Washington, D.C. event weekends: what to do between sessions
Free Smithsonian museums, the monuments of the National Mall, Georgetown and the Potomac.
Events we cover in Washington, D.C.
29 Apr 2027*NFL Draft 2027 (Washington, D.C.)
Washington, D.C., United StatesUS sports15 May 2027*Georgetown Commencement
Washington, D.C., United StatesGraduation16 May 2027*George Washington University Commencement
Washington, D.C., United StatesGraduation29 Oct 2027*Marine Corps Marathon
Washington, D.C., United StatesMarathon
Washington, D.C., United StatesUS sports15 May 2027*Georgetown Commencement
Washington, D.C., United StatesGraduation16 May 2027*George Washington University Commencement
Washington, D.C., United StatesGraduation29 Oct 2027*Marine Corps Marathon
Washington, D.C., United StatesMarathon
Arriving
Reagan National (DCA) is on the Metro, 15 minutes from downtown. Dulles (IAD) has the Silver Line (50 minutes). BWI has MARC and Amtrak trains.
Where to stay
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Arlington and Crystal City | Across the river on the Metro. |
| Mid-range | Penn Quarter and Dupont Circle | Walk to the Mall. |
| Splurge | Georgetown and the White House area | Historic luxury hotels. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Generator Washington DC
- Mid-range: Hotel Hive
- Splurge: The Hay-Adams
Tours
Evening · Low walking · Nightlife · Family
Monuments by moonlight tour
Lincoln, Jefferson and WWII memorials lit up.
Where to eat
With kids
- Air and Space Museum.
- Natural History Museum.
- National Zoo.
Rainy-day backups
- National Gallery of Art.
- African American History and Culture Museum (timed passes).
Free things to do
- All Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are free.
- Lincoln Memorial at night.
- Arlington National Cemetery.
Getting around
- Metro and buses take contactless or SmarTrip.