Washington DC Arts & Culture

Tap into the city’s creative heartbeat.

Whether you're inspired by free museums or culturally diverse neighborhoods, this city has it all. Catch a musical before it hits Broadway. Go where DC creators hatch their best ideas. The District oozes with local flavor and one-of-a-kind experiences. Bottle it up on your trip when you tour colorful street murals, chat with artists at Eastern Market or accept a standing invite to the Meridian Hill drum circle.

Passport DC - Embassy Open Houses

Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Guests Taking Photo of Ben's Chili Bowl Mural

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Where to Find the Most Colorful Street Murals in Washington, DC

Vibrant street art adds color to DC in any season.

Henry the elephant in the National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC

History, science, art and culture come alive at these free DC museum...

Theaters & Performance Spaces to See a Show in Washington, DC

A variety of performances grace stages throughout the District – her...

20+ Cool & Interesting Museums in Washington, DC That Aren’t On the National Mall

Venture off the National Mall to these knowledge centers for a uniqu...

Inside National Museum of African American History and Culture

Ways to Celebrate African American History & Culture in Washington, DC

Honor the Black experience at these museums, memorials and more thro...

Grab A Seat: Washington, DC’s Theaters Are Must-See Attractions

Why Washington, DC's performing arts scene is in a class of its own

Grandfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown Mural by Aniekan Udofia

Keep on Groovin’: An Intro to Go-Go Music in Washington, DC

The official music of the city has a fascinating history, but its st...

A couple looks at a colorful painting at the Phillips Collection.

2 Days of LGBTQ+ Culture & Arts in Washington, DC

Whether during Pride or year-round, visitors and locals can embrace ...

National Gallery of Art East Building - Museum on the National Mall - Washington, DC

Discover the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, DC

Explore modern artworks in this stunningly beautiful free museum on ...

The Best City to Visit in 2026

Washington, DC shines with can’t-miss events, new exhibits and prais...

@carahedge - Summer day outside The LINE Hotel in Adams Morgan - Unique hotels in Washington, DC

15 Cool Hotels for Your Next Trip to Washington, DC

These hip and trendy hotels offer unique experiences that blend the ...

SPONSORED

Virginia

George Washington's Mount Vernon

The iconic riverside estate of George Washington. Open daily, 365 days a year.

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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration is coming to Washington, D.C. summer 2026.

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SPONSORED

Foggy Bottom

The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for ...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

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SPONSORED

Georgetown

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden ...

Tudor Place offers unique and intimate settings perfect for special occasions.

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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Children's Museum

A playful learning adventure awaits at National Children's Museum!

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SPONSORED

National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

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SPONSORED

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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SPONSORED

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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Brookland

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Our Brookland location was opened in December 2021 boasting 9 auditoriums and a total of 870 seats.

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National Mall

National Museum of African Art

Devoted to the collection, exhibition, conservation and study of the arts of Africa

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Mus...

Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Warner Theatre

The Warner is host to a variety of televised events, award shows, conferences, film screenings and unique dinners on stage.

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Capitol Hill

Folger Shakespeare Library

The Folger welcomes everyone—from communities throughout Washington DC to communities across the globe—to connect in their own way.

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Southwest & The Wharf

ARTECHOUSE

At the crossroads of art, science and technology, ARTECHOUSE brings a true 21st century art experience to the nation's capital.

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Dupont Circle

The Keegan Theatre

The Keegan Theatre a unique meeting space just steps away from Dupont Circle.

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NoMa & Union Market

Wunder Garten

Outdoor community German inspired beergarden

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Feb

18

2026

National Mall

Tidal Basin 5k Running Tour

Now - Dec 31, 2027

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Feb

18

2026

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

Now - Feb 18, 2028

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Feb

18

2026

Dupont Circle

peter campus: there somewhere

Now - May 03, 2026

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Feb

18

2026

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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Feb

18

2026

Downtown

Tawny Chatmon

Now - Mar 06, 2026

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Feb

18

2026

Virginia

Historic Blenheim - Tours & History

Now - Feb 18, 2028

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Feb

19

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Guided Tour of the Missing Soldiers Office

Now - Feb 18, 2028

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Feb

19

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Dead Sea Scrolls

Now - Sep 07, 2026

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Feb

19

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Chez Joey

Now - Mar 15, 2026

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Downtown

State Fairs: Growing American Craft

Now - Sep 07, 2026

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Feb

19

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Chez Joey

Now - Mar 13, 2026

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Feb

19

2026

Virginia

Un/Bound Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865

Now - Mar 09, 2026

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Feb

19

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

On Beckett

Now - Mar 15, 2026

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Feb

19

2026

Capitol Hill

Julius X

Now - Feb 18, 2028

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Feb

19

2026

Downtown

The American Story

Now - Feb 18, 2028

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Feb

19

2026

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

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Feb

19

2026

National Mall

Special Exhibitions and Installations

Now - Jan 01, 2027

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Feb

19

2026

Virginia

America's 250th Passport at Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center

Now - Dec 31, 2026

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Feb

19

2026

National Mall

Mall to Monuments 5k Running Tour

Now - Sep 05, 2027

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Feb

19

2026

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Apr 30, 2027

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Featured Places to Stay

Book a memorable night at DC hotels

Boutique hotels, family-friendly hotels, budget-friendly hotels - whatever you're looking for, you'll find it. Explore the hotel options waiting for your arrival.

Take Me There

Southwest & The Wharf

Canopy Washington DC The Wharf

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Downtown

Eaton Washington DC

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Downtown

Hotel Zena

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Adams Morgan

The LINE DC

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Partner Content

The District Blog

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Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

Why DC is the Best City to Visit in 2026

Order Your Free Visitors Guide

5 Reasons to Partner with a DMO

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Your Meeting Planner Toolkit

Museums with After-Hours Programming in Washington, DC

Learning on Location

Top Ways Washington, DC is a Sustainable City

Member Testimonials

Learn More About Partnerships

The District Blog

20+ Restaurants with Fires to Cozy Up to

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

Why DC is the Best City to Visit in 2026

Order Your Free Visitors Guide

Arts & Culture

Tap into the city’s creative heartbeat.

Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Where to Find the Most Colorful Street Murals in Washington, DC

Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC

Theaters & Performance Spaces to See a Show in Washington, DC

20+ Cool & Interesting Museums in Washington, DC That Aren’t On the National Mall

Ways to Celebrate African American History & Culture in Washington, DC

Grab A Seat: Washington, DC’s Theaters Are Must-See Attractions

Keep on Groovin’: An Intro to Go-Go Music in Washington, DC

2 Days of LGBTQ+ Culture & Arts in Washington, DC

Discover the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, DC

The Best City to Visit in 2026

15 Cool Hotels for Your Next Trip to Washington, DC

George Washington&#039;s Mount Vernon

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for ...

Tudor Place Historic House &amp; Garden ...

National Children&#039;s Museum

National Museum of the American Indian

Anacostia Community Museum

National Postal Museum

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

National Museum of African Art

Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Mus...

Warner Theatre

Folger Shakespeare Library

ARTECHOUSE

The Keegan Theatre

Wunder Garten

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

18

National Mall

Tidal Basin 5k Running Tour

18

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

18

Dupont Circle

peter campus: there somewhere

18

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

18

Downtown

Tawny Chatmon

18

Virginia

Historic Blenheim - Tours & History

19

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Guided Tour of the Missing Soldiers Office

19

Southwest & The Wharf

Dead Sea Scrolls

19

Southwest & The Wharf

Chez Joey

Downtown

State Fairs: Growing American Craft

19

Southwest & The Wharf

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden ...

National Children's Museum