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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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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Foggy Bottom

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

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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

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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SPONSORED

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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SPONSORED

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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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Children's Museum

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Downtown

Hedy's Rooftop

Hedy's Rooftop at Hotel Zena

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Virginia

Whino

Whino is a 6,500 square foot modern art centric event space.

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Anacostia

Frederick Douglass National Historic Sit...

The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site preserves the last residence of Frederick Douglass (1818 -1895), one of the most prominent African American leaders of the 19th century

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Virginia

Wolf Trap

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NoMa & Union Market

J Studio

J Studio is the perfect space for anyone and everyone to get in touch with their creative side.

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Foggy Bottom

Shear Madness

Shrieks of Laughter, Night After Night at Shear Madness

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Southwest & The Wharf

Angie D Entertainment

Full service entertainment and engagement production company using digital photo technology to create interactive entertainment for events.

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Petworth

Hook Hall

DC's premier event venue, beer garden, cafe and tavern featuring a large indoor and outdoor space located in the heart of Washington, DC.

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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...

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...

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...

The Best City to Visit in 2025

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

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Feb

24

2025

Dupont Circle

Winter Wonderland

Now - Feb 28, 2025

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Feb

24

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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Feb

24

2025

Capitol Hill

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

Now - Feb 22, 2027

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Feb

24

2025

Mount Vernon Square

Marvin Bowser's "BlackHair" at MVT Photo Walk

Now - Feb 28, 2025

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Feb

24

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Apr 25, 2025

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Feb

24

2025

National Mall

Spirit & Strength: Modern Art from Haiti

Now - Mar 09, 2025

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Feb

24

2025

Downtown

Samantha Box: Confluences

Now - Mar 23, 2025

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Feb

24

2025

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Feb

24

2025

National Mall

The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography

Now - Apr 06, 2025

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Feb

24

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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Feb

24

2025

Upper Northwest

Hold On, Change is Coming

Now - Mar 01, 2025

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Feb

24

2025

Upper Northwest

Hold On, Change is Coming

Now - Mar 01, 2025

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Feb

25

2025

Brookland

BFD Tuesdays

Feb 25, 2025 - May 27, 2025

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Feb

25

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Kunene and the King

Now - Mar 16, 2025

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Feb

25

2025

Virginia

In the Heights

Now - May 04, 2025

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Feb

25

2025

Virginia

Job

Now - Mar 16, 2025

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Feb

25

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Agents of Change: African American Professionals in the Intelligence Community Reflect

Feb 25, 2025

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Feb

26

2025

Upper Northwest

Hold On, Change is Coming

Now - Mar 01, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

Maryland

20th Anniversary Class of Strathmore's Artist in Residence Program

Feb 26, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

Virginia

Masters of Hawaiian Music

Feb 27, 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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Learn more about how Washington, DC invests in the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders.

Free Things to Do: Best of Washington, DC

15+ Speakeasy Bars & Hidden Cocktail Lounges in Washington, DC

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

Why DC is the Best City to Visit in 2025

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.

ARTECHOUSE

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

National Museum of the American Indian

Anacostia Community Museum

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Museum of Women in the Arts

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Children's Museum

Hedy's Rooftop

Whino

Frederick Douglass National Historic Sit...

Wolf Trap

J Studio

Shear Madness

Angie D Entertainment

Hook Hall

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

2 Days Exploring LGBTQ+ 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

The Best City to Visit in 2025

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

24

Dupont Circle

Winter Wonderland

24

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

24

Capitol Hill

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

24

Mount Vernon Square

Marvin Bowser's "BlackHair" at MVT Photo Walk

24

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

24

National Mall

Spirit & Strength: Modern Art from Haiti

24

Downtown

Samantha Box: Confluences

24

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

24

National Mall

The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography

24

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

24