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
- Capital One Arena: Chris Brown (July 2-3), Janet Jackson (July 12), Olivia Rodrigo (July 20), IU (July 22), Blink-182 (July 27)
- The Anthem: Mother Mother & CaveTown (July 2), Totally Tubular Festival (July 14), Faye Webster (July 24), Justice: Live (July 28), Ice Spice (July 30)
- The Atlantis: Felly (July 2), Pedro the Lion (July 3), TimaLikesMusic (July 6), Mystery Skulls (July 14), Frances Forever (July 15), Blind Pilot (July 16), Brijean (July 17), Zack Fox (July 19), November Ultra (July 20), Hot Freaks (July 21), Redd Kross (July 22), Hana Vu (July 25), Lianne La Havas (July 28), Nico Vega (July 30), Reyna Tropical (July 31)
- 9:30 Club: of Montreal (July 1), White Ford Bronco (July 6), The Greeting Committee (July 12), The Stews (July 13), jxdn (July 14), Charley Crockett (July 17-18),The Hives (July 20), Ben Howard (July 21), Vacations (July 30)
- Echostage: Madeon (July 6), ElRow DC (July 12-13), Zeds Dead (July 19-20), Chief Keef (July 25), Broccoli City Pre-Party (July 26),
3. 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!
4. 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!
5. 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 27 from 12 pm to 6 pm at The Meadow Event Park. Tickets begin at $45.
6. Head to the theatre for one of these plays, musicals, or ballets
- The Kennedy Center
- “Funny Girl” (Until July 14)
- “NSO at Wolf Trap: Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert” (June 13)
- “Back to the Future: The Musical” (July 23 – August 11)
7. Check out this incredible Star Wars-themed burlesque parody
The Empire Strips Back is one of the most popular Star Wars parody shows in the nation for good reason!
It’s not just raunchy in all the right, fun, and exciting ways, but it’s a hilariously enjoyable experience that you don’t need to be a huge Star Wars fan to appreciate.
8. 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!
9. Attend the Capital Fringe Festival
You can catch the highly-anticipated Capital Fringe Festival July 11-21.
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.”
10. Immerse yourself in renowned art
What could be more awe-inspiring than immersing yourself in your favorite art? Monet: The Immersive Experience allows you to do just that! The exhibits use floor-to-ceiling projections to showcase Claude Monet’s famous works, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in his art.
11. Bust a gut at one of these comedy shows
- D.C. Improv: DeRay Davis (July 5-7), Steve byrne (July 11), Nimesh Patel (July 13-14).
12. Hang out at D.C.’s 2024 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.
13.Learn about ancient Egypt at this new exhibit dedicated to the Pharaoh Tutankhamun
This incredible exhibit about Tutankhamun and ancient Egypt just opened this week and is an unparalleled experience that features over 1,000 reconstructed items exactly how they were initially discovered when Tutankhamun’s tomb was first uncovered.
Whether or not you find Ancient Egypt particularly interesting, this incredible exhibit is not just interesting, it’s fun!
Where: 524 Rhode Island Ave NE
14. 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.
15. 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!
16. 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!
17. 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.
18. Attend one of the most unique burlesque cabarets you’ve ever seen!
This July, you have the chance to secure your spot to see one of the most incredible burlesque cabaret shows to ever come to the capital city.
AirOtic Soirée is a sensual burlesque cirque-style cabaret that makes for a can’t-look-away jaw-dropping performance that you will definitely enjoy.
Tickets are on sale for as low as $70 but less space is available with every passing minute!
19. Attend the International Colombian Festival
Catholic University is hosting the International Colombian Festival on July 20!
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
The weather is warming up, and Summer is sailing its way in!
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. Attend a ‘Sip & Paint’ Neon Brush workshop with a few friends
The only thing more fun than a wine-friendly art session? Having one with your best friends!
This Summer only a few sessions being hosted by Neon Brush are still available for you and your friends to reserve a spot for one of the most fun events of the season.
23. Stimulate your senses by dining in the dark
Looking for an exciting surprise?
What’s more exciting than a blindfolded dinner? Dining in the Dark allows you to pick a surprise three-course meal based on your dietary preferences (green for vegan, blue for seafood, or red for meat) that will stimulate your senses!
Learn more about these two different offerings here:
- Dining in the Dark: A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience at Paraíso
- Dining in the Dark: A Unique Blindfolded Experience at Ambar Clarendon
24. 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.
25. 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. FC Cincinnati
- D.C. United vs Nashville SC – July 13th
- D.C. United vs. Celtic FC – July 20th
26. 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!
27. 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.
28. 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!
29. Relax to the sounds of classical music by candlelight
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: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More – June 11
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyoncé – July 17
- Candlelight: Classic Rock on Strings – July 17
- Candlelight: Best of Hip-Hop on Strings – July 24
- Candlelight: Ed Sheeran Meets Coldplay – July 25
30. 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!
31. 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.
32. 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.!
33. 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!
34. 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.