered up things to do across the nation's capital, including museum exhibits, concerts, only-in-DC events and much more. Don't miss our things to do this weekend and things to do this month as well.
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Monday
Of the Hills: Pahari Paintings from India’s Himalayan Kingdoms
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
Photo by Gary Staab
Bronze Bison
Over a century ago, bison roamed outside the Smithsonian Castle building. This spring, the National Museum of Natural History commemorates this history with three larger-than-life bronze bison created by sculptor Gary Staab. The pieces, which are at 125% scale and modeled after taxidermy specimens, will live outside the National Museum of Natural History.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
1776
The story of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is transformed into a vibrant musical as the country’s beginnings are brought to blazing life inside the historic Ford's Theatre.
Tickets
Ford's Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Tuesday
National Museum of the American Latino
¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
The Molina Family Latino Gallery, the first gallery space of the National Museum of the American Latino, is housed inside the National Museum of American History. The space hosts a new bilingual exhibition that explores how Afro-Cuban music became an essential part of U.S. culture. Artists like Tito Puente and Celia Cruz – as well as local legends – are covered.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Arena Stage
A Good Day to Me Not to You
Arena Stage welcomes a new work from Drama Desk Award-winning actor Lameece Isaaq and two-time Obie-winning director Lee Sunday Evans. The play concerns a 40-something dental lab tech who loses her job and relocates to a woman’s boarding house run by nuns. She’s forced to confront her own personal demons as well as the house’s deranged inhabitants in this deeply psychological production.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
The National Theatre
The Book of Mormon
One of the funniest – and most acclaimed – plays of all-time comes to DC’s National Theatre. The musical comedy about two missionaries sent way too far from home will pack the evening with laughs. Note that the production contains explicit language.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Wednesday
America’s State Flowers: An America250 Celebration
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
Go to a Washington Spirit game
One of the hottest tickets in town come spring and summer is a Washington Spirit game at Audi Field. Last year's runners-up for the National Women's Soccer League title look to go all the way in 2026 with superstar Trinity Rodman leading the way. Don't miss this rematch against Racing Louisville FC (April 29).
Tickets
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC
44: The Musical
Head to Klein Theatre for a healthy dose of political satire with a musical ideal for a DC audience. 44: The Musical tackles the Obama Era with hilarious characters and songs. Expect appearances by (actors humorously playing) Sarah Palin, Barack Obama, Mitch McConnell, Ted Cruz and Joe Biden.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Thursday
The Phillips Collection
peter campus: there somewhere
The Phillips Collection showcases one of the leading figures in new media art with there somewhere. peter campus’ breakthrough videos from the early 1970s are displayed alongside four new, serene landscape works, which the artist has named “the phillips quartets”.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Museum of Illusions
Cherry Blossom Takeover at the Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions partnered with local artist Hiba Alyawer for a limited-time cherry blossom-themed takeover. The immersive artistic experience is inspired by DC's most iconic season. Selected illusion rooms throughout the museum feature stunning blossom installations and floral-inspired artistic elements, blending the magic of visual perception with the delicate beauty of spring in DC. Special workshops are also available.
Buy Tickets
Museum of Illusions, 927 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Photo by Cameron Whitman
The Minutes
The Keegan Theatre hosts a production from one of the great purveyors of the art form. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tracy Letts’ brilliant examination of small-town politics plays out over the course of one city council meeting.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
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