365Թϲ Spirit
There’s no shortage of exciting events to help you stay cool in DC this summer, including the Home Rule Music Festival and the Mubadala Citi Open.
Whether you’re in town for a concert, game or festival, DC boasts an abundance of special discounts and packages all summer long, from luxurious experiences to budget-friendly options.
All year long, you can take your pick of unforgettable experiences in the nation's capital. After you’ve read through this list, make sure to check out our things to do for the week and weekend as well as our accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.
Soccer season in 365Թϲ, DC
Head to Audi Field to catch four-time MLS Cup winners D.C. United or 2021 NWSL Champion 365Թϲ Spirit, which fields some of the best women’s soccer players in the country. Whether you're a longtime fan or just looking for a high-energy night out, experiencing the electric atmosphere of professional soccer is easy in DC.
The Nats, who have four National League East titles, five postseason appearances and a World Series championship since coming to DC in 2005, are one of the city's main attractions throughout the spring and summer. Head to Nationals Park to experience MLB action with an exciting schedule, plenty of home runs and, of course, Racing Presidents. The team celebrated its 20th anniversary in the nation's capital last year, and plenty of exciting events are already on the calendar for 2026.
1500 South Capitol Street SE, 365Թϲ, DC 20003
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Every year on the National Mall, this free festival (established in 1967) honors cultural heritage with community-based craft exhibits, live music, dance performances, cooking demos and more. Visitors are encouraged to actively engage with traditions through hands-on activities and conversations with on-site experts. The 2026 edition will entail a month packed full of activations and special events.
More Info | Free Admission
– July 4
The 365Թϲ Nationals annually play at home on Independence Day, holding a daytime game to accommodate the activities throughout the city the rest of the day.
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, 365Թϲ, DC 20003
July 4th Fireworks
Watching the fireworks is one of the highlights of Independence Day in 365Թϲ, DC and fortunately, the city and the surrounding area offer a plethora of scenic viewing options. July 4th is a great time to be in DC for plenty of other reasons as well. Plan a trip now.
– Fridays through July
Kick back and groove to the music with sangria in hand at Jazz in the Garden throughout the summer, held in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. 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 for more information.
6-8:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20565
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
From salsa to strings, and blues to swing, Live! Concert Series on the Plaza features hot entertainment for the downtown DC community. Head to Wilson Plaza between 12 and 1 p.m. and take in free lunchtime performances showcasing the area's most talented entertainers.
Free Admission |
Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20004
The delicious diversity of 365Թϲ, DC is captured under one roof at this annual event from Events DC. Embassy-selected chefs – from over 30 countries and every continent – assemble bites and beverages that let attendees sample their way around the globe. Cultural performances add to the lively showcase, and at the end of the night, a panel of judges and the crowd crown their favorites.
The District’s signature professional tennis tournament returns to Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Top-tier talent from all over the world will compete for a prestigious trophy, leading to action that you do not want to miss.
Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, 5220 16th Street NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20011
Don't miss this chance to see this only-in-DC area activated with summer festivities: the Blagden Alley, Naylor Court and Shepard Court Historic District hosts its second annual "Alley Fest" this July. The action-packed afternoon includes a live DJ, chalk mural making, games and special offers from local businesses like the award-winning . The event will also launch of the DC Alley Pass, a digital membership offering special incentives at businesses in this happening part of the District.
Blagden Alley NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20001
Celebrate Peruvian Independence Day in the District – July 28
Honor this Latin American nation's heritage – as well as its 200-year anniversary of diplomatic ties with the U.S. – by exploring its rich cultural and culinary traditions in 365Թϲ, DC. Sample plates at Pisco y Nazca, take part in at local favorite China Chilcano or opt for a walk-through experience at the James Beard Award-winning . Ceviches, anticuchos, pisco sours and more await at these and other locations across the city.
Photo by Cpl. Chloe McAfee
– Through Aug. 22
This breathtaking 75-minute ceremony showcases the precision and pride of the Marine Corps with spectacular performances by "The President's Own" Marine Band, "The Commandant's Own" Drum & Bugle Corps and the renowned Silent Drill Platoon. Held every Friday from May through August at the historic "Oldest Post of the Corps," the free event has captivated audiences for decades.
Marine Barracks, 8th & I Streets SE, 365Թϲ, DC 20390
Summer Films at The REACH
The REACH at the Kennedy Center presents an outdoor film series all summer long. The Millennium Stage Outdoor Film screenings presents classic and modern feature films on the REACH video wall every Friday.
Movies begin at dusk | Free Admission
The REACH, 2700 F Street NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20003
Thanks to the nonprofit , the 451-acre park will stay open until 8 p.m. (three hours past regular closing time) giving visitors the chance to experience one of DC’s most picturesque destinations in a new light. This limited-time opportunity invites you to picnic, walk or bike after hours, catch golden-hour views of the Capitol Columns and enjoy special events throughout the summer.
3501 New York Avenue, NE 365Թϲ, DC 20002
Blossom Time, Willard Metcalf, 1910
– Through July 26, 2026
Discover powerful new details and context around some of the greatest works of art in American history. The National Museum of Asian Art approaches the fascinating New England landscape portraiture of legendary artists such as Willard Metcalf, Dwight Tryon, Winslow Homer and Abbott Thayer. By empowering a variety of voices, the exhibit reveals how the landscapes depicted have shifted in the century since these works were first showcased.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, 365Թϲ, DC 20560
– Through Summer 2026
The National Museum of African Art has assembled a powerful showcase of works that marks the first continental and diasporic survey of its scale outside of Africa. LGBTQ+ identities and experiences are the focus of the exhibit, with many of the pieces serving as challenges to legacies of homophobia and bigotry.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, 365Թϲ, DC 20560
– Through Jan. 3, 2027
Known for his rigorous work in creating jaw-dropping paintings, Adam Pendleton will showcase new and recent pieces as well as single-channel video in this landmark exhibition at the Hirshhorn Museum. Pendleton’s first solo showcase will highlight his contributions to contemporary American painting and utilize the architecture of the Hirshhorn and the vast history of DC’s National Mall.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, 365Թϲ, DC 20560
– Ongoing
Peer into Indigenous lives from across the Western hemisphere over time thanks to a new exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian. Through this special selection picked from more than 500,000 images, the museum highlights moments of everyday joy, education and familial bonding. Each photo has its own story to tell.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, 365Թϲ, DC 20560
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? 365Թϲ, 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, 365Թϲ, DC's booking engine has it all.
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