Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
Things to do the week of June 8-11, 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
We Make History
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum dives into how communities in DC – and all over the country – collect, preserve and share local history. Stories of civic engagement and historical narrative-building will be at the center of this in-depth exhibit that showcases how American has been built one act, one document and one story at a time. Note that the museum is currently closed and will reopen along with the debut of the exhibit.
Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, DC 20020
National Gallery of Art
In the Library: Photobooks and American Energy
With the National Gallery of Art’s Library as its source, this new exhibit examines how artists have used photobooks to indicate the impact of America’s energy industry. The images join text to tell fascinating stories that have forever changed the country’s landscapes and people.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
The Fever
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company hosts a one-night-only reading of Wallace Shawn’s The Fever starring Company Member Kimberly Gilbert and directed by Derek Goldman. Gilbert plays an unnamed narrator who enjoys a life of privilege but is increasingly impacted by the poverty and oppression just outside her hotel window. The reading will be followed by a virtual conversation between Woolly Mammoth’s Creative Director Reggie D. White and Wallace Shawn himself.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Tuesday
DC Public Library
District Vibes / American Pride: How DC Changed American Culture
DC gave the world the football huddle, the modern blood bank and legends like Marvin Gaye. Discover the vibrant contributions of Washingtonians through images, artifacts, storytelling and free programs. The main exhibit location is Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, but satellite locations can be found across the city.
More Information | Free Admission
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
©Jasper Johns and ULAE, National Gallery of Art
American Icon: The US Flag in Art
The exhibition spotlights more than 30 works from the late-1800s to today, each illustrating the changing uses and interpretations of the American flag. Paintings, prints and photographs from seminal artists such as Gordon Parks, Dorothea Lange, Jasper Johns and Faith Ringgold examine the ever-evolving symbolism of the Stars and Stripes.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Hillwood Museum
Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, the sumptuous estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post, presents myriad treasures literally in every corner – this year they’ve rounded up their rich holding of fabrics for their first ever textile-focused exhibition. The offering invites visitors to consider the enduring power of textiles, not only as decorative or domestic objects but also as expressions of identity, devotion, innovation and exquisite craftsmanship.
No tickets required; suggested $20 donation for adults
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Folger Theatre
How Shakespeare Saved My Life
In this one-man show, written and performed by Jacob Ming-Trent, Shakespeare speaks across time, place, age and race to help rescue its protagonist from the “slings and arrows” of his past. Calling on the Bard and a host of genius rappers, half-crazed preachers and soulful poets to throw him a lifeline, Ming-Trent takes us on a propulsive ride that reaffirms the power of language and music. The show runs from June 9 – July 5; approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.
Tickets
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Wednesday
Smithsonian Institution
American Aspirations
Co-curated by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch, American Aspirations brings together some of the Smithsonian’s most treasured objects to commemorate the Declaration of Independence and consider how founding ideals have been interpreted across generations. The special exhibit will be housed inside the majestic Smithsonian Castle, which is temporarily open through Sept. 7. Among the highlights: the desk Thomas Jefferson used while writing the Declaration, Sally Ride's in-space flight suit, a personal hymnal that belonged to Harriet Tubman and a candle stand used by George Washington.
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian Castle, 1000 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
Extended Hours at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden
Summertime is the right time to visit the gorgeous and totally free Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art. The museum meets the moment with extended hours for the garden from Wednesday through Saturday throughout the summer, remaining open until 8 p.m. and offering a special happy hour menu from 5-7 p.m. except during Jazz in the Garden on Fridays.
More Information
National Gallery of Art, 700 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Othello
Shakespeare’s Earth-shaking tale of deceit, betrayal and paranoia is vividly staged by Simon Godwin with The Wire’s Wendell Pierce in the titular role. Shakespeare Theatre Company's Harman Hall serves as the venue.
Tickets
Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen
Studio Theatre hosts a new one-man show that goes on a stand-up comedian’s journey into and potentially out of love. All the stresses of modern life are touched upon as a painfully neurotic single person tries intimacy and encounters just a bit too much self-sabotage along the way.
Tickets
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Thursday
DC/DOX Film Festival
The annual DC/DOX Film Festival takes place at theater venues across the District. Expect four days of visionary documentaries and conversations with the talent behind dozens of innovative and acclaimed works of non-fiction storytelling. Locations have included Edlavitch Community Center, Eaton Cinema, MLK Memorial Library, the National Portrait Gallery’s Nan Tucker McEvoy Auditorium, the National Archives and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone
Soccer’s monumental moment can be enjoyed within sight of monuments this summer. As part of Freedom 250, the National Mall will host live match-viewing of the World Cup as well as interactive exhibits, cultural showcases, food, music, family-friendly activities and youth programming throughout the tournament. Admission is free for this unique opportunity to take in the world’s most popular sport in one of the most scenic settings in the country.
More places to watch World Cup games in DC
National Children's Museum
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!
Kids will go crazy for this new exhibit at the National Children’s Museum, which immerses them in the world of Curious George through a variety of interactive experiences. Activations include an apartment building where kids use pulleys to move George, a construction site, mini-golf and the rocket George took to space.
Hours & Admission
National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Woolly Mammoth Theatre
A Fine Madness
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company presents a special local tour of the latest work from company artist Justin Weaks. A Fine Madness will be staged at four different venues across the District. The piece lives at the intersection of “performance” and “event” as Weaks weaves his own story of growing up as a Black gay man in DC and HIV diagnosis with audience participation. His goal: to build a new archive inclusive of his experience and yours.
More Info & Tickets
Washington Nationals
Shakey Graves
Don’t miss Austin-based singer/songwriter Alejandro Rose-Garcia, alias Shakey Graves, on tour in support of his fifth and most personal studio album, Fondness, Etc. Musing on fatherhood and fleeting beauty, he and his guitar stop at Nationals Park on June 11, rain or shine. But even if it’s raining, these warm songs will bring the shine.
Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
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