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Opening Ceremony at the National Cherry Blossom Festival

Things to Do This Weekend in Washington, DC

Our end-of-the-week picks for March 20-22, 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

 

'Bronze Bison' at the National Museum of Natural History

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
 

'As You Like It' at Folger Theatre

Folger Theatre

As You Like It
One of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies is reimagined by Folger Theatre’s Artistic Director Karen Ann Daniels. The story concerns Rosalind and her cousin, Celia, who are forced to leave the “court” and in turn explore the vast forest of Arden, where adventure awaits. The setting conjures love for DC, and the production takes care to showcase the city as a place of redemption, resilience and community.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
 

'Chez Joey' at Arena Stage

Arena Stage

Chez Joey – Final Weekend
Prepare for a blockbuster at Arena Stage as Chez Joey lands at the historic playhouse. Co-directed by Tony Award-winning choreographer Savion Glover and actor, director and producer Tony Goldwyn, the set-in-1940s-Chicago show includes a Rodgers and Hart score as well as a spellbinding tale of a singer caught between a rich baroness and an ambitious chorus girl on his way to the top (he hopes).
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
 

'Safety Not Guaranteed' at Signature Theatre Company

Signature Theatre Company

 Safety Not Guaranteed
Based on the film of the same name, this Signature Theatre Company production mixes indie rock with imagination into an unforgettable time traveling adventure. Journalist Darius sees a classified ad requesting “someone to go back in time with me” and agrees to go along for the ride. She gets in over her head very quickly.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
 

Black Cat

DC Loves Prince Dance Party
Known in DC as the premier “Princeologist,” DJ Dredd will lead this tribute night at Black Cat. The party sends love from the nation’s capital to Prince’s hometown of Minneapolis; all proceeds will go to immigrant families (split between national and community organizations). Don your finest purple, dance the night away to Prince’s coolest tunes and help immigrant families in the process.
9 p.m. |  Tickets
Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
 

Saturday

 

Runners approach the finish line of the United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series in Washington, DC, with the U.S. Capitol in the background.

2026 St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running
The race that “brings the fun to the run” rocks the District again this year. Choose between half marathon or 5K distances, enjoy the sounds of this musical running tour and help the patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the same time. All while taking in DC’s monumental views.
Race begins at 13th Street and Constitution Avenue
 

National Cherry Blossom Festival

National Cherry Blossom Festival

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony
Along with the Japan Foundation, the National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the 114th anniversary of the gift of trees with an exciting tribute to the longstanding relationship between Japan and the United States.The spectacle at the historic Warner Theatre features world-renowned artists connected to both the U.S. and Japan who gather on the stage together for one-night only. Early access to tickets to this epic spring celebration can be obtained by signing up for the Festival's email list. The event will also be livestreamed on the Festival's YouTube channel.
 More Information
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Two people in orange shirts sit on a bench, admiring an Impressionist painting in a quiet gallery.

Miró and the United States
The Phillips Collection's new exhibit will explore the artistic conversation between Spanish artist Joan Miró (1893–1983) and American artists from the 1940s to the 1960s. The exhibition will trace Miró’s relationships with American artists, collectors and institutions in an examination of the ways this exchange spurred inspiration and experimentation on both sides of the Atlantic. Expect to see works by Alexander Calder, Louise Bourgeois, Lee Krasner, Norman Lewis, Jackson Pollock, Helen Frankenthaler, Adolph Gottlieb and many more.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
 

'Making Their Mark: Works from the Shah Garg Collection' at the National Museum of Women in the Arts

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Making Their Mark: Works from the Shah Garg Collection
This exhibition illustrates women artists’ vital role in abstraction, showcasing work by some of the most important artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Drawn entirely from the contemporary art collection of Komal Shah and Gaurav Garg, the exhibition considers historical contributions, formal and material breakthroughs and intergenerational relationships among women artists over the last eight decades. It brings together over 70 pieces in all kinds of media, juxtaposing current work with its historical antecedents.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
 

'1776' at Ford's Theatre

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
 

'Hamnet' at Harman Hall

Shakespeare Theatre Company

Hamnet
With the 2025 film adaptation nominated for eight Oscars, you would be well-served to see the U.S. premiere of Royal Shakespeare Company’s stage take on Maggie O’Farrell’s best-selling novel. The powerful tale focuses on the deep impacts of grief and loss while also showcasing how suffering can lead to extraordinary wonder.
Tickets
Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Sunday

 

'Peak Bloom: Dome Experience' by ARTECHOUSE at Hi-Lawn

ARTECHOUSE

Peak Bloom: Dome Experience
Hi-Lawn, in collaboration with ARTECHOUSE Studio, transforms its rooftop dome into a breathtaking digital cherry blossom spectacle. The 45-minute immersive visual show features 360 degrees of petals, light and motion projected overhead, surrounding guests with luminous blooms and flowing digital landscapes.
Tickets
Hi-Lawn, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
 

The modern exterior of the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC, featuring a striking design with red accents and glass panels under a cloudy sky.

Camouflage: Designed to Deceive
The International Spy Museum’s new self-guided experience takes visitors through the fascinating history of camouflage and its many connections to espionage. Trace camouflage from its natural origins to its application to covert operations. In the form of real stories, artifacts and immersive media, the exhibition will show how animals, soldiers and spies have employed the strategy of hiding in plain sight.
Hours & Admission
International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024
 

'Watson and the Shark' by John Singleton Copley at National Gallery of Art

National Gallery of Art

Celebrating American Art
The National Gallery of Art commemorates 250 years of America with a wide-ranging program that encompasses special installations and exhibitions that grapple with ideas at the heart of American stories vividly told through art. The series begins with Celebrating American Art, which includes iconic works and showcases how artists reckoned with the American story from the colonial to the 20th century.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' at The National Theatre

The National Theatre

Disney's Beauty and the Beast
This "tale as old as time" awaits you at National Theatre, on stage like never before. Disney’s first North American production of the beloved musical in over 25 years, the show includes all your favorites from the original plus spectacular new sets and costumes, and, of course, the Oscar-winning and Tony Award-nominated score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Whether you're team Gaston (why?) or team Beast, or maybe just team love, this one's for you.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Places to Stay

 

Hotel room in the Hay Adams

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 today!
 

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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