Spring has hit its stride in the nation’s capital, and the city’s calendar is making the most of it. This weekend brings 1776 at Ford’s Theatre at Ford’s Theatre, Florence + The Machine at Capital One Arena, Nationals vs. Giants Series at Nationals Park, Nick Cave: Mammoth at Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the DC Emancipation Day Festival — plus plenty more worth adding to your plans.
Here are our picks for the weekend. For everything else happening around the capital, check the Washington Times DC Events Calendar.
Theater & Performing Arts
1776 at Ford’s Theatre — In commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, Ford’s Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning musical dramatizing the debates leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Get Tickets →
Through May 16, 2026 | Ford’s Theatre | From $60
44: The Obama Musical — After sold-out runs in LA, Chicago, and New York, this satirical musical tells Barack Obama’s presidency through Joe Biden’s hazy recollection — 24 original numbers blending R&B, gospel, and sharp political comedy. Get Tickets →
Apr 18 – May 10, 2026 | Klein Theatre | Tickets Required
Music & Concerts
Florence + The Machine — Florence Welch and her band bring their theatrical, orchestral rock spectacle to DC. Get Tickets →
Sat, April 18, 2026 | Capital One Arena | From $59
Lily Allen — British pop star Lily Allen performs at the intimate Warner Theatre. Get Tickets →
Sun, April 19, 2026 | Warner Theatre | From $45
Sports
Nationals vs. Giants Series — Apr 17 – 6:45 PM | Apr 18 – 4:05 PM (Hockey Jersey Giveaway) | Apr 19 – 1:35 PM (Kids Opening Day) Full Schedule →
Apr 17–19, 2026 | Nationals Park | Tickets Vary
DC Defenders — The DC Defenders play two home games at Audi Field in April as the United Football League season heats up. Get Tickets →
Apr 18, 2026 · Audi Field | Audi Field | From $20
Museums & Exhibitions
Nick Cave: Mammoth — Internationally renowned artist Nick Cave explores the entanglement of land and race in American consciousness. Museum Info →
Through Jan 3, 2027 | Smithsonian American Art Museum | Free
Star Power: Photographs by George Hurrell — Hollywood’s premiere photographer captured the brightest stars of cinema’s golden age. Gallery Info →
Ongoing | National Portrait Gallery | Free
Mary Cassatt: An American in Paris — Roughly 40 paintings, drawings, and prints examining how Mary Cassatt created her radically modern impressionist works. Gallery Info →
Ongoing | National Gallery of Art | Free
Into the Waters with Senju and Bingyi — A sweeping exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art exploring how water — rivers, seas, rain, and floods — has shaped Asian art, culture, and spirituality across centuries. Museum Info →
Through Sep 27, 2026 | National Museum of Asian Art | Free
Dear America — A landmark exhibition at the National Gallery of Art featuring works by American artists responding to the nation’s history, ideals, and ongoing story. Gallery Info →
Through Sep 20, 2026 | National Gallery of Art | Free
America’s State Flowers — The U.S. Garden Info →
Through Oct 12, 2026 | U.S. Botanic Garden | Free
¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa — A new permanent-gallery exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History tracing the origins and cultural journey of salsa music and dance across Latin America, New York, and beyond. Museum Info →
Opens Apr 18, 2026 | National Museum of American History | Free
Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen — A major solo exhibition by celebrated American artist Adam Pendleton at the Hirshhorn Museum, exploring themes of Blackness, abstraction, and language through paintings, videos, and installations. Museum Info →
Through Jan 2027 | Hirshhorn Museum | Free
Special Events
DC250 Programming — DC serves as the epicenter for America’s semiquincentennial celebration with special programming, exhibitions, and events. DC250 Info →
Throughout 2026 | Various Locations | Varies
DAR Celebration with Patti LaBelle — The Daughters of the American Revolution celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a one-night concert featuring legendary performer Patti LaBelle. Event Info →
Sat, April 18, 2026 | DAR Constitution Hall | From $45
DC Emancipation Day Festival — Washington, DC marks the anniversary of the DC Emancipation Act of 1862 — which freed enslaved people in DC nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation — with a free street festival featuring live music, food vendors, and community celebration. Event Info →
Sun, April 19, 2026 | Pennsylvania Avenue NW | Free
Tidal Basin & Cherry Trees — Nearly 4,000 cherry trees surround the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson, FDR, and MLK Memorials. NPS Cherry Blossom Info →
Daily | Tidal Basin | Free
Georgetown Waterfront — Stroll the C&O Canal towpath, explore boutique shopping, and dine at waterfront restaurants with Potomac River views. Georgetown Info →
Daily | Georgetown | Free
Eastern Market — Historic public market with local farmers, artisans, and crafters. Market Info →
Tuesday–Sunday | Eastern Market, Capitol Hill | Free Entry
Event dates, times, and prices are subject to change. Please verify details directly with venues before attending.
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