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The Best City to Visit in 2024
Every year, Washington, DC is among a short list of can’t-fail travel destinations. Just ask readers of major travel publication Condé Nast Traveler, who recently named the District one of the best cities in the U.S. In turn, we’ve laid out this incredible list of big things in the year ahead below, and whenever you’re ready, book your stay with these great deals at DC hotels. Check out the reopened National Museum of Women in the Arts The only museum solely dedicated to championing women through the arts has reopened its doors with improved interior and exterior spaces, new mechanical systems, enhanced amenities and accessibility, enlarged gallery space and additional research and education space. Exhibitions include a number of rotating galleries, which you can explore on the NMWA's website. Restaurant Week – Jan. & Aug. TBD 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). Washington Auto Show – Jan. 19-28 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. The 50th Anniversary of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden One of the most visited modern art museums in the U.S. and a national platform for the most groundbreaking artists of our time, the Hirshhorn Museum celebrates its fifth decade throughout 2024 with events, programming and exhibitions. The location is also expected to debut a revitalized Sculpture Garden. Ain't Too Proud – Feb. 13-18 If you think the music of The Temptations is fantastic, just wait until you hear their story. The Kennedy Center hosts the Broadway smash Ain’t Too Proud, a musical that will make you want to dance in the aisles. Five kids from Detroit are discovered by the legendary Berry Gordy, then signed to Motown, then launched into an unforgettable career filled with chart-topping hits. Along the way, both friendship and betrayal enter into the story, in addition to civil rights struggles in the country at-large. Don’t miss this Tony Award-winning song-and-dance extravaganza that also offers a captivating tale. The Book of Mormon – March 5-17 One of the most acclaimed musicals of all-time, The Book of Mormon is a Tony Award-winning tale of two Mormon missionaries in Africa penned by the kings of irreverence, Trey Parker and Matt Stone (creators of South Park). Watch two knuckleheads stagger through misadventures and awkward situations as they attempt to spread the Word. The National Theatre hosts the hilarious production. Awesome Con – March 8-10 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. Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice – March 8 – Sept. 8 In the mid-1940s, William H. Johnson painted his Fighters for Freedom series to honor Black activists, scientists, teachers, performers and international heads of state working to bring peace to the world. Johnson celebrated these figures – some very famous, others unsung – while acknowledging the racism, violence and oppression each one fought against. The exhibit will showcase many of these paintings, including Johnson’s portraits of Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, Mahatma Gandhi and Marian Anderson, elevating stories that are still relevant to the struggle for social justice today. Little Shop of Horrors – March 15 – May 18 Originally a sci-fi/horror comedy film released in 1960, Little Shop of Horrors then became an off-Broadway musical in the early 1980s. Yet another film adaptation followed a few years later, showing how this timeless story of a floral shop assistant and his singing, deadly plant will always dazzle audiences. The historic Ford’s Theatre revives the dynamic production during its upcoming spring season. Make sure to use code DDCSHOP20 for 20% off your tickets to the show (valid for March 16 - April 6 & May 1-18; limit two tickets per purchase)! National Cherry Blossom Festival – March 18 – April 14 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, was reached on March 17 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 – Begins April 1 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. Peter Pan – April 9-21 The Broadway musical based on J.M. Barrie’s legendary character turns the National Theatre into Neverland next April. The play, which has been dazzling audiences for more than 70 years, receives a reimagination by playwright Larissa FastHorse and is directed by Emmy Award winner Lonny Price. Peter Pan and his fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, will take the entire family on a magical voyage, performing songs like “I’m Flying,” “I Gotta Crow” and “I Won’t Grow Up” along the way. Macbeth – April 9 – May 5 One of the great Shakespeare interpreters and once a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Tony and BAFTA Award winner Ralph Fiennes (also known for film roles in the Harry Potter series, The English Patient and Zero Dark Thirty) plays Macbeth in one of the Bard's most intense dramas. Olivier Award winner and Game of Thrones star Indira Varma also stars as Lady Macbeth in a production helmed by Shakespeare Theatre Company's Artistic Director, Simon Godwin. Up Close with Paul Cézanne – April 17 – July 14 The Phillips Collection unveils two recently conserved works by French painter Paul Cézanne in an exciting new exhibit slated for the spring. The major paintings, Mont Sainte-Victoire (1886-87) and Self-Portrait (1878-80), are part of the museum’s world-renowned collection by the legendary artist and will be displayed together for the first time in decades along with five other pieces by Cézanne. Learn about the conservation of Mont Sainte-Victoire and Self-Portrait and how it reveals details previously obscured by varnishes while providing insight into the artist’s process. The Illusionists – April 23-28 The most popular magic show in the world has toured through hundreds of cities, inspired two TV specials and shattered box office records. The Illusionists now comes to the illustrious Kennedy Center, where it will amaze audiences of all ages with astonishing, non-stop magic that is more sophisticated than anything you’ve seen before. Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains – Opens June 1 The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates the expression of narrative art among Native nations of the Great Plains. The exhibition features hides, muslins and ledger books along with more than 50 contemporary pieces commissioned by the museum, depicting ceremonial events, family life, Native identity, pop culture, war deeds and much more. 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. Capital Pride – May 31 – June 9 Each year, local nonprofit Capital Pride hosts an array of exciting events and 2024 will be no different. There will be plenty of ways to show the community love in June. Last year’s attractions included a Pridemobile Parade and a Taste of Pride brunch, in addition to the yearly concert and festival. Event dates and details will be announced in the coming months. Also note that DC will host World Pride in 2025. The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence – June 7 – July 14 Inspired by the incredible Migration Series by Jacob Lawrence (you can see all 60 panels at The Phillips Collection in DC), Step Afrika! uses its innovative style of percussive dance to tell the riveting and heroic story of millions of Black migrants who relocated from the rural South to the industrial North in the early 20th century. The award-winning dance company utilizes the imagery, colors and motifs of the paintings to create a performance filled with stunning movements and drama. Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle – June 22-23 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. The Kite Runner – June 25-30 Khaled Hosseini’s best-selling novel has been brilliantly adapted by playwright Matthew Spangler for this special production at the Kennedy Center. Set in Afghanistan, The Kite Runner concerns two childhood friends torn apart by war, which erupts on the day of their highly anticipated kite-flying tournament. From there, the epic tale stretches across two decades and two continents, revealing the power of forgiveness and friendship. Funny Girl – June 25 – July 14 The Kennedy Center hosts a sensational Broadway revival of Funny Girl, the story of Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreams of mega-stardom on the stage. Even though she’s told time and again she’ll never succeed, Fanny becomes an iconic Broadway star. Featuring classic songs like “Don’t Rain On My Parade” and “People,” Funny Girl is a timeless love letter to the theater. Smithsonian Folklife Festival – June 26 – July 1 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 27 – Aug. 4 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. 2-4 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. MAMMA MIA! – Aug. 13 – Sept. 1 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 fall 2024 highlight at the Kennedy Center. DC JazzFest (20th Anniversary) – Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 28 – Sept. 1 The ultimate American art form comes to DC stages with leading artists from all over the world during this annual festival. The upcoming celebration will be extra special as the festival hits its 20th anniversary. Performances, which take place across the city, are both free and ticketed. Look back at 2023 and psych yourself up for what promises to be an even bigger celebration in 2024. Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment – Sept. 8 – Jan. 19, 2025 Discover the origins of one of the most important art movements in history thanks to a new exhibit at the National Gallery of Art. The museum is replicating a legendary exhibit from Paris in 1874 that helped bring about the dawn of Impressionism. In the display, you will be able to view beloved paintings by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissaro and many more. Adams Morgan Day – Mid-Sept. TBD The longest-running neighborhood festival in the District puts on its 46th edition in 2024. The lively 18th Street will be buzzing with music, food vendors, for-sale artwork and family-friendly activities. Celebrate one of DC’s liveliest, most diverse neighborhoods with this day-long extravaganza that is led by volunteers and showcases the businesses, artists and organizations that make up Adams Morgan. Walkingtown DC – Late Sept. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Things to Do August 2024 in Washington, DC
LIVE! Concert Series on the Plaza – Through Sept. 27 From salsa to strings, and blues to swing, Live! Concert Series on the Plaza features hot entertainment for the downtown DC community. Head to Wilson Plaza between 12 and 1 p.m. and take in free lunchtime performances showcasing the area's most talented entertainers. This year’s lineup features a special focus on the official music of DC, Go-Go. The roster includes The Chuck Brown Band, DC Vybe, Heat Stroke, Junkyard Band and E.U. Featuring Sugar Bear. 12-1 p.m. | Free Admission | More Information Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Summer Soirée at Willard InterContinental Daydreams become reality at one of the most historic and elegantly refined hotel properties in the nation’s capital. Willard InterContinental’s Summer Soiree includes fine-tuned seasonal options in the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Café du Parc, as well as masterfully mixed cocktails at the legendary Round Robin Bar. Also make sure to stop by the hotel’s pop-up bar, which features a jaw-dropping floral design, botanical-themed cocktails, zero-proof elixirs and even a vinyl listening station. More Information Willard InterContinental Washington DC, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Glen Kaino: Bridge – Opens July 26 This jaw-dropping aerial sculpture is comprised of 200 golden arms hanging from the ceiling of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Luce Foundation Center. Each piece is a casting of the outstretched right arm of Tommie Smith, the American winner of the men’s 200-meter race at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. During the medal ceremony, Smith bowed his head and raised his Black-gloved fist in an act of protest. Decades later, Glen Kaino collaborated with Smith on the grand statement of an installation. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004 Mubadala Citi DC Open – July 27 – Aug. 4 The District’s signature professional tennis tournament returns to Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Top-tier talent from all over the world will compete for a prestigious trophy, leading to action that you do not want to miss. Tickets Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, 5220 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011 The Ultimate Improv Show – July 30 – Aug. 11 Long-form improv comedy comes to the Kennedy Center thanks to The Ultimate Improv Show presented by Dan Black. The rotating cast will perform based on a unique process: an audience member suggests a prompt that is then used by a guest monologist as inspiration for a true story. The improvisers then weave all that into a hilarious experience. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Otakon – Aug. 2-4 Held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center each year, Otakon might just be the dedicated event space’s liveliest function (emphasis on FUN) 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 much more. Tickets Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001 Nine – Aug. 2-11 Based on Federico Fellini’s masterpiece, 8 ½, Nine is a musical journey through “director’s block” as Guido Contini can’t finish his latest film and reckons with a strained marriage. Contini retreats into dreamscapes, where his past and present merge and his whole sense of reality is upturned. Three-time Tony winner Andy Blankenbuehler directs a wondrous cast that includes Steven Pasquale, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Carolee Carmello. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Harry Potter™ Day at Nationals Park – Aug. 3 Time to head to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters at Hogsmeade and catch that Hogwarts Express right to … Nationals Park. Celebrate Harry Potter Day when the Nats take on the Milwaukee Brewers for a 4:05 p.m. Saturday game. The first 10,000 fans to arrive receive one of four Mystery House jerseys (sizes and styles subject to availability) and an array of Potter-themed activities and media are offered throughout the day, including photo booths, sand art potion-making, balloon twisters, caricaturists, face painters, content on the HD board and a themed GEICO Presidents Race. 4:05 p.m. | Tickets Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Jordan Klepper: Suffering Fools – Aug. 3 Known for his exceptional and hilarious reporting on The Daily Show as well as his Emmy-nominated specials, Jordan Klepper brings his stand-up skills to the Kennedy Center stage. Suffering Fools analyzes the inanity of our current political moment through personal stories that include run-ins with the president, entertainment failures, insurrectionists, anarchists and much, much more. 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. | Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 The Mountain Goats & The New Pornographers – Aug. 4 Two of indie rock’s greatest acts share a bill at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Va. The Mountain Goats are led by singer/songwriter John Darnielle; their sound is dramatic, loud and lyrical, leading to some of the most thought-provoking songs of the century. Supergroup The New Pornographers have created power-pop masterpieces since debuting with Mass Romantic in 2000. Expect to hear classics and new tracks from both legendary bands. 7 p.m. | Tickets Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182 Soft Power – Aug. 6 – Sept. 15 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 Black Eyed Peas – Aug. 7 Few groups can claim the same success as Black Eyed Peas, who have sold more than 80 million albums worldwide across a 25-year period. Initially, will.i.am and the crew were an underground rap act before blossoming into an assembly line for anthems like “Where Is the Love?”, “Hey Mama” and “Let’s Get It Started”. You’ll hear those classics and a treasure trove of new songs during this performance at The Anthem. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Missy Elliott – Aug. 8 Responsible for some of the funkiest, most idiosyncratic hip-hop in history, Missy Elliott is bringing her electric stage show on the road again. The Virginia native uses a vocal style and distinctive beats to make songs that live with you forever. She’ll be accompanied by two other icons in Ciara and Busta Rhymes during this show at Capital One Arena. 7 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Summer Concert Series at Nationals Park: Teddy Swims – Aug. 9 Postgame concerts at Nationals Park have become a summer sensation in DC. August's edition features Teddy Swims, a certified Platinum artist whose music makes for the perfect summer night soiree. As soon as the Nats' game against the Los Angeles Angels concludes, Teddy takes the stage. Aug. 9 also marks Ladies' Night, with special offers and events available. Your game ticket purchase includes your admission to the show; you can also upgrade to on-field passes. 6:45 p.m. | Tickets Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 The LOX – Aug. 9 Styles P, Jadakiss and Sheek Louch are one of hip-hop’s all-time trios as The LOX. While each rapper has impressed as a solo act, their chemistry together is unbeatable. The group emerged as part of Bad Boy Records in the late-1990s, leading to a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums. After a long hiatus, The LOX released a new album in 2016 and have retaken the rap world by storm. Howard Theatre is their home for this August show. 8 p.m. | Tickets Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Iron & Wine – Aug. 9 After struggling to tap into his creative process during the pandemic, Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam found his way back to joy with his seventh album Light Verse. The album’s description notes: “Fashioned as an album that should be taken as a whole, it sounds lovingly handmade and self-assured as a secret handshake.” Sure to be a night of indie-folk whimsy, catch this one-time, intimate performance at The Anthem. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Rumours of Fleetwood Mac – Aug. 9-10 Celebrate the catalogue of one of the greatest rock groups in history with Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, the ultimate tribute to the ultimate band. Fans can re-engage with the songs and performances of the beloved quintet during this special show at The National Theatre. Tickets The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Firsthand Experience: Pop-Up Books – Aug. 10 The National Museum of Women in the Arts hosts Firsthand Experience, events that bring contemporary artists together with students ages 13 and older for hands-on programs that mix discovery with gallery conversations, artmaking and more. In this session, attendees can learn about the engineering that goes into pop-up books and make their own with published author and acclaimed artist Carol Barton. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Tickets National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 Juvenile & The 400 Degreez Band – Aug. 10 Hip-hop hasn’t been the same since Juvenile dropped 400 Degreez in 1998. The world’s first mega-exposure to the Cash Money Records sound and many listeners’ introduction to New Orleans rap, the album spawned numerous hit singles with Juvenile’s signature swagger and style at the center. He’ll take the stage at Howard Theatre with a full band in tow. 10:30 p.m. | Tickets Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024 – Through Aug. 11 Discover how recent global turmoil has impacted and inspired women artists. Works by 28 artists are featured in New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024, offering pieces that explore a range of geographies, cultural viewpoints and perspectives. The exhibit immerses visitors in the National Museum of Women in the Arts’ renewed spaces. It is the seventh and largest installment of the museum’s Women to Watch exhibition series. Hours & Admission National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 Back to the Future: The Musical – July 23 – Aug. 11 Great Scott! A cinematic classic that is now a Broadway musical is coming to the District. Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, Back to the Future: The Musical is adapted for the stage by the film’s creators Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis and directed by the Tony Award® winner John Rando. The play features original music by GRAMMY Award winners Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard alongside hit songs from the movie including “The Power of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Earth Angel,” and “Back in Time.” Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA – Aug. 11 Formed in 1996 and billed as the top ABBA tribute band in the world, The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA has traveled the world helping fans relive the Swedish europop group’s golden years with an evening of irresistible hits. Tunes like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia” are sure to get your feet moving at Wolf Trap. 8 p.m. | Tickets Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182 Summer Restaurant Week – Aug. 12-18 Stay tuned for confirmed dates and more details from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. The celebration annually features deals from more than 150 restaurants throughout the DMV. MAMMA MIA! – Aug. 13 – Sep. 1 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 MJ – Aug. 13 – Sept. 8 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 Primus and Coheed & Cambria – Aug. 14 Two of the hardest rocking bands to emerge over the last three decades will both take the stage at The Anthem. Primus – known for propulsive slices of metallized funk-rock like “Tommy the Cat”, “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver” and “John the Fisherman” – will be joined by Coheed & Cambria, who have released some of the most stirring, high-concept metal albums of the last 20 years. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 The Sound of Music Sing-Along – Aug. 16 The hills will be alive with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music at Wolf Trap during this special sing-along event. While participants are not expected to come vocally warmed up – there will be a chance for that before the film begins! – they are invited to come in costume. 7 p.m. | Tickets Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182 Ben Schwartz & Friends – Aug. 16 His spectacular turns on shows like Parks & Recreation, House of Lies and Space Force are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Ben Schwartz’s comedic brilliance. The dynamic performer, known for being hilarious when improvising, conversing or doing stand-up, brings along some friends for this seated show at The Anthem. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Tuan Andrew Nguyen: The Island – Aug. 16 – May 4, 2025 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 Future & Metro Boomin’ – Aug. 17 The rapper-producer duo of Future and Metro Boomin’ deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as all the legendary pairs to exist in hip-hop history. Future has won three GRAMMYs on the back of smash hit after smash hit, with the beats sturdily provided by Metro. The two bring their We Trust You tour to Capital One Arena for one night only. 8 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Boyz II Men – Aug. 17-18 Legendary and Grammy-award-winning R&B group Boyz II Men are sure to entertain audiences with smash hits like “Motownphilly,” “I’ll Make Love to You” and “On Bended Knee.” Hip-hop and R&B sensation Bell Biv DeVoe will also take the stage across these consecutive nights of performances at Wolf Trap. 8 p.m. | Tickets Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182 Jerry Seinfeld – Aug. 19-20 Wolf Trap will be roaring with laughter when one of stand-up comedy’s greatest acts come to town. Jerry Seinfeld rose to stardom after his first appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1981 and went on to co-create and star in the most successful sitcom in the history of television. Now, the legendary comedian embarks on another triumphant tour with new material in tow. 8 p.m. | Tickets Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182 The Gaslight Anthem – Aug. 20 Having turned rock and roll on its head across a seven-year stretch thanks to widely acclaimed releases such as The ’59 Sound and American Slang, The Gaslight Anthem disbanded in 2015. Fortunately for fans, the group reunited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The ’59 Sound in 2018, which eventually led to their first new album in nine years with 2023’s History Books. Mark the occasion by checking out their raucous show at The Anthem. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Usher – Aug. 20-21 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 Washed Out – Aug. 21 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 Perpetual Groove – Aug. 21 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 DC Bachata Congress – Aug. 22-26 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 2024 Professional Fighters League (PFL) Playoffs – Aug. 23 World-class MMA action is back in the nation’s capital as the PFL returns to The Anthem at the Wharf for the last round of the 2024 PFL Playoffs. Featherweights and welterweights will battle for their spot in the 2024 Championship and the chance to earn a $1,000,000 purse. 5 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 WWE Smackdown – Aug. 23 One of the biggest, loudest and best touring sports/entertainment experiences in the world touches down at Capital One Arena. WWE Smackdown is a feast for the senses, showcasing the personalities, acrobatics and all-out swagger of the most beloved wrestling stars in the most successful wrestling league on the planet. 7:45 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Oh He Dead – Aug. 23 CJ Bowlin’ Johnson – whose voice has been described as “a combination of Stevie Nicks and Tracy Chapman” by NPR – leads the infectious, pop and funk-infused rock stylings of DC-based Oh He Dead. The five-piece sends shockwaves through any venue they inhabit, so it’s a great time to visit DC’s newest music venue, The Atlantis, to check out a local sensation. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets The Atlantis, 2047 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 National Book Festival – Aug. 24 The Walter E. Washington Convention Center hosts a beloved annual celebration of books of all kinds, from children’s stories to epic novels, curated by the Library of Congress. Authors will speak and answer questions about their work throughout the day. The festival is always free to attend. More info | Free Admission Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001 Opera in the Outfield – Aug. 24 Visit Nationals Park for something beyond baseball this August. The free-for-all-ages Opera in the Outfield allows patrons to sit in the literal outfield while enjoying a broadcast of the Washington National Opera’s recent performance of Turandot (note that wristbands for outfield seating are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis). In addition, enjoy performances by local artists and take advantage of photo opportunities and chances to win prizes. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. | More information Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Indigo Girls & Melissa Etheridge – Aug. 24-25 Heartland rock and folk-fusion superstars Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge return to the Barns at Wolf Trap. Concert-goers can expect a mix of new and old, with newer ballads and timeless hits like “Closer to Fine,” “I’m the Only One” and “Come to My Window.” Another pillar of both the Indigo Girls and Etheridge’s international presence is their involvement in grassroots activism and advocacy, so don’t miss this chance to see these legendary artists take the stage. 8 p.m. | Tickets Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road Vienna, VA 22182 Women’s Equality Day Power Up Concert – Aug. 25 The Kennedy Center offers a celebration of music aimed at advancing women’s leadership. A robust lineup of performers includes world-renowned pianist and composer Marina Arsenijevic, indie-pop stalwarts BETTY and Grammy-nominated female a cappella quarter Sweet Honey in the Rock. Lynda Carter, the original Wonder Woman, will make a special appearance. 6:30 p.m. | Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Buju Banton – Aug. 27 For the first time, Buju Banton – an iconic reggae artist with numerous hit songs and Grammys to his name – is touring arenas. After crushing it at UBS Arena in Long Island, Buju is hitting the road to bring his idiosyncratic vision of reggae music to the masses. With an unmistakable syntax and voice and some of the best beats in the genre, Buju is going to put on one hell of a show at Cap One. 8 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 DC JazzFest – Aug. 28 – Sept. 1 One of DC’s ultimate summer traditions brings national and local musicians to a range of venues all over the city, including The Wharf. Some concerts are free; most are ticketed. A lineup stacked with talent and free performances are just some of the many reasons why you should check out the 2024 edition of DC JazzFest, which marks the 20th anniversary of the festival. Confirmed artists for the upcoming celebration include Samara Joy, Stanley Clarke, Kenny Barron, Dianne Reeves, Galactic, Bill Frisell, Bobby Sanabria, Cimafunk, Emmet Cohen, Nasar Abadey and the Michael Thomas Quintet. More info Childish Gambino – Aug. 29 Renaissance man Donald Glover has served as the beloved star of Community, the mastermind behind FX’s Atlanta and the conductor of his decades-long solo musical project, Childish Gambino. He’s retiring the moniker after releasing his most recent LP (with a film of the same name due later this year), so expect new bangers and Gambino classics during this Capital One Arena show. 8 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Summer Concert Series at Nationals Park: Two Friends – Aug. 30 Postgame concerts at Nationals Park have become a summer sensation in DC. August's second edition features Two Friends, whose EDM stylings will turn the park into an all-out dance party. As soon as the Nats' game against the Chicago Cubs concludes, Two Friends will take the stage. Your game ticket purchase includes your admission to the show; you can also upgrade to on-field passes. 6:45 p.m. | Tickets Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 DC Festival of Magic – Aug. 30 – Sept. 1 Back at the Capital Hilton for a fourth year, the DC Festival of Magic brings together the best magicians in the Mid-Atlantic region for three nights of Labor Day weekend entertainment that will make your head spin. More info Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 An Epic of Kings: The Great Mongol Shahnama – Aug. 31 – Jan. 5, 2025 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 Forces for Change: Mary McLeod Bethune and Black Women’s Activism – Ongoing Explore the powerful societal impact of local hero, educator and reformer Mary McLeod Bethune at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The exhibit space focuses on Bethune’s incredible work with the National Council of Negro Women as well as the contributions of other women who have fought for social change. In total, the display includes 75 images, 35 artifacts, a multimedia film, an eight-foot-tall plaster sculpture of Bethune and an interactive engagement. More info | Free Admission National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Pixar Putt at The Wharf – through Sept. 1 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 Pattern and Paradox: The Quilts of Amish Women – Through Sept. 2 Learn about the fascinating connection between Amish Women and quilting thanks to a new exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Over time, the practice has transcended its utilitarian roots and become a form of artistic expression for Amish Women. Treat your eyes to a wondrous mix of colors and patterns as you marvel at the innovation of extraordinary quilts. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004 Mindbender Mansion – Through Sept. 2 The National Children’s Museum’s Visiting Exhibit Hall is ready to puzzle the whole family this summer. Mindbender Mansion features a variety of brainteasers and interactive challenges that will test even the most experienced problem-solvers. In total, the display offers 11 individual puzzles and three group activities. Tickets National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Forces of Nature: Voices that Shaped Environmentalism - Through Sept. 2 The National Portrait Gallery honors key scientists, politicians, activists, writers and artists who influenced attitudes toward the environment in the U.S. from the late-1800s to the present. Trace the environmentalist movement from turn-of-the-20th-century conservationism to mid-20th-century political actions and the backlash to them. It also addresses the current state of environmental justice, biodiversity and climate. Gaze at more than 25 portraits of figures like Rachel Carson, George Washington Carver, Maya Lin, Henry David Thoreau and Edward O. Wilson. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds – Through Sept. 8 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 Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice In the mid-1940s, William H. Johnson painted his Fighters for Freedom series to honor Black activists, scientists, teachers, performers and international heads of state working to bring peace to the world. Johnson celebrated these figures – some very famous, others unsung – while acknowledging the racism, violence and oppression each one fought against. The exhibit showcases many of these paintings, including Johnson’s portraits of Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, Mahatma Gandhi and Marian Anderson, elevating stories that are still relevant to the struggle for social justice today. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004 Reckoning with Remembrance: History, Injustice and the Murder of Emmett Till – Through Sept. 15 Fourteen-year-old Chicago native Emmett Till was brutally lynched in Mississippi in 1955; his mother insisted on an open-casket funeral in his hometown. The saga made national news and eventually led to the founding of the Emmett Till Memorial Commission in 2008, which erected nine historical markers to honor the youth. Since then, these markers have been stolen, riddled with bullets or chucked into a river. The National Museum of American History displays a desecrated marker as a reminder of the violent legacy of racism that continues to thrive in America today as part of a new exhibit. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage – July 6 – Sept. 22 The Phillips Collection presents the first large-scale exhibition dedicated to exploring collage by contemporary Black American artists. Explore more than 50 works by 49 artists including luminaries such as Mark Bradford, Kerry James Marshall, Tschabalala Self and Kara Walker. Celebrate the broad variety and complexity of Black identity in art across a wide range of forms, including paper, photographs, fabrics and salvaged materials. Hours & Admission The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Sewn in America: Making, Meaning, Memory – Through Dec. 31 The DAR Museum presents a groundbreaking exhibit featuring sewn items from every textile section of its collections including clothing, household items, needlework and quilts. Sewn in America examines how the activity shaped gender roles, from the homestead to professions like dressmaking, tailoring and factory work. Pieces from the 18th century to today will be juxtaposed to show how women of diverse backgrounds have used needles to express emotions and battle injustice. Hours | Free Admission DAR Museum, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006 Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women – Through Jan. 5, 2025 Encounter an alternative history of American art through 33 pieces that showcase the mastery and subversion of essential materials including cotton, wool, polyester and silk. The Renwick Gallery exhibit offers pieces as diverse as the collection of women artists who made them, also unveiling insights into their creative processes through sketches, photos, mail art and more. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Renwick Gallery, 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006 Star Power: Photographs from Hollywood’s Golden Age by George Hurrell – Through Jan. 5, 2025 Hollywood’s premiere photographer during the onset of the studio system, George Hurrell set the template for how to capture the brightest stars of the cinematic universe. As MGM’s in-house portraitist and in his own studio, Hurrell used lighting expertise and the sharpest of eyes to create glamorous images of Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy and many, many more. The National Portrait Gallery displays many of these Golden Era photographs in the new exhibit. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 Gordon Parks: Camera Portraits from the Corcoran Collection – July 14 – Jan. 12, 2025 The National Gallery of Art honors one of the best set of eyes in American history with a 25-portrait exhibition. Gordon Parks revolutionized photography in post-World War II America, situating his subjects in their environment while also paying close attention to their expression, character and dress. You can see images of Muhammad Ali and Leonard Bernstein alongside shots of a Harlem gang leader and a Detroit couple in this moving tribute that features some of Parks’ most beloved photographs. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC Bruce Onobrakpeya: The Mask and the Cross – Through Jan. 21, 2025 In 1966, acclaimed Nigerian sculptor and printmaker Bruce Onobrakpeya was petitioned by Catholic priests to interpret the Passion of the Christ, resulting in Fourteen Stations of the Cross, one of his most beloved works. The piece began a long fascination with Christian iconography in Onobrakpeya’s work. Many of his most striking pieces can be seen in this special presentation at the National Museum of African Art. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Capital Brutalism – Through Feb. 17, 2025 The National Building Museum goes deep into what’s up with all those brutalist buildings around DC. Capital Brutalism explores the history, current state and future of seven polarizing buildings and the WMATA Metro system in the District. Check out archival documents, drawings, construction photographs, architectural models and contemporary images that provide context and shed light on the stories of these buildings and what inspired their design. Hours & Admission National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900-1939 – Through Feb. 23, 2025 Be amazed by sixty defiant women who made the courageous decision to cross the Atlantic Ocean to pursue their artistic dreams immersed in the majesty of Paris and its dynamic cultural scene. Brilliant Exiles marks the first exhibition to focus on the impact of American women on Paris – and of Paris on American women – from 1900 to the outbreak of the second World War. You can gaze at portraits of icons such as Josephine Baker, Isadora Duncan, Zelda Fitzgerald, Loïs Mailou Jones, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Anaïs Nin, Gertrude Stein, Ethel Waters and Anna May Wong. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC, 1900-2000 – Through March 2, 2025 The Anacostia Community Museum sheds light on fascinating local history with an exhibit featuring captivating original artworks, rare video footage and can't-miss artifacts including Alma Thomas’s paintbrushes and watercolor paint set, an early 20th-century lifelike marionette that William Buckner made with his local high school students, original Elizabeth Catlett prints that once hung in the halls of her DC high school and Sam Gilliam pieces from his tenure as a teacher at McKinley Technical High School. Experience the influence, power and creativity of the Black artist-educators who empowered generations of DC students. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, DC 20020 Frank Lloyd Wright’s Southwestern Pennsylvania – Through March 17, 2025 The National Building Museum exhibits both realized and unrealized projects that the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed for the region of Southwestern Pennsylvania from the 1930s through the 1950s. The display examines how Wright’s vision of the future could have impacted urban, suburban and rural landscapes. Also, animated films created by Skyline Ink Animators + Illustrators provide a first-time virtual exploration of five unrealized projects. Hours & Admission National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Bond In Motion – Through April 2025 Across more than six decades of films, James Bond has become the on-screen embodiment of spies for millions. The International Spy Museum pays homage to the fictional character, along with his allies and adversaries, with a breathtaking display of iconic vehicles from the movies. In total, visitors can fix their eyes on 17 pieces, including cars, motorcycles, submarines and even more from the Q Branch Garage. Hours & Admission International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024 Revolutions: Art from the Hirshhorn Collection, 1860-1960 – Through April 20, 2025 This year, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden brings you one exciting event after another in celebration of their 50th anniversary. The museum's latest exhibit features works from more than 120 artists, so we suggest giving yourself plenty of time to soak up all the wonder. The revolutionary installation offers well-known masterpieces alongside contemporary creations from a wide range of artists including Francis Bacon, Jean Dubuffet, Lee Krasner, Wifredo Lam, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jackson Pollock. 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Free admission Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560 This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance – Through April 20, 2025 Guest curated by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hilton Als, the National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibit focuses on one of the most important American writers of the 20th century. James Baldwin beautifully spoke out against injustice throughout his stirring career. He and other queer artists had to keep their sexuality hidden even while speaking up for civil rights. In addition to portraits of Baldwin, the exhibit also highlights many of his contemporaries including Lorraine Hansberry, Barbara Jordan, Bayard Rustin, Essex Hemphill and Marlon Riggs. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 Reclaiming My Time – Through May 2025 The National Museum of African American History and Culture will open the first exhibition space to exclusively feature Black designers. Named after a phrase uttered by Congresswoman Maxine Waters on the steps of the Capitol, Reclaiming My Time explores the intersection of rest and resistance through 15 objects from the museum’s collection, including seating, lighting, photography and graphic design. More info | Free Admission National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Forensic Science on Trial – Through June 2025 The National Museum of American History explores historic courtroom cases and how forensic science has come to be used in the pursuit of justice. Artifacts from more than 150 years of trials showcase at least 12 forensic science techniques; three items can claim to come from “the trial of the century.” 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Picturing the Presidents: Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes from the National Portrait Gallery’s Collection – Through June 28, 2025 In honor of the upcoming presidential election, the National Portrait Gallery displays daguerreotype and ambrotype portraits of eight commanders-in-chief who held the office in the 19th century. The collection includes a rare ambrotype pin from Abraham Lincoln’s first presidential campaign credited with contributing to Lincoln’s 1860 victory. Visitors can also check out a modern daguerreotype that depicts the 2009 inauguration of President Barack Obama. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 Collecting Memories – Through Dec. 2025 The Library of Congress opens its new David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery with a brand-new exhibit filled to the brim with fascinating artifacts across its 120 items. Collecting Memories includes Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, a map from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, lyrics from The Sound of Music and much more in its examination of how cultures preserve the past. Hours | Free Admission Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540 Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains – Through Jan. 20, 2026 The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates narrative art among Native nations of the Great Plains with an exciting new exhibition. You'll see historical works alongside contemporary commissions, from battle records to ledger books to pop culture takes. More info | Free Admission National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Shifting Boundaries: Perspectives on American Landscapes – July 13 – July 26, 2026 Discover powerful new details and context around some of the greatest works of art in American history. The National Museum of Asian Art approaches the fascinating New England landscape portraiture of legendary artists such as Willard Metcalf, Dwight Tryon, Winslow Homer and Abbott Thayer. By empowering a variety of voices, the exhibit reveals how the landscapes depicted have shifted in the century since these works were first showcased. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Ruffled Feathers: Creating Whistler’s Peacock Room – July 13 – Jan. 31, 2027 One of the most famous rooms in the nation’s capital receives a full in-depth investigation thanks to a new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art. The Peacock Room is the museum’s calling card, and this display will be located right next door. The creation of James McNeill Whistler was originally meant for the London home of British businessman Frederick Leyland. Its origin story and tangled history is detailed through paintings, works on paper, decorative art and additional ephemera. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, 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 December 2024 in Washington, DC
Ice skate in DC Lace up some skates and triple axel 'round the District at popular ice skating rinks at 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. Attend a Capitals, Wizards or Go-Go game With the winter season comes incredible indoor sports action in the District. The NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards play their exciting games inside Capital One Arena, while the Capital City Go-Go, part of the NBA’s developmental G-League, take to the court inside Entertainment & Sports Arena. Discounted tickets to select games for each team are available below. Washington Capitals Discounted Tickets Washington Wizards Discounted Tickets Capital City Go-Go Discounted Tickets Toast to the season Every year, hot spots deck the halls for you to eat, drink and be merry. Businesses and bars like Death Punch, Penn Social, Wunder Garten, Duke’s Grocery, Colada Shop and Westin City Center are known for making spirits bright with festive beverages like hot buttered rum, mulled wines, hot chocolate and more. Size up some of DC's best hot and cozy beverages and keep an eye out for specials and pop-ups galore. A Christmas Carol – Nov. 21 – Dec. 31 Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace assumes the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a lavish Victorian-style musical production of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, the staging of which is a time-honored holiday tradition in the nation’s capital. Scrooge’s riveting journey alongside the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future is a joy even if you’ve experienced it a hundred times before – especially in one of the world’s most historic theaters. Tickets Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 DowntownDC Holiday Market – Nov. 22 – Dec. 23 This 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. This year, the market's 20th anniversary, expect a whole new vibe with a greater variety of vendors, exciting community and family activations, a more extensive food and beverage program and other exciting updates. 12-8 p.m. daily | Free admission F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC ZooLights – Nov. 24 – Dec. 30 Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. The event includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform the Smithsonian's National Zoo into a winter wonderland. Note that timed passes are required. Admission is just $6. Hours & Admission Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 Season's Greenings – Nov. 28 – Jan. 5, 2025 Trade in your dreams of a white Christmas for something even better – a green Christmas. At this year's Season's Greenings exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Gardens, displays will feature not only holiday lights, but thousands of poinsettias, unbelievable plant-based sculptures of DC landmarks, a circuit of model trains and pollinators galore. Tickets are not required. Free Admission 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001 Elf™ in Concert: Film with Live Orchestra – Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 Even if you watched a hundred times over, there's a new way to enjoy the beloved Christmas classic Elf this holiday season. At the Kennedy Center, you can see the film's timeless score come to life with live performance by the National Symphony Orchestra. Tickets 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Mount Vernon Winter Glow – Nov. 29-30, Dec. 15-19 & 23 See the estate illuminated with brilliant lights and patterns set to holiday music. Visit an 18th-century winter encampment, purchase gifts from the Mount Vernon shops and enjoy holiday drinks and treats from the Mount Vernon Food Truck, Executive Orders. Tickets 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121 The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker – Nov. 30 – Dec. 29 DC's favorite ballet company pulls out all the stops for this classic Christmas tale that features a special DC twist. The Russian ballet goes local thanks to a Nutcracker Prince in the likeness of George Washington and cherry blossom set designs. Set in historical 1882 Georgetown, you will be dazzled by an impressive roster of dancers and the beautiful Tchaikovsky score. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this quintessential program that is a highlight of every holiday season in the District. Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 DC Holiday Lights Neighborhoods throughout the nation’s capital adorn their main streets with colorful lights between late November and early January each year. Additionally, vendors in each neighborhood are offering holiday specials and promotions throughout the month to encourage shopping locally. You can enjoy this holiday cheer in Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U Street and Woodley Park, among other locales. Votes can be cast for the best decorated corridor. Mariah Carey's Christmas Time – Dec. 1 If you love to belt out "All I Want for Christmas is You," don't miss the chance to do so with the queen of Christmas herself and thousands of other fans at Capital One Arena. Crowned the best-selling female artist of all time with over 200 million records sold, Mariah Carey will visit 20 cities across the country. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 A Swingin' Little Christmas! Starring Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery – Dec. 4 Billed as "one part cabaret, one part comedy, and a dash of Christmas kitsch," A Swingin’ Little Christmas capitalizes on the holiday nostalgia of holiday specials. This raucous show features Emmy and Golden Globe winner Jane Lynch (Glee, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Kate Flannery (The Office) and Tim Davis (Glee's vocal arranger) alongside the Tony Guerrero Quintet. Travel back to the 1950s and 60s with joyful tunes and lots of laughs. 8 p.m. | Tickets Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852 NSO at the Anthem: Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert – Dec. 4 For an unmatched night of orchestral holiday tunes and outrageous Christmas attire at one of the coolest music venues in DC, hit up the Anthem. "Sleigh Ride," "Carol of the Bells," the Nutcracker favorites and more await you and your ugliest sweater. 8 p.m. | Tickets 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC, 20024 Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show – Dec. 5 See the longest-running group in American music perform at one of the most magical venues in the area: Wolf Trap. Not only have the Blind Boys of Alabama been gracing the world with soulful sounds since the Civil Rights era – they recently won the 2024 Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album. For one night only, the group will bring their most festive hits to life in an awe-inspiring holiday experience. 8 p.m. | Tickets Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182 Shop Local at Christkindlmarkt – Dec. 6-8, 10-13 Heurich House Museum's famed Castle Garden hosts the Christkindlmarkt every year, with a focus on local vendors. Tickets grant you access to the arts and crafts-laden market featuring goods from dozens of vendors and the historic mansion, which will be decorated to the nines. This year, the markt wraps up Maker Month, a new month-long celebration of artisans. Hours 1307 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 The District Holiday Boat Parade – Dec. 7 Each year, dozens of dazzling boats traverse the Potomac River from the waterfront in Alexandria, Va. to the The Wharf. You can observe the parade free of charge, and there are holiday festivities to enjoy beforehand, including winter drink sampling, chances to meet Santa, ornament decorating and more. Prizes will be awarded to the most beautiful vessels, which begin their journey at 6 p.m., fireworks will cap off the parade at 8 p.m. and live music will continue on until 9 p.m. More Info District Pier at The Wharf, 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024 Dissonance Dance Theatre: Winter Stories – Dec. 5 As much as we love the Nutcracker, those looking for a more contemporary dance spectacle will fall in love with Dissonance Dance Theatre's Winter Stories. Choreographed to music from Vivaldi to Billie Eilish, storylines are inspired by the "everyday feelings" we experience in the cold and around the holidays. The Ngoma School will perform new works by Principal Choreographer Shawn Short. 5 p.m. | Tickets Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC Holiday Show – Dec. 7, 14 & 15 Tap-dancing elves, a moving Christmas tree, snow and unforgettable choral renditions of holiday classics will all be part of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC's annual holiday show. The festive program will include songs like “Sleigh Ride,” “Underneath the Tree” and “The 12 Rockin' Days of Christmas.” Expect performances from the full Chorus, soloists, all GMCW ensembles and the GenOUT Youth Chorus. Tickets Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Atlas Presents Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra– Dec. 9 Enjoy a jazzy winter evening with a live, 17-piece band playing hits from Shorty Rogers, Thad Jones, Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn, Stan Kenton, plus arrangements by BCJO Ghosts of Christmas Past. Directed by Brad Linde and Joe Herrera, the lively group has been playing this electric show for 12 years. 8 p.m. | Tickets Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Suki Waterhouse with Special Guest Bully – Dec. 11 Catch English singer-songwriter, actor and model Suki Waterhouse's “The Sparklemuffin Tour” as it stops by the Anthem in advance of her next studio release. A queen of the "sub pop" genre, Waterhouse has released viral hits and ballads like “Nostalgia," “Good Looking," “To Love," “OMG," “My Fun” and “Faded.” 8 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC, 20024 KEM: Home for the Holidays – Dec. 11-12 The platinum-selling R&B singer-songwriter joins the National Symphony Orchestra for an evening jam-packed with jazz and holiday hits. The setlist will include numbers from his album, "What Christmas Means," plus other seasonal favorites and can't-miss KEM vocal masterpieces. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show – Dec. 13-22 DC’s Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, puts on a holiday extravaganza at the illustrious Arena Stage this December. The family-friendly show will combine clapping, stomping and stepping for a dazzling array of percussive dance. Furry friends from the animal kingdom and a dance party hosted by DJ Nutcracker are also on the docket. Tickets Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Army Navy Game – Dec. 14 For the 125th year, one of the most storied rivalries in college football will be on display at "America's Game." The Navy Midshipmen will play the Army Black Knights at Northwest Stadium (formerly Commanders Field) in what is sure to be a thrilling matchup. Tickets Northwest Stadium, 1600 Ring Road, Landover, MD 20785 Atlas Presents Navidad Flamenca 2024 – Dec. 14 Drawing from the vibrant, festive traditions of Spain and Puerto Rico, join Atlas Theatre Co. for a night of music, song (villancicos) and flamenco dancing. Members of the Furia Flamenca Dance Company will swirl across the stage to flamenco guitar (Maestro Torcuato Zamora, Juan L. Romero and Guillermo Juan Christie) and suave vocals (Margarita Osorio and Jorge Porta). Tickets Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 National Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah – Dec. 19-22 This holiday epic, which explores the story of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, is performed at the Kennedy Center each year. The National Symphony Orchestra will be joined by standout singers and will be conducted by Baroque authority Masaaki Suzuki at the beautifully decorated Concert Hall to tell Handel’s riveting tale through song. Tickets The Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon – Dec. 20-22 George Washington’s estate knows how to celebrate the holiday season like few other locales in the area. Tour the gorgeous mansion, witness chocolate-making demonstrations, visit a winter market and hang out with the estate’s favorite pet, Aladdin the Camel. To cap it off, enjoy an incredible fireworks display along the Potomac River. Tickets 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121 Celebrate Hanukkah around the District – Dec. 25 – Jan. 2 The District is shining bright for the Jewish festival of lights. Take part in menorah lightings on all eight nights at the larger-than-life National Menorah as well as at the Union Market District. Stay tuned for other pop-ups, festivals and ways to celebrate.