Washington DC Arts & Culture

Tap into the city’s creative heartbeat.

Whether you're inspired by free museums or culturally diverse neighborhoods, this city has it all. Catch a musical before it hits Broadway. Go where DC creators hatch their best ideas. The District oozes with local flavor and one-of-a-kind experiences. Bottle it up on your trip when you tour colorful street murals, chat with artists at Eastern Market or accept a standing invite to the Meridian Hill drum circle.

Passport DC - Embassy Open Houses

Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Guests Taking Photo of Ben's Chili Bowl Mural

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Where to Find the Most Colorful Street Murals in Washington, DC

Vibrant street art adds color to DC in any season.

Henry the elephant in the National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC

History, science, art and culture come alive at these free DC museum...

Theaters & Performance Spaces to See a Show in Washington, DC

A variety of performances grace stages throughout the District – her...

20+ Cool & Interesting Museums in Washington, DC That Aren’t On the National Mall

Venture off the National Mall to these knowledge centers for a uniqu...

Inside National Museum of African American History and Culture

Ways to Celebrate African American History & Culture in Washington, DC

Honor the Black experience at these museums, memorials and more thro...

Grab A Seat: Washington, DC’s Theaters Are Must-See Attractions

Why Washington, DC's performing arts scene is in a class of its own

Grandfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown Mural by Aniekan Udofia

Keep on Groovin’: An Intro to Go-Go Music in Washington, DC

The official music of the city has a fascinating history, but its st...

A couple looks at a colorful painting at the Phillips Collection.

2 Days of LGBTQ+ Culture & Arts in Washington, DC

Whether during Pride or year-round, visitors and locals can embrace ...

National Gallery of Art East Building - Museum on the National Mall - Washington, DC

Discover the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, DC

Explore modern artworks in this stunningly beautiful free museum on ...

The Best City to Visit in 2026

Washington, DC shines with can’t-miss events, new exhibits and prais...

@carahedge - Summer day outside The LINE Hotel in Adams Morgan - Unique hotels in Washington, DC

15 Cool Hotels for Your Next Trip to Washington, DC

These hip and trendy hotels offer unique experiences that blend the ...

SPONSORED

Downtown

National Museum of Women in the Arts

First major museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts.

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Foggy Bottom

The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for ...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

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Virginia

George Washington's Mount Vernon

The iconic riverside estate of George Washington. Open daily, 365 days a year.

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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration is coming to Washington, D.C. summer 2026.

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SPONSORED

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Children's Museum

A playful learning adventure awaits at National Children's Museum!

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SPONSORED

Dupont Circle

Woodrow Wilson House

Dine intimately in the presidential Dining Room, enjoy cocktails throughout the main museum rooms or relax and unwind in the tranquil period garden.

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Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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NoMa & Union Market

Wunder Garten

Outdoor community German inspired beergarden

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NoMa & Union Market

Desert 5 Spot

Desert 5 Spot is a two-level, western-inspired venue in the Union Market district of DC designed for group events, celebrations, and memorable off-site experiences.

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Dupont Circle

Egyptian Cultural and Education Center

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Upper Northwest

Zenith Gallery

Zenith Gallery, the premiere source of art in WDC, 45 years, hundreds of artists in a wide range of styles & mediums from monumental to small.

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Capitol Hill

Folger Shakespeare Library

The Folger welcomes everyone—from communities throughout Washington DC to communities across the globe—to connect in their own way.

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Congress Heights

Congress Heights Arts & Culture Cent...

Discover a hidden cultural gem in Washington, D.C.’s historic Southeast corridor.

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Smithsonian American Art Museum

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Capitol Hill

U.S. Capitol & Capitol Visitor Cente...

The Capitol Visitor Center is the main entrance to the U.S. Capitol and is located below the East Front plaza of the Capitol between Constitution and Independence Avenues.

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Mar

02

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Let Them Eat Cake: A Purim Revolution

Now - Mar 02, 2026

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Mar

02

2026

National Mall

Mall to Monuments 5k Running Tour

Now - Sep 05, 2027

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Mar

02

2026

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

Now - Mar 01, 2028

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Mar

02

2026

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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Mar

02

2026

Dupont Circle

peter campus: there somewhere

Now - May 03, 2026

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Mar

02

2026

Downtown

Tawny Chatmon

Now - Mar 06, 2026

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Mar

02

2026

Virginia

Historic Blenheim - Tours & History

Now - Mar 01, 2028

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Mar

02

2026

Georgetown

River Club Happy Hour

Now - Feb 28, 2028

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Mar

03

2026

Virginia

Safety Not Guaranteed

Mar 03, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026

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Mar

03

2026

Virginia

America's 250th Passport at Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center

Now - Dec 31, 2026

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Mar

03

2026

Downtown

The American Story

Now - Mar 01, 2028

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Mar

03

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Chez Joey

Now - Mar 13, 2026

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Mar

03

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Inherit the Wind

Now - Apr 05, 2026

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Mar

03

2026

Dupont Circle

American Apparitions: A Psychogeographies Project

Now - Aug 31, 2026

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Downtown

State Fairs: Growing American Craft

Now - Sep 07, 2026

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Mar

03

2026

National Mall

Historic carousel will reopen to the public

Now - Mar 01, 2028

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Mar

03

2026

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

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Mar

03

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Chez Joey

Now - Mar 15, 2026

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Mar

03

2026

National Mall

Special Exhibitions and Installations

Now - Jan 01, 2027

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Mar

03

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Dead Sea Scrolls

Now - Sep 07, 2026

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Featured Places to Stay

Book a memorable night at DC hotels

Boutique hotels, family-friendly hotels, budget-friendly hotels - whatever you're looking for, you'll find it. Explore the hotel options waiting for your arrival.

Take Me There

Downtown

Hotel Zena

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Southwest & The Wharf

Canopy Washington DC The Wharf

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Downtown

Eaton Washington DC

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Adams Morgan

The LINE DC

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Partner Content

The District Blog

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Member Testimonials

Learn More About Partnerships

The District Blog

20+ Restaurants with Fires to Cozy Up to

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

Why DC is the Best City to Visit in 2026

Order Your Free Visitors Guide

Arts & Culture

Tap into the city’s creative heartbeat.

Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Where to Find the Most Colorful Street Murals in Washington, DC

Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC

Theaters & Performance Spaces to See a Show in Washington, DC

20+ Cool & Interesting Museums in Washington, DC That Aren’t On the National Mall

Ways to Celebrate African American History & Culture in Washington, DC

Grab A Seat: Washington, DC’s Theaters Are Must-See Attractions

Keep on Groovin’: An Intro to Go-Go Music in Washington, DC

2 Days of LGBTQ+ Culture & Arts in Washington, DC

Discover the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, DC

The Best City to Visit in 2026

15 Cool Hotels for Your Next Trip to Washington, DC

National Museum of Women in the Arts

The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for ...

George Washington&#039;s Mount Vernon

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Children&#039;s Museum

Woodrow Wilson House

National Postal Museum

Wunder Garten

Desert 5 Spot

Egyptian Cultural and Education Center

Zenith Gallery

Folger Shakespeare Library

Congress Heights Arts &amp; Culture Cent...

Smithsonian American Art Museum

U.S. Capitol &amp; Capitol Visitor Cente...

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

02

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Let Them Eat Cake: A Purim Revolution

02

National Mall

Mall to Monuments 5k Running Tour

02

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

02

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

02

Dupont Circle

peter campus: there somewhere

02

Downtown

Tawny Chatmon

02

Virginia

Historic Blenheim - Tours & History

02

Georgetown

River Club Happy Hour

03

Virginia

Safety Not Guaranteed

03

Virginia

America's 250th Passport at Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center

03

George Washington's Mount Vernon

National Children's Museum

Congress Heights Arts & Culture Cent...

U.S. Capitol & Capitol Visitor Cente...