Our end-of-the-week picks for June 27-29, 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
From Shadow to Substance: Grand-Scale Portraits During Photography’s Formative Years
The National Portrait Gallery displays early photographic mastery in an exhibit featuring works in the impressive whole-plate format (8.5 × 6.5 inches). Trace the evolution of the art form, from daguerreotypes to ambrotypes to tintypes. Featured icons include Daniel Webster, John C. Calhoun, Gaetano Bedini and John Frederick Kensett.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Jazz in the Garden
Kick back and groove to the music with sangria in hand at Jazz in the Garden throughout the summer, held in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. An eclectic mix of DC-area jazz musicians lend a soundtrack to one of the city’s most idyllic scenes set around the sculpture garden’s central fountain. This is a free seasonal tradition that you do not want to miss. Due to high demand, the museum has instituted a lottery system; visit the Gallery’s website for more information.
6-8:30 p.m. | Free Admission | Register
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony
Although Dolly Parton will not be performing during this National Symphony Orchestra Pops event, you’ll get to know the legendary singer/songwriter/actress much better along the way. Dolly will be on screen for the visual-musical journey as the Orchestra performs innovative takes on classic songs such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “I Will Always Love You” and additional personal favorites of Dolly’s.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
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
The Savannah Bananas
Combining on-field entertainment, hijinks, crazy uniforms, dancing and a whole lot of other funny stuff … including, well, baseball, the Savannah Bananas come to Nationals Park for consecutive nights later this month (Friday and Saturday). This traveling roadshow attracts a lot of attention, so grab tickets as soon as you can, as a sellout is expected.
Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC
Saturday
Open Streets Capitol Hill
Mayor Bowser and DDOT invite you to enjoy the Capitol Hill neighborhood through their Open Streets initiative for the first time. A full mile of streets will be closed to vehicles to allow for safe walking, biking and playing. Expect hourly programmed classes and performances that will include live music, yoga and dancing. The event is free and suitable for all ages and abilities.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Free Admission
North Carolina Avenue SE, East Capitol Street & Massachusetts Avenue SE from 6th Street SE to 17th Street SE
Picturing the Presidents: Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes from the National Portrait Gallery’s Collection – Final Weekend
In honor of the upcoming presidential election, the National Portrait Gallery displays daguerreotype and ambrotype portraits of eight commanders-in-chief who held the office in the 19th century. The collection includes a rare ambrotype pin from Abraham Lincoln’s first presidential campaign credited with contributing to Lincoln’s 1860 victory. Visitors can also check out a modern daguerreotype that depicts the 2009 inauguration of President Barack Obama.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Mosaic Theater: Andy Warhol in Iran – Final Weekend
Set in 1976, the new production from Mosaic Theater Company set to debut at the Atlas Performing Arts Center concerns the Empress Farah and her desire for iconic artist Andy Warhol to compose pop-art portraits of the royals in Tehran. The plan is disrupted when a University student takes Warhol hostage, leading to a lethal showdown.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Frankenstein – Final Weekend
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
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
Broadway in the Park
Visit Wolf Trap in Vienna, Va. as the performing arts hub partners with Signature Theatre for the fifth edition of Broadway in the Park. Broadway stars Lindsay Mendez and Jessie Mueller join Signature performers for a night of renditions of classic songs.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Filene Center at Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Car Seat Headrest
What began as solo pop songs crafted and recorded in the Leesburg, Va. bedroom of frontman Will Toledo has blossomed into a full-blown band that can release rock operas entitled The Scholars. Car Seat Headrest’s music is laced with raw emotion and loud guitars, weaving tales full of angst and humor, anthemic and relatable to all.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Sunday
Vivian Browne: My Kind of Protest
The Phillips Collection uncovers previously unknown pieces and archival findings to showcase the depth of three decades of work by Vivian Browne. The exhibition features paintings, prints, works on paper and additional ephemera, highlighting Browne’s incredible career as an artist, activist, teacher and founder of one of the first women’s art cooperatives in Manhattan. Her approach to color and form continues to challenge concepts of figuration and abstraction.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Cut + Paste: Experimental Japanese Prints and Photographs
The National Museum of Asian Art showcases 17 Japanese artists who have pushed boundaries in printmaking and photography. The exhibit features multilayered images that challenge distinctions between mediums, traditions and notions of fine art and commercial design.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
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
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.
