Our end-of-the-week picks for Aug. 1-3, 2025
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
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Friday
Five New Galleries at the National Air and Space Museum
Thousands of artifacts have gone back on display in five reopened galleries at the National Air and Space Museum. Popular items such as the Spirit of St. Louis, the North American X-15, John Glenn’s Mercury Friendship 7 capsule, the Apollo Lunar Module 2 and the touchable moon rock are available to view again. The building also welcomes several new artifacts, including the Sopwith F.1 Camel, Virgin Galactic’s RocketMotorTwo, a Blue Origin New Shepard crew capsule mockup and a Goddard 1935 A series rocket. Free timed-entry passes are required for entry.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | More Info | Free Admission
National Air and Space Museum, 6th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
The Harry Potter franchise continues to offer spellbinding entertainment. The record-breaking play that won six Tony Awards, including Best Play, comes to The National Theatre. Harry’s son, Albus, befriends Draco Malfoy’s son, leading to a riveting adventure that can alter the past and future.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Photo by Cpl. Chloe McAfee
Friday Evening Parades at the Marine Barracks
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, Washington, DC 20390
Saturday
In the Tower: Chakaia Booker – Treading New Ground – Final Weekend
The National Gallery of Art presents three extraordinary sculptures from visionary artist Chakaia Booker in its East Building this spring. Booker transforms tires – cutting, coiling and contorting them – to sculpt industrial waste into awe-inspiring abstract forms. The environmentally conscious work inspires visitors to ponder the effect of materials on the natural world.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Shark Bites & Brews
Transit Pier at The Wharf hosts shark-themed fun that features a mechanical shark, live music, Pacifico swag, shark hats, shark-themed doughnuts, a dunk tank and much more. Food and drink will be available for purchase and all ages are welcome to the free event (must be 21 or over to consume alcohol).
5-8 p.m. | Free Admission
Transit Pier at The Wharf, 970 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Sesame Street the Musical
A can’t-miss slice of family entertainment comes to the Kennedy Center for an extended run this summer. Cookie Monster, Elmo, Abby Cadabby and many more of your Sesame Street friends will be live onstage to perform iconic songs and stir up plenty of furry fun that all ages can enjoy.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Apropos of Nothing, a Comedy
The Keegan Theatre treats audiences to an evening packed with laughs thanks to this new production. Owen confesses to being in love with his best friend’s wife but quickly attempts to retract it. Too late. From there, spurned on by a clever millennial, five friends are forced to deal with their many unresolved issues.
Tickets
The Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Drive-By Truckers & Deer Tick
Two bands that marvelously mix blues, folk, country and rock share a bill at The Anthem. Drive-By Truckers are the 21st century’s ultimate Southern rock band while Deer Tick, who formed in Providence, Rhode Island, sport a folksier sound. It’s a great chance to see two awesome bands for the price of one.
7 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Sunday
American Landscapes in Watercolor from the Corcoran Collection
The National Gallery of Art’s new exhibit of stunning watercolors allows you to travel from the Washington Monument to Yosemite National Park and back to the waters of New England. Experience how artists took a format meant for mapping and landscaping and elevated it to transcendence.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Sailing: Yacht Rock
Signature Theatre’s summer cabaret season is in full swing with Sailing, which invites you to join Deimoni Brewington and Tracy Lynn Olivera for an evening of the lush harmonies and lighthearted lyrics of yacht rock. Relax with a drink in hand to soothing singalongs like “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl),” “Come and Get Your Love” and “What a Fool Believes.”
Tickets
Signature Theatre Company, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern
Whether you’ve run your own Dungeons & Dragons campaign or you’re completely unfamiliar with the game, the Kennedy Center has a magical evening in store for you. The legendary role-playing game comes to the stage, combining theatre, gaming and unique storytelling. Choose heroes and battle monsters as you assist three players in an interactive fantasy adventure.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, 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, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to award-winning hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
