Things to do the week of June 29 – July 2, 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
Visit the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration
The highly anticipated National Geographic Museum of Exploration invites visitors to immerse themselves in the excitement of exploration and discovery. Expect cutting-edge technology that uncovers wildlife, communities and cultures from all over the world as well as an immersive outdoor courtyard. Visit the museum's website for more details on what to expect.
9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (last entry at 7 p.m.) | Tickets
National Geographic Museum of Exploration, 1600 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
National Portrait Gallery
The Spirit of Invention: Patent Office and Patentees
Timed with the U.S. semiquincentennial, the National Portrait Gallery commemorates the founding of its historic home with The Spirit of Invention: Patent Office and Patentees. The exhibition sketches the early history of the Patent Office – the third oldest building in DC – through works in the museum’s collection.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, First Floor, East Galleries, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
National Museum of Asian Art
A Museum in the Making
Mull over this meta exhibit about how the country’s first national art museum got made. To celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, the National Museum of Asian Art has partnered with the Freer House to tell the story of this bold experiment in art and design, which continues to shape the museum’s galleries today.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, West Building, Jefferson Drive at 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20004
Tuesday
Smithsonian Institution
Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America
In the Arts and Industries Building (the Smithsonian’s second-oldest building and the country’s first national museum) right next to the Smithsonian castle, explore what American independence really means, and how that meaning has evolved over time from the American Revolution until now.
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building, 900 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
Dear America
Explore how artists have captured and questioned the American experience over the last 250 years. Through more than 100 works on paper spanning photography, prints and drawings, discover powerful depictions of the nation’s landscapes, people and ideals of freedom.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
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
Expansion of the National Air and Space Museum
A massive renovation project that began in 2018 concludes this year. Five new galleries will open on the museum’s 50th anniversary, including galleries focused on World War II aircraft and space technologies. The debut of these galleries also coincides with America's 250th anniversary. Visit the Air and Space Museum's website for more information.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Air and Space Museum, 650 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
Red, White and Spy: Tradecraft Try Its
Ever wanted to write in invisible ink like George Washington? Slip a secret note to someone like Virginia Hall? If so, drop by the International Spy Museum to try your hand at real spy skills inspired by American history. Quick, hands-on activities for agents ages 9 and up will be available not only within the Museum’s exhibits, but also outside on its plaza (weather permitting).
More Information
International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024
Arena Stage
CrazySexyCool: The TLC Musical
Creep your way to one of the coolest venues in DC for a musical based on the fascinating story behind one of the most successful female pop groups ever. CrazySexyCool follows T-Boz, Left Eye and Chilli on a riveting (mostly true) journey that includes hit songs such as “Waterfalls,” “Creep” and “No Scrubs”.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
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
Driving America Forward: A Ford Experience at Union Station
As part of America's 250th birthday celebration, Ford hosts a free experience that will showcase iconic vehicles, artifacts and stories from more than a century of American innovation and culture. Visitors can check out automotive icons like the 1941 Ford GP, a pre-Pearl Harbor prototype of the famous WWII 'jeep.' The experience will not just feature vehicles—visitors will learn how transportation, industry and innovation helped shape the nation's history through rare pieces from the Ford archives. The experience is free and open to the public. No ticket required.
Free Admission
Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
Visit the new Lincoln Memorial Undercroft
Just in time for America's 250th anniversary, the Lincoln Memorial invites visitors to experience its story in a whole new way. A century-old secret is now open to the public – 15,000 square feet of immersive exhibits right beneath your feet. Exhibits also trace the construction history of the memorial and explore how its meaning has evolved across generations. Also, for the first time, original signed copies of both the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment are on display together, housed beneath the president who made them law. It's a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stand in the presence of the documents that reshaped America. You can also pose like the Lincoln statue, watch a video projected onto the memorial's pillars and use touchscreens to explore fascinating details about the historic site. Timed-entry tickets are free, but come with a $1 service fee per transaction. Free, same-day tickets are distributed daily beginning at 8:45 a.m. at the Korean War Veterans Memorial kiosk on Daniel Chester French Drive, just south of the Lincoln Memorial.
More Information
Great American State Fair
The National Mall transforms into a huge state fair for the entire country. From Maine lobster rolls to Hawaii’s shimmering hula stage, Texas-sized steaks to Alaska’s towering ice carvings, all fifty states, territories and federal agencies showcase their food, culture and pride in an unforgettable, coast-to-coast celebration. You can register for tickets.
Register
National Mall, Between Constitution & Independence Avenues SW, Washington, DC 20050
Smithsonian Institution
From These Lands: Sharing Our Natural and Cultural Heritage
As part of Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250 programming, the National Museum of Natural History displays more than 600 artifacts that represent all 50 U.S. states, DC and an additional five U.S. territories. Items range from significant scientific discoveries to cultural keepsakes to ancient fossils like an American mastodon tooth.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Pippin
Located in Arlington, Va., Signature Theatre regularly stages modern rei-imaginings of classic productions. Next May, the company takes on Pippin. The coming-of-age tale will be brought to vivid life with wit, wonder and unforgettable music.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
The Play That Goes Wrong
This 1920s whodunit has everything you never wanted in a show – an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead and actors who trip over everything (including their lines). Part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes, this Olivier Award-winning comedy is a global phenomenon that’s guaranteed to leave you aching with laughter.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
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