Arrival day
Saturday 15 MayCheck in, walk the campus with your graduate and book a celebration dinner.
- FreeAll Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are free.
- EatUnion Market
GW graduation weekend 2027: things to do in Washington, D.C.
Sunday, 16 May 2027 · ExpectedWashington, D.C., United States
George Washington University Commencement brings parents, grandparents and siblings to Washington, D.C. for a weekend. The ceremony takes a morning: this guide covers where to stay, the celebration dinner and what to do with the rest of the time.
Know before you go
- Confirm the date and ticket rules on the school's commencement page: guest tickets are often limited.
- Book the celebration dinner when you book the hotel. Every restaurant in town is full that weekend.
Airport to The National Mall
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.
Metro to Smithsonian.
Public transport directions to The National Mall
Where to stay by budget
| 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
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual graduation weekend schedule for Sunday, 16 May 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Ceremony day
Sunday 16 MayCeremonies take the morning. The afternoon is for photos and a long lunch.
- EatOld Ebbitt Grill
- Easy outingFood tour
The day after
Monday 17 MayA free day before everyone leaves. A good time for a trip out of town.
- Half-dayCapitol and Library of Congress tour
- EatRasika
Grandparents and siblings
Low walking and kid friendly.
- Family pickMonuments by moonlight tour
- Rain or heat backupAfrican American History and Culture Museum (timed passes).
Family-friendly picks
Evening · Low walking · Nightlife · Family
Monuments by moonlight tour
Lincoln, Jefferson and WWII memorials lit up.
- Air and Space Museum.
- Natural History Museum.
- National Zoo.
Evening and day-trip tours
Evening · Low walking · Nightlife · Family
Monuments by moonlight tour
Lincoln, Jefferson and WWII memorials lit up.
After dark
- U Street and 14th Street.
6 tours worth booking for GW
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Food tour | Half day | Food lovers |
| Capitol and Library of Congress tour | Half day | Bad weather, Families |
| Mount Vernon day trip | Half day | Families |
| Potomac river cruise | Half day | Tired legs |
| Bike tour of the National Mall | Half day | Families |
| Monuments by moonlight tour | Evening | Tired legs, Night owls, Families |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- National Gallery of Art.
- African American History and Culture Museum (timed passes).
Getting around on event days
- Metro and buses take contactless or SmarTrip.
Day trips from Washington, D.C.
- Mount Vernon: 40 minutes
- Annapolis: 45 minutes
- Baltimore: 1 hour by MARC
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for GW.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is George Washington University Commencement 2027?
The next edition is Sunday, 16 May 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to The National Mall?
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. Metro to Smithsonian.
Where should I stay for George Washington University Commencement?
For most visitors the best base is Penn Quarter and Dupont Circle: Walk to the Mall.
What else can we do around George Washington University Commencement?
Good short outings in Washington, D.C. include Capitol and Library of Congress tour, Mount Vernon day trip, Potomac river cruise. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near George Washington University Commencement?
Family-friendly picks: Monuments by moonlight tour, Capitol and Library of Congress tour, Mount Vernon day trip. Air and Space Museum.
How far is The National Mall from Washington, D.C. centre?
About 2 km in a straight line. Metro to Smithsonian.
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