Few cities do spring quite like Washington. From the monuments, to the blooms, to the stages, the district is bursting with culture this month. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just in town for the weekend, there’s no shortage of things to do for just about anyone.
Soccer fans can catch the Washington Spirit in action Friday for Throwback Night, along with the DC United on Saturday afternoon when they host the Orlando City FC. Those who love the arts can see the acclaimed production1776 at Ford’s Theatre at Ford’s Theatre. History buffs can head to the National Air and Space Museum to meet author Jennifer Pitt and learn about her historic grandparents who founded Beechcraft.
We’ve flagged 24 fantastic things to do this weekend, selected from a much longer list. Browse it all at 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
A Good Day to Me Not to You — A one-woman show by playwright Lameece Issaq, part of Arena Stage’s 75th anniversary season. Get Tickets →
Through May 3, 2026 | Arena Stage, Kogod Cradle | Tickets Required
44: The Obama Musical — After sold-out runs in LA, Chicago, and New York, this satirical musical tells Barack Obama presidency through Joe Biden hazy recollection — 24 original numbers blending R&B, gospel, and sharp political comedy. Get Tickets →
Through May 10, 2026 | Klein Theatre | Tickets Required
Music & Concerts
Trump Kennedy Center: Free Millennium Stage — The Trump Kennedy Center Millennium Stage offers free performances Wednesday through Saturday at 6 PM in the Grand Foyer — music, dance, and theater from local and national artists. Performance Schedule →
Wed–Sat at 6 PM | Trump Kennedy Center Grand Foyer | Free
Sports
Washington Spirit Home Match — The Spirit are hosting a Throwback Night as they take on the Kansas City Current at Audi Field. Get Tickets →
Fri, April 24, 2026 | Audi Field | Tickets Vary
DC United April Home Match — DC United host Orlando City SC at Audi Field. Get Tickets →
Sat, Apr 25, 2026 | Audi Field | Tickets Vary
Museums & Exhibitions
The Barnstormer and the Lady: Meet author Jennifer Pitt, who will be signing copies of her new book about her historic grandparents, Walter and Olive Ann Pitt, who founded Beechcraft. More Info →
Sat, April 25, 2026 from 1-4 p.m. | National Air and Space Museum | 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 3, 2027 | Hirshhorn Museum | Free
Holocaust Museum: Americans and the Holocaust — A powerful permanent exhibition examining the American response to Nazism and the refugee crisis of the 1930s and 1940s. More Info →
Ongoing | United States Holocaust Memorial Museum | Free (timed passes recommended)
International Spy Museum — The world most visited spy museum explores the real world of espionage through immersive exhibitions, artifact-packed galleries, and hands-on experiences across 140,000 square feet. Get Tickets →
Daily | International Spy Museum | From $24.95
America’s Presidents — The National Portrait Gallery’s signature exhibition of presidential portraits, tracing American leadership from George Washington to the present. Gallery Hours →
Ongoing | National Portrait Gallery | Free
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: Hollywood Photographs by George Hurrell (A Sequel) — Following the success of the first installment, the National Portrait Gallery presents a sequel exhibition of George Hurrell’s iconic Hollywood glamour photographs from the Golden Age of cinema. Gallery Info →
Through Jan 10, 2027 | 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 →
Through Aug 30, 2026 | National Gallery of Art | Free
National Museum of African American History: Power of Place — The newest Smithsonian museum presents Power of Place — a landmark exhibition exploring how African American communities have shaped and been shaped by the places they call home. Reserve Passes →
Ongoing | National Museum of African American History and Culture | Free (timed passes required)
A Better Life for Their Children — Chronicles the extraordinary partnership between Sears Roebuck founder Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Museum Info →
Through Jan 2027 | National Building Museum | Admission Required
America’s State Flowers — The U.S. Garden Info →
Through Oct 12, 2026 | U.S. Botanic Garden | 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
¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa — A new exhibition at the National Museum of the American Latino tracing the origins and cultural journey of salsa music and dance across Latin America, New York, and beyond. Museum Info →
Opened Apr 18, 2026 | National Museum of the American Latino (in NMAH building) | 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
Eastern Market — Historic public market with local farmers, artisans, and crafters. Market Info →
Tuesday–Sunday | Eastern Market, Capitol Hill | Free Entry
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
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
DC Farmers Markets — DC vibrant farmers market scene runs year-round. Market Locations →
Weekly | Various DC Neighborhoods | Free Entry
Meridian Hill Park Drum Circle — Every Sunday afternoon, Meridian Hill Park hosts one of DC most enduring community traditions — a spontaneous drum circle drawing dozens of drummers and hundreds of participants. Park Info →
Sundays 3–8 PM (weather permitting) | Meridian Hill Park (Malcolm X Park) | Free
Event dates, times, and prices are subject to change. Please verify details directly with venues before attending.
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