Tag: Study Break Guide

The Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair

Date: December 1, from 12 pm - 4 pm

Location: One Veterans Place, Corner of Ellsworth and Fenton Silver Spring, MD 20910 Veterans Plaza

Cost: Free

Visit Veterans Plaza for a festive celebration featuring seasonal artisans, delicious treats, and the joyful spirit of the season.

Ice skate in DC

Date: Nov. 23 to March 2

Location: ice skating rinks at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, Washington Harbour in Georgetown, Canal Park in Capitol Riverfront and The Wharf

Cost: Varied

Lace up some skates and triple axel 'round the District at popular ice skating rinks.

The National Christmas Tree

Date: December 7 - January 1, 2025, from 10am-10pm (11pm on Friday and Saturday)

Location: The Ellipse at The White House and President’s Park

Cost: Free

The National Christmas Tree is an entire event, filled with a Yule log, a manger, and 56 smaller trees surrounding the big one, dedicated to each state and territory and displaying themed ornaments. The tree lights do turn off and the pathways are closed at night so you are not able to visit in the middle of the night

Winternational

Date: December 5

Location: 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 The Ronald Reagan Building

Cost: Free

The Winternational Annual Embassy Showcase takes place in Washington DC, an event that takes place at the Ronald Reagan Building and in which the embassies of different countries from around the world participate and present their nations through gastronomy, art, music, and dance.

Harry Benson Exhibit

Date: October 4 – April 13 from Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: 707-709 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

Cost: Free

For the duration of the 2024-25 NBA and NHL seasons, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Ted and Lynn Leonsis, and Jeff Skoll present a landmark exhibit featuring more than 150 photographs by legendary photojournalist Harry Benson, renowned for his chronicles of culture, politics, music, movies, television, and sports. The gallery, produced by Ted Leonsis and Jeff Skoll, is located next door to Capital One Arena at 707-709 7th Street NW and spans two floors across 10,000 square feet. The free exhibit includes photographs of every President and First Lady since Dwight Eisenhower, iconic images of legendary athletes and musicians, a behind-the-scenes look at The Beatles' arrival to the United States, stunning moments from the Civil Rights Movement, and much more.

Kennedy Center Millennium Stage - YahZarah in collaboration with The Apollo

Date: December 5 Thursday at 6pm

Location: 2700 F St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20566 Kennedy Center (In-Person and Livestream)

Cost: Free

YahZarah is a District of Columbia–born Ghanian singer and songwriter hero is perfect for the times today. Her voice has been recognized in groundbreaking musical compositions with Erykah Badu. She’s also performed her music live on stage with The Roots, and traveled the world as a member of rock icon Lenny Kravitz’s band.

Kennedy Center Millennium Stage - CLH Trio

Date: December 7 Saturday at 6pm

Location: 2700 F St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20566 Kennedy Center (In-Person and Livestream)

Cost: Free

Guitarist & Composer, Connor Leeds Holdridge and his trio perform an intimate set of blues-infused originals with the occasional deep cut from his favorite records.

Downtown Holiday Market

Date: November - December 15, 2024, from Mon-Fri, 12 PM to 8 PM I Sat/Sun, 11 AM to 8PM

Location: 1500 block of 19th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20001

Cost: It’s Shopping

This market offers all kinds of products: crafts, clothing, groceries, and artwork are just a few of the things you can find. Ideal to buy your Christmas gifts for all the members of the family. Besides shopping, you can enjoy the most delicious gastronomy. The Downtown Holiday Market also hosts jazz, country, rock, soul, and of course, of course, Christmas carols.

ZooLights

Date: October 8 – January 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Cost: $6

Zoolights is an event held at the National Zoo year after year. It mainly consists of decking it out with the most beautiful light decorations you can imagine. The brightest lights decorate the paths of the park and its resting areas and everywhere you go you will come across brilliant animal sculptures. In addition to this light show, there are also some musical performances. Of course, the more than 500,000 LED lights that make up this annual spectacle are totally respectful of the environment and the zoo's species. This is one of the plans to do with children in Washington DC, but, no doubt, adults will also enjoy in a big way.

Washington Botanical Garden

Date: November 28, 2024 – January 5, 2025

Location: 100 Maryland Avenue SW Washington, DC 20001

Cost: Free

Washington Botanical Garden dresses in lights to celebrate Christmas. It is one of the most beautiful places you can't miss during your visit to this city. In addition to seeing some 26,000 plants and numerous plant species, it has a special room dedicated to the deserts of the planet, where you can appreciate succulents, shrubs, and flowering plants characteristic of these regions. Also during this month, there are a series of festive concerts and an annual exhibition with the best plant species and miniature replicas of emblematic buildings, such as the Smithsonian National Museum of History.

Parade of Lights Boat Parade

Date: December 7 at 5:30 p.m.

Location: 760 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024 The Wharf Waterfront

Cost: Free

Boats, sailboats, and even local fire boats star in this event and light up the sky with their decorations full of luminaries. The parade is complemented by other attractions on both banks of the river: festivals, live music, ice skating, and numerous food stalls. Admission to this event is completely free.

Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade

Date: December 7 from 11AM -1PM

Location: Old Town Alexandria

Cost: Free

The Old Town Alexandria district presents its Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, where you can enjoy a series of colorful events, live traditional Scottish music, and more than 100 Scottish soldiers dressed in their classic kilts.

The streets of Old Alexandria are filled with the unmistakable sound of bagpipes, while around the event you can enjoy the most delicious food, wine, and beer.

In addition, there are activities designed for the little ones, such as games, music,c and the presence of Santa. Live a different experience and enjoy the most interesting Scottish tradition in DC.

National Gallery of Art: Of the nation and for all the people

Date: First Saturdays, December 7 from 10AM - 5PM

Location: Third and Ninth Streets at Constitution Avenue, NW The National Mall

Cost: Free

Temporary exhibitions span the world and the history of art, and free programs, including lectures, tours, concerts, films, and family activities, are offered year-round. The National Gallery of Art and its Sculpture Garden.

Family Program: Hanukkah Cheer

Date: December 25, 2024 from 11am – 3 pm

Location: 575 3rd Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001 Capital Jewish Museum

Cost: Free

Embrace the holiday spirit with family-friendly crafts and activities.

The National Menorah lighting

Date: December 25, 2024 from 4pm – 5:30pm

Location: On The Ellipse

Cost: Free (request tickets)

The National Menorah is Hailed by international media as “the most prominent public Chanukah event in the world” the annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah, on the Ellipse, just across from the White House, helps launch and strengthen the celebration of “Chanukah – Festival of Lights” in all 50 states and over 100 countries globally.

Eckington Flea
Date: Saturdays, Now - May 24, 2025.
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Eckington Hall, 1160 Eckington Pl., NE
Cost: Free

Eckington Flea is a marketplace featuring an eclectic roster of vendors selling vintage clothing, household products (soaps, candles), books, art, collectibles, and more.  It will also feature artisanal foods like honey, and baked items along with fresh produce.  Vendors present will represent makers from Washington, D.C., along with the entirety of MD and VA.

UnFinished Objects (UFO) Craft Circle
Date: Saturdays, Now- December 28, 2024
Time: 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location: DAR Museum, 176 D St., NW Washington DC 20006
Cost: Free

Join us for the UnFinished Objects (UFO) Craft Circle at the DAR Museum! Bring your half-done projects, abandoned crafts, and unfinished masterpieces, and spend a cozy afternoon with fellow craft enthusiasts. Whether it's knitting, crocheting, painting, or any other craft, this event is a perfect opportunity to get inspired, share ideas, and finally complete those lingering projects. The UFO Craft Circle is an in-person event, so come prepared with your supplies and a positive attitude.

Let's turn those unfinished objects into beautiful creations together!

Registration is requested but not required.

African Diaspora Collection at the Mansion Galleries This Fall
Date: Daily, Now - Nov 07, 2024. 10:00 a.m.
Time: 10:00 am
Location: 10701 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
Cost: Free

From the Art Collections of Margo Thomas, Yonette Thomas, and Deborah Smith 
Curator: Zoma Wallace

This fall, the Mansion Galleries will feature art, artifacts, and ephemera of the African Diaspora. The work comes from the collections of Dr. Yonette Thomas, Dr. Margo Thomas, and Dr. Deborah Smith. Calling themselves the Three Sisters, the three collectors have been professionally and personally connected for almost 25 years.

With Zoma Wallace as curator, they have chosen works from their individual collections, which represent their personal interests. These works will be juxtaposed throughout the exhibition with music, dance, and other artistic expressions.

Mvskoke Etvlwv: The Muscogee People Festival
Date: November 2^nd
Time: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Location: National Museum of the American Indian, 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20560
Cost: Free

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation celebrates its tribal history, heritage, and culture with music, performances, a fashion show, and other cultural demonstrations. The festival includes Stomp dancing, veterans’ presentations, and hands-on activities for children and families, along with a showcase of jewelry, traditional recipes, and more.

Meditation with a Monk
Date: November 8^th, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Date: November 19^th, 6:30 am - 8:00 am
Location: Lerner Health & Wellness Center
2301 G Street, NW, Washington, DC
Cost: Sessions are free to students and Lerner Health and Wellness Center members)

2024 Zoo Lights
Date: Friday, November 22, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays)
           5:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Sundays)
Cost: $6 (Each attendee, including children over the age of 2, will need a ticket.)

The Smithsonian's National Zoo is transforming into an enchanting winter wonderland with ZooLights this holiday season!

Now in its 16th year, this annual holiday light spectacular welcomes visitors to walk down festive pathways and explore immersive displays throughout the Zoo. Marvel at glowing lantern animals in their dazzling habitats, watch live nightly musical performances, take a spin on the Conservation Carousel, sample sweet and savory seasonal treats, and check gifts off your holiday shopping lists at our Asia Trail, Panda Plaza, and Great Cats stores.

ZooLights tickets are $6 per person. 

Notes: If you plan to drive and park at the Zoo, you must purchase a ZooLights - Parking Pass online before your visit. Passes are available for purchase immediately on the following page. Spaces are extremely limited.

Madison McFerrin
Date: Saturday, November 15
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Kennedy Center, Millenium Stage, 2700F St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20566
Cost: Free

Madison McFerrin’s distinct vocal and meticulously layered stylings of a capella and self-harmonizing culminate in work that blends the genres of R&B, pop, soul, and jazz, all with a sense of softness. Her genre-bending work has led to Questlove dubbing her early sound “soul-appella,” AdHoc to describe her work as “an oasis of serenity,” and The FADER noting how Madison’s “warm harmonies feel effortless.”

2024 Downtown DC Holiday Market
Date: November 22, 2024 – December 23, 2024
Time: Daily, 12:00noon – 8:00 pm (Closed Thanksgiving Day)
Location: F Street NW, (Between 7^th and 9^th Streets NW)
Cost: Free

It’s that time again to experience the joys of holidays. The Downtown DC Holiday Market is an experience in tastes, sounds, colors, and textures. So come and grab a hot drink and snack while strolling through the many colorful stalls and shop until you drop.

Thanksgiving on the Vern
Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Location: GW MVC Post Hall, Mt. Vernon Campus
Cost: Free

Staying on campus during Thanksgiving break? Come out to Thanksgiving on the Vern on Tuesday, November 21 from 12:00-3:00pm for delicious food and fun! Enjoy turkey, pie, and more. Plus, take some to-go for later. RSVP is required by November 17!

Enjoy a Thanksgiving feast and fellowship on the Vern!

Paint n' Sip - Camp Wellbeing
Date: Tues, October 1, 2024 6pm – 8pm
Location: “The Vern” at GW’s Mount Vernon campus
Cost: Free for GW students

Come join us on at the Vern to sip a house mocktails while painting with all your besties. Come decompress! Just bring yourself, all supplies will be provided for free. This event is part of Camp Wellbeing.

Irresistible: The Global Patterns of Ikat
Date: Tues-Saturday, 10am to 5pm through December 21
Location: The George Washington Museum and the Textile Museum,
701 21st St. NW, Washington, DC 20052
Cost: Free

Prized worldwide for producing vivid patterns and colors, the ancient resist-dyeing technique of ikat developed independently in communities across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. This exhibition explores the global phenomenon of ikat textiles through examples from countries as diverse as Chile, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan.

The Book of Everything (Play)
Date: October 3-5 7:30 pm + October 5-2 p.m.
Location: Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre, 800 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20052
Cost: Students $10, Non-Students $20

Who sees tropical fish thriving in the Amsterdam canals, trumpeting sparrows and even a hailstorm of frogs? Thomas! But he also has negative visions: the unhappiness of his family, the violence in his father, and the damage that lingers long after the war is over. And he writes it all down, ugly and beautiful in his powerful Book of Everything.  Play by Richard Tulloch, and based on the book by Guus Kuije.

A Speakeasy Evening
Date: October 10, 7:00pm to 10:30pm
Location: National Museum of African American History and Culture,
1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001
United States
Cost: Free

Inspired by the speakeasy clubs of the Harlem Renaissance, which were welcoming and inclusive places for all, the Museum invites you into a space that welcomes LGBTQIA community, African Americans (and allies) of all gender identities and orientations.  

Now in year six, this program will examine the role of discos as a safe space for everyone to dance together and be their authentic selves. The evening will feature a panel discussion about disco, art making, a musical performance, dancing and light fare.

The Peace Trail on the National Mall
Date: Any day with walking weather
Location: Start at United States Institute of Peace, 2301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20037
Cost: Free

The Northwest corner of the National Mall could be considered the "War and Peace Corner" of our nation's capital. It is home to this country's most famous veterans memorials, which draw tens of millions of visitors each year. In 2017, the U.S. Institute of Peace launched the Peace Trail on the National Mall to further enhance the experience of visiting our nation's capital. Anchored at USIP and tracing a path to a dozen other key sites in the vicinity, the reference guide highlights peace themes, elevating examples of key figures, institutions and moments in history that demonstrate America's enduring commitment to peace. Download Peace Trail Reference Guide, Activity Book, or Mobile App from the website.

Sessa
Date: Saturday, October 19-6 p.m.
Location: Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage
Cost: Free (Online advance reservations for a given performance date will open on a rolling basis, opening every Wednesday two weeks out from the date.)

Sessa, the São Paulo musician known for his enchanting 2019 debut album Grandeza, returns with an expansive collection of songs built with reverence for the deep historical traditions of Brazilian music.

Gordon Parks: Camera Portraits from the Corcoran Collection
Date: Daily through January 12, 2025
Location: National Gallery of Art, 4th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565
Cost: Free

This exhibition, drawn primarily from the Corcoran Collection, presents some 25 portraits Parks made between 1941 and 1970. Explore Parks's innovations in portraiture through some of his best-known photographs. Learn how his portraits speak to larger stories of the civil rights movement, the African American experience, and American culture.

Día de los Muertos Family Day
Date: Saturday, October 26 11:30am - 3:00 pm
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G St. NW, Washington, DC 20004
Cost: Free

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with the Smithsonian American Art Museum! Bring the whole family to see exciting live performances, including traditional Mexican folk dance by Corazon Folklorico, a mariachi performance by Mariachi Aguila DC, and a showcase of different Latin American music genres and dances with Sol y Rumba.

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National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Annual Labor Day Concert
Date: Sunday, September 1, 2024. 8:00 PM. Public security screening sites open at 3:00 PM.
Location: West Lawn of the US Capitol
Cost: FREE! No tickets required. Seating first come, first served.

The National Symphony Orchestra’s FREE annual Labor Day weekend concert returns to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol! This year, the NSO performs classics by Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, John Philip Sousa, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and more led by charismatic conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez and featuring Grammy–nominated rapper/beatboxer Christylez Bacon. Don’t miss this must-see celebration!

Opening September 2024. The People’s House: A White House Experience
Date: Open seven days a week. 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day)
Location: 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.
Cost: FREE! Reserve your passes in advance

The White House Historical Association is bringing a new cutting-edge education experience, “The People’s House: A White House Experience,” one block away from the White House. The experience will tell the story of the Executive Mansion, its inhabitants, and the people who have dedicated their careers to its functions. The 33,000-square-foot three-floor site will feature exhibits and galleries bringing the White House and its storied history to life. Visitors will interact with a large-scale White House model, re-creation of the Rose Garden, White House moments, a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, and dimensional galleries combining immersive media and inventive scenic representations.

DC State Fair
Date: Saturday, September 7, 2024. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Franklin Park. 1332 I Street, NW.
Cost: FREE!

The 15th Annual DC State Fair will include contests, local vendors, and a celebration of the District’s agricultural, culinary, and creative talents and all things homegrown. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions—growing and gardening, contests, and deep-fried foods—the DC State Fair honors the things that make the District of Columbia unique. There will be competitions to find the tastiest mumbo sauce, best honey, and the top photographers with a creative eye. The fair will include 50+ exhibitors including local makers, community organizations, food vendors, government agencies, and universities, live performances, children’s activities, arts, demonstrations, and blue-ribbon presentations for 30+ contests.

Adams Morgan Day
Date: Sunday, September 8, 2024
Location: Varies by event
Cost: FREE!

Adams Morgan Day Events:

For 46 years, Adams Morgan Day has been a family-friendly celebration with music, art, and activities for all ages. Adams Morgan Day is Washington, DC’s longest-running neighborhood festival. Residents and visitors are welcome to meet their neighborhood businesses, artists, and service organizations.

Dance Plaza at Moonlight DC. Time: 11:50 AM - 7:00 PM. Location: 2327 18th St NW.

Sit back, relax, and let hostess, Cheryl “Cee-Cee” Hardy take you on an international journey of dance, fashion, and culture. This interactive platform is where you will experience an explosive lineup of dance groups that will perform and teach basic dance moves, allowing the audience to join along.

Melodies at Kalorama. Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Location: 2327 18th St NW.

Live music will resound from the stage at Moonlight DC in “Melodies at Kalorama” hosted by
DJ Qhill. Sit back, relax, and take in the smooth tunes by some of our local performers. There will also be a Soulful House Session hosted by DJ Divine with a special tribute to DJ Sam “The Man” Burns, who was instrumental in incorporating House music in the Adams Morgan area.

Community History on Belmont. Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Location: 18th & Belmont St NW.

American University’s Humanities Truck will highlight stories and photographs from Adams Morgan history, including a display about the New Thing Art and Architecture Center and Adams Morgan photo exhibit by past and present local photographers.

National Dance Day
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024. 10:00 AM
Location: Kennedy Center REACH Campus
Cost: FREE! Signup to get event email

Find joy in the communities created through dance! Join the Kennedy Center for another exciting National Dance Day celebration with FREE classes, performances, and parties. Recognizing the power and importance of showing up for each other, this year’s event explores how dance builds and strengthens community well-being. National Dance Day coincides with the fifth anniversary of the REACH opening, so get ready for arts activities and performances all weekend long.

H Street Festival
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Location: H Street NE between 3rd Street and Florida Ave.
Cost: FREE!

H Street Festival is one of the most anticipated and highly attended single-day festivals in Washington DC. The festival is 12 blocks long and has 15 staging areas that are diversely themed and programmed to target different segments of audiences. The staging areas feature music of different genres, dance, youth-based performances, fashion, heritage arts, poetry, and many more. Art has been a principal motivator of the festival and has proven to be a valuable agent in impacting local economic growth. The festival also has a direct impact on reducing commercial building vacancy rate on H Street Corridor from 75% to under 5%. H Street Festival has successfully utilized arts as an engine for the growth of the historic neighborhood.

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Free Community Days at the National Museum of Women in the Arts
Location: 1250 New York Ave. NW. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Cost: Free Admission Days: First Sunday & Second Wednesday of every month; Regular Admission: Adult $16. DC Residents $13

The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) is the first museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts. With its collections, exhibitions, programs, and online content, the museum seeks to inspire dynamic exchanges about art and ideas. NMWA advocates for better representation of women artists and serves as a vital center for thought leadership, community engagement, and social change. The museum addresses the gender imbalance in the presentation of art by bringing to light important women artists of the past while promoting great women artists working today.

DC Improv Stand-Up Showcase
Date: Friday-Sunday, August 9-11 & August 16-18, 2024. Shows 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM (Times vary)
Location: 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW
Cost: General Admission $22

Enjoy great stand-up comedy in downtown DC. The showcase lineups feature top talent from DC, Maryland, Virginia, and beyond, performing on one of the country's most famous stages. You'll see a variety of styles and get up close with some of the stars of tomorrow. Support local talent and local businesses while having lots of fun. Showcases generally last around 90 minutes.

Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week
Date: Monday, August 12 - Sunday, August 18, 2024.
Location: Participating Restaurants throughout the DMV.
Cost: $25 for lunch/brunch and $40/$55/$65 dinner options

Summer Restaurant Week is back! This is the perfect time to try a new restaurant or revisit an old favorite. With many offering discount menus throughout the region, this is a great time to visit and support celebrated local restaurants.

GW First Night 2024 & Org Fair
Date: Saturday, August 24 2024. 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: 2121 H Street, NW
Cost: FREE!

It’s time to kickoff the new school year with your favorite GW tradition. First Night is a carnival and celebration welcoming new students, and welcoming back returning students. There will be major attractions, tons of carnival games, and lots of fun and food!

2024 National Book Festival
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2024. 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place, NW
Cost: FREE!

The 2024 National Book Festival will be held in the nation’s capital. The event is free and open to the public. The festival’s theme this year, “Books Build Us Up,” explores how reading can help connect us and inform our lives. It’s through books that readers can develop strong bonds with writers and their ideas - relationships that open the entire world, real or imagined, to us all. A selection of programs will be livestreamed online and videos of all programs will be available shortly after the festival.

WOW Indonesia! Festival
Date: Sunday, August 25, 2024. 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Pennsylvania Avenue NW, between 3rd & 7th street
Cost: FREE! Advanced registration is required through Eventbrite.

Experience Indonesia in a day at the very heart of Washington, DC. This event is held in commemoration of 75 years of Indonesia - United States bilateral relations! There will be food, performances, fashion, arts & crafts, hands-on activities, games, prizes and much more!

20th Annual DC JazzFest at The Wharf
Date: Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 – Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024. Daily 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: District Pier, 760 Maine Ave. SW
Cost: Per day tickets - Standing: $25 + fees

The 20th Annual DC JazzFest will feature 20+ concerts, interviews, and exclusive events featuring international superstars and homegrown talent. This blockbuster weekend features two outdoor stages at The Wharf, the popular waterfront destination with restaurants, shops, and stunning views of our Nation's Capital.

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Washington DC, Fourth of July Celebrations
National Independence Day Parade
Location: Constitution Avenue NW between 7th Street and 17th Street, 11:45 AM to 2:00 PM
Cost: FREE!

Celebrate Independence Day in this patriotic, flag-waving, red, white, and blue celebration of America's birthday! There will be marching bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrians, drill teams, and more. Learn more here.

Sylvan Theater Family Activity Area
Location: Southeast grounds of the Washington Monument, 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Cost: FREE!

Visit the Sylvan Theater Family Activity Area on the southeast grounds of the monument for activities and a scavenger hunt about the monuments and memorials on the National Mall. You can also complete your Independence Day Junior Ranger booklet full of family-friendly, fun activities.

A Capitol Fourth Concert
Location: West Lawn of the United States Capitol, 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: FREE!

This star-studded salute to Independence Day is broadcast live from the West Lawn of the United States Capitol and is free and open to the public. Gates open at 3:00 PM. More information here.

Fireworks on the National Mall
Time: 9:09 PM to 9:27 PM

The National Park Service will once again host the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration on the National Mall, the nation’s most important civic space and home to more than a dozen memorials that commemorate great Americans and significant events in our nation’s history. Fireworks will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

July 4th at the National Archives
Time: July 4, 2024, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: National Archives Museum, 701 Constitution Ave. NW
Cost: FREE!

Join the National Archives on Constitution Avenue in celebration of July 4th! They will celebrate America’s birthday on the steps of the National Archives with re-enactors, family fun, and the iconic Declaration of Independence reading ceremony. There will be a full day of patriotic activities including, presentation of colors, singing of the National Anthem, Declaration of Independence readings, live performances, family activities, and more. While here, explore the historic museum.

Gold's Gym Georgetown Park 2024 Workout Series
Date: Every Saturday in July thru August 3, 2024. 9:00 AM
Location: Georgetown Park, 3223 Grace Street, NW.
Cost: FREE!

Gold's Gym DC Metro is proud to partner with Georgetown Park for this outdoor fitness series! Get up and get moving with elite coaches and trainers for weekend fitness and fun with classes like Zumba/Cardio Dance, HIIT Training, and more! Classes are held right outside of Pinstripes in Georgetown Park! FREE 2-hour parking is available at the parking garage located at 1080 Wisconsin Ave, NW.

Singalong Saturdays at The Wharf
Date: July 6 & August 3, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Transit Pier, 970 Wharf Street, SW
Cost: FREE!

Go to the Wharf for Singalong Saturdays, free karaoke, on the first Saturday of July and August from 7:00 PM-9:00 PM. Take karaoke night to the next level by performing your favorite song with live music from the 24K Event Band on the Transit Pier floating stage. No advanced sign-up is required – just show up, choose a song, and channel your inner rockstar! First come, first serve.

Summer Reps 2024
“Romeo and Juliet” and “The Rover or The Banish’d Cavaliers”
Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 6:00 PM. (+ 8 Dates with varying times)
Location: Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street, NW
Cost: $10 for GW faculty, staff, and students. Promo-code (GEORGE1). $20 for General Public.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company Academy is a Master of Fine Arts program that trains actors to work with classical language and embody mythic storytelling. After completing a one-year intensive program of coursework spanning classical text study, stage combat, and more, the class of 2024 performs two plays in repertory as the culmination of their training.

Romeo and Juliet - Directed by Alec Wild. By William Shakespeare.
What makes a tale timeless? It’s the sense that even over centuries, human beings grapple with the same big problems, again and again. Romeo and Juliet deals with two lovers at odds with the expectations and biases of their families, and shows us the tragic consequences of failing to see our loved ones with clear eyes and full hearts. A story of love, loyalty, and the desperate measures we take when we’re ruled by our passions, Romeo and Juliet stand the test of time as a true classic.

The Rover or The Banish’d Cavaliers -Directed by Eleanor Holdridge. By Aphra Behn.
Virginia Woolf wrote of Aphra Behn, “All women together ought to let flowers fall on the tomb of Aphra Behn, for it was she who earned them the right to speak their minds.” The first English woman to earn her living openly as a writer, Behn wrote The Rover in 1655, and won great acclaim for its bawdiness, fun, and daring. Taking place during Carnival in Spain, The Rover deals with sexual intrigue, mistaken identities, and uncontrollable desire as the characters struggle to find love and societal acceptance. The story reminds us that even in the seventeenth century, women were fighting for agency, freedom, and equality.

Home Rule Music Festival @ Alethia Tanner Park
Date: Saturday, July 20, 2024. 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Alethia Tanner Park. 227 Harry Thomas Way, NE
Cost: FREE!

Engaging the community through rhythmic jazz and go-go, the Home Rule Music Festival is a celebration of DC’s rich and vibrant music and culture. The festival is a special day of FREE, family-friendly music that includes an outdoor record fair, great food trucks, craft drinks, more local vendors, and a full afternoon of live music from living legends and rising stars. In partnership with the NoMa Business Improvement District (BID) and the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment, this collaboration reflects not only the festival's growth in the audience but also a commitment to providing a platform for diverse artistic expression and community engagement.

SAAM Arcade 2024 – Adventure Awaits
Date: Saturday, July 27, 2024. 11:30 AM -7:00 PM
Location: Kogod Courtyard - Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th Street, NW & G Street, NW
Cost: FREE!

Come see the world with SAAM Arcade 2024! This year, SAAM Arcade showcases games that allow us to travel to and explore new places. As many of us seek new and exciting experiences, video games provide us with the opportunity to see both real and imagined places from new perspectives. The theme of travel and exploration focuses on the ways games make travel an exciting possibility and engage us with new experiences—all through the work of coding and design. SAAM Arcade will feature classic arcade games and a selection of games from independent developers that provide us an escape from everyday life, allow us to travel to new and possibly uncharted worlds, and give us the experience of a lifetime, all from a comfortable chair.

Healthy Living @ Himmelfarb

Millennium Stage Films: Extraordinary Cinema
Location: REACH Video Wall, Kennedy Center
Dates: Every Friday thru August 30, 2024. Film starts at sundown or 8:30 PM
Cost: FREE!

June Screenings:
June 7: Dreamgirls
June 14: 10,000 Dreams: A Festival of Asian Choreography
June 21: Elemental
June 28: Ratatouille

Enjoy outdoor movie screenings this summer on the Kennedy Center REACH Video Wall. No tickets are required but registration is encouraged so you can get the most up-to-date status of the films. If not registered, check the website day of the film screening for cancelation or location changes. You’re welcome to bring blankets and chairs. Bring a picnic to their outdoor spaces during non-event times. Coolers must be limited to 16 quarts or smaller. Personal chairs must be limited to 36" high or smaller.

Capital Pride 17th Street Block Party
Date: Saturday, June 8, 2024. 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: 17th Street NW, Dupont Neighborhood
Cost: FREE!

The historic Dupont neighborhood party will feature local food, beverages, and various activities in celebration of Pride. Dine indoors or outside along 17th Street at over a dozen iconic restaurants and eateries in this historic neighborhood. The DC Water Quench buggy will be there so bring your reusable water bottles and hydrate throughout the day! Get totally radical and have a dance-off in the street! Enjoy a live DJ from 12:00 pm-10:00 pm. Bring your little ones to Stead Park between 10:00 am-3:00 pm for free kid’s activities, games, and story hour.

Rock the Dock at The Wharf - Special Juneteenth Concert
Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2024. The Juneteenth Extended Concert is from 3:00 PM-9:00 PM. All other summer concerts start at 7:00 PM.
Location: DC Wharf. 760 Maine Ave., SW
Cost: FREE!

Summer never sounded better! Head to the DC Wharf for free concerts on the Transit Pier every Wednesday. With R&B, Americana, Motown, Jazz, Reggae, and your favorite pop covers, there is something for everyone. The Juneteenth extended concert will feature performances by:
3:00pm-4:30pm: JWX: The Jarreau Williams Experience
5:00pm-6:30pm: Jogo Project
7:00pm-9:00pm: Be’la Dona (R&B/Soul/Go-Go)

32nd Annual Giant BBQ Battle
Date: Saturday, June 22 – 11:00 AM-9:00 PM /Sunday, June 23: 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
Location: Pennsylvania Ave. (between 3rd & 7th Streets)
Cost: One day pass: $20+fees (good for Saturday, June 22 OR Sunday, June 23)

Get ready for the BBQ Summer Games XXXII. Foodies, families, and friends can taste the triumph at this legendary two-day festival of flavors and fun. Don’t sit on the sidelines! Grab your tickets and be a part of history. Pass includes event admission, over 100 free food and beverage samples (while supplies last), live music on 3 Stages, expert cooking demonstrations, interactive exhibits, children's activities, sports action for the Washington Wizards, Mystics, Capital and Cap City Go-Go, and BBQ from across the country. Plus witness BBQ's best in the National BBQ Championship Contest.

Science Solstice Saturday
Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024. 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Location: National Zoo
Cost: FREE! Entry passes will be made available one month before the event date.

The Smithsonian marks the first Saturday of summer, Solstice Saturday, by hosting programs and performances throughout the day and night. Get ready for a free, fun-filled immersive scientific experience at the Zoo! On Solstice Saturday, visitors can engage with scientists, researchers, and animal experts to learn how science is shaping the future of wildlife conservation.

2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Date: June 26–July 1, 2024. Hours: 11:00 AM-5:30 PM. Evening concerts Friday- Sunday 5:30 PM-7:00 PM
Location: National Mall (between 3rd & 7th Streets)
Cost: FREE!

In 2024, the festival highlights, “Indigenous Voices of the Americas: Celebrating the National Museum of the American Indian”. Four primary themes will include, Relevance, Resistance, Representation, and Reclamation. Join the celebration with stories, songs, and dance. Experience ancestral foods like the Three Sisters (beans, corn, and squash) and inventive, sustainable cuisines. Learn stories that underlie Indigenous sports and games. Hear how Indigenous youth are reclaiming their languages through spoken word and hip-hop. Explore traditional arts that flourish in their connections to place and environmental knowledge.

Healthy Living @ Himmelfarb

International City Food Festival
Date: Fri, May 3, 2024. 4:00 PM–9:00 PM. / Sat, May 4, 2024. 10:00 AM-9:00 PM
Location: The Square. 1850 K St, NW.
Cost: FREE!

Join Events DC for a weekend filled with celebrations built on food that brings us together. Featuring international performances, food, and crafts presented by vendors from around the world, the International City Food Festival offers an opportunity to journey across the globe and celebrate diverse cultures within the heart of DC.

Running of the Chihuahuas
Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024. 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: District Pier. 760 Maine Ave, SW.
Cost: FREE! No registration required

It’s time for Little Dogs, Big Fun! This free event features the iconic Chihuahua races, an adoptable pet parade, all-breed dog costume contest, and more! The highlight of the afternoon features over 150 Chihuahuas racing in groups of eight on a sixty-foot racetrack. All the action is captured on a huge video screen and the winners take home pet-friendly gifts, prizes, and more! All race proceeds benefit Rural Dog Rescue – a non-profit organization dedicated to pulling dogs from high-kill rural shelters.

Market SW + Farmers Market SW
Date: Alternate Fridays starting May 10, 2024. 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Southwest Lot, corner of 4th & M St, SW.
Cost: FREE!

Southwest DC's eclectic Friday night market returns with a diverse mix of art, crafts, handmade jewelry, accessories, bath and beauty goods, and vintage and antique furnishings. On stage, local musicians and DJs will curate a mix of live music for your fun and enjoyment. Specialty food businesses and select food trucks add to the programming mix. Don’t miss the Farmers Market every Saturday from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM throughout the 2024 market season for healthy fresh produce and foods from local farmers and producers.

EU Open House
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024. 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: 23 Embassies throughout DC (see Special Google Map)
Cost: FREE! No registration, tickets, or passport required!

The European Union and its embassies will open their doors to the public for a day of culture, food, music, and more so that Americans can catch a glimpse of the European cultures that make up the European Union. This event falls every year on the first Saturday after Europe Day on May 9. This date marks the signing of the Schuman Declaration on May 9, 1950, which established the European Coal and Steel Community, a multinational entity that would eventually become the European Union. Normally you have to cross the Atlantic to visit the EU, but at Open House, you just have to cross the street!

National Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 27, 2024. 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Constitution Ave, NW, between 7th & 17th Streets
Cost: FREE!

Join the Memorial Day celebration to honor the service and sacrifice of generations of American veterans. Attend the DC parade in person or watch on television. The event is a magnificent salute to America's Veterans and in honor of those who died in defense of our country.

Jazz in the Garden (Summer concert series)
Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas
Date: Friday, May 31, 2024. 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Sculpture Garden. 7th St & Constitution Ave, NW.
Cost: FREE! Registration required through a lottery. Opens May 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM-Friday May 24, 2024 at Noon.

DC’s favorite summer concert series returns from May 31 - August 9 (except July 5) with a variety of musical performances including jazz, Latin fusion, zydeco, and more. On May 31, get ready for the fast and furious accordion-driven dance music of 2023 Grammy nominees Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas. Zydeco flows in the veins of these South Louisiana musicians with deep roots in Creole tradition, shown in their trademark rubboard percussion, electric guitars, and R&B soul.

Attendance will be through a lottery. All entrants whether or not they were selected will be notified the Monday before each concert. Those who are selected can register for up to four passes.

Image source: Pexels

Healthy Living @ Himmelfarb

Artomatic
Date: Monday, April 1-April 28, 2024
Wed-Thurs 5:00 PM-9:30 PM / Fri-Sat 12:00 PM-12:00 AM / Sun 12:00 PM-9:00 PM. Mon-Tues Closed.
Location: 2100 M Street, NW.
Cost: FREE!

Artomatic returns close to campus for its signature art event drawing hundreds of artists and performers from throughout the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area for a seven-week free exhibition to celebrate the arts! Stop by to see and admire works by local artists.

Student Discount Tickets: Washington Nationals
Dates: Available for nearly all regular season home games; Offer not valid for the Futures Game, Opening Day, or Postseason
Location: Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street, SW.
Cost: Save 30% off face value; Tickets start at just $8

Baseball is here! Have fun at the ballpark and cheer on the Nats! The Nationals have a special ticket offer to help college students save on tickets all season long!

OUR SONGS: A Musical Revue
Date: Thur-Sat, April 4, 5, 6, 2024 at 7:30 PM / Sun, April 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Location: Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre. 800 21st Street NW.
Cost: $10 Students/Seniors, $20 General Admission

Curated by GW students, Music and Theatre & Dance programs join forces to showcase all that musical theatre can offer. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer J. Hopkins with music direction by Sammy Grob, go see a performance that draws from the wellspring of musical stage including Carrie, Cabaret, Follies, La Cage Aux Folles, 9 to 5, A Strange Loop, and more!

Jacqueline Woodson’s Block Party!
Date: Saturday, April 13, 2024. 1:00 PM-5:30 PM. (Rain date: Apr. 14, 2024)
Location: REACH Plaza, Kennedy Center
Cost: FREE! Reservations encouraged.

Enjoy music, food, and fun at the Kennedy Center Block Party hosted by Education
Artist-in-Residence and award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson! Free performances, fun-filled games, and various activities will be on the REACH grounds all afternoon, featuring DC area artists and entertainers. Food and refreshments will also be available for purchase from local food trucks. This is a perfect way to spend a beautiful spring afternoon.

Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival
Date: Sat-Sun, April 13-14, 2024
Location: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. (Between 3rd and 7th Streets)
Cost: $15.00 - One Day Ticket Advanced. $20.00 - Same Day

The Sakura Matsuri, a Japanese street festival is the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the United States. The festival features over 24 hours of Japanese cultural performances on four stages (including J-Pop, traditional Japanese music, and martial arts) and a diverse range of cultural exhibitors, artisan and commercial vendors of traditional and contemporary Japanese goods. Japanese and other food and beverages will be available. The festival also spotlights travel and tourism opportunities and innovative Japanese technologies.

Georgetown French Market
Date: Fri-Sun, April 26-28, 2024. Fri-Sat. 10:00 AM-5:00 PM / Sun. 12:00-5:00 PM.
Location: Wisconsin Avenue from O St to Reservoir Rd.
Cost: FREE!

The annual Georgetown French Market is a popular open-air market originally inspired by the outdoor markets in France that has become a tradition in DC, and one of the biggest shopping events of the year for local small businesses. More than 35 local boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, salons and galleries display their discounted wares for up to 75% off. Neighborhood restaurants also offer food and drink specials, sale on French wines, pastries, croissants, and macarons from French bakery Patisserie Poupon. On Saturday and Sunday, the French Market will feature live music, a balloon artist, roaming stilt-walkers, a unicyclist, pop-up flowers, book sales, and more.

Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) Garden Fair & Plant Sale
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024. 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. Rain Date April 28, 2024.
Location: U.S. National Arboretum. New York Ave Parking Lot. 3501 New York Ave NE. Free shuttle service is available between event parking lots. Parking is free.
Cost: FREE!

Celebrate spring and Arbor Day at the National Arboretum. They will have a fantastic array of plants, expert gardening advice, dozens of local vendors, and outdoor activities! Over 30 local gardening, home goods, food, and beverage vendors will bring products specially picked for this event. While there, don’t miss the wonderful Azalea Collections that are often in full bloom this time of year.

Image source: Pexels

Crochet at the Museum!
Date: Saturday, March 2, 2024. 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Location: GW Textile Museum. 701 21st St. NW
Cost: FREE! RSVP to event

Reduce stress and anxiety with crochet, creating something beautiful at the same time. The repetitive motion of crocheting can help soothe and calm the mind. Allied in Pride will host a crochet event at the GW Textile Museum. All supplies and instruction will be provided!

The 7th Annual Sung Symposium: Sleep for Well-being
Sponsored by GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Date: Friday, March 8, 2024. 1:00-5:00 PM
Location: Online
Cost: FREE. Register to attend

The 2024 Sung Symposium explores how sleep affects whole health—and how well-being affects sleep. Research suggests that almost a third of us drag ourselves out of bed in the morning without enough good-quality sleep. If you feel tired upon waking, or throughout the day, you may be experiencing underlying issues that are impacting your night’s rest. Many things can contribute to poor sleep quality including poor sleep hygiene, stress, sleep apnea, a primary sleep disorder, or a chronic health condition. Attend this symposium and learn more about sleep problems and how to have restorative sleep

Ireland at The Wharf
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2024. 12:00-6:00 PM.
Location: DC Wharf. 760 Maine Ave. SW.
Cost: FREE!

The luck of the Irish comes to the DC Waterfront with the Ireland at The Wharf Festival! Enjoy Irish dancing performances, live music at the District Pier Stage, featuring Celtic, Irish, and Americana tunes you can sing and dance to. Dine at their many popular restaurants and cafes. There are so many options to choose from.

Coffee, Canvas, and Community at OAS
Date: Monday, March 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: OAS (Office of Advocacy & Support) Townhouse. 520 22nd St NW.
Cost: FREE! RSVP to Event

Need a boost before classes? Join the Office of Advocacy and Support for Coffee, Canvas, and Community for painting with a relaxing cup of tea or an energizing coffee beverage. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Don't worry, no painting supplies or skills are required. Come to make friends, relax, paint, or just chill! Hope to see you there!

DC Sketchfest at DC Improv Comedy Club
Date: March 22, 2024. 7:30 PM. Door Time: 6:15 PM
Location: DC Improv Comedy Club/Restaurant. 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW
Cost: $20 General Admission

Enjoy a fun night of laughter and comedy at DC Sketchfest. This is an annual showcase that features the best-scripted comedy from DC and the world beyond. Check out the incredible lineup. DC Sketchfest is produced, booked, and organized by the DC sketch comedy community and founded by Bad Medicine and Rails Comedy.

Friends of the National Arboretum - Flowering 5K
Sponsored by FONA: Friends of the National Arboretum
Date: Sunday, March 24, 2024. Registration: 7:30 AM. Race start: 9:00 AM.
Location: U.S. National Arboretum. 3501 New York Ave NE.
Cost: Registration: $50, includes race t-shirt while supplies last until March 21st at 11:59 PM.
Race Weekend Registration: $55, race t-shirt not included.

FONA's Flowering 5K is the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of spring. This run or walk will take you past garden collections brightly colored with spring flowers, over tree-lined rolling hills, and along streams winding their way to the Anacostia River.  Enjoy cherry blossoms, magnolias, and so much more! This race will be safe and secure with all roads closed to cars so you can safely enjoy running or walking through this 451-acre urban green space. There will be a professional race announcer calling out runners as they cross the finish line and music before and after the event to get you in the groove. A professional photographer will take photos along the course. Photos will be shared with all participants after the race for free!

Blossom Kite Festival
Date: Saturday, March 30, 2024.
Rain Date: Sunday, March 31, 2024. 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Washington Monument
Cost: FREE!

Head to the Washington Monument Grounds for fun activities, music, competitions, and performances. Kite enthusiasts, beginners, families, and friends are all welcome. The Kite Festival will feature a day-long celebration of dynamic traditional Japanese drumming, a showcase of traditional Edo-style kites, choreographed performances and demonstrations by Team KiteLife, Wings Over Washington Kite Club, and other nationally and internationally recognized professional kite fliers and so much more!

Images from: Pexels