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Things to Do This Easter Weekend in Washington, DC
Check out a kid-friendly museum DC’s wealth of museums and attractions means there are always magical places where kids are transported from the ho-hum of touring to the “Wow!” of experiencing. Many of these sites feature interactive exhibits and entertainment to help capture the attention of even the smallest sightseer. Stay at a family-friendly hotel The District’s status as a family-friendly destination can’t be denied, as the nation’s capital is filled with free things to do and also features America’s most famous monuments and memorials. The city makes for an engaging and educational destination for the kids, and there are numerous DC hotels sure to make your family’s visit that much more enjoyable, with many offering seasonal deals and discounts. Take advantage of free things to do all over the city It’s easy to budget for a holiday weekend in DC thanks to the fact that so many of its coolest attractions, including Smithsonian museums and monuments and memorials, are free to visit. There are also free seasonal activities to enjoy, as well as arts and culture-focused things to do and off-the-beaten-path attractions to visit. Treat the family to dinner at an award-winning restaurant Since you’ve saved so much thanks to DC’s awesome hotel deals and free things to do, you can splurge on dinner or lunch at an award-winning restaurant in the city. Don’t worry; there’s a bounty of high-value and family-friendly fast-casual spots as well. Events Bond In Motion – March 1 – 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 ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds – March 9 – June 1 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. Make sure to take advantage of tickets with a 10% discount. Tickets (10% off) ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024 Mosaic Theater: Nancy – March 28 – April 21 The Atlas Performing Arts Center turns into a time machine to 1985 thanks to a new play presented by Mosaic Theater and written by award-winning playwright Rhiana Yazzie. Nancy concerns one Nancy Reagan (yep, that one), who’s steering her husband’s decisions from the Oval Office according to astrological signs, and Esmeralda, a Navajo mother standing up for her community. When Nancy’s familial connection to Pocahontas is discovered, a captivating adventure unfolds filled with humor, heart and empathy. Tickets Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Pattern and Paradox: The Quilts of Amish Women – March 28 – 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 A Conversation with Larry David – March 29 The Anthem welcomes the crankiest cultural icon of all-time. As the co-creator of Seinfeld and the creator and star of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David has left an imprint on comedy that few others can match in the history of entertainment. We think he’ll have a few interesting things to share during this chat at The Anthem, which is perfectly timed, as it takes place nine days before the series finale of Curb. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Steve Aoki – March 29 An icon of electronic dance music, Steve Aoki has transcended the genre and achieved worldwide success. Echostage, one of DC’s premier venues and the ideal setting for one of Aoki’s shows, will host the DJ/producer/musician. Aoki has legions of fans around the world, so expect a packed house and dancing that will shake the floor. 9 p.m. | Tickets Echostage, 2135 Queens Chapel Road NE, Washington, DC 20018 Unknown Soldier – March 29 – May 5 Arena Stage welcomes an elegiac musical that concerns Ellen Rabinowitz, who discovers a photo of an anonymous soldier while cleaning out her grandmother’s home. Daniel Goldstein and the late Michael Friedman penned this captivating tale of a woman’s journey to uncover the secrets of her family’s past, inevitably leading her towards the future. Tickets Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Blossom Kite Festival – March 30 Head to the Washington Monument grounds for this free kite-flying extravaganza, one of the most highly anticipated events of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, presented by Amazon. The entire family can watch expert kite fliers from all over the world, whether enjoying the event near the Monument or at a featured park. More information is available on the Festival's website. Robert Glasper – Black Radio: A Duke x Dilla Celebration – March 30 Five-time Grammy winner Robert Glasper, who’s also a founding member of the Kennedy Center’s Hip Hop Culture Council, hosts a special celebration in honor of Duke Ellington’s 150th birthday and the late great J. Dilla’s 50th. The one-night-only tribute to the musical legacies of two icons features Glasper along with the Black Radio Orchestra led by two-time Grammy winner Derrick Hodge. 8 p.m. | Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Mark Rothko: Paintings on Paper – Through March 31 Known for his abstract paintings on canvas (some of which can be seen at the Phillips Collection in DC), Mark Rothko also crafted more than 1,000 paintings on paper over the course of his illustrious, decades-long career. The National Gallery of Art will showcase more than 100 of these tableaus, many of which will be on view to the public for the first time, making for a unique opportunity to see new work from one of the most important artists of the 20th century. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC Dorothea Lange: Seeing People – Through March 31 The National Gallery of Art showcases roughly 100 images from one of the greatest photographers ever live in a new exhibit on Dorothea Lange. Seeing People will examine Lange’s prolific and trailblazing career through the lens of portraiture and her exceptional ability to capture the character, resilience, heartbreak, joy, wonder and beauty of her human subjects. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free admission National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Things to Do This Week in Washington, DC
Monday Edit media ARTECHOUSE ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds ARTECHOUSE welcomes visitors to its seventh annual installation dedicated to celebrating the beauty of the cherry blossoms in DC. The museum treats your eyes to an exhibit inspired by the Isekai genre of Anime, allowing for the exploration of alternate universes stacked with colors, adventures and immersive technologies. Plus, discover Gachapons hidden throughout the exhibit to win prizes from local businesses or snag a book from the 'Isekai Library'. Make sure to take advantage of tickets with a 10% discount. Tickets (10% off) ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024 Edit media Pixar Putt Pixar Putt at The Wharf Go to infinity and beyond this summer with whimsical, Pixar-themed mini-golf. The outdoor pop-up is open daily at The Wharf for a limited time and includes 18 interactive putt-putt holes inspired by some of Pixar’s most beloved films, from Toy Story and Monsters, Inc. to Turning Red and Inside Out. Book your tee time for a daytime outing or an 18+ after-hours activity. Tickets 580 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Tuesday Edit media National Theatre MJ Winner of multiple Tony Awards, this breathtaking musical centers on Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous Tour, providing a rare look into the creative process behind one of the most dynamic entertainers of all-time. Created by Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, the acclaimed production makes its DC debut at The National Theatre. Tickets The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Edit media Capital One Arena Usher After dazzling the world with his performance at this year’s Super Bowl halftime show, Usher treks to DC during his world tour for back-to-back nights of concerts at Capital One Arena. The multi-platinum artist has more than enough hits to pack an evening full of iconic R&B. His jaw-dropping dance moves are another reason you can’t miss this eight-time GRAMMY winner’s show. 7 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Wednesday Edit media Signature Theatre Soft Power Billed as a “visionary musical fantasia,” Soft Power details the story of a Chinese American playwright attacked by an unknown assailant soon after the 2016 election. The playwright then imagines a Golden Age musical comedy featuring a Chinese theater producer and Hillary Clinton. The new political satire from Tony Award winners David Henry Hwang and Jeanine Tesori debuts at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va. Tickets Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206 Edit media 9:30 Club Washed Out The stage name of Ernest Greene has become synonymous with blissed-out, sun-drenched electronic pop. You likely know “Feel It All Around” due to its status as the opener for IFC’s long-running Portlandia, but the music of Washed Out has continued to evolve to offer an endearing mix of synth pop, rock, hip-hop and free jazz. 7 p.m. | Tickets 9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Edit media The Atlantis Perpetual Groove Founded in Savannah, Ga., the band known affectionately known as “PGroove” comes to Dave Grohl’s Atlantis space for a night of blissed-out jamming. Fans have labeled the group’s signature sound and light-filled stage show as “Trance Arena Rock” after years of stunning crowds on the international jam band circuit. 6:30 p.m. | Tickets The Atlantis, 2047 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Thursday Edit media Smithsonian American Art Museum Tuan Andrew Nguyen: The Island In his DC debut, Tuan Andrew Nguyen presents his video work The Island (2017) alongside the sculpted headdress Bidong Spirit I, which was created specifically for the film. Both works were inspired by and reference the Malaysian island of Pulau Bidong, a landing place for Vietnamese escaping by boat after South Vietnam’s collapse in 1975. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004 Edit media DCBX DC Bachata Congress Ranked as the best Latin dance festival in the U.S. five times, DCBX takes over the nation’s capital for five days each summer. Veterans and newbies of dancing bachata, the sexier-than-salsa dancing style from the Dominican Republic, will have plenty of chances to strut their stuff, from concerts to contests to workshops. Tickets The Westin Washington DC Downtown, 999 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Edit media The Kennedy Center MAMMA MIA! Even though it’s become widely known as a successful film franchise, the stage rendition of MAMMA MIA! remains an absolute musical powerhouse. The essential hits of chart-topping Swedish group ABBA serve as the soundtrack to a daughter’s journey to find the father she’s never known, which prompts the arrival of three men from her mother’s past. Set on a sun-strewn Greek island, the joyous production will be a summer highlight at the Kennedy Center. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Places to Stay Edit media Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today! #Only1DC Photo of the Week Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to Michelin-starred hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.