7 Amazing Things To Do In D.C. This Weekend
This weekend in the District is busier than most!
Between a musical festival, commemorating Juneteenth, and celebrating Father’s Day, there are a number of ways to spend this weekend in the city. To help, Secret D.C. has rounded up a full list of all the goings-on:
1. Live life as a royal by attending The Queen’s Ball
“Dearest Readers, it’s time to gather your finest Regency-inspired attire and experience the dreamlike recreation of Shondaland’s Bridgerton at Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience.” With themed cocktails, jaw-dropping performances, and a ball full of suitors, what could be better? What a scandal!
2. Experience Pharrell’s Something in the Water Festival
Famed singer and producer Pharrell Williams’ Something in the Water Festival kicks off its inaugural festival in Washington, D.C., on Friday. Held over Juneteenth weekend, June 17-19, the festival is taking across three stages on Independence Avenue and its adjacent streets. The festival, which aims to “fight systemic issues for historically marginalized communities,” will feature captivating performances by heavy-hitters such as Ashanti & Ja Rule, Dave Matthews Band, Pharrell & Phriends, Pusha T, Tyler, the Creator, Usher, and many more.
3. Celebrate Father’s Day in D.C. style
Father’s Day is just around the corner and you may be looking for a last-minute way to celebrate the father, or father-figure, in your life. Whether he’s a sports enthusiast, art connoisseur, brunch fan, or teller of corny dad jokes, we have you covered!
4. Commemorate Juneteenth in the nation’s capital
June 19th — also known as Juneteenth, Emancipation Day, or Freedom Day — marks the official end of slavery in the United States, with the last slaves in Texas having been freed. Last year, President Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday in the U.S. to commemorate the landmark day. We’ve compiled how businesses and institutions in Washington, D.C., are honoring the day this year.
5. Beat the heat at one of these indoor exhibits
D.C. is home to over 70 museums, including 19 free Smithsonian museums and galleries, each boasting numerous must-see exhibits! Here are a few you want to be sure to catch this June:
- National Gallery of Art: Afro-Atlantic Histories
- Hirshhorn Museum: Laurie Anderson- The Weather
- Renwick Gallery: This Present Moment- Crafting A Better World
- Hillwood Museum: Grace of Monaco: Princess in Dior
6. Watch a movie outdoors
What’s better than a free outdoor movie?! Just outside of D.C. at National Harbor, the Movies on the Potomac series is in full-swing. Fun for all ages, every 6 p.m. on Sunday features a family-friendly film, while couples and adults can come for Thursday’s 7 p.m. date night showings. Even better — each month has an overall theme! If you love travel movies, then June is the perfect month for you! Find a full calendar listing of films here.
7. Enjoy a drink and warm weather at one of these rooftop bars
Warm weather and drinks while taking in a view of D.C. is virtually unbeatable! The District has a number of rooftop bars with gorgeous city views — including the newly opened Takoda Navy Yard — just waiting for you!