Things to do the week of June 16-19, 2025
We've gathered up things to do across the nation's capital, including museum exhibits, concerts, only-in-DC events and much more. Don't miss our things to do this weekend and things to do this month as well.
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Monday
Little Beasts: Art, Wonder and the Natural World
Art and nature lovers young and old will be delighted by this new display at the National Gallery of Art. Across more than 70 paintings, prints and drawings, visitors can see how nature has inspired art since the dawn of European natural history in the 16th and 17th centuries. Specimens and taxidermy from the National Museum of Natural History will also be showcased along with a new film by artist Dario Robleto.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Summer Evenings at the U.S. National Arboretum
Thanks to the nonprofit Friends of the National Arboretum, 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.
More Info
3501 New York Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002
Deerhoof
More than 30 years into their experiment, Deerhoof continue to blend hard rock, free-jazz, furious percussion and the inimitable voice of frontwoman Satomi Matsuzaki into a sound that literally no other band can match. Known for live shows that transcend their surroundings and for creating noise that few other acts could even dream up, Deerhoof will blow the audience away during this show at Union Stage. Bet.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Union Stage, 740 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Tuesday
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations
If you think the music of The Temptations is fantastic, just wait until you hear their story. The National Theatre hosts the Broadway smash Ain’t Too Proud, a musical that will make you want to dance in the aisles. Five kids from Detroit are discovered by the legendary Berry Gordy, then signed to Motown, then launched into an unforgettable career filled with chart-topping hits. Along the way, both friendship and betrayal enter the story, in addition to civil rights struggles in the country at-large. Don’t miss this Tony Award-winning song-and-dance extravaganza that also offers a captivating tale.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece comes to the stage at Klein Theatre thanks to Shakespeare Theatre Company and the writing/directing talents of Emily Burns. The foundational tale concerns Elizabeth and Victor Frankenstein and the creation of a monster that continues to resonate throughout contemporary art.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Les Misérables
Back in 1986, the Kennedy Center hosted the pre-Broadway run of what has become one of the most popular musicals of all time. And in the summer of 2025, Les Mis comes home. Seen by more than 130 million people worldwide, this brilliant new interpretation of the classic production tells an epic story of love, passion, redemption and survival set in 19th-century France.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Wednesday
FIFA Club World Cup
FIFA Club World Cup
Audi Field will host three premier matches of the FIFA Club World Cup this summer across three separate dates. Al Ain FC takes on Juventus FC on June 18, FC Salzburg challenges Al Hilal on June 22 and Wydad AC plays Al Ain FC on June 26.
Tickets
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Twelfth Night
Audiences should prepare themselves for a night filled with hilarious mistaken identity mix-ups at Folger Theatre thanks to what is considered Shakespeare’s funniest play. After losing her twin brother in a shipwreck, Viola must pass as that brother in the world of Duke Orsino, leading to a hilarious tale that addresses gender fluidity and the discovery of true love.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Arena Stage
A Wrinkle in Time
With music and lyrics by Heather Christian, a book by Lauren Yee (the mind behind Cambodian Rock Band) and direction by Lee Sunday Evans, this highly anticipated production comes to Arena Stage next summer. Join main character Meg on an epic quest in an adventurous new musical adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's Newbery Medal-winning novel. Prepare for a spellbinding journey through space and time.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Cults
The multiplatinum duo take to Union Stage to play their special brand of pop, which combines cinematic soundscapes with dreamy melodies and has led to some of the catchiest songs of the decade. Cults have collaborated with rapper J. Cole, filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, The Weeknd and many others, showcasing their incredible versatility. Expect a riveting set.
Tickets
Union Stage, 740 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Thursday
We Gather at the Edge: Contemporary Quilts by Black Women Artists
Two years ago, the Smithsonian American Art Museum acquired 35 quilts from Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi, who holds a doctorate in aerospace engineering and is also a prolific artist, curator and scholar. The scope of the quilts featured is remarkable and groundbreaking in its representation of Black history and culture.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
With Passion and Purpose: Gifts from the Collection of Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson
A collection that spans 100 years of Black creativity comes to the National Gallery of Art’s East Building Mezzanine thanks to Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson. The largest group of objects by Black artists to enter the museum’s collection at one time includes 175 works. These range from lyrical abstractions to intricate sculptures to well-known paintings. Featured artists include Jacob Lawrence, Archibald Motley, Vivian Browne, Mildred Thompson, Alison Saar and many others.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical
If you’re full of fear and loathing, boy, does Signature Theatre have a show for you this summer. A rock musical about Hunter S. Thompson promises to be a raucous, bewildering immersion into Gonzo journalism, political anarchy and drug culture. The anticipated production is directed by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
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