Free Things to Do: Events, Festivals & More in Washington, DC

Whenever you’re in Washington, DC, you can plan on enjoying plenty of museum exhibits, events and festivals for free, guaranteed.

With access to free museums, the monuments and memorials, the Library of Congress and more, Washington, DC is unrivaled for its many free attractions. But at any given time, you can also take advantage of free one-of-a-kind events, groundbreaking exhibits and unique festivals, making DC the capital of free events.

Check out the list below for some of the latest free happenings creating buzz around the city.

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‘Postmen of the Skies: Celebrating 100 Years of Airmail Service’ – Through May 27
America’s fascination with airmail service in the early 20th century will be the focus of this new exhibit at the National Postal Museum. Trace the beginnings of the service, which initially only covered DC, Philadelphia and New York City, to its eventual privatization in 1927, when businesses began building their infrastructure through airmail, which led to the country’s commercial aviation industry boom.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
National Postal Museum, 2 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002

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Passport DC – Ends May 31
Have you ever wanted to step foot inside an embassy? During this month-long journey through DC’s international pathways, you get two incredible chances to do just that with the Around the World Embassy Tour on May 4 and the European Union Embassies' Open House on May 11. Don't miss these fascinating events that grant you unprecedented access.
Citywide

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‘Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture’ – Through June
One of the leading figures in modern media, Oprah Winfrey, serves as the subject of this exciting new exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Watching Oprah will explore the entertainer’s early life, her wildly successful daytime talk show and her powerful influence on popular culture. You’ll be able to view artifacts from Harpo Studios in Chicago, as well as video clips, photographs and interactive elements.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Timed passes
National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

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‘Daguerreotypes: Five Decades of Collecting’ – Through June 2
The National Portrait Gallery celebrates its fiftieth anniversary with this exhibit that will showcase the museum’s extensive collection of daguerreotypes. These types of photographs were the first made available to the public, employing a process that involved a plate and mercury vapor. In this exhibit, you’ll be able to see portraits of icons such as P.T. Barnum, activist Dorothea Dix, artist Alfred Waud and many more.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and F Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001

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‘In the Library: Frederick Douglass Family Materials from the Walter O. Evans Collection’ – Through June 14
The National Gallery of Art displays incredible artifacts from the life of Frederick Douglass in this new exhibit. Douglass was a 19th century slave who went on to be one of the most outspoken and influential abolitionists, and collector Walter O. Evans has shared the statesman’s printed speeches, letters, manuscripts, scrapbooks and photos with the Gallery, many of which are personal in nature. The exhibit will also showcase rare 19th century African American newspapers that highlighted Douglass, illuminating the historical figure in new ways.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Saturday
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565

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National Geographic Photo Camp – Through June 20
The National Geographic Photo Camp provides immersive learning experiences for underprivileged and at-risk youth around the world. The Kennedy Center exhibits the tremendous benefits and life-altering experiences that come with these camps through June 20 in its Hall of Nations and Hall of States. Visitors can see photographs, videos and text that will unveil the narrative of the displaced youth during their time with National Geographic photographers, telling their stories of triumph and resilience in vivid detail.
Opens at 10 a.m. daily |  Free admission
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

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‘Empresses of China’s Forbidden City, 1644-1912’ – Through June 23
The Freer|Sackler galleries present the first-ever, in-depth exhibition on the women of the Qing dynasty, which lasted roughly 260 years. Empresses will elaborate on how Qing women were vital to the success of the dynasty and were in no way passive – the empresses rode horses, performed royal duties, traveled and exerted influence in the arts, religion and politics. The exhibit will feature numerous relics, including paintings, royal portraits, Buddhist sutras, costumes, jewelry and furniture, many of which came from the imperial complex used by the empresses known as the Forbidden City.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Freer|Sackler Galleries, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

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‘The American Revolution: A World War’ – Through July 9
The National Museum of American History examines the true scope of the American Revolution in this year-long exhibit set to debut in late June. The revolutionary victory at Yorktown and the Franco-American friendship that made it happen will be the focus. The exhibit will include two famous paintings by Louis-Nicolas van Blarenberghe, The Siege of Yorktown and The Surrender of Yorktown paintings and a famous portrait of George Washington from the early 1780s. The latter three will be displayed together for the first time since the late 1700s.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

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Rirkrit Tiravanija: ‘Who’s Afraid of Red, Yellow, and Green’ – Through July 24
For the first time, the Hirshhorn Museum will present the works of contemporary Thai artist Rirkrit Tiravanija. The exhibit will turn the Hirshhorn’s galleries into a communal dining space where visitors can enjoy curry and share a meal. A large-scale mural that will reference protests against Thai government policies will be drawn on the walls over the course of the exhibition. Documentary shorts from Thailand’s leading independent filmmaker curated exclusively for the Hirshhorn will also be shown throughout.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20560

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‘A Glimpse of Ancient Yemen’ – Through Aug. 18
Located in the Sackler Gallery, this exhibit highlights south Arabia (now known as Yemen) and its prosperous trading during ancient times. Aromatics such as frankincense and myrrh came from the region to Greece, Rome and Persia, which in turn spread artistic and cultural traditions in Arabia. The exhibit features objects that were retrieved from the region in the early 1950s, painting a detailed picture of an ancient metropolis.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Freer|Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

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‘Artists Respond: American Art and the Vietnam War, 1965-1975’ – Through Aug. 18
The United States was at war in Vietnam and at home from the mid-1960s through the mid-1970s. This exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum offers nearly 100 works from 58 of the most prominent artists of the time period, including pieces by African-American and female artists, who are often left out of surveys of the era. You will see brilliant creative minds wrestling with the debate over the war as well as class and social issues that caused cultural wars all over America. Artists Respond is presented in conjunction with Tiffany Chung: Vietnam, Past Is Prologue.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and F Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004

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‘Eye to I: Self-Portraits from 1900 to Today’ – Through Aug. 18
The self-portrait has taken on entirely new life in recent years, with the rise of “selfies” and the constantly evolving notion of identity. The National Portrait Gallery will draw mostly from its large collection to showcase how artists have portrayed themselves since the beginning of the 20th century, showing the importance of self-portraiture in American history and culture. More than 75 works will be displayed, including portraits by Diego Rivera, Edward Hopper, Elaine de Kooning, Josef Albers and many more.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
National Portrait Gallery, 8th & F Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001

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Jazz in the Garden – Through Aug. 23
Kick back and groove to the music with sangria in hand at Jazz in the Garden on Fridays throughout the summer, held in the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden starting May 17. An eclectic mix of DC area jazz musicians lend a soundtrack to one of the city’s most idyllic scenes set around the sculpture garden’s central fountain. This is a free seasonal tradition that you do not want to miss. Check out the lineup and the food and drink offerings.
5-8:30 p.m.
National Gallery of Art, 6th and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565

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‘Tiffany Chung: Vietnam, Past Is Prologue’ – Through Sept. 2
Tiffany Chung is a multimedia mastermind, and this installation at the Smithsonian American Art Museum looks to be a masterpiece. Chung’s father fought alongside American forces during the Vietnam War, and her family came to the U.S. during the post-war exodus from the country. Past Is Prologue features video interviews, photos, watercolors, texts and hand-drawn maps that reveal the jaw-dropping scale of the war and its still-echoing impact, all gathered by Chung through painstaking research. The exhibit will paint a riveting portrait of how one war drastically re-shaped contemporary society.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and F Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004

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‘Enrico David: Gradations of Slow Release’ – Through Sept. 2
The largest U.S. museum survey of Enrico David’s work comes to the Hirshhorn Museum. The Italian artist works in a variety of media, including works on paper, paintings, installations and sculptures. Many of his pieces focus on the human form and its gradually shifting and evolving nature, evidenced by the title of the exhibit and his incredible sculpture of the same name. The Hirshhorn’s Second Level inner-circle serves as the perfect space to display David’s challenging works.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue SW & 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20560

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‘Shaping Clay in Ancient Iran’ – Through September
Pottery was an art form in ancient Iran, where waterfowl and rams with curled horns roamed. Ceramics of the time showcase potters using distinct shapes and decorations in their experiments with clay, indicating that even utilitarian pieces could be turned into works of art. The exhibit will feature jars, bowls and other ceramics that dare as far back as 5,200 BCE.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Freer|Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

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‘Nature’s Best Photography’ – Through September
Make your way to the second floor of the National Museum of Natural History to discover the best nature photography in the world. More than 26,000 photos were entered into the Windland Smith Rice International Awards, with 60 of the finest submissions selected for inclusion in this visually marvelous exhibit. In addition to photos, you’ll see a video of manta rays and sharks feeding and a display that shows how cameras have evolved.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

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‘Whistler in Watercolor’ – Through Oct. 6
James McNeill Whistler, creator of the famous Peacock Room at the Freer|Sackler Galleries, was also a renowned painter of watercolors. The museum will display more than 50 of these pieces, including figures, landscapes, interiors and nocturnes, in this new exhibit. Visitors will have a chance to encounter the true breadth of Whistler’s artistic work when viewing these rarely seen paintings.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Freer|Sackler Galleries, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

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‘By the Light of the Silvery Moon: A Century of Lunar Photographs from the 1850s to Apollo 11’ – Through Oct. 14
The National Gallery of Art celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing with this exhibition of rarely seen lunar images that beautifully blend science and art. Across roughly 50 works, you’ll see photographs from unmanned missions leading up to Apollo 11, stenographs taken on the moon by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin and lunar shots that date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Hours
National Gallery of Art, Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565

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‘Celebrating New American Gardens’ – Through Oct. 15
The U.S. Botanic Garden, the oldest continually operating botanic garden in the country, celebrates new American gardens in this fascinating exhibit. Experience the latest and greatest in public gardens, which showcase plant collections, provide beautiful public spaces and highlight the changing of the seasons. Gardens created and renovated in the last five years are the focus, which means you will see only the height of creativity and innovation.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001

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Striking Iron: The Art of African Blacksmiths’ – Through Oct. 20
This traveling exhibition comes to the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. Striking Iron will feature more than 225 works of art spanning early archaeological evidence to today. Throughout, visitors will notice how African blacksmiths were able to turn a natural resource into life-altering objects that not only served as utilities, but also displayed incredible artistry, spirituality and technical skill.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

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‘The Way of the Kami’ – Through Nov. 11
According to the Japanese Kojiki (“Records of Ancient Matters”), the Japanese islands were created when gods reached down from the heavens and stirred the Earth with a jeweled spear. This text was written in 712 and laid the mythical foundation for the religious practice of Shinto, or “the Way of the Deities”. Freer|Sackler’s new exhibit will focus on the artistic culture of Shinto, which sees gods in the landscape, in natural phenomena, in dead ancestors. You’ll learn about this captivating belief system and see rare and amusing artifacts while doing so.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Freer|Sackler Galleries, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

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‘It’s Hip to Be Square: The Mint Family’ – Through Nov. 23
The mint family of plants is larger than you think. While Mentha (peppermint and spearmint) and Salvia (sage) get a majority of the attention, rosemary and coleus are also prevalent members of the species. In total, more than 230 genera and 7,000 species make up the mint family, which means you have a whole lot of plant-learning to do at this new U.S. Botanic Garden exhibit that opens at the end of the month.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001

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‘Section 14: The Other Palm Springs, California’ – Through Jan. 2020
Palm Springs, California is known as a playground for the rich and wealthy. However, the area was once a desert outpost and home to Native Americans. This exhibit focuses on the conflict that arose over a one-square-mile-tract of the city’s downtown, which formed the heart of the reservation belonging to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Section 14 will show how the area became a hotbed for issues like tribal sovereignty, economics, race and land zoning from the 1940s through the 1960s.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

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‘Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence’ – Through Jan. 5, 2020
The National Portrait Gallery honors the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment with this highly anticipated exhibit. You’ll learn about the radical women that fought slavery, the women activists of the late 1800s, the “New Woman” of the 20th century and the relentless suffragists of the 1910s through a series of portraits, cultural artifacts and biographies. The exhibit will also examine the struggles that minority women still face today, 100 years after the 19th Amendment passed. Find even more ways to celebrate the achievements of women in DC.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and F Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001

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‘All Work and No Pay: A History of Women’s Invisible Labor’ – Through Feb. 2020
Ideally timed for Women’s History Month, this exhibit at the National Museum of American History will highlight women’s work in the home and the corresponding issue of unwaged labor. “Costumes” for domestic work ranging from colonial times to the 1990s will show how women are expected to manage the housework regardless of class, race, culture or community. Visitors will be able to learn the inequality and unfairness of this outdated societal assumption through artifacts and images.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

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‘Game Change: Elephants from Prey to Preservation’ – Through Feb. 1, 2020
Elephants are one of the most fascinating species in the world, and their conservation is essential. This exhibit at the National Museum of Natural History shows how the public attitude towards elephants has drastically shifted since the late 19th century, when big game hunting was popular. Now, care and concern for these animals is a must in order to save them. Find out why in this exploratory and historic display.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

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‘In Mid-Sentence’ – Through March 8, 2020
Photographs that depict moments of communication make up this new display from the National Portrait Gallery. Pivotal moments in history are showcased throughout, from JFK’s speech at the 1960 Democratic National Convention to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech to Walter Cronkite’s meeting with Daniel Ellsberg as the “Pentagon Papers” were published.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and F Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001

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‘Forgotten Workers: Chinese Migrants and the Building of the Transcontinental Railroad’ – Through Spring 2020
In honor of the 150th anniversary of the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, the National Museum of American History displays this exhibit that addresses the forgotten Chinese workers who heroically built the western leg of the railroad through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The result of their work is also showcased in detail, including a graphic that maps the railroad and descriptions of both the positive and negative impacts of the route.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

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‘Magnificent Obsessions: Why We Collect’ – Through July 1, 2020
The phenomenon of collection is the focus of this new exhibit at the National Museum of American History. Learn about pioneering collectors who helped shape Smithsonian Libraries through their infinite curiosity and desire to preserve the past. You’ll encounter the sheer diversity of the Smithsonian’s collections and how the institution continues to preserve historic treasures and modern items.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

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‘Sea Monsters Unearthed: Life in Angola’s Ancient Seas’ – Through 2020
Africa’s southwest coast teemed with rare sea creatures after the South Atlantic Ocean basin formed some 120 million years ago. In this exhibit, discover fossil remnants of these giant reptiles, including mosasaurs, plesiosaurs and sea turtles. You’ll also learn how these ancient creatures help us understand ocean ecosystems today. Highlights include a 23-foot-long reconstruction of a predatory mosasaur, an animated mural full of sea monsters and the skull of the South Atlantic’s oldest sea turtle species.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

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‘Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote’ – Through Jan. 3, 2021
This 3,000-square-foot exhibit at the National Archives will use more than 90 items, including records, artifacts and photographs, to tell the complex story of diverse suffragists in securing women’s voting rights. The exhibit will also go well beyond 1920 to show the relentless struggle that occurred throughout U.S. history to win voting rights for all women.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
National Archives, 701 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20408

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‘Americans and the Holocaust’ – Ongoing
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum features this in-depth exhibit that details the American response to the Holocaust and Nazism. America’s own racism, antisemitism, xenophobia and isolationism had an impact on this response, as did the amount of information available to Americans in regard to what was happening in Europe. The few American individuals that sought to help the Jewish people are also highlighted.
10 a.m. – 5:20 p.m.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW, Washington, DC 20024

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‘People, Land & Water’ – Ongoing
The vitality of the Department of Interior is relayed through this state-of-the-art exhibition at the Interior Museum. People, Land & Water features more than 75 artifacts, a 14-minute film, a multimedia presentation that details the Department’s relevance and history and a timeline that showcases the interplay between the Department’s nine bureaus and their missions.
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday-Friday)
Interior Museum, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240

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‘Spaces: Works from the Collection, 1966-1976’ – Ongoing
Five essential minimal and post-minimal sculptures will each be given their own individual gallery in this new exhibit at the National Gallery of Art. The East Building and its fascinating architecture will be showcased in this arrangement, as the pieces and their appearance will also be shaped by the space around them. Works by Fred Sandback, Robert Morris and Barry Le Va will be featured, among others.
Hours
National Gallery of Art, 6th and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565

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America’s Listening – Ongoing
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History features a new wing dedicated to American culture. The experience begins in the gateway with America’s Listening, an in-depth look at the history of recorded sound that showcases five major innovations that still impact how we experience movies and music today. Among the artifacts on display are Thomas Edison’s phonograph, Emile Berliner’s gramophone, Ray Dolby’s noise reduction system and Alexander Graham Bell’s graphophone.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

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Ruby Slippers and American Culture Displays – Ongoing
One of the National Museum of American History’s most famous artifacts returns. Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz will be on display in the new wing focused on American culture, in addition to the Scarecrow’s hat from the same film. Other notable objects on display: a Yankee Stadium ticket booth, a video game wall, jazz instruments and a famous stained-glass window from the Victory Company’s headquarters in New Jersey.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

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‘Good as Gold: Fashioning Senegalese Women’ – Ongoing
The National Museum of African Art recently received a significant influx of gold jewelry into its collection, leading to this new exhibit that examines the cultural significance of gold in the West African nation of Senegal. The Wolof concept of sañse (which roughly translates to “looking and feeling good”) is at the center of stylish Senegalese women often wearing gold, a notion that will be covered in detail, along with the production, display and circulation of gold in the country.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

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‘IDENTIFY: Performance Art as Portraiture’ – May 22
Jeffrey Gibson, a half-Cherokee member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, will present his largest performance to date at the National Portrait Gallery’s Kogod Courtyard. To Name an Other will feature Gibson choreographing performers who identify as LGBTQ, Native American, Indigenous or as people of color. The performance will explore injustice, marginalization and identity, and will also feature new garments sporting text that addresses significant events of recent years.
5 p.m.
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and F Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001

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Rolling Thunder XXXII – May 26
The Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally brings together motorcycle riders from all over the U.S. to honor POWs and MIAs who served their country during the Vietnam War. This “ride for freedom” draws more than 900,000 riders, featuring a route that starts at the Pentagon and winds through West Potomac Park. Thunder Alley opens at 9 a.m., with the run beginning at 12 p.m. This year marks the final ride for Rolling Thunder in DC. Discover even more ways to honor Memorial Day in Washington, DC.
9 a.m.
22nd Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

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National Memorial Day Concert – May 26
PBS’s National Memorial Day Concert salutes the sacrifice made by the men and women in uniform, as well as their families. The free annual concert is held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol the day before Memorial Day from 8 – 9:30 p.m. Actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna will host the proceedings, which will feature numerous other celebrity performers.
8-9:30 p.m.
West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, East Capitol Street NE & First Street SE, Washington, DC 20004

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National Memorial Day Parade – May 27
The National Memorial Day Parade ushers marching bands, youth groups, floats, performers and, of course, veterans, down Constitution Avenue. This televised parade is the largest of its kind in the U.S. and honors those who have served or presently serve in the U.S. military. Arrive well before the 2 p.m. start time for the best viewing options.
2 p.m. 
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC

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Capital Pride – May 31 – June 9
Local, national and international attendees join together for DC’s annual Capital Pride festival, celebrating the LGBTQ community and the fight for equal rights. If there’s one thing to catch, make sure it’s the Pride Festival and Concert, which often attracts A-list stars. A range of signature events – a rooftop pool party, a block party, the Pride Parade – round out the festivities.
Citywide

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No city provides as many world-class activities for free as Washington, DC. Discover 100+ free things to do in the ‘Capital of Free!’