With the weather finally cooperating, DC’s spring calendar is delivering across the board. From Broadway shows and live performances, concerts and free outdoor events — here’s what’s worth adding to your plans this weekend.
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… Get Tickets →
Through May 16, 2026 | Ford’s Theatre | From $60
Hamnet — Shakespeare Theatre Company — U.S. Get Tickets →
Through Apr 12, 2026 | Sidney Harman Hall | From $39
Music & Concerts
NSO: Noseda Conducts Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 — Music Director Gianandrea Noseda leads Bruckner’s sweeping Symphony No. Get Tickets →
Apr 10–11, 2026 | Kennedy Center Concert Hall | From $35
R&B Experience DC — A massive R&B night featuring Tank, SWV, Ginuwine, Tamar Braxton, Silk, Lloyd, and H-Town — a celebration of the genre’s golden era. Get Tickets →
Apr 11, 2026 · 8:00 PM | Capital One Arena | Tickets Required
Sports
Cherry Blossom 10 Mile & 5K Run — One of DC’s most popular races past prime blossom locations. Registration Info →
Sun, Apr 12, 2026 | Washington Monument Grounds | Entry Fee Required
Washington Capitals Final Regular Season Games — Capitals’ regular season concludes at home Sunday, April 12 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Get Tickets →
Through Apr 12, 2026 | Capital One Arena | Tickets Vary
Washington Wizards & Capital City Go-Go — Wizards’ wrap up their home schedule on Friday, April 10 with a game against the Miami Heat at 7 p.m. Get Tickets →
Through April 2026 | Capital One Arena | 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 11, 2026 · Audi Field | Audi Field | From $20
Festivals & Free Events
National Cherry Blossom Festival — The National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees. Festival Info →
Through Apr 12, 2026 | Citywide — National Mall & beyond | Most Events Free
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade — Colorful floats, giant balloons, marching bands, performers, and special guests. Parade Info →
Sat, Apr 11, 2026 | Constitution Avenue NW | Route Free
Sakura Matsuri — Japanese Street Festival — DC’s largest celebration of Japanese culture — performances, authentic food, sake, handmade crafts, cosplay, taiko drumming, and martial arts demonstrations. Festival Info →
Apr 11–12, 2026 | Pennsylvania Avenue NW | Free
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… 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
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,… 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
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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