Washington, DC shines with can’t-miss events, new exhibits and praiseworthy performances throughout the upcoming year.
Every year, Washington, DC is on a short list of essential travel destinations. This time, the nation's capital landed on Condé Nast Traveler's "The Best Places to Go in the U.S. in 2025," the New York Times' top places to go around the world and TripAdvisor's top destinations in the U.S. This year is a big one thanks to major events like WorldPride and, of course, the return of the giant pandas. We’ve highlighted a complete list of why DC will thrive in 2025 – so whenever you’re ready, book your stay with these great deals at DC hotels.
U.S. Presidential Inauguration – Jan. 20
Witness American history in DC as the nation swears in the next President of the United States. The Inauguration is a great reminder that There’s Only One DC, as only one city gets to host this event every four years. Start planning a trip with presidential experiences in the city and read about what to expect on Inauguration Day.
Pandas at the Smithsonian's National Zoo – Jan. 24
Two new giant pandas, Bao Li and Xing Bao, debut to the public at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. The two-year-old pandas have moved into their new digs and will be the most talked-about duo in the nation’s capital throughout 2025. A member preview runs from Jan. 10-19.
Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week – Jan. 27 – Feb. 2
Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington hosts two annual celebrations of DC’s eclectic dining scene: one in January and a summer edition in August. For both seasonal editions, Restaurant Week offers diners pre-fixe menus for lunch/brunch ($25/$35) and dinner ($40/$55/$65).
Broadway Center Stage: Schmigadoon! – Jan. 31 – Feb. 9
The Emmy Award®–winning hit show comes to the Kennedy Center as a world premiere musical sure to heat up January in the nation’s capital. Schmigadoon! is the tale of New York doctors Josh and Melissa, who decide to go backpacking in a desperate attempt to save their relationship. The couple are soon lost in the woods and find themselves trapped in a wondrous town that is literally a Golden Age musical. Sit back and enjoy the award-winning score along with new songs in one of the most highly anticipated productions of the new year.
Washington Auto Show – Jan. 31 – Feb. 9
The world-class event displays engineering prowess and innovation along with more than 600 new models from 30+ car manufacturers inside the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Interactive displays and on-site activations add to the fascination of this motor vehicle showcase.
Go-Go Museum & Cafe – Opens Feb. 19
DC’s newest museum attraction opens for special events and guests with tickets, showcasing the official music of the nation’s capital like never before. The Go-Go Museum & Cafe will serve as the official site for the appreciation and study of go-go music as well as its history, impact and vitality. Expect a state-of-the-art experience inside Anacostia’s latest landmark.
The Age of Innocence – Feb. 28 – March 30
Adapted from the beloved Edith Wharton novel by playwright Karen Zacarías, this new play at Arena Stage will captivate audiences with its stirring depiction of 1870s New York City. The Age of Innocence is timeless in its powerful critique of the harshness of societal norms as it masterfully depicts Newland Archer’s struggles as he must choose between privilege and passion.
Sister Act – March 14 – May 17
Based on the smash hit 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act makes for divine musical comedy at Ford’s Theatre this upcoming spring. The Tony-nominated musical follows a nightclub singer who takes to a convent to hide from the mob. Self-discovery and glorious group harmonies ensue. The play features original music by the legendary Alan Menken.
National Cherry Blossom Festival – March 20 – April 13
DC celebrates the blooming of cherry trees with a month-long festival that commemorates the 1912 gift from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city. Peak bloom, which is defined as when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees at the Tidal Basin have fully opened, is predicted to occur between March 28-31 and the best time to view the blossoms lasts for about a week after peak bloom (and even a few days longer in ideal conditions). Check out popular festival events in the lead-up to the celebration, in addition to our guide to the celebration, how to get the most popular blossom spots and the best places to snap photos.
Washington Nationals Baseball: 20th Anniversary Season – Home Opener on March 27
The Washington Nationals, who have four National League East titles, five postseason appearances and a World Series championship since coming to DC in 2005, are one of the city's main attractions throughout the spring and summer. Head to Nationals Park to experience MLB action with an exciting schedule, plenty of home runs and, of course, Racing Presidents. The Nats, as they are lovingly called by locals, celebrate their 20th anniversary in the nation's capital with a year filled with special events.
Awesome Con – April 4-6
More than 70,000 fans can see their favorite stars from comics, films, TV, toys and games throughout Awesome Con, a three-day festival that is Washington, DC’s own Comic Con. Expect plenty of costumed attendees and an array of activities to enjoy during one of the city’s most vibrant annual events.
Passport DC – May 1-31
A month of programming across the city focuses on showcasing DC’s international culture. The Around the World Embassy Tour and the European Union Open House are annual highlights, usually held on the first two Saturdays of the month. Most events and tours can be enjoyed entirely free of charge.
WorldPride – May 17 – June 8
Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of celebrating Pride in DC, this momentous occasion will bring together millions from around the world to honor and uplift the LGBTQ+ community through a spectacular series of events, parades and cultural festivities.
Set against the iconic backdrop of Washington, DC, WorldPride 2025 promises an unforgettable experience filled with electrifying energy, historical significance and a unifying spirit.
Essex Hemphill: Take Care of Your Blessings – May 17 – Aug. 31
The Phillips Collection showcases the relationship between the trailblazing work of poet and activist Essex Hemphill and contemporary visual art in a new exhibit. Hemphill was born in Chicago and raised in DC, where he became one of the most outspoken LGBTQ+ advocates of his time, both through his poetry and the spoken word. Hemphill tragically died of an AIDS-related illness in 1995 at the age of 38, but his work powerfully lives on, as can be observed in Take Care of Your Blessings, which puts him in dialogue with artists of his time and the present.
Frankenstein – May 27 – June 22
Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece comes to the stage at Klein Theatre thanks to Shakespeare Theatre Company and the writing/directing talents of Emily Burns. The foundational tale concerns Elizabeth and Victor Frankenstein and the creation of a monster that continues to resonate throughout contemporary art.
Playbill
A Wrinkle in Time – June 12 – July 20
With music and lyrics by Heather Christian, a book by Lauren Yee (the mind behind Cambodian Rock Band) and direction by Lee Sunday Evans, this highly anticipated production comes to Arena Stage next summer. Join main character Meg on an epic quest in an adventurous new musical adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's Newbery Medal-winning novel. Prepare for a spellbinding journey through space and time.
FIFA Club World Cup
FIFA Club World Cup – June 18, 22 & 26
Audi Field will host three premier matches of the FIFA Club World Cup this summer across three separate dates. Al Ain FC takes on Juventus FC on June 18, FC Salzburg challenges Al Hilal on June 22 and Wydad AC plays Al Ain FC on June 26. Tickets are available now.
Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle – June 21-22
Everyone’s favorite barbecue-flavored event has been held in DC for more than 30 years. Pitmasters from all 50 states, local restaurants and live music shut down Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th streets NW for a lively, two-day street party. Cooking demos and free tastings make for a savory (and filling) experience.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival – July 2-7, 2025
A summer tradition like none other, the Folklife Festival is a warm weather calling card for the District. The free international cultural festival held on the National Mall spotlights various nations and communities every year and also features immersive exhibits, live music, cooking demos and a lively marketplace.
Mubadala Citi DC Open – July 21-27, 2025
The District’s signature professional tennis tournament will return to Rock Creek Park Tennis Center for its 55th edition in 2024. Top-tier talent from all over the world will compete for a prestigious trophy, leading to back-and-forth action that you do not want to miss.
Otakon – Aug. 8-10, 2025
Annually held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Otakon just might be the dedicated event space’s liveliest function all year long. The family-friendly convention is run by and dedicated to fans of Asian media, entertainment and pop culture, including anime, manga, music, movies and video games. The festivities range from cosplay contests, skits and live music to panel discussions with comic book (super)heroes, for-sale artworks and more.
DC JazzFest – Aug. 27– Sept. 1
The ultimate American art form comes to DC stages with leading artists from all over the world during this annual festival. Performances, which take place across the city, are both free and ticketed.
Amy Sherald: American Sublime – Sept. 19 – Feb. 22, 2026
Marvel at the work from one of the great painters of the 21st century when you visit this exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery next fall. Amy Sherald’s iconic portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor will be joined by a coterie of additional works, marking the largest, most comprehensive display of the artist’s work to date.
Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955-1985 – Sept. 21 – Jan. 4, 2025
The National Gallery of Art hosts a monumental tribute to the work of Black artists from around the world. Photography and the Black Arts Movement spans four decades and features roughly 150 pieces by more than 100 artists, including luminaries such as Gordon Parks, Carrie Mae Weems, Frank Stewart, Billy Abernathy, David C. Driskell, Lorna Simpson and many more.
Walkingtown DC – Late Sept. 2025 TBD
Events DC showcases the incredible walkability of the nation’s capital during Walkingtown DC, a free, week-long public tour program. In total, dozens of guided walking tours are held throughout the District, including neighborhood showcases, themed excursions, historical journeys and many more. Historians, licensed tour guides, community leaders and business owners, among others, host these adventures that will take you to both well-known and hidden gems across DC.
Downtown Holiday Market – Late Nov. 2025 TBD
DC’s free-to-frequent downtown bazaar is centrally located in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. The beloved market stretches across two blocks of F Street between 7th and 9th streets. Scope out eclectic wares from dozens of pop-up tents with seasonally flavored music performed live in the background. Locally roasted coffee and crafted-before-your-eyes mini-doughnuts inspire a cold-weather appetite, creating a holiday atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
National Menorah Lighting – Dec. 2025 TBD
Chanukah kicks off with this lighting ceremony of the world’s largest menorah on the White House Ellipse, which greets all with latkes, doughnuts, menorah kits and dreidels. Music from the United States Navy Band will add a soundtrack to the scene. As is the custom, a new candle is illuminated on each of the eight days of Hanukkah.
National Christmas Tree Lighting – Dec. 2025 TBD
The National Christmas Tree is DC’s claim to fame during the holidays, and for good reason. The gorgeous conifer lives in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse, where it's surrounded by trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 56 U.S. states and territories and is accompanied by nightly musical performances throughout the holiday season. The display is free to visit.
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