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Things to Do This May in Washington, DC

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

Things to Do This Weekend in Washington, DC

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