Washington, D.C. is filled with fun, and often free, cultural events and places to enjoy. Whether you’re a longtime local or a new resident, there is no shortage of cultural activities to explore in Washington, D.C. We’ll break down eight of the most exciting cultural places, events, and more to put on your list of things to do in Washington, D.C.
1. Rhythm in the Park: Drum Circle, Meridian Hill Park
Every Sunday at 3 p.m., people from all over the city and even the world gather in Meridian Hill Park to partake in the 40-year-old weekly drum circle tradition. This free cultural event boasts drummers, dancers, Hula-Hoopers, jugglers, and tightrope walkers from a variety of backgrounds. The drum circle is a great event to enjoy with the entire family and can be found near Columbia Heights and U Street in the park. If you’re of the 21+ group, head to nearby Jack Rose Dining Saloon and sip on a cocktail from one of DC’s best bars.
2. Renwick Gallery
The Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum is a branch of the museum devoted to artistic innovation throughout American history. Examples of its impressive displays include Leo Villareal’s “Light Sculpture Volume,” Nick Cave’s “Sound Suit,” and Karen LaMonte’s “Reclining Dress Impression with Drapery.” The Renwick Gallery also has frequently changing exhibitions that highlight contemporary craft. The gallery is open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located just steps away from the White House. Admission to the Renwick Gallery is free and the exhibits are kid-friendly.
3. National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery, part of the Smithsonian, is another one of the many exciting and free cultural activities in Washington, D.C. The collection of portraits on display at the gallery range from politicians to artists to performers and are a must-see for anyone who enjoys history, art, and everything in between. The gallery has regular events and exhibitions that are perfect for the entire family. The National Portrait Gallery is open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
4. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is an art museum dedicated to contemporary culture and art. Located near the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the museum offers tours, a cafe, exhibits, monthly events, and a museum shop for people of all ages and all interests. They also have a storytime event for children (ages 6 and younger) that features book readings, arts, and crafts. The museum is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. and is free to visit.
5. National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art, located in close proximity to the National Mall, is another cultural experience chock-full of only-in-D.C. art you don’t want to miss. The gallery features an East and West Building that hosts various forms of art from different time periods all over the world. The National Gallery of Art has an estimated 141,000 pieces of art on display, so make sure you set aside plenty of time to take it all in when visiting this museum.
The gallery also has regular exhibits that change monthly and feature artists of all historical periods and mediums. Additionally, the gallery’s East Building boasts two tower galleries, a rooftop terrace, and dazzling staircases that can take you to all levels of the gallery. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
6. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a great place to take in the vast culture offered in Washington, D.C. This center has more than 2,000 performances each year and offers free concerts and other performances at the Millennium Stage in the Grand Foyer. You can also catch a Broadway show, comedy show, dance performance, or a number of other concerts at the Kennedy Center. In addition, the center has shopping and several eateries, making this cultural activity perfect for an all-day adventure. The Kennedy Center is open every day starting at 10 a.m.
7. The Mansion on O Street
The Mansion on O Street is a unique and exciting placed to visit in Washington, D.C. This museum/luxury boutique hotel has tours, events, and exhibits that highlight various design and artistic periods throughout history. The Mansion on O Street is especially known for its hidden doors, secret rooms, and passageways that mimic mazes. You can visit for the day or stay for a night in a one-of-a-kind room that is part of the hotel portion of the mansion. The rooms are themed, and among our favorites are a safari room and a two-story log cabin.
8. National Museum of Natural History
History buffs travel far and wide to visit the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., but it’s right in your backyard. (Plus, it’s just steps away from some of the city’s best cheap eats.) This well-known museum boasts a compilation of 145 million artifacts and specimens from nearly all eras in the Earth’s history. It has a variety of exhibits that change regularly and features education programs and other events you can enjoy. Mainstay exhibits include African Voice, African Bush Elephant, and Bone Hall. Once you’ve explored the museum, you can relax in the Garden Lounge on the second floor or grab a bite to eat at the Ocean Terrace Cafe. The National Museum of Natural History is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is located in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History on Constitution Avenue North West.
Our nation’s capital has several fun cultural activities that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. Once you’ve found your perfect apartment on Zumper, be sure to check these all off your list.
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