National Museum of the American Indian
Our end-of-the-week picks for May 15-17, 2026
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
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Friday
Stretching the Canvas: Ten Decades of Native Painting – May 15 – Spring 2027
The National Museum of the American Indian’s new exhibit surveys 10 decades of Native painting, demonstrating how seminal artists elevated the art form after World War I. In an environment that dismissed Native art, trendsetting painters like Fred Kabotie, Tonita Peña and Stephen Mopope advocated for themselves and carved out a space for their distinctive work. Later generations expanded the field even more, making for an exhibition that illustrates the breadth and depth of Native self-expression.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Pippin – May 12 – July 26
Located in Arlington, Va., Signature Theatre regularly stages modern re-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
1776 – Through May 16
As the nation's capital marks 250 years of American democracy, Ford's Theatre hosts one of the most engaging ways to re-live the nation's founding, and it's fun, on stage, in song and runs through May 16, covering the debates, divisions and determination that gave rise to a nation. After that, the curtain comes down twice over. 1776 ends its run, and Ford's will close its museum and theatre for scheduled maintenance for most of the summer. If you've been thinking about going, this is the window. Over the summer, visitors can still access the Petersen House, the Aftermath Exhibits and a special exhibition that provides a behind-the-scenes look into the production of 1776.
Tickets
Ford's Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Saturday
National Museum of American History
In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness – Opens May 14
A bold exhibition explores the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. Across three floors and 300,000 square feet, visitors can encounter 250 significant objects, including the portable desk used by Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence. Another noteworthy artifact is the only surviving ship of the early U.S. Navy, the gunboat Philadelphia. This National Historic Landmark helped stall British forces and now undergoes an on-site conservation to preserve it for future generations.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Fiesta Asia! – May 16
Embrace Asian Heritage Month with a day jam-packed with culture, from the performing arts to culinary delights. The annual Fiesta Asia! takes over Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 6th streets NW with exciting performances, interactive displays, flea markets and food stalls.
Free Admission
Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd & 6th Streets NW
44: The Musical – Opens April 18
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 Sarah Palin, Barack Obama, Mitch McConnell, Ted Cruz and Joe Biden.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Motion – May 6 – June 14
A fierce debate among four scholars becomes a journey through belief, memory and identity in a new play at the legendary Arena Stage.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Sunday
Library of Congress
The Source: Where Curiosity Sparks Discovery – Opens May 5
Visit the Library of Congress and go straight to The Source, its new education center geared towards a worthwhile experience for the entire family. Dynamic and interactive elements will encourage curiosity and creativity and allow for the next generation to explore the Library’s collections, analyzing info and collecting new perspectives along the way.
Hours | Free Admission
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Burnished: Pueblo Pottery at NMWA – May 8 – Sept. 27
For more than two millennia, Pueblo potters in the southwestern region of the U.S. have created clay jars and bowls for storage and ceremonial purposes. Women are at the forefront of this work and its legacy. Burnished presents 24 elegantly shaped clay ollas, seed jars and bowls. The show features indigenous artists and is part of the the museum's participation in Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, an initiative of Craft in America.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
The National Theatre
The Great Gatsby – May 12-24
F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic vision of fragile hope and destructive desire in the Jazz Age practically begs for the stage. You'll be able to see Broadway's take on the 1920s glamor, tension, love and deception -- dance numbers and all -- right in the heart of downtown DC. We're giving you the "green light": get your tickets now, and don't miss the Great American Novel on a great American stage. Just watch out for any billboards on your way there.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Studio Theatre
Purlie Victorious – May 6 – June 21
Studio Theatre stages this satire that is sure to deliver timely social commentary and a healthy helping of madcap laughs. Originally staged in 1961 and revived on Broadway in 2023, Purlie Victorious immerses you in the Jim Crow South as our main character returns home to take back his father’s church and free sharecroppers from a ruthless racist.
Tickets
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all.
Find Your Stay
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to award-winning hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
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