The fireflies are out, the rooftop bars are open late, and summertime is in full swing in the District. From Fourth of July celebrations and music festivals to sporting events and popup markets, this month is boasting nonstop fun-filled events! To help you make the most of your July in D.C., we’ve compiled the best goings-on that you won’t want to miss:
1. Celebrate the Fourth of July in the nation’s capital
Independence Day, held on July 4th, honors the birth of the United States as a country in 1776, making it among the most monumental federal holidays and celebrations in the U.S. D.C. even ranked one of the top 10 best places to watch Fourth of July fireworks in 2024!
- Sing along to “A Capitol Fourth.”
- Witness a grand fireworks display over D.C.’s famous monuments.
2. Catch a concert at your favorite local venue
- The Anthem: Teddy Swims (July 16 and 17), The Pixies (July 25 and 26), Wawability: Comedy Without Limits (July 11 and 12)
- The Atlantis: Suprise Chef (July 9), Deep Deep Live (July 11), 2000s Remixed Flashback Showcase (July 12), Silverada (July 17), Six Foot Blonde (July 18), Rose City Band (July 20), The Symposium (July 22)
- 9:30 Club: Gimme Gimme Disco (July 4), White Ford Bronco (July 11), Sub-Radio (July 12), Strutman Lane (July 19), July Mooney (July 20), Femi Kuti & the Positive Force (July 25)
- Echostage: Bolo (July 4), Don Diablo (July 12), One Really Big Afro Night (July 19)
3. Escape to Machu Picchu via a brand-new VR adventure
Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City has officially opened its doors in D.C., taking visitors on a mind-blowing adventure into the extraordinary archaeological site. The free-roam VR experience is located at 950 F St NW, and is offering 20% off tickets for Fourth of July weekend. Plan your visit here!
4. Stimulate your senses by visiting Dopamine Land
This unique and interactive experience is an incredible plan for families, friendly, dates, and practically any other occasion you can imagine!
The fun changes in every room as each has its own theme and unique activity, like a room with mesmerizing light displays or a space dedicated to pillow fights. Book tickets here!
5. Visit this serene estate, museum, and gardens in D.C.
Formerly home to Marjorie Merriweather Post, this grand estate in Northwest D.C. is home to a large decorative arts collection and 13 acres of beautiful gardens. The extravagant oasis is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city this summer.
Plus, visitors can now explore a curated collection of oceanic art at the museum’s new Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean exhibition. Plan your visit here!
6. Make some delicious memories at this Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
If you’re looking for a fun day trip this July, go and get your barbecue fix at this epic foodie festival in Richmond. Complete with over 60 beers, 40 bourbons, live music, and loads of barbecue, the Beer, Bourbon & Barbeque Festival will make for a memorable Saturday. The event takes place on July 26 from 12 pm to 6 pm at The Meadow Event Park. Tickets begin at $45.
7. Head to the theatre for one of these plays, musicals, or ballets
- The Kennedy Center
- “Les Miserables” (Until July 13)
- “A Capitol Forth” (July 4)
- “Sesame Street the Musical” (July 10 – August 31)
8. Watch Big Boi and Three 6 Mafia at the National Cannabis Festival
This year, you can catch Big Boi, Three 6 Mafia, Ty Dolla $ign and more, performing at the National Cannabis Festival! Make sure to take public transportation if you partake, so here’s a quick guide to getting there if you need. Visit their website for tickets.
9. Explore some of the incredible hikes around D.C.!
You might not guess that there’s so much incredible nature to see right around the capital, but you’d be surprised!
Some of the most incredible hiking trails in the nation can be found within an hour’s drive of D.C., even one hike complete with cliffs and waters less than 30 minutes from the capital!
10. Attend the Capital Fringe Festival
You can catch the highly-anticipated Capital Fringe Festival July 12-23.
Celebrating a spectrum of performances on the “fringes,”— ranging from comedy and musicals to drama and artist discussions—this year’s performances surround the theme “Happy.”
11. Visit a candlelight concert
The Fever Originals Candlelight series is the perfect way to unwind. You can lose yourself in classical renditions of your favorite tunes amid soft candlelight. With multiple genres and musical themes to choose from, there’s bound to be a concert that’s perfect for you!
- Candlelight: From Bach to the Beatles – June 12 t0 Sept
- Candlelight: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons – July 12 to Nov
- Candlelight: Tribute to Whitney Houston on Strings – July 17
- Candlelight: Queen vs. Abba – July 17
12. Bust a gut at one of these comedy shows
- D.C. Improv: Tip “T.I.” Haris (July 5-6), Standup Showcase (July 5-6), Date Night:Kumite XL (July 9), Love Isn’t Blind (July 10).
13. Hang out at D.C.’s Broccoli City Festival
This year’s Broccoli City Festival—being held Saturday, July 27, and Sunday, July 28 — includes big-name performers, such as Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, Lil Yachty, Amaarae, and many more!
Broccoli City Festival has been occurring in Washington, D.C., since 2013 to benefit and inspire local youth and communities to create a “racially equitable” world and aid the D.C. community.
14. Attend Concerts Under The Stars Outdoor At Dirty Habit
Dirty Habit is the place to be this summer, there are a few limited “Concerts Under The Stars” series. On July 13th, “ABBA Under the Stars” is happening for one night only! See some of the best D.C. musicians perform ABBA hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia” and more! For tickets go here!
Don’t miss Amy Whinehouse hits on Aug. 17th and Motown Under The Stars on Sept 14th!
15. Or watch a movie outdoors at National Harbor
What’s better than a free outdoor movie?!
Just outside of D.C. at National Harbor, the Movies on the Potomac series is running through September.
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.
Find a full calendar listing of films here.
16. Take in drinks and a view on one of these beautiful rooftops
The weather is warming up, and we’re officially nearing rooftop bar season.
Needless to say, we’re loving it, especially when it comes with a side of gorgeous city views and the perfect excuse to grab a drink with some friends!
17. Imbibe at D.C.’s second-ever (D)rafts and (C)rafts
Celebrate the District’s local artisans and craft beverage makers at (D)rafts and (C)rafts, D.C.’s second-ever “small-scale producers festival” hosted by D.C. Brewers’ Guild and D.C. Makers’ Guild.
Head to The Square, a food hall at International Square Downtown D.C. on Saturday, July 13th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. to meet some of these artisans and drink craft brews from vendors like Aslin Beer Co., Atlas Brew Works, Valor Brew Pub, It’s OK Clay, Stitch & Rivet, and many others!
18. Go to Jazz in the Garden
D.C.’s favorite concert series Jazz in the Garden continues! Every Friday night through August 9, the National Gallery of Art hosts an outdoor concert in its Sculpture Garden. Featuring a range of jazz, bluegrass, and Afro-Cuban music, attendees can enjoy the weather, tunes, and gorgeous views.
You can register to attend by noon exactly one week before each concert.
19. Attend the International Colombian Festival
Catholic University is hosting the International Colombian Festival on July 19!
The festival celebrates both Colombia and Latin American culture through live music, dance performances, local vendors, and food.
Each year, the festival chooses a “guest country” that also receives an emphasis on its traditions and culture. This year’s guest country? El Salvador!
20. Enjoy a boat tour through Georgetown on the C&O Canal
Georgetown’s Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal boat tours have returned for the summer season!
Guided one-hour historical boat rides are available four times a day (10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.) Wednesday through Sunday.
Each tour cruises a mile down the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
21. Indulge in a booze cruise
What better way to celebrate summer’s return than on the water with a drink in hand? Thankfully, the Potomac River offers Washingtonians and tourists alike the chance to do just that.
Whether you’re looking for a tropical vibe, a more upscale affair to take in the sights or to try your hand as a pirate at sea, D.C. has the perfect booze cruise for you!
22. Enjoy America’s pastime at a Washington Nationals game
🎤 “Root – root-root for the home team… If they don’t win it’s a shame!…”
A day out at the ballpark is a good day indeed, so if you can, get out there to cheer on the Nats the have a blast while you’re there.
23. Cheer on the D.C. United at Audi Field
While the Washington Spirit doesn’t have any home games during July, the D.C. United do!
You can see the D.C. United play a few times!
- D.C. United vs. Atlanta – July 5
- D.C. United vs Austin SC – July 26
24. Grab fresh foods and live music at the Capital Harvest Market
Every Wednesday through October, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Woodrow Wilson Plaza you can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables and artisanal goods while taking in live music at the Capital Harvest Market or “Capital Harvest on the Plaza”.
The market aims “to foster a sense of community, stimulate economic development and improve quality of life by providing local and sustainably sourced foods and products” for the D.C. community!
25. Take a short trip to one of the top 10 waterparks in the country
Just slightly over 2-hours from D.C. is the monstrous outdoor waterpark, Water Country USA in Williamsburg, Virginia. Every water slide, game, and splashing activity you could imagine exists at this park.
From a 23,000-square-foot pool to the Jet Scream slide designed only for the brave of heart.
26. Head to the waterfront and try some paddle sports
With the Potomac River in our backyard, paddle sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are very popular in the DMV area.
Since this summer is going to be a hot one, we have gathered places where you can give these sports a try and explore the Potomac River!
27. Beat the heat with local ice cream
Temperatures are soaring and ice cream is still a tried and true way to beat the heat! Luckily, D.C. has a variety of local ice cream shops and chains to help you do so!
28. Get out of the city for a refreshing dip outdoors
Looking to get away from the city and enjoy the outdoors? Why not embrace the warm weather with a hike followed by a dip at one of these outdoor swimming spots?! Some can even allow for kayaking!
All located just a short drive from D.C., these spots are worth the trip.
29. Go on a quick weekend getaway to some lovely towns near D.C.
Summer is upon us, but there’s still time to plan a weekend escape or two to celebrate!
From the sandy shores of Delaware to the stunning heights of Maryland, there are plenty of last-minute trips not too far from D.C.!
30. Par-take in a fun-filled round of mini golf
Fun for all ages, mini golf is always a hole-in-one!
Luckily, the D.C.-area has a variety of options, from the beloved chain Swingers to Tyson Corner’s Perch Putt, and from the classic East Potomac Mini Golf to the newly-opened Puttery, grab a drink and putt away!
31. Explore one of D.C.’s beautiful gardens
D.C. is a vibrant city but still filled with beautiful places where you can admire nature and stop and smell the roses — literally!
Luckily, it’s also home to several breathtaking gardens where you can wander and do just that.