Things to do the week of Jan. 26-29, 2026
We've gathered up things to do across the nation's capital, including museum exhibits, concerts, only-in-DC events and much more. Don't miss our things to do this weekend and things to do this month as well.
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Monday
The Washington, DC Auto Show
Cars have always held a special allure, captivating the American imagination from the early days of the Model T. Witness the evolution of the vehicle firsthand by attending the Washington, DC Auto Show, which takes place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Even if you don't consider yourself a devoted car enthusiast, there are still plenty of reasons to check out the city's largest annual indoor event.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC 20001
The Outwin 2025: American Portraiture Today
Drawing from more than 3,300 entries and contributions from 14 states, DC and Puerto Rico, the National Portrait Gallery displays 35 portraits by 36 artists. Curated by a panel of experts, the seventh triennial Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition informs this showcase of emerging talent each year.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Grandma Moses: A Good Day's Work
Anna Mary Robertson Moses, who was dubbed “Grandma Moses” by the press, lived through the American Civil War, two world wars and the civil rights era. In the 1940s, she emerged as a central figure thanks to her unique tapestries of American life. The Smithsonian American Art Museum introduces her essential work to new generations with an in-depth exhibit.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Tuesday
National Museum of Asian Art
Into the Waters with Senju and Bingyi: Two Contemporary Paintings
Japanese artists Hiroshi Senju and Bingyi and their different visualizations of water – each hypnotic and transfixing in their own way – form the basis of this new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art. Senju’s abstract approach and Bingy’s traditional methods along with each painter’s influences and ethos are examined in detail.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20004
Ice skate in DC
Lace up some skates and triple axel 'round the District at popular ice skating rinks at the National Building Museum, the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, Washington Harbour in Georgetown, Canal Park in Capitol Riverfront and The Wharf. Make sure to read our detailed breakdown of each spot.
National Theatre
Clue
What began as a Hasbro board game is now the ultimate whodunit of the stage. Clue comes to The National Theatre, bringing with it some of the most essential questions of our time: Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the 1985 Paramount Pictures adaptation, this production will pack plenty of laughs in before its epic final twist.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Wednesday
The Phillips Collection
peter campus: there somewhere
The Phillips Collection showcases one of the leading figures in new media art with there somewhere. peter campus’ breakthrough videos from the early 1970s are displayed alongside four new, serene landscape works, which the artist has named “the phillips quartets”.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Big Things for Big Rooms
Explore the evolution of immersive, large-scale art from the late 1960s to today. The presentation of 10 artworks—five on view for the first time at the Hirshhorn—is drawn largely from the museum's collection. Organized in two parts, the exhibition offers a multisensorial investigation of how artists create installation works that expand the boundaries of an artwork and the role of the visitor.
Hours | Free Admission
Hirshhorn Museum, Independence Avenue & 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20560
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Paranormal Activity
Shakespeare knew how to deal out some scares, so don’t be surprised that DC’s outstanding local theatre company named after The Bard is staging a new tale from the world-renowned Paranormal Activity universe. James and Lou relocate from Chicago to London and … well, you’ll just need to see this chilling production for yourself to find out what happens.
Tickets
Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Thursday
National Museum of African American History and Culture
At the Vanguard
The National Museum of African American History and Culture’s new exhibit features more than 100 objects from the collections of five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Clark Atlanta, Florida A&M, Jackson State, Texas Southern, Tuskegee) in a stunning display of how these institutions have shaped American education and culture through innovation, ingenuity, resistance and activism.
Free Admission | Hours & Information
National Museum of African American History & Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
National Children's Museum
The Pigeon Comes to Washington, DC! A Mo Willems Exhibit
The National Children’s Museum tips its cap to Mo Willems with a special exhibit that features a phone booth that makes you sound like the famous Piggie, a hot-dog-launching catapult, a fashion runway, art inspired by popular Willems characters and much, much more, all in the Visiting Exhibit Hall.
Hours & Admission
National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
National Building Museum
Winter Skate Spectacular
Don’t fret! The National Building Museum will bring back its indoor ice-skating rink this year. Sponsored by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District and Events DC, the Winter Skate Spectacular will offer daytime and after-hours skate sessions this year. Visitors can also enjoy The Wave, a 55-by-180-foot recycled aluminum space frame suspended in the Great Hall.
Tickets & More Information
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Studio Theatre
Octet
How does an a cappella chamber musical featuring eight people who have stashed away their phones while trapped in a church basement sound? Octet at Studio Theare will be just that, as total strangers battle their digital dependency and make attempts at true connection through the power of their voices. Escape your screen with this theater-in-the-round performance.
Tickets
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
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