Free Things to Do: Events, Festivals & More in Washington, DC

Free events and happenings going on now in the nation's capital.

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Things to Do This Weekend in Washington, DC

Our end-of-the-week picks for Dec. 26-28, 2025

Things to Do This Week in Washington, DC

Check out this week's exciting lineup of events

Things to Do This Month

Check out an exciting list of exhibits, concerts, theater and more a...

Crowds gather for a festival on Pennsylvania Avenue in DC.

15 Must-See DC Events & Festivals

You won’t want to miss the District's signature events and festivals...

Events Calendar

Discover the best things to do in Washington, DC, from events happen...

Feb

24

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Allan Pinkerton with Rhodri Jeffreys-Jon...

International Spy Museum

Feb 24, 2026

From protecting President Lincoln to gathering intelligence for General McCllellan, the Pinkerton Agency gained an extraordinary reputation from their work during the Civil War. But who exactly was Pinkerton?

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Mar

01

2026

Capitol Hill

In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happin...

National Museum of American History

Mar 01, 2026 - Dec 25, 2027

Exploring Freedom: Historic Artifacts Showcase the Declaration of Independence

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Mar

06

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Wendy Red Star: Whispering Spirit

National Portrait Gallery

Mar 06, 2026 - Jan 10, 2027

Red Star Draws Inspiration from Smithsonian Collections for New Creations

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Mar

27

2026

Downtown

Revolution in Their Words

DAR Museum

Mar 27, 2026 - Jan 01, 2027

The Path to Independence

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Apr

10

2026

National Mall

America's State Flowers: An America...

United States Botanic Garden

Apr 10, 2026 - Oct 01, 2026

America in Bloom: State & Territory Flowers on Display

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Apr

11

2026

National Mall

Dear America: Artists Explore the Americ...

National Gallery of Art

Apr 11, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026

Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience

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May

02

2026

National Mall

The Sky Tonight: Live Planetarium Show

National Air and Space Museum

May 02, 2026 - May 01, 2027

Get to know the night sky in this free, live planetarium show

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May

23

2026

National Mall

Memorial Day Festivities

May 23, 2026 - May 25, 2026

Honoring Heroes: Celebrate Memorial Day and America's 250th Anniversary

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The District Blog

20+ Restaurants with Fires to Cozy Up to

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

Holiday-Themed Theater Performances & Shows

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Free Things to Do: Events, Festivals & More in Washington, DC

Discover Only-in-DC Events & Festivals

Things to Do This Weekend in Washington, DC

Things to Do This Week in Washington, DC

Things to Do This Month

15 Must-See DC Events & Festivals

Events Calendar

24

Allan Pinkerton with Rhodri Jeffreys-Jon...

01

In Pursuit of Life, Liberty &amp; Happin...

06

Wendy Red Star: Whispering Spirit

27

Revolution in Their Words

10

America&#039;s State Flowers: An America...

11

Dear America: Artists Explore the Americ...

02

The Sky Tonight: Live Planetarium Show

23

Memorial Day Festivities

In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happin...

Wendy Red Star: Whispering Spirit

America's State Flowers: An America...