Our end-of-the-week picks for June 20-22, 2025
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
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Friday
From Shadow to Substance: Grand-Scale Portraits During Photography’s Formative Years
The National Portrait Gallery displays early photographic mastery in an exhibit featuring works in the impressive whole-plate format (8.5 × 6.5 inches). Trace the evolution of the art form, from daguerreotypes to ambrotypes to tintypes. Featured icons include Daniel Webster, John C. Calhoun, Gaetano Bedini and John Frederick Kensett.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Swedish Midsummer on the National Mall
Welcome summer the Swedish way. On Midsummer Eve, the Embassy of Sweden invites you to the open-air lawn of the Sylvan Theater for an evening of joy, music and tradition, set against the stunning backdrop of the Washington Monument. Dance around the maypole (midsommarstång), make your own flower crown and celebrate like a true Swede.
6-9 p.m. | Free Admission
Independence Ave SW & 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Les Misérables
Back in 1986, the Kennedy Center hosted the pre-Broadway run of what has become one of the most popular musicals of all time. And in the summer of 2025, Les Mis comes home. Seen by more than 130 million people worldwide, this brilliant new interpretation of the classic production tells an epic story of love, passion, redemption and survival set in 19th-century France.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Arena Stage
A Wrinkle in Time
With music and lyrics by Heather Christian, a book by Lauren Yee (the mind behind Cambodian Rock Band) and direction by Lee Sunday Evans, this highly anticipated production comes to Arena Stage next summer. Join main character Meg on an epic quest in an adventurous new musical adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's Newbery Medal-winning novel. Prepare for a spellbinding journey through space and time.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Saturday
Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle
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
Home Rule Music Festival
The DC-centric festival celebrates the rich music and cultural scene of the nation's capital. The 2025 edition includes a full day of live performances at the Parks at Walter Reed. If you can't make it this Saturday, plan ahead for part three in October.
More Info
The Parks at Walter Reed, 1010 Butternut Street, NW, Washington, DC
Pride in STEM Festival
Identity, creativity and curiosity come together at this vibrant, all-ages event featuring hands-on science experiments, collaborative art and the fabulous Science Drag Storytime. Drop in to explore everything from rainbow optics to DIY Pride bracelets in an inclusive space. Enjoy special in-store offers, surprise giveaways and discounts on summer STEM programs while you play, learn and shine with pride.
12-6 p.m. | More Info
Because Science, 1759 Columbia Road NW, Washington, DC 20009
© Georgetown BID
Fête De La Musique – World Music Day
Faites la fête at Georgetown's 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
The Hirshhorn
Smithsonian Solstice Saturday
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.
More Info | Free Admission
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 Info | Free Admission
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations
If you think the music of The Temptations is fantastic, just wait until you hear their story. The National Theatre hosts the Broadway smash Ain’t Too Proud, a musical that will make you want to dance in the aisles. Five kids from Detroit are discovered by the legendary Berry Gordy, then signed to Motown, then launched into an unforgettable career filled with chart-topping hits. Along the way, both friendship and betrayal enter the story, in addition to civil rights struggles in the country at-large. Don’t miss this Tony Award-winning song-and-dance extravaganza that also offers a captivating tale.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Twelfth Night – Final Weekend
Audiences should prepare themselves for a night filled with hilarious mistaken identity mix-ups at Folger Theatre thanks to what is considered Shakespeare’s funniest play. After losing her twin brother in a shipwreck, Viola must pass as that brother in the world of Duke Orsino, leading to a hilarious tale that addresses gender fluidity and the discovery of true love.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Caamp & Whitney
Two folk-rock bonafides share a bill at The Anthem. Take note, as a first show sold out quickly. Caamp’s music will remind you of just that – campfire vibes filled with nostalgia, storytelling and gentle arrangements. Whitney turns the dial back to 1970s AM-radio with sepia-toned songs that suit quiet introspection or a peaceful drive through the countryside.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Sunday
FIFA Club World Cup
FIFA Club World Cup
Audi Field host two more premier matches of the FIFA Club World Cup this summer: FC Salzburg challenges Al Hilal this Sunday and Wydad AC plays Al Ain FC next Thursday, June 26. Tickets are still available for both games.
Tickets
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Cut + Paste: Experimental Japanese Prints and Photographs
The National Museum of Asian Art showcases 17 Japanese artists who have pushed boundaries in printmaking and photography. The exhibit features multilayered images that challenge distinctions between mediums, traditions and notions of fine art and commercial design.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical
If you’re full of fear and loathing, boy, does Signature Theatre have a show for you this summer. A rock musical about Hunter S. Thompson promises to be a raucous, bewildering immersion into Gonzo journalism, political anarchy and drug culture. The anticipated production is directed by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece comes to the stage at Klein Theatre thanks to Shakespeare Theatre Company and the writing/directing talents of Emily Burns. The foundational tale concerns Elizabeth and Victor Frankenstein and the creation of a monster that continues to resonate throughout contemporary art.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
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!
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.
