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

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.

VIEW DETAILS

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.

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Downtown

National Children's Museum

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

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Foggy Bottom

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Downtown

National Museum of Women in the Arts

First major museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts.

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

VIEW DETAILS

Congress Heights

CareFirst Arena

Entertainment and Sports Arena

VIEW DETAILS

Southwest & The Wharf

The Anthem

VIEW DETAILS

NoMa & Union Market

Wunder Garten

Outdoor community German inspired beergarden

VIEW DETAILS

Dupont Circle

Woodrow Wilson House

Dine intimately in the presidential Dining Room, enjoy cocktails throughout the main museum rooms or relax and unwind in the tranquil period garden.

VIEW DETAILS

Columbia Heights

Spain-USA Foundation

Enjoy and discover cultural events and works of internationally renowned Spanish artists in the fields such as design, urban culture, architecture, visual arts, performing arts, literature and music

VIEW DETAILS

Capitol Hill

U.S. Capitol & Capitol Visitor Center

The Capitol Visitor Center is the main entrance to the U.S. Capitol and is located below the East Front plaza of the Capitol between Constitution and Independence Avenues.

VIEW DETAILS

U Street

Lincoln Theatre

The Lincoln Theatre, built in 1922, was a cultural center of D

VIEW DETAILS

Maryland

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

Board meetings, teleconferencing and broadcast video production by day; and elegant receptions and private screenings by nigh..

VIEW DETAILS

Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Guests Taking Photo of Ben's Chili Bowl Mural

Learn More

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...

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...

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...

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

25

2025

Virginia

Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence

Now - Apr 25, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

25

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

25

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

25

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

25

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

25

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Apr 24, 2027

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

26

2025

Dupont Circle

The Magic Duel Comedy Show at Pinstripes Georgetown

Now - May 31, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

26

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

26

2025

Capitol Hill

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

Apr 26, 2025 - Apr 24, 2027

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

26

2025

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 17, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

26

2025

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Now - Jun 22, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

26

2025

Virginia

In the Heights

Now - May 04, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

26

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Guided Tour of the Missing Soldiers Office

Now - Apr 24, 2027

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

26

2025

Eckington Flea

Apr 26, 2025 - May 24, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

26

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre: A Sensory-Friendly Performance

Apr 26, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

27

2025

Capitol Hill

The Flea Market at Eastern Market

Apr 27, 2025 - May 25, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

28

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Fake It Until You Make It

Now - May 02, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

28

2025

Petworth

Monday Fun-Day

Apr 28, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

29

2025

Brookland

BFD Tuesdays

Apr 29, 2025 - May 27, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

Apr

30

2025

Downtown

Film: War Paint—Women at War

Apr 30, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

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

VIEW DETAILS

Downtown

Eaton Washington DC

VIEW DETAILS

Downtown

Hotel Zena

VIEW DETAILS

Adams Morgan

The LINE DC

VIEW DETAILS

Partner Content

The District Blog

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

Explore the Connected Capital

Exceptional Venus for Your Meeting in Washington, DC

Your Meeting Planner Toolkit

Museums with After-Hours Programming in Washington, DC

Learning on Location

Top Ways Washington, DC is a Sustainable City

Member Testimonials

Learn More About Partnerships

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

The District Blog

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.

ARTECHOUSE

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Anacostia Community Museum

National Children's Museum

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Museum of the American Indian

CareFirst Arena

The Anthem

Wunder Garten

Woodrow Wilson House

Spain-USA Foundation

U.S. Capitol & Capitol Visitor Center

Lincoln Theatre

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

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

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

2 Days Exploring LGBTQ+ Washington, DC

The Best City to Visit in 2025

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

25

Virginia

Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence

25

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

25

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

25

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

25

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

25

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

26

Dupont Circle

The Magic Duel Comedy Show at Pinstripes Georgetown

26

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

26

Capitol Hill

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

26

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

26