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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Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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SPONSORED

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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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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Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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SPONSORED

Foggy Bottom

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

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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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Downtown

National Children's Museum

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

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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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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Smithsonian American Art Museum

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National Mall

Art Museum of the Americas, Organization...

The oldest museum of modern and contemporary Latin American and Caribbean art in the United States

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Shaw

The Howard Theatre

One-of-a-Kind Private Event Experience: From Concert Venue to Corporate Awards Dinner

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Downtown

Wild Days @ Eaton Hotel

Eaton DC's indoor/outdoor rooftop music venue and bar serves up street food from Chef Tim Ma.

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NoMa & Union Market

Wunder Garten

Outdoor community German inspired beergarden

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

National Building Museum

The National Building Museum is America's leading cultural institution devoted to the history and impact of the built environment.

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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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Capitol Hill

Folger Shakespeare Library

While our historic building is under renovation (2020-22), connect with the Folger at sites across DC, on tour and online. More at folger.edu.

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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

Apr

05

2025

Capitol Hill

A Room in the Castle

Now - Apr 06, 2025

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Apr

05

2025

Capitol Hill

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

Now - Apr 03, 2027

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Apr

05

2025

Virginia

In the Heights

Now - May 04, 2025

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Apr

05

2025

Georgetown

Cherry Blossom Tasting Menu

Now - Apr 06, 2025

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Apr

05

2025

Logan Circle

Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament

Now - Apr 19, 2025

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Apr

05

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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Apr

05

2025

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 17, 2025

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Apr

05

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Uncle Vanya

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

05

2025

Foggy Bottom

Earth to Space Festival

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

05

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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Apr

05

2025

Eckington Flea

Now - May 24, 2025

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Apr

05

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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Apr

05

2025

National Mall

The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography

Now - Apr 06, 2025

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Apr

05

2025

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

05

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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Apr

05

2025

Upper Northwest

47th Amethyst Anniversary

Now - Apr 19, 2025

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Apr

05

2025

Georgetown

History of Black Georgetown

Now - May 17, 2025

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Apr

05

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Apr 03, 2027

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Apr

05

2025

Downtown

Cherry Blossoms at Love, Makoto

Now - Apr 13, 2025

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Apr

05

2025

Maryland

Comedy Shows Near Me - Silver Spring

Now - Apr 03, 2027

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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 Partnerships

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

Free Things to Do: Best of Washington, DC

Great Patios for Eating & Drinking in Washington, DC

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

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.

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

ARTECHOUSE

National Museum of Women in the Arts

National Postal Museum

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Children's Museum

National Museum of the American Indian

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Art Museum of the Americas, Organization...

The Howard Theatre

Wild Days @ Eaton Hotel

Wunder Garten

National Building Museum

Hook Hall

Folger Shakespeare Library

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

05

Capitol Hill

A Room in the Castle

05

Capitol Hill

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

05

Virginia

In the Heights

05

Georgetown

Cherry Blossom Tasting Menu

05

Logan Circle

Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament

05

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

05

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

05

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Uncle Vanya

05

Foggy Bottom

Earth to Space Festival

05

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

05