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Things to Do This May in Washington, DC

Passport DC – May 1-31 A month of programming across the city focuses on highlighting DC’s international culture. The Around the World Embassy Tour and the European Union Open House are annual highlights. Most events and tours can be enjoyed entirely free of charge. Read our guide to all of the fun and get more details at Events DC’s site below. More Info Flower Mart – May 2-3 During Passport DC’s first weekend, the Washington National Cathedral hosts its annual Flower Mart, a two-day event that allows visitors to shop for plants and gifts, eat fun festival food, enjoy children’s activities, ride a historic carousel and take in the beauty of the International Floral Exhibit. More Info | Free Admission Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016 Mimouna Festival The National Museum of African Art, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024, hosts this free event that will allow visitors to sample delicious dishes, listen to traditional songs and tour artworks throughout the museum. The Mimouna Festival is a tribute to a time when Moroccan Jews and Muslims break bread together to mark the conclusion of Passover, inspired by Moroccan narratives of unity and goodwill. Free Admission Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 International City Food Festival Get a taste of DC’s global food and drink at the second annual International City Food Festival complementing the first weekend of Passport DC. The three-day event will include celebrations aimed at making culinary diplomacy accessible — with free admission — to all ages. The festival offers a timely launch point to travel the globe and understand other cultures, all in the heart of DC. More Info | Free Admission The Square, 1875 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006 Star Wars Weekend at Nationals Park Experience the magic of Friday nights with the Nats this May the Fourth weekend. Fans can enjoy fireworks with Star Wars-themed music plus weekend-long giveaways, including beanies and bobbleheads. Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Adams Morgan Spring PorchFest One of the District’s most popular neighborhoods showcases some of DC’s best musical talent. Adams Morgan Spring PorchFest will feature more than 80 bands playing an array of genres, including rock, reggae, funk, Go-Go, rap, bluegrass, classical and pop. Twenty porches, business patios and parks, as well as the closed 18th Street, will become stages for the day, drawing music-lovers from around the region into the tree-lined streets and small businesses of Adams Morgan. Free Admission Financial Times Weekend Festival – May 10 Experience the Financial Times weekend paper come to life at the FTWeekend Festival: U.S. edition. In previous years, the lineup has been both online and in-person, featuring your favorite FT writers in conversation with names like Nancy Pelosi and Jake Sullivan. From debates and performances to wine and whiskey tastings, this is a Saturday event not to be missed. Note: This event is an external rental presented in coordination with The Kennedy Center Campus Rentals Office and is not produced by The Kennedy Center. The REACH at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Anacostia River Festival Spend the afternoon outdoors taking in the beauty of the 11th Street Bridge Park during the annual Anacostia River Festival. The free, family-friendly event is hosted right next to the river and includes a market as well as live music and plenty of activities. Free Admission | More Information 11th Street Bridge Park, 1901 Mississippi Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020 M3 Rock Festival Rock 'n roll diehards can get the full ‘80s arena experience at the two-day M3 Rock Festival. Celebrating its 16th year, the can't-miss event has featured legendary rockers like Bret Michaels, Dee Snider, Queensryche, Steven Pearcy, Doro, Quiet Riot, Chris Caffery and Night Ranger. Merriweather Post Pavilion 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044 National Gallery Nights A true only-in-DC experience, National Gallery Nights in the National Gallery of Art’s East Building are whimsical way to spend an evening. While themes vary, odds are festivities will involve dressing up, dancing, participating in interactive activities, taking photos and discovering artworks in the museum. Activities on the 4th Street Plaza are free; registration is typically required to enter the East Building. Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565 Arts and Culture Festival The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art puts on a huge party across three days, all in honor and celebration of the Middle East, Asia and Asian-American communities. Expect pop-ups, live performances and lively discussions around Asian diasporic experiences. All events are free and open to the public. More Information | Free Admission National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 EU Embassies’ Open House Take your very own day-trip to Europe and enjoy the Old Continent without any jet lag. From Ireland and Italy to Spain and Slovakia, all European Union member states participate in this citywide open house experience. More Info | Free Admission Celebrate Mother’s Day in DC While mothers should be celebrated every day, Mother’s Day only comes once per year. We’re here to help you honor the occasion and plan out an unforgettable holiday experience in the nation’s capital, so be sure to check out our rundown of Mother’s Day must-dos. Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend Take two days to enjoy free admission at seven awesome DC museums. The Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk weekend includes Anderson House, Dumbarton House, Dupont Underground, the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, O Museum in The Mansion, The Phillips Collection and the Woodrow Wilson House. You will have access to new exhibits, fascinating stories and live music at each museum, an incredible free opportunity that comes only once a year. More Information | Free Admission Fiesta Asia! Embrace Asian Heritage Month with a day jam-packed with culture, from the performing arts to culinary delights. The annual Fiesta Asia! takes over Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 6th streets NW with exciting performances, interactive displays, flea markets and food stalls. Free Admission Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd & 6th Streets NW Running of the Chihuahuas at The Wharf The Wharf celebrates Cinco de Mayo with this too-cute-to-be-true chihuahua race. Watch the little pups run their way to glory at one of the most exciting places in DC. You’ll also be able to enjoy a beer garden, a 360-degree pet photo booth, a DJ, an adoptable pet parade, an all-breed costume contest and music throughout the afternoon. Free Admission The Wharf, 600 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Rolling to Remember This motorcycle rally is held to raise awareness of critical issues faced by veterans every day, as well as in tribute to those missing in action and prisoners of war. Rolling to Remember aims to deliver a message to Congress and the American people that veterans are in need of assistance, as the group struggles with a suicide crisis. Visit the event website for scheduling updates, registration and attendance info for this year's procession. More info DC Black Pride The District is home to one of the first and largest African American Gay Pride events in the country: DC Black Pride. Hosted at the Westin Downtown, festivities include social events, vendor expos, a poetry slam, a writers forum, faith services and complimentary wellness services and screenings – all of which are free unless otherwise noted. Other highlights typically include an Opening Night Reception and Brunch & Babes Drag Brunch fundraiser, where attendees can enjoy bottomless mimosas for a cause. More info The Westin Washington, DC Downtown, 999 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 National Memorial Day Concert – May 26 The National Memorial Day Concert salutes the sacrifice made by the men and women in uniform, as well as their families. The free annual concert will be aired on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The event will also be live-streamed online and will be available on-demand for two weeks after the performance. More info The National Memorial Day Parade – May 26 Our Sacred Honor tells the story of American sacrifice from the Revolution to today along Constitution Avenue through live, on site historical re-enactors, veterans, and active duty military personnel, joined by musical performances and celebrity appearances. The in-person parade takes place ‘live’ in Washington, filmed for a television special that will air on ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox stations nationwide. For more ideas on how to spend the weekend, check out our suggestions. Jazz in the Garden 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 in the final days of May. 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. Due to high demand, the museum has instituted a lottery system; visit the Gallery’s website for more information. Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565 Washington, DC Hosts WorldPride The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Pride in Washington, DC and we're celebrating by making it an all-out international experience. Join the momentous celebrations as the nation’s capital is painted with pride, featuring a variety of events to inspire, empower and connect the international LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Do Ho Suh: Public Figures – Ongoing South Korean artist Do Ho Suh has created a special edition of his work Public Figures for installation at the very front of the National Museum of Asian Art, signifying the next phase of the museum. Suh was commissioned for the project thanks to his outstanding international reputation. He was one of the earliest contemporary artists featured at the museum and this new sculpture will be the first installed outside the Freer Gallery of Art in more than 30 years. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Zen and the Open Road – Ongoing In honor of the 50th anniversary of the publication of Robert M. Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, the National Museum of American History places the writer’s 1966 Honda Super Hawk motorcycle in a temporary display within the permanent America on the Move exhibit. Encounter Pirsig’s stories related to riding, writing and sailing and check out cool artifacts such as his typewriter, a manuscript of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and a recently attributed book on the 14th century bubonic plague. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Places to Stay 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!

Things to Do This Week

Monday An Epic of Kings: The Great Mongol Shahnama One of the most celebrated medieval Persian manuscripts – considered the national epic of Iran as it covers the beginning of time through the 7th century – informs a new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art. The Great Mongol Shahnama (now dismantled) includes stories and illustrations; the exhibit offers a rare opportunity to view 25 folios from the manuscript alongside contemporaneous works from China, the Mediterranean and the Latin West. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 The ‘70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography Across a wondrous collection of roughly 100 works by more than 80 artists, the National Gallery of Art gives visitors a chance to explore the dramatic shift in documentary photography that played out during the turmoil-filled decade of the 1970s. As Americans faced the Watergate scandal, inflation, energy crises and a host of other developments, documentary photographers shifted their collective perspective, leading to brilliant images that depict vibrant communities, suburban sprawl, conceptual art, nature and much more. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC The The Performing as The The since 1979, Matt Johnson has created uncompromising music across an array of genres, first emerging as part of the post-punk/new wave boom of the early 1980s. The The’s most popular release has the perfect title: Soul Mining, which dropped in 1983 to wide acclaim and featured Johnson’s most popular composition, “This Is The Day.” Over more than four decades, Johnson’s lyrics have continued to mine the soul while touching on the personal and the political. The Anthem hosts Johnson as part of The The’s tour supporting its first LP release in 25 years. 8:30 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Tuesday OSGEMEOS: Endless Story Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo are the identical twin brothers that comprise OSGEMEOS, which is Portuguese for “the twins.” The Hirshhorn Museum presents the first U.S. survey and the largest American exhibition of work by the duo to date. In total, the full-floor exhibit features roughly 1,000 artworks, photos and archival materials that detail OSGEMEOS’ unique artistic voice that combines heritage, urban art, graffiti and magical elements. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560 Yard Act After their post-punk debut nearly topped the charts in Britain and received a Mercury Prize nomination, the stakes could not have been higher for Yard Act’s follow-up. The band hit it out of the park with Where’s My Utopia, building on the previous LP’s success with Afrobeat sounds and Italian disco influences. Black Cat hosts the exciting quartet. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Mean Girls The "plastics" are back: Broadway hit Mean Girls makes an electric return the city where it first premiered. The creative team consists of award-winning all-stars like Tina Fey, composer Jeff Richmond ("The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and original director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw (Book of Mormon). More Info | Tickets National Theatre DC, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Wednesday Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean ARTECHOUSE and the Woods Holde Oceanographic Institution have collaborated to highlight an awe-inspiring nightly migration of ocean twilight zone creatures and their intricate connections to the planet’s health, including their contributions to the regulation of the earth’s climate. The groundbreaking exhibition offers a 24-minute cinematic journey with immersive 270-degree projections that span from floor to wall, complemented by six interactive installations and six XR activations. Tickets ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20002 Babbitt Star of the big screen for decades and two-time Tony winner Matthew Broderick makes his Shakespeare Theatre Company debut with this momentous adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’ beloved novel. Broderick takes on the role of George F. Babbitt, a middle-class American everyman whose life suddenly turns upside down. Tickets Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Drive-By Truckers Road warriors since the band formed in 1996, Drive-By Truckers have carried the torch of Southern rock for three decades. The group has built a dedicated following through lineup changes and 14 studio albums, slinging their bar-band/hard rock/alt-country mix to adoring audiences all over the country. The Warner Theatre hosts these modern legends, who, as you may guess, feature a roaring live show filled with guitar solos and Southern flair. They will play their classic LP, Southern Rock Opera, in its entirety. 8 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Thursday William Gropper: Artist of the People The Phillips Collection presents DC’s first exhibit dedicated to William Gropper, a social realist whose art addressed mid-20th century political issues with feverish satire and brutal honesty. The son of poor immigrants from Romania and Ukraine, Gropper provided searing commentary on anarchy, labor, democracy, freedom and human rights across thousands of published illustrations, more than 30 of which will be on display at the Phillips. Hours & Admission The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Mister Lincoln Scott Bakula (pictured above) comes to the stage at Ford's Theatre to portray one of the most iconic men in history. Written by Herbert Mitgang and directed by José Carrasquillo, Mister Lincoln unpacks the sixteenth president's life and tenure in a witty one-man show. Learn about one of the most revered figures in U.S. history inside the theatre where he was fatally shot in 1865. Tickets Ford's Theatre, 511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 Homeshake Once a member of Mac DeMarco’s live band, Ontario-based musician Peter Sagar began his Homeshake project in 2014. Now a decade in, Sagar’s music has become synonymous with chill-out vibes; his bedroom pop is dreamy, ethereal and asks very little of the listener. With Homeshake’s latest LP, Horsies, set to drop June 28, Sagar embarks on a North American tour that includes a stop at DC’s Black Cat. 7 p.m. | Tickets Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 The Magnetic Fields Led by singer/songwriter Stephin Merritt, Magnetic Fields are one of the most ambitious groups in pop history. Back in 1999, the group received critical acclaim for the expansive 69 Love Songs, a masterpiece that celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The inventive Merritt brings his band to The Lincoln Theatre for a four-night extravaganza to celebrate the classic LP. Tickets Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 #Only1DC Photo of the Week Share your experiences with us using #Only1DC. Foodie Photo of the Week Do you know where you'll be dining and drinking during your visit?

Things to Do This Week in Washington, DC

Monday Edit media ARTECHOUSE ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds ARTECHOUSE welcomes visitors to its seventh annual installation dedicated to celebrating the beauty of the cherry blossoms in DC. The museum treats your eyes to an exhibit inspired by the Isekai genre of Anime, allowing for the exploration of alternate universes stacked with colors, adventures and immersive technologies. Plus, discover Gachapons hidden throughout the exhibit to win prizes from local businesses or snag a book from the 'Isekai Library'. Make sure to take advantage of tickets with a 10% discount. Tickets (10% off) ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024 Edit media Pixar Putt Pixar Putt at The Wharf Go to infinity and beyond this summer with whimsical, Pixar-themed mini-golf. The outdoor pop-up is open daily at The Wharf for a limited time and includes 18 interactive putt-putt holes inspired by some of Pixar’s most beloved films, from Toy Story and Monsters, Inc. to Turning Red and Inside Out. Book your tee time for a daytime outing or an 18+ after-hours activity. Tickets 580 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Tuesday Edit media National Theatre MJ Winner of multiple Tony Awards, this breathtaking musical centers on Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous Tour, providing a rare look into the creative process behind one of the most dynamic entertainers of all-time. Created by Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, the acclaimed production makes its DC debut at The National Theatre. Tickets The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Edit media Capital One Arena Usher After dazzling the world with his performance at this year’s Super Bowl halftime show, Usher treks to DC during his world tour for back-to-back nights of concerts at Capital One Arena. The multi-platinum artist has more than enough hits to pack an evening full of iconic R&B. His jaw-dropping dance moves are another reason you can’t miss this eight-time GRAMMY winner’s show. 7 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Wednesday Edit media Signature Theatre Soft Power Billed as a “visionary musical fantasia,” Soft Power details the story of a Chinese American playwright attacked by an unknown assailant soon after the 2016 election. The playwright then imagines a Golden Age musical comedy featuring a Chinese theater producer and Hillary Clinton. The new political satire from Tony Award winners David Henry Hwang and Jeanine Tesori debuts at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va. Tickets Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206 Edit media 9:30 Club Washed Out The stage name of Ernest Greene has become synonymous with blissed-out, sun-drenched electronic pop. You likely know “Feel It All Around” due to its status as the opener for IFC’s long-running Portlandia, but the music of Washed Out has continued to evolve to offer an endearing mix of synth pop, rock, hip-hop and free jazz. 7 p.m. | Tickets 9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Edit media The Atlantis Perpetual Groove Founded in Savannah, Ga., the band known affectionately known as “PGroove” comes to Dave Grohl’s Atlantis space for a night of blissed-out jamming. Fans have labeled the group’s signature sound and light-filled stage show as “Trance Arena Rock” after years of stunning crowds on the international jam band circuit. 6:30 p.m. | Tickets The Atlantis, 2047 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Thursday Edit media Smithsonian American Art Museum Tuan Andrew Nguyen: The Island In his DC debut, Tuan Andrew Nguyen presents his video work The Island (2017) alongside the sculpted headdress Bidong Spirit I, which was created specifically for the film. Both works were inspired by and reference the Malaysian island of Pulau Bidong, a landing place for Vietnamese escaping by boat after South Vietnam’s collapse in 1975. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004 Edit media DCBX DC Bachata Congress Ranked as the best Latin dance festival in the U.S. five times, DCBX takes over the nation’s capital for five days each summer. Veterans and newbies of dancing bachata, the sexier-than-salsa dancing style from the Dominican Republic, will have plenty of chances to strut their stuff, from concerts to contests to workshops. Tickets The Westin Washington DC Downtown, 999 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Edit media The Kennedy Center MAMMA MIA! Even though it’s become widely known as a successful film franchise, the stage rendition of MAMMA MIA! remains an absolute musical powerhouse. The essential hits of chart-topping Swedish group ABBA serve as the soundtrack to a daughter’s journey to find the father she’s never known, which prompts the arrival of three men from her mother’s past. Set on a sun-strewn Greek island, the joyous production will be a summer highlight at the Kennedy Center. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Places to Stay Edit media 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! #Only1DC Photo of the Week Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to Michelin-starred hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.

Things to Do This Weekend in Washington, DC

Friday William Gropper: Artist of the People The Phillips Collection presents DC’s first exhibit dedicated to William Gropper, a social realist whose art addressed mid-20th century political issues with feverish satire and brutal honesty. The son of poor immigrants from Romania and Ukraine, Gropper provided searing commentary on anarchy, labor, democracy, freedom and human rights across thousands of published illustrations, more than 30 of which will be on display at the Phillips. Hours & Admission The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Babbitt Star of the big screen for decades and two-time Tony winner Matthew Broderick makes his Shakespeare Theatre Company debut with this momentous adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’ beloved novel. Broderick takes on the role of George F. Babbitt, a middle-class American everyman whose life suddenly turns upside down. Tickets Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Air Called “the makeout album of the decade” by Pitchfork, Air’s 1998 debut Moon Safari turned the French electronica duo into an overnight sensation. Air has been playing the LP in its entirety onstage during a seven-month world tour that visits DC during its final leg. The Anthem’s wondrous soundscapes will be ideal for the band’s space-age dance music. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Saturday DC Wine Fest Following up the popular DC Coffee Fest at Dock5 is the DC Wine Fest – Fall Edition. 30+ premium wine tastings are included with admission, plus for-purchase options like snacks and discounted vinos, so you can take your time milling about the vendors and enjoying live music. Tickets Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Fall Harvest Festival Experience what harvest season looked like in the 18th century with activities and demonstrations at the Farm at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Navigate the corn maze, sample fresh breads or farm products and witness centuries-old techniques for wheat treading, cooking, candle-making, spinning, textile-making and horseshoeing. Tickets 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 2212 The Other Americans Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian and producer John Leguizamo is the mastermind behind this compelling drama that will make its world debut at Arena Stage. Leguizamo plays Nelson Castro, a Colombian American laundromat owner in Queens who is dealing with a failing business. When his son, Nick, returns from a mental wellness facility after a traumatic incident, Nelson must reckon with his past, protect his family and attempt to preserve the future. Tickets Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee In this Tony Award®–winning and interactive musical comedy by Rachel Sheinkin, six mid-pubescents compete to be top speller, sharing stories that are just as hilarious as they are poignant as they go. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 D.C. United vs. Charlotte FC Four-time MLS Cup winner D.C. United plays its last home game of the season. Don't miss the chance to see an action-packed game at one of DC's newest stadiums. 6 p.m. | Tickets Audi Field, 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC 2002 Mean Girls – Oct. 15-20 The "plastics" are back: Broadway hit Mean Girls makes an electric return the city where it first premiered. The creative team consists of award-winning all-stars like Tina Fey, composer Jeff Richmond ("The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and original director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw (Book of Mormon). More Info | Tickets National Theatre DC, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Sunday Felix Gonzalez-Torres: Always to Return The National Portrait Gallery and the Archives of American Art present an exhibition that goes in-depth on artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres’ engagement with portraiture, identity and history. Gonzalez-Torres’ groundbreaking work revolutionized the artform, elevating the notion of what a portrait could be. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004 Turkish Festival Honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Turkish Republic, the community-organized Turkish Festival will fill Pennsylvania Avenue with special art and photo exhibits, folk dancers and concerts ranging from Turkish rock to folk (including award-winning artist Demir Demirkan). There will also be Turkish coffee and tea demos and a bazaar touting food and artisanal goods. More Info | Free Admission Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd Street and 6th Street OSMEGEOS: Endless Story Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo are the identical twin brothers that comprise OSMEGEOS, which is Portuguese for “the twins.” The Hirshhorn Museum presents the first U.S. survey and the largest American exhibition of work by the duo to date. In total, the full-floor exhibit features roughly 1,000 artworks, photos and archival materials that detail OSMEGEOS’ unique artistic voice that combines heritage, urban art, graffiti and magical elements. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560 The ‘70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography Across a wondrous collection of roughly 100 works by more than 80 artists, the National Gallery of Art gives visitors a chance to explore the dramatic shift in documentary photography that played out during the turmoil-filled decade of the 1970s. As Americans faced the Watergate scandal, inflation, energy crises and a host of other developments, documentary photographers shifted their collective perspective, leading to brilliant images that depict vibrant communities, suburban sprawl, conceptual art, nature and much more. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare’s timeless story of star-crossed lovers is also a story of the politics of warring families and the violence that consumes them. When all the systems meant to protect and guide a pair of young lovers—familial, religious, and governmental—fail them, can they find a way to safeguard their future despite the chaos around them? Tickets Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Black the Block The vibrant festival comes to DC during Howard University's Homecoming weekend. The Nationals Park Field Plaza will become Black the Block, showcasing 100 Black-owned businesses as well as food, drinks, music, special guests, Walmart’s Black & Unlimited Shoutout, AT&T Dream in Black and many more can't-miss experiences. Tickets Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Washington Spirit vs. Chicago Red Stars Catch the Spirit's last home game of the season at Audi Field. The 2021 NWSL champion touts a talented roster, including 2023 World Cup selections Andi Sullivan, Aubrey Kingsbury and Trinity Rodman. 5 p.m. | Tickets Audi Field, 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC 2002 Places to Stay 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! #Only1DC Photo of the Week 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.

Things to See & Do On U Street

Treasures of the District

Oldowan stone chopper from Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins, First Floor The oldest human-made piece in the Smithsonian’s collections – likely making it the oldest discoverable artifact in the nation’s capital – can be found in the hallowed halls of the National Museum of Natural History. Roughly 1.8 million years old, the early Stone Age chopper was used as a tool to extract meat and bone marrow from large animals by early humans in East Africa. Choppers were formed by striking hammerstones against stone cores to produce sharp ends. Note that if you are looking for treasure a little more shiny, you can also see the Hope Diamond at the same museum. More information The First Teddy Bear Smithsonian National Museum of American History The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden exhibit, 3 Center Did you know that the inspiration for our cuddliest toy was the sympathy of one Theodore Roosevelt? In 1902, near the beginning of his first term as the 26th President of the United States, “Teddy” (as he was lovingly known by his supporters) refused to shoot and kill a 235-pound black bear who had been tied to a tree. Roosevelt’s affection for the “old, tired, worn-out bear” led to a political cartoon by the Washington Star’s Clifford Berryman, which in turn inspired Brooklyn candy store owners Rose and Morris Michtom to create the first stuffed bear toy (which also bore the President’s namesake). Before producing more bears, Morris received permission to make a small bear cub and deem it “Teddy’s Bear”; by 1908, Michtom’s invention had made him a millionaire. The original Teddy Bear is now on display at the National Museum of American History in its incredible exhibit on the presidency. More information The Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom National Archives Upper Level No, there’s not actually a treasure map on the back of the Declaration of Independence, regardless of your desire to play Benjamin Franklin Gates from National Treasure. However, you can view our country’s founding document inside the National Archives’ famous rotunda, which also features the original U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The chance to view any one of the documents is wholly unique to DC; getting to see all three in one place is like finding a pot of gold. We should also make note of the fact that another treasured American document, the Emancipation Proclamation, is now also on permanent display in the Archives’ Rotunda. More information Leonardo da Vinci’s Ginevra de’ Benci National Gallery of Art West Building, Main Floor, Gallery 6 If you want to view a painting by the great Leonardo da Vinci on American soil, the only place you can do so is inside DC’s National Gallery of Art. Ginevra de’ Benci, which is located in the Gallery’s West Building, finds the original Renaissance man experimenting with the new medium of oil painting – note how the surface of the painting shows wrinkles, a sign that da Vinci was still mastering the technique. The museum’s website provides additional insight into the painting’s creative significance: “…the careful observation of nature and subtle three–dimensionality of Ginevra's face point unmistakably to the new naturalism with which Leonardo would transform Renaissance painting.” More information Old Stone House 3051 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 DC’s oldest neighborhood, Georgetown, is home to both the historic and the haunted. Perhaps the best example of the former is the Old Stone House, known as the oldest structure on its original foundation in the nation’s capital. The story of the land goes all the way back to the creation of Georgetown itself in 1751, when it was marked as “Lot #3” on early maps. Construction on the house was completed in 1766 and since then, the remarkable building has passed through numerous owners, finally coming into the possession of the federal government in 1953. Today, the gorgeous exterior grounds are open from sunrise to sunset, while the front room of the house is a store and the kitchen serves as an exhibit space. More information Darth Vader ‘Gargoyle’ Washington National Cathedral Northwest Tower In one of the city’s wildest mashups, the Washington National Cathedral sports a Darth Vader ‘gargoyle’ on its northwest tower. The villainous creation is the result of a design-a-carving competition held by the Cathedral as it constructed its two west towers in the 1980s. Christopher Rader’s grotesque is a fascinating, can-you-spot-me that requires instructions to be found. More information The Bonsai that survived Hiroshima U.S. National Arboretum Japanese Pavilion While the former U.S. Capitol Columns are incredibly photogenic and historic, they’re far from being the only amazing artifacts at the U.S. National Arboretum in DC. A Japanese white pine bonsai tree that survived the U.S. bombing of Hiroshima in 1945 resides in the Arboretum’s Japanese Pavilion, part of the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum. The white pine, donated by bonsai master Masaru Yamaki as part of a 53-piece gift to the U.S. for its bicentennial in 1976, sat in the Arboretum’s collection for 25 years before the master’s sons visited to check on their grandfather’s tree. According to The Washington Post, the duo informed Arboretum officials of the tree’s incredible survival skills. Sure enough, news footage taken at the Yamaki Nursery after the nuclear blast show the white pine unharmed. The artful tree still stands today, truly a modern treasure in its resiliency. More information Arboretum Plant Finder & Interactive Map