Washington DC Arts & Culture

Anyone in DC can tap into the city’s creative heartbeat, you just need to know where to look.

Whether you become inspired by free museums or culturally diverse neighborhoods with bustling shops and cafes, this city has it all. Catch a musical before it hits Broadway. Go where DC creators hatch their best ideas. Subscribe to a podcast that’s recorded live from your hotel. 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

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Downtown

National Children's Museum

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

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Virginia

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps: Enter and experience what it means to be a Marine.

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National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

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Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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Downtown

National Museum of Women in the Arts

First major museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts.

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Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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Foggy Bottom

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

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U Street

9:30 Club

Concert venue located a few blocks from the U Street Metro stop

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Columbia Heights

Spain-USA Foundation

Enjoy and discover cultural events and works of internationally renowned Spanish artists in the fields such as design, urban culture, architecture, visual arts, performing arts, literature and music

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

District E Powered by Ticketmaster

District E is a state-of-the-art destination gaming and hospitality space, conveniently located directly adjacent to Capital One Arena. OPENING 2023!

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Columbia Heights

Spain-USA Foundation

Located in the 16th Street, NW Historic District, the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain serves as the headquarters of the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain

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Dupont Circle

Woodrow Wilson House

Dine intimately in the presidential Dining Room, enjoy cocktails throughout the main museum rooms or relax and unwind in the tranquil period garden.

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Upper Northwest

Washington National Cathedral

Standing at one of the city's highest points, this soaring Gothic cathedral extends almost the length of two football fields and pierces the city's skyline.

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NoMa & Union Market

Wunder Garten

Outdoor community German inspired beergarden

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Upper Northwest

The Washington Ballet

The Washington Ballet (TWB) 2023/24 Season of Discovery Tickets On-Sale Now!

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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...

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 ...

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...

Couple walking with child during Capital Pride Parade - LGBTQ Summer Events in Washington, DC

2 Days Exploring LGBTQ+ Washington, DC

The nation’s capital is one of the most diverse—and welcoming—cities...

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

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Apr

26

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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Apr

26

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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Apr

26

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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Apr

26

2025

Eckington Flea

Now - May 24, 2025

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Apr

26

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre: A Sensory-Friendly Performance

Now - Apr 26, 2025

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Apr

26

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Apr 24, 2027

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Apr

27

2025

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 17, 2025

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Apr

27

2025

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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Apr

27

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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Apr

27

2025

Virginia

In the Heights

Now - May 04, 2025

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Apr

27

2025

Capitol Hill

The Flea Market at Eastern Market

Apr 27, 2025 - May 25, 2025

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Apr

28

2025

Capitol Hill

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

Now - Apr 26, 2027

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Apr

28

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Fake It Until You Make It

Now - May 02, 2025

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Apr

28

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

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Apr

28

2025

Petworth

Monday Fun-Day

Apr 28, 2025

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Apr

29

2025

Brookland

BFD Tuesdays

Apr 29, 2025 - May 27, 2025

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Apr

30

2025

Downtown

Film: War Paint—Women at War

Apr 30, 2025

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May

01

2025

Dupont Circle

VIP Business to Business Breakfast

May 01, 2025

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May

02

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Guided Tour of the Missing Soldiers Office

Now - Apr 24, 2027

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May

02

2025

Dupont Circle

The Magic Duel Comedy Show at Pinstripes Georgetown

Now - May 31, 2025

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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

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Learn more about how Washington, DC invests in the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders.

The District Blog

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Celebrate WorldPride in Washington, DC: May 17 – June 8

Order Your Free Visitors Guide

Arts & Culture

Anyone in DC can tap into the city’s creative heartbeat, you just need to know where to look.

National Children's Museum

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Museum of the American Indian

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Postal Museum

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Anacostia Community Museum

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

9:30 Club

Spain-USA Foundation

District E Powered by Ticketmaster

Spain-USA Foundation

Woodrow Wilson House

Washington National Cathedral

Wunder Garten

The Washington Ballet

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

Discover the National Gallery of Art East Building 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 Exploring LGBTQ+ Washington, DC

The Best City to Visit in 2025

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

26

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

26

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

26

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

26

Eckington Flea

26

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre: A Sensory-Friendly Performance

26

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

27

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

27

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

27

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

27

Virginia

In the Heights

27

Capitol Hill