Smithsonian Folklife Festival
The National Mall
March – November
For the U.S. semi-quincentennial in 2026, the Smithsonian expands beyond the Mall with “Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals.” Spanning March through November, the initiative partners with nearly 40 festivals nationwide, with programming at the National Museum of American History, Anacostia Community Museum, and a Folklife Marketplace at the Arts + Industries Building.
festival.si.edu
TEACH GIVE INSPIRE Fridays
TPC at Avenel Farm, Potomac
June 5 | 9:30 AM – 12 NOON
Begin summer with intention at TGIF. Centered on the theme “Step Into Your Power: Own Your Voice, Story and Purpose,” this morning gathering invites connection, clarity, and renewed perspective across both work and life.
eventbrite.com
Bethesda Urban Partnership Summer Concert Series
Corner of Norfolk & St. Elmo Ave
Every Friday All Summer | 6 PM – 8 PM
A seasonal favorite returns with live music each Friday evening through September 18, bringing an effortless rhythm to downtown Bethesda’s open-air setting.
bethesda.org
BSO @ Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
June 6 | 8 PM
Music Director Jonathon Heyward leads an inspired program featuring Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, a world premiere by Billy Childs with Demarre and Anthony McGill, and Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 3.
my.bso.org
DC/DOX Film Festival
Various venues across Washington, DC
June 11 – 14
Four days of compelling documentary storytelling unfold across the District, with screenings and conversations hosted at leading cultural institutions including the National Archives and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
dcdoxfest.com
BSO @ Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
June 12 | 7 PM
Verdi’s Rigoletto closes the BSO season in a powerful in-concert presentation, featuring a distinguished cast and the Washington Chorus in a sweeping tale of love, betrayal, and vengeance.
my.bso.org
UFC Freedom 250 (Topuria vs Gaethje)
The White House, South Lawn
June 14 | 7 PM
Marking the nation’s 250th anniversary, this landmark UFC event pairs elite competition with cinematic storytelling. Weigh-ins are expected at the Lincoln Memorial on June 12. Ticketed event with live broadcast on Paramount+.
ufc.com
Smithsonian Solstice Saturday
Various Smithsonian Museums
June 18 – 21
Celebrate the first weekend of summer with extended hours, performances, and special programming across Smithsonian institutions, offering rare after-hours access. Free admission.
si.edu
Home Rule Music Festival
The Parks at Walter Reed
June 20
A celebration of DC’s music and cultural identity, the festival highlights emerging talent through a Youth Showcase alongside a full day of live performances.
homerulemusicfestival.com
Fête De La Musique – World Music Day
Throughout Georgetown and at La Maison Français
June 21 | 3 PM – 7 PM & 6 PM – 10 PM
Georgetown hosts its lively edition of the global music celebration, featuring genres from jazz to bluegrass across multiple stages, including the French Embassy.
georgetowndcmusic.com
National Yoga Day
The Yards DC
June 21 | 8 AM
An open-air, all-levels yoga session at The Sundeck invites participants to begin the day with movement and mindfulness. Bring a mat and water.
theyardsdc.com
World Refugee Day: An Evening of Solidarity
Mindspace, 1301 K St NW
June 24 | 6 PM – 8:30 PM
An immersive evening of storytelling and connection brings together voices and supporters to reflect on journeys of resilience and rebuilding.
unrefugees.org
National Geographic Museum of Exploration Official Opening
1600 M St NW
June 26
A new immersive destination opens, blending innovation, photography, and storytelling to illuminate the wonders of the natural world.
moe.nationalgeographic.org
Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle
Pennsylvania Ave NW between 3rd and 7th Streets
June 27 – 28
Pitmasters and local chefs transform Pennsylvania Avenue into a lively culinary showcase, complete with tastings, demonstrations, and live music.
bbqindc.com
Jazz in the Garden
National Gallery of Art, Sculpture Garden, 6th St & Constitution Ave
Fridays through July | 6 PM – 8:30 PM
An iconic summer tradition, this open-air series pairs live jazz with the serene setting of the Sculpture Garden. Entry is free via lottery.
nga.com
Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Ave & 7th St NW
Through Jan. 3, 2027 | 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Pendleton’s first solo presentation at the Hirshhorn showcases paintings and video works that reflect his influence on contemporary American art. Free admission.
si.edu
InSight: Photos and Stories from the Archives
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th St & Independence Ave SW
Ongoing | Museum Hours
Drawn from an archive of more than 500,000 images, this exhibition offers a rare and intimate look into Indigenous lives across the Western Hemisphere.
si.edu