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Things to Do for Valentine’s Day 2025 in Washington, DC
The nation’s capital shines as a romantic destination at any time of the year. The 2025 edition of Valentine's Day offers plenty of holiday revelry, including museum exhibits, plays, concerts and more. Here’s how to make the most of the most romantic time of the year. And if you're looking for more date night inspiration, check out our guide to the romantic side of DC. Enjoy a meal at an award-winning restaurant For roving gastronomes and travelers who revel in experiences centered on food, it’s time to reserve a table in the nation’s capital. Acclaimed eateries like minibar, Fiola, Masseria and many more are all waiting to host you for a special, unforgettable date night. Discover DC's incredible murals Canvases are everywhere you look in the District, which teems with vibrant street art in all quadrants. Spot everything from renditions of silver screen stars Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor to abstract, museum-commissioned works, restaurant-themed facades and lots more. Don’t miss Lisa Marie Thalhammer's aptly-named LOVE mural in Shaw and the mural at Ben’s Chili Bowl, which features the Obamas, Prince and Harriet Tubman, among others. Grab a warm, cozy drink with a special someone Whether you’re in the throes of winter or the weather is warm, a delicious, hot drink is a perfect treat for date night. Fortunately, DC is filled to the brim with great options, including offerings from Le Diplomate, Dirty Habit, Old Ebbitt Grill and more. Take to an ice rink in the District One easy thing to do in the nation’s capital is rent a pair of ice skates. That’s because the city hosts an array of ice rinks that each present their own special experience. Whether it’s underneath the stars at The Wharf, on the banks of the Potomac River or at the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden, each presents a romantic setting and plenty of opportunities for on-ice fun. Woo your boo with the perfect DC-themed date night Putting together a special evening for Valentine’s Day (or any day, for that matter) is priority number one – and the nation’s capital shines as a date night destination with its scenic monuments, award-winning dining scene and outstanding attractions. Plan a wonderful DC date night using sweet deals for a romantic night out. For more ideas on how to do Valentine’s Day right, check out our ultimate guide to romance in Washington, DC.
Things to Do July 2024 in Washington, DC
Check out local theater with TodayTix TodayTix is your ticket to the best live theatre, arts and culture in DC. You can save 40% or more on tickets to the hottest local shows at DC’s best theatres this spring and summer. You can also get unbeatable day-of deals with TodayTix Rush and Lottery programs. Earn rewards with every purchase on the TodayTix app. Folger Shakespeare Library’s New Galleries, Café and Shop After a multi-year renovation, there’s a myriad of new ways to explore the world's largest Shakespeare collection: investigate the First Folios, try your hand at setting type, unwind in the scenic gardens, get some reading done in the Great Hall or sip a tea at Quill & Crumb Café. Additionally, the Elizabethan Theatre will reopen its doors for shows and poetry readings, and the learning lab will present opportunities for families to connect with Shakespeare in interactive new formats. More Info Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003 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 Placita Mágica – June 29 – Jan. 5, 2025 Set in an immersive plaza, the National Children's Museum's new exhibit explores traditional Mexican culture through playful science, technology, engineering, arts and math experiences. Washingtonians may also feel some déjà vu, as Placita Mágica is a reimagined homage to an immersive Mexico exhibit that was open in the original Capital Children's Museum from the 1970s until the 2000s, where young learners were invited to play in a space designed to feel like a Mexican village. Hours & Admission National Children's Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Pathways to Performance: Exercises in Reframing the Narrative – July 2-3 The Kennedy Center hosts consecutive evenings of Black ballet curated by Theresa Ruth Howard, founder of Memoirs of Blacks in Ballet (MoBBallet) and the Pathways to Performance Choreographic Program. These performances will feature a newly commissioned ballet as well as works by Black choreographers that showcase development within the Pathways to Performance program. 8 p.m. | Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 The Colored Museum – July 3 – Aug. 11 Acclaimed director Psalmayene 24 and designer Natsu Onoda Power, two members of the Studio Theatre Cabinet, collaborated to bring this hilarious excursion through 11 “exhibits” of toxic narratives about Black American experiences. George Wolfe’s satirical play from 1986 viciously targets stereotypes of Black culture, provocative and aspirational in equal measure. Tickets Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 Daytime Baseball at Nationals Park – July 4 The Washington Nationals annually play at home on Independence Day, holding an 11:05 a.m. game to accommodate the activities throughout the city the rest of the day. This year, the Nats will take on the rival New York Mets. 11:05 a.m. | Tickets Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 July 4th Fireworks Watching the fireworks is one of the highlights of Independence Day in Washington, DC and fortunately, the city and the surrounding area offer a plethora of scenic viewing options. July 4th is a great time to be in DC for plenty of other reasons as well. Plan a trip now. 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 NATO Day at Nationals Park – July 8 The first official event of the NATO Summit in DC is the Nats' matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals. Expect NATO-themed surprises during the playing of the national pastime; the Summit marks the 75th anniversary of the organization. Discounted tickets are available for the afternoon game. 4:05 p.m. | Tickets Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Capital Fringe Festival – July 11–21 During the edgy Capital Fringe Festival, you can catch out-there productions from DC’s vibrant creative community. The annual celebration of theatre and freedom of expression features entirely original productions that delve into a spectrum of human experiences. Explore the angst of a presidential election's eve, the joy of budding relationships and the contemplation of mortality. Journey through a church transformed into a dance club in the cosmos and uncover the history of Black firefighters in DC. From flamenco to modern dance and beyond, the festival promises an exhilarating exploration of creativity and diversity. Check out the festival’s website for this year's themes, programming and a full schedule. USA Rugby Men's Eagles vs. Scotland – July 12 The 2024 American Series, presented by USA Rugby and AEG Rugby, offers four action-packed, coast-to-coast, international test matches featuring the USA Rugby Men's Eagles team. In the DC edition of the series, the Eagles will take on Scotland in an epic match at Audi Field. The last time these two teams met, the USA team scored a dramatic and historic victory, marking the program's first win over a major rugby nation. The highly anticipated rematch takes place at the state-of-the-art Audi Field. 6:30 p.m. | Tickets Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024 Janet Jackson – July 12 The Queen of Pop is coming to DC this summer. The five-time GRAMMY Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee reintroduced the world to her jaw-dropping stage show last year. Now Janet hits the road again for another epic 36-date tour that will see her perform some of the greatest pop songs ever at venues across the country. Nelly will serve as the opener and special guest. 8 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 (D)rafts and (C)rafts – July 13 Dozens of artisans and local craft beverage makers will be on-hand for the second edition of (D)rafts and (C)rafts, DC’s small-scale producers’ festival. The DC Brewers’ Guild and the DC Makers’ Guild host the event at Dock 5 in the Union Market District. Your ticket grants you unlimited tastes from 20 craft beverage producers and the chance to browse products from 40 local businesses. 12-4 p.m. | Tickets Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert – July 13 Let the National Symphony Orchestra transport you to far-away planets with Star Wars: A New Hope live in concert! Attendees can sit out on the lawn or in-house to enjoy John Williams’ Oscar-winning score live alongside HD projections of the film. Do or do not – there is no try. Tickets Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Road Vienna, VA 22182 Band Bash at City Ridge Bring a blanket to the rolling green lawn at City Ridge for a summer evening of live music by local bands. Laid-back listening can also be paired with music-themed giveaways, lawn games and a stop to Tiny Vinyl's pop-up shop. You can also make it dinner and show by grabbing some grub from one of City Ridge's many on-campus spots. 4-8 p.m. | Reserve 20 Ridge Square Washington, DC 20016 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 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 Up Close with Paul Cézanne – Through July 14 The Phillips Collection unveils two recently conserved works by French painter Paul Cézanne in this exciting exhibit. 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 are displayed together for the first time in decades along with five other pieces by Cézanne. Learn about the conservation of the two works and how it reveals details previously obscured by varnishes while providing insight into the artist’s process. Hours & Admission The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence – Through 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. Tickets Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 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. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 LIVE! Concert Series on the Plaza – July 15 – 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 DIIV – July 16 If your record collection is riddled with albums from The Cure, My Bloody Valentine, Joy Division and any number of Krautrock jammers, DIIV is a must-see. Their debut album, Oshin, was released to great acclaim in 2012. The group and its frontman Zachary Cole Smith have since overcome turmoil to continue a fascinating career that continues to dazzle indie rock fans. 8 p.m. | Tickets Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Summer Reps 2024 – July 17-27 The Shakespeare Theatre Company Academy offers a Master of Fine Arts program that trains actors to work with classical language and embody mythic storytelling. After completing the intensive coursework, the class of 2024 performs two plays in repertory as the culmination of their training. This year marks the first time that the Academy will bring these repertory productions to the mainstage of the Company’s Klein Theatre. Tickets are just $20. Tickets Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 ha ha ha ha ha ha ha – July 17 – Aug. 3 Billed as an “award-winning clown,” Julia Masli is from Estonia and based in London. Her newest show, which was nominated for Edinburgh’s top prize for Best Comedy Show and named the no. 1 comedy show of the year by The Guardian before a sold-out, four-week engagement at London’s Soho Theatre, comes to DC’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre. Tickets Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Queens of R&B – July 19 If you’re a fan of classic R&B, there’s one show this summer that you absolutely cannot miss. XSCAPE and SWV have joined forces for a special tour that also includes support from Total and 702. See these queens come together for a night filled with gorgeous harmonies, sweet melodies and plenty of romantic radio hits. 7 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Carly Rae Jepsen – July 19 From her emergence on Canadian Idol to “Call Me Maybe” to her total dominance of the dancefloor as a synth-pop star, Carly Rae Jepsen has always had the “it” factor. Her shows are spectacles, so you won’t want to miss out on the chance to see her at Nationals Park as part of the Nationals’ Summer Concert Series. Your pass to the post-game concert is included with your ticket to the game. Game begins at 6:45 p.m. | Tickets Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Dionne Warwick – July 19 Few singers in American history – hell, in world history – have commanded your attention quite like Dionne Warwick. It would be enough to be one of the most-charted vocalists of all-time and a trailblazer for Black American artists, but Warwick has also done wonders for communities across the country and has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization. This icon comes to DC’s historic Warner Theatre for one night only. 8 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Olivia Rodrigo – July 20 One of pop music’s megastars makes a stop at Capital One Arena. Expect to hear hits from Rodrigo’s albums Guts and Sour including the high-energy “Bad Idea Right?” and ballads like “Driver’s License”. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Humor Books: ALIVE! – July 20 Four of the best humor writers currently working come to the Kennedy Center to read brand-new jokes and enliven your summer Saturday evening. Asher Perlman (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert), Evan Waite (Family Guy), JiJi Lee (The New Yorker), and Alexandra Petri (The Washington Post) have some whip-smart material to share with you, covering culture and politics along the way. Comedian Emmy Blotnick will serve as host. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 An Evening with Pretenders – July 20-21 Chrissie Hynde has led The Pretenders to the heights of rock and roll across a career that spans more than five decades. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees can still put on one hell of a show; it’s hard not to when your catalogue includes songs like “Brass In Pocket,” “My City Was Gone,” “Back on the Chain Gang,” “I’ll Stand By You” and numerous other hits. The Warner Theatre welcomes them on consecutive nights. 9:30 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Nas with the National Symphony Orchestra – July 21 Hip-hop legend Nas will join forces with the National Symphony Orchestra for a live symphonic rendition of Illmatic, his critically-acclaimed debut album. Standout tracks include “N.Y. State of Mind”, “The World Is Yours”, “Memory Lane (Sittin’ in Da Park)” and “It Ain’t Hard to Tell”, all of which will be reimagined thirty years later. 8 p.m. | Tickets Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182 Summertime: Awa Sal Secka Sings Ladies of Jazz – July 23 – Aug. 4 Outstanding vocalist Awa Sal Secka pays tribute to legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington and many more. Settle in for an evening of loving renditions of songs such as “Take The A Train,” “Summertime,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Misty” and “Guess Who I Saw Today.” The cabaret performance takes place at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va. Tickets Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206 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 Stanley: Toward a New Kind of War – Opens July 24 The National Museum of American History welcomes a landmark object in the form of Stanley, the self-driving winner of a historic robotic vehicle race back in 2005. The east wing of the museum’s third floor will display this modern marvel, a blue Volkswagen Touareg that competed in and won the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Grand Challenge robot race. Made by a Stanford University team of faculty and students along with Volkswagen and corporate sponsors, the vehicle revolutionized driverless car technology. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 blink-182 – July 27 Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker have reunited after more than a decade and hit the road again. Their world tour stops at Capital One Arena with special guest Pierce the Veil in tow. blink-182 will play their classics along with the two no. 1 singles off their latest album, One More Time… 7 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Beck and the National Symphony Orchestra – July 27 Eight-time Grammy winner Beck takes the stage with the National Symphony Orchestra for the first time in an experimental, cross-generic exploration of his body of work. For one night only, the singer-songwriter will let the audience in on new interpretations of classic hits as well as deep cuts. 8 p.m. | Tickets Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182 Broccoli City Festival – July 27-28 Now at Audi Field in Navy Yard, Broccoli City is a music festival focused on celebrating not just music but culture and community, with not just concerts but interactive art installations and culinary vendors. Headliners this year include Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, Concrete Family, Kaytranada, Lil Yachty and PartyNextDoor, but the experience doesn’t stop there. The event will be hosted by comedians Desi Banks and Funny Marco, and there will even be an intro by Issa Rae. Tickets Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024 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 Woven Histories: Textiles and Modern Abstraction – Through July 28 The National Gallery of Art dives deep on the overlap between fashion, design, arts and crafts. Through 160 works including oil paintings, weaving, basketry, knotting and knitting, you can see how textiles have influenced modern artists and movements. The exhibit also showcases moments when social and political issues activated textile production and artmaking with heightened focus and urgency. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC Green Day at Nationals Park – July 29 You know you’re a successful band when one of your tours can celebrate the anniversary of not one, but two classic albums. In honor of the 30th anniversary of the release of Dookie and the 20th anniversary of American Idiot, Green Day is hitting town across the U.S. with The Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid and The Linda Lindas in tow. Nationals Park is going to be rocking for this one. 6 p.m. | Tickets Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 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 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 Where We Meet – Through Aug. 15 The Howard University Gallery of Art and The Phillips Collection have merged their collections for a special exhibit. Both storied DC institutions have been acquiring art for decades; many of the earliest acquisitions of each are displayed. Works of seminal artists are showcased in a presentation that highlights how the Phillips and Howard have celebrated and provided access to important art throughout the years. Hours & Admission The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 In the Library: Photography and the Book Arts from the 21st Editions Collection – Though Aug. 29 The work of photographers like Sally Mann, Josephine Sacabo, Masao Yamamoto, Adger Cowans and Arthur Tress are arrayed in exquisite form by master printers and paired with texts as diverse as William Shakespeare’s sonnets, the color theories of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and poetry by Keagan LeJeune. The National Gallery of Art’s latest library installation highlights 12 pieces in total, each culled from the last 25 years of 21st Editions publications. Weekdays, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art East Building, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565 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 – May 25 – 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 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 Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean – Through Jan. 5, 2025 In honor of the majesty of the ocean, Hillwood showcases a variety of marine-related art in its collection for the very first time. Originally inspired by the rediscovery of one of the largest paintings at Hillwood (once owned by Marjorie Post's father, C.W. Post), Fragile Beauty explores representations of water and art crafted by precious materials. Hours & Admission Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 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 Do Ho Suh: Public Figures – Through April 29, 2029 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 June 2024 in Washington, DC
Check out local theater with TodayTix TodayTix is your ticket to the best live theatre, arts and culture in DC. You can save 40% or more on tickets to the hottest local shows at DC’s best theatres this spring and summer. You can also get unbeatable day-of deals with TodayTix Rush and Lottery programs. Earn rewards with every purchase on the TodayTix app. 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. Last year’s attractions included a Pridemobile Parade and a Taste of Pride brunch in addition to the yearly concert and festival. Make sure to read our piece covering Capital Pride events for more details. The festivities don't stop here: DC is packed with special Pride activations and events all month long. Explore Hamilton Hotel's retro pop-up bar or the Fairmont's Pride Garden, and check out DC restaurants' thoughtful, colorful creations like Colada Shop's Pride pastelitos and drink pouches or Pizzeria Paradiso's Pride pizzas and palmers. Be sure to check out our events calendar for more ways to celebrate. The countdown to World Pride 2025 in Washington, DC starts now! More info | Book Your Stay Reclaiming My Time – May 31, 2024 – 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 Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women – May 31 – 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 Celebrate Pride Month at the National Gallery of Art Discover LGBTQ+ artists and artworks, from Andy Warhol to Zanele Muholi, throughout the National Gallery of Art’s extensive collection. The museum also hosts an array of programming throughout June dedicated to Pride Month, including a film series, a sculpture garden talk, a gallery talk and much more. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains – June 1, 2024 – 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 Fiesta Asia! – Postponed to June 1 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. More info | Free Admission Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd & 6th Streets NW Daybreaker PEACE TOUR – June 1 Elliott LaRue and the Daybreaker Team host an outdoor yoga class at 8 a.m. on the REACH Upper Lawn followed by a dance party at 9 a.m. Both events will emphasize self-expression and unity with others. Participants are encouraged to dress in white to symbolize peace and giveaways will be provided. The Kennedy Center is one of 13 stops of the Peace Tour around the U.S. Note that Daybreaker plans to record the proceedings on video. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Bonnie Raitt – June 1 Get ready for rock and roll royalty at Warner Theatre. Bonnie Raitt will definitely give you something to talk about after this show at one of the most historic venues in DC. The legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist, who’s won 13 Grammy Awards (with the most recent coming in 2022) is considered one of the most accomplished musicians in American history. The night will be filled with classic songs and the relentless charm that Raitt brings to the stage every time. 8 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Capital Brutalism – Opens June 1 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 The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout – June 1 Meant to bring social impact issues to the center stage and encourage participants to explore joy and love as forms of growth and resistance, The Gathering is billed as "a sonic melodic quest” with the American Composers Orchestra and NEWorks Voices of Inspiration. The one-night-only event is sure to leave you reflective and rejuvenated. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Armed Forces Cycling Classic – June 1-2 Now in its 26th year, the Armed Forces Cycling Classic includes two days of closed course biking open to enthusiasts of all abilities. Cyclists can keep it low-key with amateur, non-competitive events like the Challenge Ride and Kids Race or choose to challenge themselves at the Women’s and Men’s Pro/AM Races (including the famous Clarendon Cup). Everyone who completes more than one lap gets a medal. More info Register for the Challenge Ride See HAIR or Where the Mountain Meets the Sea at Signature Theatre – through July 7 Get an up-close musical experience at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va. This summer’s lineup includes the legendary rock musical HAIR (April 16 - July 7) and the new folk musical Where the Mountain Meets the Sea (May 21 - July 7). Since its founding in 1989, Signature has won 90 Helen Hayes Awards for excellence in the DC region's professional theater, so whichever you choose, it is bound to be a memorable experience. More info Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206 RAMMYs Highlight Week for 2024 Cocktail Program of the Year Finalists – June 3-9 Cocktail Program of the Year Finalists for the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) 2024 RAMMY Awards have exciting events and promotions planned for the first week of June. The region’s top cocktail programs will showcase their outstanding in-house offerings, a list that includes Amazonia, Bar Spero, Jane Jane, Silver Lyan and Mercy Me. Rose: You Are Who You Eat – June 5-23 Woolly Mammoth Theatre welcomes you to an entirely different type of feast. The tale of John Jarboe begins with his aunt sharing that he had a twin sister in the womb … whom he ate. As you can imagine, John is a bit taken aback by this, which inspires this musical ode to the consumed twin named – you guessed it – Rose. Expect lots of song, storytelling and hilarious wordplay. Tickets Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 The Washington Ballet Performs at the Plaza at City Center – June 6-8 Experience the renowned Washington Ballet al fresco for one weekend only at CityCenter DC. Programming will include excerpts from ballet classics, plus exciting contemporary works sure to dazzle ballet enthusiasts and passersby alike. Seating is first come, first served. 6:30 p.m. | Free Admission The Plaza at CityCenter, 1098 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005 The Broccoli Ball – June 7 As a precursor to the Broccoli City Festival (July 27-28), The Howard Theatre hosts The Broccoli Ball. Curated by Icon Duante Balenciaga and powered by Baller Alert, the show celebrates Capital Pride with an evening full of Black music past and present along with cash prizes. All ages are welcome. 9 p.m. | Tickets The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Summer Concert Series: Flo Rida – June 7 The Washington Nationals kick off their Summer Concert Series with one of the most popular acts in hip-hop. Flo Rida, a four-time Grammy nominee who’s been certified 42 times platinum, will take the stage at Nationals Park 30 minutes after the team concludes its 6:45 p.m. game against the rival Atlanta Braves. The postgame concert is free with your game ticket. Tickets Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Washington Mystics vs. Indiana Fever – June 7 Tickets for this game have been in high-demand since it was announced. Superstar rookie Caitlyn Clark and the Indiana Fever will come to DC and take on the Mystics. The game was moved to Capital One Arena to accommodate the capacity crowd that is expected to be on-hand. Watch as the Mystics try to contain Clark and take down the Fever in the midst of what should be a fun and raucous atmosphere. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 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. Tickets Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Pride Block Party – June 8 Expect entertainment, food and beverages from local vendors, food trucks and restaurants along 17th Street and plenty of good vibes ahead of the Pride Parade later in the day. There’s also two beverage gardens for those ages 21 and over to refresh and watch performers on the Block Party Stage. More info | Free Admission | Book Your Stay 17th Street NW, Washington, DC Capital Pride Parade – June 8 Celebrate with the LGBTQ+ community and its allies at the beloved tradition that honors LGBTQ+ history and acknowledges the evolution of the LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in DC. The event also respects the origins and importance of taking to the streets in the fight for equality. Be prepared to experience one of the largest Pride Parades to ever take place in the nation’s capital. Entry is free and open to the public. More info | Free Admission | Book Your Stay U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team vs. Colombia – June 8 This international friendly match at FedExField in Landover, Md. marks the first time the U.S. Men’s National Team has played in the DMV since 2012. Both teams will be ramping up for the 2024 Copa America, so it’s bound to be an exciting matchup between two rivals. Tickets FedExField, 1600 FedEx Way, Greater Landover, MD 20785 Patti LaBelle + Gladys Knight – June 8 Get two powerhouse vocal performers in one evening with Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Va. The “Godmother” and “Empress” of soul (and also decades-long friends) will perform classics like “Lady Marmalade,” “You Are My Friend,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” and “Every Beat of My Heart.” 8 p.m. | Tickets Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road Vienna, VA 22182 Pride Festival & Concert – June 9 America's Mainstreet, Pennsylvania Avenue, becomes Capital Pride central during the epic festival that lets DC's LGBTQ+ community truly shine. You can enjoy entertainment across three stages, food, beverages and a chance to meet with more than 300 exhibitors, including local and national advocacy groups. Entry is free and open to the public. More info | Free Admission | Book Your Stay Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC Joe Jackson – June 10 Riding the crest of the new wave in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Joe Jackson released some of the most challenging pop music of the era. Not afraid to jump the rock and roll ship altogether and try his hand at jazz, lounge and classical music, Jackson has remained as versatile as any musician in the business across a 40-plus-year career. He’ll begin this performance at the Lincoln Theatre with a solo set of songs from his catalog followed by a performance with Max Champion and a nine-piece band. 8 p.m. | Tickets Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Fresh Talk: Influence and Collecting – June 12 As part of the National Museum of Women in the Arts’ Fresh Talk series, the museum will host a panel of leading curators and collectors to discuss how art moves through the modern market, including acquisition, donation and display. Attendees can learn how women and nonbinary people in these roles can influence the representation of women artists all over the world. A Catalyst Cocktail Hour will follow the panel. 4-6 p.m. | Tickets National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 Aventura – June 12 The iconic King of Bachata, Romeo Santos, reunites with his acclaimed group Aventura for a special tour across the U.S. that fortunately makes a stop at Capital One Arena. The landmark tour will mark the final time that Santos and the group join forces on stage, offering fans a unique opportunity to relive the hits that defined an era of Latin music. 8 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 DC/DOX Film Festival – June 13-16 The new annual DC/DOX Film Festival will take place at theater venues across the District. Make sure to use the discount code DOX2DC for a 15% discount on tickets. Expect four days of visionary documentaries and conversations with the talent behind dozens of innovative and acclaimed works of non-fiction storytelling. Locations include Edlavitch Community Center, Eaton Cinema, MLK Memorial Library, the National Portrait Gallery’s Nan Tucker McEvoy Auditorium, the National Archives and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Tickets Major League Pickleball by Margaritaville – June 13-16 Get ready for four days of pickleball frenzy this June with the MLP's first-ever stop in the DC area. This exciting new addition to the DMV professional sports scene will feature 30+ matches between the world's top pickleball players (including the DC Pickleball Team), as well as festival-style food and drink, music and an amateur tournament. Tickets Washington Tennis and Education East Capitol Campus, 200 Stoddert Place SE, Washington, DC 20019 Collecting Memories – June 13 – 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 Smithsonian Sleepover at the Natural History Museum – June 14 The National Museum of Natural History will provide kids with an unforgettable adventure this June with this Smithsonian Sleepover. They’ll be able to explore the Fossil Hall, learn about Earth’s past, discover aquatic wonders, visit pollinators, learn how to eat like a T-Rex, participate in games and challenges and much more. Ages 8-14 are permitted, and there must be at least one adult chaperone for every five children in any group that registers. No adults without children. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 7 p.m. – 9 a.m. | Tickets National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Argentina vs. Guatemala National Soccer Teams – June 14 Following the USA vs. Colombia match, the defending Copa America and FIFA World Cup champions Argentina will take on Guatemala in an international friendly match at FedExField in Landover, Maryland – a rare chance to see fútbol legend Lionel Messi work his magic! 7:30 p.m. | Tickets FedExField, 1600 FedEx Way, Landover, MD 20785 Don’t Tell Seth! An Evening with the Seth Meyers Writers – June 14-15 Visit the Kennedy Center for a variety show featuring members of the writing staff for Late Night with Seth Meyers, many of which are accomplished performers. Freed from the shackles of network censors, the crew is about to let loose with stand-up, sketches, improv, pre-taped videos and audience interaction. John Lutz and Peter Grosz host. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Tom Papa – June 15 Take in observational comedy of the highest order when you check out Tom Papa live at Warner Theatre. Papa serves up a well-honed act that moves from exasperation to amusement without missing a beat. With more than 25 years of experience and numerous stand-up specials to his name, expect a standout performance. Papa plans to tape the show for a new special. 7 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Pasión y Fuego: The Music of Spain – June 15 Bask in the beauty of Pasión y Fuego, a multi-hyphenate evening showcasing work by Spain's most prominent composers. The Pan American Symphony Orchestra will be joined by an enchanting flamenco interpretation by Maria Juncal and the vocals of Allegra Da Vita, a mezzo-soprano from the Washington National Opera's Cafritz Young Artist Program. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 The Capital CarCoterie car show at CityCenterDC – June 15 Curators of the world-class automotive exhibitions, CarCoterie, host some of the world’s most exciting rare and classic cars in the heart of DC just in time for Father’s Day. A carefully curated display of 25 automobiles that range from vintage to hyper will be showcased throughout CityCenterDC. Attendees will have the opportunity to view these unique automobiles and interact with fellow car enthusiasts. Register The Park at CityCenter DC, 1098 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005 The Matchbox Magic Flute – Through June 16 Shakespeare Theatre Company presents a “matchbox” approach to Mozart’s legendary opera, The Magic Flute. Mary Zimmerman conceived this fresh adaptation that features a cast of 10 and an orchestra of just five players. Audiences will be swept off their feet by the adventures of Prince Tamino and Princess Pamina as they encounter dragons, trials by fire and water, underground corridors and much more. Tickets Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 PORTRAITS by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC – June 16 Catch the world premiere of the latest show from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. The nine-movement performance explores the vibrant spectrum of sexual, gender, racial, ethnic and cultural identities through visual art, music and dance. Each piece has its own unique artist, composer and choreographer. 5 p.m. | Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Metamorphoses – Through June 16 Nominated for a Tony Award when it first launched in 2002, Metamorphoses sets the mythic and modern together to create an unforgettable night of theater. Audiences are treated to the stories of Aphrodite, Midas, Cupid and others in whimsical fashion, showcasing universal truths, both funny and serious. Visionary theater director Psalmayene 24 helms Mary Zimmerman’s masterful script for Folger Theatre. Tickets Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Comedy Bang! Bang! – June 17 Launched in 2009 as a radio show, Comedy Bang! Bang! has become one of the most successful podcasts ever. Hosted by Scott Aukerman, the show dynamically combines improvisation, skits, music and conversation with an ever-rotating cast of some of the best comedians in the world. The show’s latest tour touches down at Warner Theatre for one night only. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Arrival & Activation – June 17, 21-23 For the first time, the nation’s capital will serve as a host port and team partner for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, in which eleven teams must circumnavigate the globe under extreme conditions. Having begun their journeys last September in Portsmouth, UK, the fleet is expected to arrive in DC on June 17. Before the teams traverse the Atlantic Ocean to their next stop, there will be an exciting activation at The Wharf from June 21-23. Check out the Events DC website for more details. More info | Book your stay Ted Leo & The Pharmacists – June 20 DC’s own Ted Leo & The Pharmacists have an epic punk rock history filled to the brim with classic songs and albums. This Thursday night show will see Leo and his cohorts launch into a set that includes the entirety of Shake the Sheets, which was released to great acclaim 20 years ago this year. These hometown legends will not disappoint. 7 p.m. | Tickets 9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 The Soul Rebels with Ghostface Killah & GZA – June 20 Two iconic rappers conquer Howard Theatre with the backing one of the most powerful brass bands in the world. The Soul Rebels, who have collaborated with everyone from Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube to Metallica and Marilyn Manson, bring their awesome eight-piece ensemble to DC with Ghostface Killah and GZA in tow. The two members of Wu-Tang Clan have tag-teamed many a track over the years, so you’re in for a night of breathtaking hip-hop synergy and sound. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 The Hold Steady – June 21-22 As part of its annual Constructive Summer live multi-night weekends, The Hold Steady visit 9:30 Club for three straight nights of musical debauchery (June 20 sold out already). Thousands of shows and nine LPs into their existence, the group remains one of the best live bands around, with lead singer Craig Finn responsible for some of the most memorable one-liners in recent rock history. 7 p.m. | Tickets 9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Folger Shakespeare Library’s New Galleries, Café and Shop – Opens June 21 After a multi-year renovation, there’s a myriad of new ways to explore the world's largest Shakespeare collection: investigate the First Folios, try your hand at setting type, unwind in the scenic gardens, get some reading done in the Great Hall or sip a tea at Quill & Crumb Café. Additionally, the Elizabethan Theatre will reopen its doors for shows and poetry readings, and the learning lab will present opportunities for families to connect with Shakespeare in interactive new formats. More Info Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003 Home Rule Music Festival – June 21-22 & July 20 Now in its second year, the Home Rule Music Festival celebrates the rich music and cultural scene of DC. Events take place across three days over two weekends, with performances at venues spread across the city. Opening Night takes place at Black Cat in DC on June 21 with a day of performances at The Parks at Walter Reed on June 22. Then, on July 20 in partnership with NoMa BID, the festival puts on a show at Alethia Tanner Park. Tickets The Parks at Walter Reed, 1010 Butternut Street, NW, Washington, DC Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way, NW, Washington, DC Fête De La Musique – World Music Day – June 21 Faites la fête at Georgetown's first iteration of the free, live music festival that has been celebrated in France for over 40 years. Listeners can catch R&B, Americana, jazz, bluegrass, spoken word or rock across the fest's locations throughout Georgetown's commercial district and at the French Embassy. More info | Free Admission Bruce Onobrakpeya: The Mask and the Cross – June 21 – 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 This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance – June 21 – 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 The Church & The Afghan Whigs – June 22 Two bands that emerged in separate decades – but stood out from their contemporaries all the same – visit the Lincoln Theatre as part of a special double-bill tour. The Church has been crafting new-wave art-rock since their inception in 1980; the Australian group released their 26th album earlier this year. The Afghan Whigs railed against the plaid-shirt grunge sound upon emerging in the 1990s, as likely to riff on Marvin Gaye as Black Sabbath. Expect riveting sets from both of these legendary groups. 7:15 p.m. | Tickets Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Out and About Festival feat. Brittany Howard – June 22 Celebrate nature, music and Pride at this year’s Out & About Festival, which highlights LGBTQ+ artists and allies who live out loud. The one-day festival, hosted in America’s only National Park for the Performing Arts, will be headlined by Grammy-winning artist Brittany Howard, beloved by fans as the lead singer and guitarist for Alabama Shakes. Tickets Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road Vienna, VA 22182 Smithsonian Solstice Saturday – June 22 Celebrate the official first Saturday of summer with the Smithsonian. Institutions like the Hirshhorn, the National Zoo, the National Museum of Asian Art and the National Museum of American History will curate special projects and programs, host exciting performances and grant the rare chance to explore the museums into the evening. Attendees can also take part in hands-on activities at the Astronomy Festival, which will take place outside of the Hirshhorn. More Info | Free Admission Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle – June 22-23 Rib roasters and sauce bosses show off their delicious wares during the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle. Dozens of pit masters, local restaurants and live music shut down Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th streets NW for a lively street party. Cooking demos and free tastings make for a delicious (and filling) experience. Tickets start at $20. Tickets Pennsylvania Avenue (between 3rd & 7th Streets NW), Washington, DC Disney in Concert: The Sound of Magic – June 22-23 Let the National Symphony Orchestra whisk you away to the worlds of Peter Pan and Encanto with Disney in Concert. The one-weekend-only, live-to-film concert celebrates the centennial of Walt Disney Animation studios and is sure to have something for every Disney fan. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Jhené Aiko – June 23 Mark your calendar for when an R&B sensation with six Grammy nominations to her name rolls into the nation’s capital. Jhené Aiko embarks on her first headlining tour in five years. She’ll be supported by Coi Leray, Tink, Umi and Kiana Lede. One of their 26 stops is Capital One Arena, which is sure to be rocking for this star-studded crew. 7 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Future Islands – June 23 Blending theatricality and synth-pop like few bands ever have, Future Islands are known for their breathtaking performances and epic songs that also manage to be danceable. Singer Samuel Herring is a show unto himself, contorting his vocals and body to create quite the spectacle on stage. Future Islands’ soaring and powerful catalogue will be well-suited to The Anthem. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Os Mutantes – June 25 It’s time to party at The Black Cat when Os Mutantes comes to town. The Brazilian group was initially founded back in 1966, playing an experimental blend of psychedelic rock, bossa nova and tropicália. After disbanding in 1978, Mutantes reunited in 2006 and have been playing shows ever since. Their influential sound and all-night party vibes can be thoroughly enjoyed at Black Cat. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 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. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 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. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Smithsonian Folklife Festival – June 26 – July 1 The free festival salutes different international cultures every year on the National Mall with craft exhibits, live music and cooking demos. The 2024 edition focuses on Indigenous Voices of the Americas and specifically celebrates the National Museum of the American Indian, which turns 20 this year. More info | Free Admission Ramblin’ – June 27-29 Acclaimed contemporary ballet company Chamber Dance Project, led by award-winning choreographer Diane Coburn Bruning, will present its new season at Shakespeare Theare Company's Harman Hall. Ramblin' also features music by The Red Clay Ramblers, a Tony Award-winning group that has mastered bluegrass and old-time string tunes. In total, 12 dancers and 10 musicians will take the stage to take on a stunning repertory. Tickets Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Les Savy Fav – June 28 There’s wearing your heart on your sleeve and then there’s the music of Les Savy Fav. Unabashed and loud while also capable of deep sensitivity, the group is led by titan-of-the-stage Tim Harrington. The lead singer’s performances are legendary. Expect the post-punk group to be particularly fired up as they tour in celebration of the release of their first LP in 14 years. 8 p.m. | Tickets Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Picturing the Presidents: Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes from the National Portrait Gallery’s Collection – June 28 – 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 Mike Birbiglia – June 28-30 A graduate of Georgetown University in DC, Mike Birbiglia has gone on to become one of the most intelligent and thought-provoking voices in stand-up comedy. Birbiglia has also proven himself as an improv performer, screenwriter, filmmaker and playwright, a Renaissance man who isn’t afraid to go deep in his material. In a return to his old stomping grounds in DC, Birbiglia will perform three straight nights at the illustrious Warner Theatre. 7 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Washington Mystics vs. Las Vegas Aces – June 29 See DC’s exciting WNBA team in action at the 4,200-seat Entertainment and Sports Arena in Congress Heights. The Mystics will take on Candace Parker, A’ja Wilson and the two-time defending WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces. 2 p.m. | Tickets Entertainment & Sports Arena, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001 Broadway in the Park – June 29 Visit Wolf Trap in Vienna, Va. as the performing arts hub partners with Signature Theatre for the fourth edition of Broadway in the Park. Broadway stars Laura Benanti and Jordan Fisher join Signature performers for a night of renditions of classic songs from My Fair Lady, She Loves Me, Nine, Cabaret, Pippin, In The Heights, Mamma Mia, Dear Evan Hansen and Hamilton. 8 p.m. | Tickets Filene Center at Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182 Lavender Con – June 29-30 Local all-queer independent bookstore Little District Books celebrates LGBTQIA+ authors and stories with Lavender Con, held for the first time at the National Press Club. Authors confirmed to appear include Aaron H. Aceves, Ethan M. Aldrige, Terry Bartlet, Terry Benton-Walker, Diane Billas, Andre Bradley, Ciera Burch and many others. The event will also offer a Queer + Bookish Market featuring a variety of local vendors. More Info | Tickets National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20045 Forensic Science on Trial – June 29 – 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 Orville Peck – June 30 Sporting an aesthetic and sound unlike any seen before in country music, Orville Peck will be a must-see attraction when his Stampede Tour comes to The Anthem at the end of June. Peck’s signature look – a fringe mask with a cowboy hat and any number of eye-catching outfits – goes perfectly with his cavernous and mysterious take on psychedelic country music. 7 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Bernardí Roig – Through July 7 During the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020, one Spanish artist got to thinking about another, leading to 55 incredible drawings that are on display at The Phillips Collection in DC. While contemplating the difficulties of isolation, Bernardí Roig took to depicting the lost, severed head of Francisco José de Goya, one of the greatest Spanish artists to ever live whose body was discovered headless 60 years after his own death in exile. See these mind-bending creations at one of the coolest museums in the District. Hours & Admission The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Up Close with Paul Cézanne – Through July 14 The Phillips Collection unveils two recently conserved works by French painter Paul Cézanne in an exciting new exhibit. 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. Hours & Admission The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Woven Histories: Textiles and Modern Abstraction – Through July 28 The National Gallery of Art dives deep on the overlap between fashion, design, arts and crafts. Through 160 works including oil paintings, weaving, basketry, knotting and knitting, you can see how textiles have influenced modern artists and movements. The exhibit also showcases moments when social and political issues activated textile production and artmaking with heightened focus and urgency. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 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 Where We Meet – Through Aug. 15 The Howard University Gallery of Art and The Phillips Collection have merged their collections for a special exhibit. Both storied DC institutions have been acquiring art for decades; many of the earliest acquisitions of each are displayed. Works of seminal artists are showcased in a presentation that highlights how the Phillips and Howard have celebrated and provided access to important art throughout the years. Hours & Admission The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 In the Library: Photography and the Book Arts from the 21st Editions Collection – Though Aug. 29 The work of photographers like Sally Mann, Josephine Sacabo, Masao Yamamoto, Adger Cowans and Arthur Tress are arrayed in exquisite form by master printers and paired with texts as diverse as William Shakespeare’s sonnets, the color theories of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and poetry by Keagan LeJeune. The National Gallery of Art’s latest library installation highlights 12 pieces in total, each culled from the last 25 years of 21st Editions publications. Weekdays, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art East Building, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565 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 – Through Sept. 10 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Do Ho Suh: Public Figures – Through April 29, 2029 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 November 2024 in Washington, DC
Celebrate Spooky Season in DC The nation's capital has a frightful amount of options for spook-tacular festivities. Themed parties, specialty cocktails, family arts and crafts and ghost tours are just a few of the ways to have spirited Halloween (Oct. 31) and Día de los Muertos (Nov. 1-2) in the District. 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 Fidelio – Oct. 25 – Nov. 4 The Washington National Opera (WNO) presents Beethoven’s story of resistance, freedom and dissent at one of DC’s most illustrious venues. The Kennedy Center hosts the new production that launches the WNO’s 2024-25 season. Beethoven’s only opera, which was last performed by the WNO more than 30 years ago, is an inspiring tale of how love can conquer tyranny. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum – Oct. 29 – Jan. 12, 2025 Sondheim takes ancient Rome in one of the greatest musical comedies ever. This Tony Award-winning play zeroes in on three neighboring households who notice, just outside their front doors, the exploits of a rowdy gang which includes a Roman slave, a soldier, a lovesick man and a gorgeous courtesan. You’re in for some retro Broadway brilliance at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va. Tickets Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206 Data – Oct. 31 – Dec. 15 Go behind the locked doors of Silicon Valley in this intriguing, suspense-laden play from Matthew Libby. Maneesh is an entry-level programmer at Athena Technologies, a data-mining firm. His brilliance prompts a transfer over to Data Analytics, where Maneesh sees what Athena is actually up to. Torn between idealism and success, the protagonist must come to terms with his identity. Tickets Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 David Cross – Nov. 1 You may know him as Tobias on Arrested Development, or as the co-lead of Mr. Show, or for his brilliant stand-up comedy. And if you don’t know him, this show at the Warner Theatre is the perfect time to get acquainted with David Cross. Dive deep into the mind of one of America’s greatest comedic minds inside one of the city’s most historic theaters. 8 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 The Light House – Nov. 1 Dazzle and delight your kids with an interactive storytelling experience. While it is recommended for children from 3-8 years old, The Light House, a show about friendship and finding your light, is an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy imaginative shadow puppetry. Tickets Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 The Go! Team – Nov. 3 Still as exhilarating as when they first burst through speakers with 2004’s Thunder, Lightning, Strike, The Go! Team will have you bouncing off the walls with this set at Black Cat. The group plans to play their debut LP from start to finish in honor of the album’s 20th anniversary. The multicultural band, led by energetic frontwoman Ninja, plays a boisterous mix of old-school hip-hop, dance music, funk and soul. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 The Second City’s Dance Like There’s Black People Watching – Nov. 6 – Dec. 22 From the creators of Black Side of the Moon and She the People comes a highly anticipated new production at Woolly Mammoth Theatre. The Second City returns with an exclusive new show created just for Woolly Mammoth filled with rising stars, hilarious songs and sketches and razor-sharp satire, all together in a perfect improv package. Tickets Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival & Symposium – Nov. 7-10 Join 100Reporters, an investigative news organization, for a virtual edition of the Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival (DX), the first and only festival dedicated to investigative storytelling on film in the U.S. This event celebrates the finest new films inspired by the investigative instinct and advocates for the rights of reporters and filmmakers to pursue investigations that are in the public interest. In addition to screenings, DX offers a professional symposium and programming for journalists and visual storytellers. Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse – Nov. 8-9 After shows featuring the music from the first animated Spider-Verse film sold out worldwide, the spectacle returns after a smash-hit sequel debuted in 2023. The movie will be screened on a colossal HD video screen as an ensemble of instrumentalists perform the score and soundtrack live, including a full orchestra, a skilled scratch DJ and percussion. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Dorado Schmitt & Sons: Jazz Manouche – Nov. 10 Don't miss a chance to see one of the greatest guitar players of all time perform live at the Strathmore. Celebrating and modernizing the traditions of French jazz manouche, this show will honor Django Reinhardt's distinctive style of jazz, which debuted in the 1930s and ‘40s. In addition to Schmitt and Sons, cousins Fancko Mehrstein and Gino Roman will compose the rhythm section. Tickets The Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852 Honor those who served this Veterans Day – Nov. 11 Many of the monuments and memorials in the nation’s capital honor service members, shedding light on the immense sacrifices that the U.S. Armed Forces have made to protect this country. Any time of year, but especially on Veterans Day, choose from a collection of monuments, memorials and special programming to celebrate and honor those who served. SIX – Nov. 12 – Dec. 1 The National Theatre welcomes back a Broadway smash for three weeks only this fall. SIX is a her-story of the six wives of Henry VIII – each tossed brutally aside by the psychotic ruler – filled with euphoric music in a remix of 500 years of historical heartbreak. Critically acclaimed and adored all over the world, DC is privileged to yet again host this magnificent stage spectacle. Tickets The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Julie Kim – Nov. 15-17 Following her North American tour with Ronny Chieng, Julie Kim has solidified her spot as one of Canada’s top stand-up comedians and comedy writers. Kim has contributed to shows like "Kim’s Convenience" and written for talent like Simu Liu, who got his break as Marvel’s Shang-Chi. Her infectious positivity and hilarious takes make Julie Kim don't miss show on DC Improv's fall roster. Tickets DC Improv Comedy Club & Restaurant, 1140 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 The Woman in Black – Through Nov. 17 Keegan Theatre stages a thrilling adaptation of Susan Hill's classic ghost story just in time for spooky season. The Woman in Black follows young solicitor Arthur Kipps, who is sent to Eel Marsh House to settle an estate only to discover a malevolent spirit. As he recounts his experience with the help of an Actor, the audience is drawn deeper into a story that blurs the lines between reality and nightmare. Tickets Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 DowntownDC Holiday Market – Nov. 22 – Dec. 23 The 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 and delicious food from dozens of businesses. 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 additional can't-miss activities. 12-8 p.m. daily | Free admission F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC Washington Capitals vs. New Jersey Devils – Nov. 23 DC's beloved hockey team takes another regional rival in what is sure to be an electric Saturday night for sports fans. The arena is considered one of the loudest and most boisterous stadiums in the NHL, and no wonder – roughly 19,000 red-clad fans pack the arena for each Caps game. Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 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 Celebrate Thanksgiving in the Nation's Capital – Nov. 28 Give thanks and savor the flavors of the season at DC restaurants this Thanksgiving. In previous years, Gatsby, Mi Vida and Succotash have served up all-American classics, while Officina, Illia and Estuary have offered more international takes on tradition. For a family brunch, spots like Fairmont, Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City and the Salamander are known for lavish brunches perfect for when you just don't feel like cooking any more. 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 U.S. Botanic Garden, 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 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 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 George Washington's Mount Vernon, 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