Include Washington, DC in your summer plans this year and enjoy festivals, concerts and sporting events.
May
Capital Pride – Citywide | May 31 - June 9
Each year, the Capital Pride Alliance, hosts an array of exciting events with plenty of ways to show the community love in June. This year’s attractions include a rooftop pool party, dance parties, concerts and even a roast. Events begin May 23 and continue through June 8. Note that DC will host World Pride in 2025.
June
DC/DOX Film Festival – Citywide | June 13 - 16
The new annual DC/DOX Film Festival will take place at theater venues across the District. The festival will feature four days of visionary documentaries and conversations with the talent behind dozens of innovative and acclaimed works of non-fiction storytelling.
The District Cup – The National Mall | June 15
The game of Polo has been played on the National Mall for more than 100 years. Thousands of guests from around the world—including young professionals, diplomats, members of Congress, executives, and more will gather on the National Mall to experience world-class horsemanship to raise money to support educational and Polo scholarships for underserved Washington, DC-area youth. This is a ticketed event.
Home Rule Music Festival – Alethia Tanner Park | June 21 - 22 & July 20
Now in its second year, the Home Rule Music Festival celebrates the rich music and cultural scene in Washington, DC. Events take place across three days over two weekends, with performances at venues across the city. Opening night takes place at Black Cat on June 21, followed by performances at The Parks at Walter Reed on June 22. Then, on July 20 in partnership with NoMa BID, the festival puts on a show at Alethia Tanner Park.
Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle – Pennsylvania Avenue | June 22 - 23
Rib roasters and sauce bosses show off their delicious wares during the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle. Dozens of pit masters, local restaurants and live music shut down Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th streets NW for a lively street party. Cooking demos and free tastings make for a delicious (and filling) experience.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival – National Mall | June 26 – July 1, 2024
Each summer, the National Mall plays host to a free, kid-friendly celebration of cultures across the globe. The 2024 theme is Indigenous Voices of the Americas. Indigenous artists and makers, professional chefs and home cooks, musicians, dancers, athletes and storytellers will demonstrate the depth of multigenerational traditions as well as new, innovative approaches to cultural expression.
July
July 4th Fireworks Show – Citywide | July 4
Watching the fireworks is one of the highlights of Independence Day in Washington, DC and fortunately, the city and the surrounding area offer a plethora of scenic viewing options.
Capital Fringe Festival – Citywide | July 11 - 21
During the edgy Capital Fringe Festival, you can catch out-there productions from local creatives, including improv dramas, punk rock shows and colorful dance shows.
Back to the Future: The Musical – The Kennedy Center | July 23 - Aug. 11, 2024
The beloved cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical coming to Washington, DC in 2024. When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past, and send himself... back to the future.
Mubadala Citi DC Open – Rock Creek Park Tennis Center | July 27 - Aug. 4
The District’s signature professional tennis tournament returns to Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Top-tier talent from all over the world will compete for a prestigious trophy, leading to action that visitors will not want to miss.
Washington Mystics 2024 Season – Entertainment & Sports Arena (ESA) | Ongoing May - September 2024
The 2019 Women’s National Basketball Association champion Washington Mystics have become one of the most exciting draws in the city. The team calls the Entertainment and Sports Arena home from May through September.
Washington Nationals 2024 Season – Nationals Park | Ongoing March - September 2024
See Major League Baseball at the state-of-the-art Nationals Park in Capitol Riverfront. The stadium offers magnificent views of the Capitol dome and Washington Monument along with the 2019 World Series champions. Don’t miss the famous Presidents Race, which happens between the top and bottom of every fourth inning.
DC United 2024 Season – Audi Field | Ongoing February - October 2024
Did you know that DC United is one of the most successful soccer teams in the country? Catch a game at the premier Audi Field and see why. Winners of four Major League Soccer Cups, the squad takes the field from March through October. Extra points if you sit in the particularly boisterous “Screamin’ Eagles” fan club section.
August
Otakon – Walter E. Washington Convention Center | Aug. 2 - 4
Otakon is held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and just might be the dedicated event space’s liveliest function (emphasis on FUN) all year long. The family-friendly convention is run by and dedicated to fans of Asian media, entertainment and pop culture, including anime, manga, music, movies and video games. The festivities range from cosplay contests, skits and live music to panel discussions with comic book (super)heroes, for-sale artworks and more.
DCBX – Citywide | Aug. 22-26
Ranked as the best Latin dance festival in the U.S. five times, DCBX takes over the nation’s capital for five days this summer. Veterans and newbies of dancing bachata, the sexier-than-salsa dancing style from the Dominican Republic, will have plenty of chances to strut their stuff, from concerts to contests to workshops.
National Book Festival – Walter E. Washington Convention Center | Aug. 24
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center hosts a beloved annual celebration of books of all kinds, from children’s stories to epic novels, curated by the Library of Congress. Authors will speak and answer questions about their work throughout the day. The festival is always free to attend.
DC JazzFest – Citywide | Aug. 28 - Sept. 1
DC JazzFest brings national and local musicians to a range of venues all over the city, including The Wharf. A lineup stacked with talent and free and ticketed performances are just some of the many reasons why you should check out the 2024 edition, which marks the 20th anniversary of the festival. Confirmed artists for the upcoming celebration include Samara Joy, Stanley Clarke, Kenny Barron, Dianne Reeves, Galactic, Bill Frisell, Bobby Sanabria, Cimafunk, Emmet Cohen, Nasar Abadey and the Michael Thomas Quintet.