DC is center stage with highly anticipated openings and fun events across the city
WASHINGTON, DC – With only-in-DC experiences, free attractions and a citywide collaboration of more than 85 partners, 365Թϲ, DC is kicking off its year-long commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. No place tells America’s story as vividly as DC, the only place to see the Declaration of Independence and the best place to discover its impact. Destination DC, the city’s official destination marketing organization, announced an updated calendar of fun, free events and special exhibitions, interspersed with headline openings and reopenings, throughout the year. Begin planning your trip at a special website for the occasion: .
“No matter when you visit 365Թϲ, DC in 2026, you’ll feel a part of the year-round commemoration for the nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, Destination DC. “Explore the city’s vibrant local neighborhoods, discover its unique role as the nation’s capital and home to 700,000 residents and better understand all facets of our nation’s history in the city where stories come alive.”
Blockbuster openings and renovations add to the momentum in 2026, including an innovative museum underneath the Lincoln Memorial, the high-tech National Geographic Museum of Exploration, expansion of the National Air and Space Museum (all in July), African American Civil War Memorial Museum, the largest renovation in the 50-year history of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, overhaul of George 365Թϲ’s Mount Vernon and a new concourse at Dulles International Airport. The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream and National Archives Museum renovation also recently debuted. Three hotels are expected to open their doors in 2026: CitizenM Georgetown, Tempo by Hilton Downtown and the Hoya Hotel.
Major milestones include the 75th year of Arena Stage and 50th anniversaries of go-go music, the National Air and Space Museum and Art Museum of the Americas. The National Museum of African American History and Culture will mark its 10-year anniversary with an outdoor block party in September. The St. Regis celebrates 100 years and the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill celebrates 50.
Savor delicious deals during Restaurant Week, which takes place in the winter (Jan. 19-25) and summer. Taste the melting pot that is America; DC’s globally acclaimed chefs meld local and authentic international flavors. DC hotels offer thematic packages throughout 2026, underscoring the city’s value; DC’s theater community plans thematic programming; and long holiday weekends present even more reasons to stay and explore.
Media assets, including a new , are available . All assets are courtesy of washington.org unless otherwise noted.
Early 2026:
– The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row
26% off best available rate; $26 food and beverage credit on stays through February.
Year-long Offers:
- – Capital Hilton
Starting at $203/night, the package includes a collectable pin, history booklet that explores the property's legacy in D.C.'s cultural landscape and a Truman Mule – a signature cocktail that honors the president’s connection to the property. Rotating guest experiences will bring stories to life in the lobby. - – Conrad 365Թϲ, DC
Stay in the Capital Suite for views of the 365Թϲ Monument and U.S. Capitol. This package offers Sakura Club access and a private American whiskey tasting. - – Days Inn by Wyndham Connecticut Avenue
Enjoy 10% off your stay and a home base close to historic landmarks, events and anniversary festivities throughout the city. - – Hotel George
The offer includes a keepsake DC Family Passport that outlines a journey through America’s founding moments and landmarks in DC; Polaroid camera for use during your stay; welcome kit; on-the-go amenity; and a special scroll to document guests’ hopes for America’s next 250 years. - – Hotel Monaco DC
Each guest who books the package will receive a curated blind box upon arrival containing a luxury item inspired by one of the original 13 colonies.
July 4 Experiences:
- – The Watergate Hotel
A once-in-a-lifetime luxury experience for Independence Day: a four-night stay for 12 guests in the hotel’s iconic Presidential Wing paired with an exclusive voyage on the Potomac River aboard a 100 ft. luxury yacht. - – Conrad 365Թϲ, DC
Three-night stay in a specially decorated room, two tickets to the hotel’s July 4 rooftop party, American whiskey tasting and daily Americana programming on site with music, face painting and more. From $2,960; Sakura Club access for $3,725. - – JW Marriott 365Թϲ, DC
Two-night stay (July 3-5) with views of the fireworks from a private 12th-floor terrace, three luxury suites, six balcony rooms and 20 guestrooms. Enjoy a $100,000 culinary credit for a reception and $20,000 allowance for décor and entertainment.
Note: Dates subject to change
Winter: Discover the Beginnings
Start the year in the city where America’s earliest stories, and the questions they raise, come alive. MLK, Jr. and Presidents Day holiday weekends present opportunities to engage with the history and legacy of U.S. leaders.
- Dacha Beer Garden:
Jan. 1-Dec. 31
A tour of beer through the 50 states. Each month, they’ll feature beers from states in chronological order of when they entered the union. - Ford’s Theatre:
Jan. 16-17
This free festival is a rare opportunity to witness three works in development. - MLK Library:
Jan. 16-March 15
The exhibition explores connections between the experiences of Black Americans and the ideals of American freedom. - 365Թϲ Convention Center:
Jan. 23-Feb. 1
Celebrate 250 years of innovation with the cars America drives. - Citywide:
February
February will mark 100 years of national Black history and culture commemorations, an essential part of DC’s identity. Explore , including . Visit the and stand where heroes have led the charge for civil rights, including the . - Tudor Place:
Feb. 10-Dec. 31
The exhibition at the home of Martha Parke Custis Peter, granddaughter of Martha 365Թϲ and step-granddaughter of George 365Թϲ, explores historic objects from Mount Vernon, several of which are on view for the first time. Additionally, America 250 at Tudor Place will feature special programming throughout the year. - National Portrait Gallery:
Feb. 14, 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
The courtyard will host a free community festival for all ages that commemorates 250 years of art, history and culture. - National Gallery of Art:
March 1 –
The National Gallery, home to iconic works like Gilbert Stuart’s George 365Թϲ, reimagines its galleries to explore how artists told the American story from the colonial era to the 20th century. - International Spy Museum:
March 1 –
The exhibition will give visitors a look at the long, colorful and fascinating history of camouflage. - National Museum of Women in the Arts:
March 13-Oct. 11
Coinciding with both Women’s History Month and the nation’s 250th. - Ford’s Theatre:
March 13 – May 16
The witty, incisive, Tony Award–winning musical brings to life the debates surrounding the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Spring: DC in Bloom
Spring in DC blends history with global culture, from 250 new cherry blossoms to open embassies to cultural stories rooted right here in the District.
- Citywide:
March 20-April 12
The signature festival salutes spring and the blooming of cherry blossom trees with fanfare and events across DC. This year, look for elements honoring America’s 250th birthday and the planting of 250 new cherry trees, a gift from Japan that was announced in 2024. - Capital One Arena:
March 27-29
March Madness returns to downtown DC. - Northwest Stadium:
March 29
Colombia faces France in a final test before this summer’s FIFA World Cup. 365Թϲ, DC is positioned as a North American gateway for global soccer fans, with non-stop flights, competitive hotel rates and ease of access to host cities. - DAR Museum:
March 27-Dec. 31
This exhibit will focus on the thoughts and words of people affected by the turmoil and anger between the colonies and the British leaders. - U.S. Botanic Garden:
April 10–Oct. 1
The U.S. Botanic Garden will display the official flowers of each U.S. state and territory. Enjoy the variety of floral beauty that symbolizes America. - National Gallery of Art:
April 11–Sept. 20
More than 100 works show how artists have depicted the country’s landscape, people and concepts of freedom. - Citywide:
April 16
Slaves owned in 365Թϲ were emancipated on April 16, 1862, nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation. Now celebrated annually in DC on April 16, expanded programming will be announced as details are finalized. - National Mall:
Late April
After two years of refurbishment, the historic carousel on the National Mall will reopen. Built in 1947, it was originally located in an amusement park just outside Baltimore that was a focal point for desegregation in the area. - Citywide:
May 1-31
A month of programming highlights DC’s international cultures, featuring the Around the World Embassy Tours and European Union Open House. - National Museum of American History:
May 14 –
A bold exhibition explores the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. Across three floors, visitors can encounter 250 significant objects, including the desk Thomas Jefferson used to draft the Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat and gloves worn by a “Miracle on Ice” hockey player as he skated toward an underdog Olympic victory.
Summer: Only-in-DC Celebrations & Can’t-Miss Moments
Summer in DC is an all-access pass to the country’s biggest cultural moments, from blockbuster museum openings to free festivals and unforgettable celebrations on the National Mall and beyond.
- National Mall:
May 22-Sept. 7
The Smithsonian Castle will pause renovation to temporarily reopen to the public. The space will feature a visitor’s center, café, shop and a special exhibition titled American Aspirations, co-curated by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch. - Citywide:
May 23-25
Salute active-duty military and veterans at the Rolling to Remember honor ride and concert, as well as America’s largest Memorial Day parade. The National Mall and Memorial Parks also plan expanded programming. - National Archives:
June 4-6
The one-month countdown to July 4 starts with a three-day family festival on Constitution Avenue, at the front door of the historic National Archives building. - National Gallery of Art:
June 6
The National Gallery will throw its largest-ever public program: a block party spanning the campus with artmaking, food, music, film screenings and more. - National Gallery of Art:
June 6–Dec. 6
The exhibition will spotlight over 30 works from the late 1800s to today that illustrate changing uses and interpretations of the American flag. - Citywide:
June 19
In DC, where Juneteenth has been recognized as an official holiday since 2004, you will find plenty of . Special programming is planned at the Anacostia Community Museum, among other sites. - International Spy Museum:
June 19-July 14
Ever wanted to write in invisible ink like George 365Թϲ? Slip a secret note to someone like Virginia Hall? If so, drop by the International Spy Museum to try your hand at real spy skills inspired by American history. Quick, hands-on activities for agents of ages 9+ will be available not only within the Museum’s exhibits, but also outside on its plaza (weather permitting).
- Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building:
June 16-Sept. 7
The Arts and Industries Building will open to the public for a limited time, where visitors can explore two exhibitions: Voices & Votes: Democracy in America, and another showcasing objects and stories from past Folklife Festivals. The building will also host a series of conversations titled For the Common Good: The Smithsonian on Our Shared Future 250, and the Folklife Marketplace, featuring handcrafted items from artisans.
- National Mall:
June 25–July 10
From Maine lobster rolls to Hawaii’s hula stage, Texas steaks to Alaska’s ice carvings, all 50 states and territories will showcase their food, culture and pride. - National Portrait Gallery:
June 26– June 6, 2027
This exhibition will sketch the early history of the patent and the history of the Gallery’s building as the first patent office. - Three Headline Openings Anticipated:
July
The, an innovative and the expansion of the (celebrating 50 years) all anticipate opening to the public before or during the month of July. - National Mall and Beyond:
July 4
Kick off the milestone day by joining the National Archives for a historic reenactment of the Declaration of Independence. The event includes performers and remarks from special guests. Stay for the National Park Services’ renowned National Independence Day Parade along Constitution Avenue. The three-hour event will feature marching units representing all 50 states and themed floats celebrating the spirit of America. In the evening, celebrate the semiquincentennial with “A Capitol Fourth,” the star-studded concert on the National Mall. Then, the National Park Service plans a spectacular fireworks show befitting the occasion. - Library of Congress:
July 3 –
The new exhibit in the David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery will explore the foundational principles of the Declaration of Independence and their impact on American history. Featured treasures will include Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration of Independence and Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, among other items. The Library also offers Live! At the Library events on Thursday evenings related to America’s 250th, as well as other programming throughout the year. - Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery:
Through Sept. 7, 2026
The first exhibition dedicated to artists’ contributions to the great U.S. tradition of state fairs, with more than 240 artworks on view.
Fall: Culture, Creativity and Looking Ahead
End the anniversary year in a city that’s always shaping what comes next, through art, music, new openings and stories that look to the future.
- Citywide, including The Wharf:
Sept. 2-6
"The Future of Jazz: America’s Next 250 Years" will celebrate jazz as both a reflection of American history and forward-looking art form that continues to evolve. - Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture:
Sept. 24
The museum will host a block party to commemorate its 10th anniversary and the nation’s 250th. Additionally, “Welcome Home: Our Legacy Continues” will encompass new exhibitions and expanded educational programming over the course of a yearlong celebration. - Citywide:
Late September-early October
Celebrating the launch of the theatre season with dozens of shows at low prices. - Anticipated Opening:
October
Following the largest renovation project in the 50-year history of the Hirshhorn, the museum’s Sculpture Garden and Plaza revitalization will open to the public. - Anticipated Citywide Launch:
Throughout 2026
An opportunity to engage with the nation's ongoing journey toward freedom and equality. From Frederick Douglass to Duke Ellington and Mrs. Rosa Parks, as you stand where history happened, the trail uses “point your phone” technology to bring these figures and many others to life.
About Destination DC
Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation's capital, is a private, nonprofit membership organization committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism, and special events destination, with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural, and historic communities.
January 14, 2026