31 Exhilarating Ways To Spend June In D.C.
Summer is around the corner!
Summer is around the corner, bringing concerts, BBQ, bar-hopping, and art exhibits with it! No matter what the start of summer has you looking for, D.C. is sure to have more than enough things to keep you occupied! Whether you need to get away outdoors, immerse yourself in art, or go on a culinary adventure, D.C. has something for everyone!
1. Grab a drink and show with friends
D.C. has more than its fair share of bars, but what about drinks and a show? Bring on the cocktails and fun with the unique experience of the AirOtic Soirée: A Circus-Style Cabaret. Grab some beverages with a side of unbelievable acrobatics and cabaret!
2-6. 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 five genres and musical themes to choose from, there’s bound to be a concert that’s perfect for you.
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift at National City Christian Church
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen and More
- Candlelight: Songs from Magical Movie Soundtracks
- Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
- Candlelight: Legends of R&B at Miracle Theatre
7. Indulge in a hot underground burlesque experience
Get ready for a night of lavish surprises! Be transported to the ritzy, burlesque era with this all-in-one immersive theatrical mixology experience near D.C.—with five unique cocktails throughout the performance.
8. 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!
9. Bring on the party with Bubbles and Burlesque
Drink specials, drag queens and kings, aerial acts, and burlesque all in one amazing show? Nothing could make for a better Sunday funday! So grab some friends and book your ultimate weekend experience! Purchase tickets here.
10. Geek out at The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in Washington, D.C.
In the words of Janice, “Oh my gawd!” The FRIENDS™ Experience has come to the District, presenting you with the opportunity to insert yourself directly into their shoes, recreating famous scenes, snagging merch, and playing show-themed games! Tickets are available here.
11. 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!
12. Immerse yourself in renowned art
What could be more awe-inspiring than immersing yourself in your favorite art? The Immersive Van Gogh Experience and the Immersive Monet help you do just that! The exhibits use floor-to-ceiling projections to showcase each artist’s famous works, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in their art. Buy tickets to Van Gogh here or join the waitlist for Monet here!
13. Experience Shakespeare like never before
“All the world’s a stage,” and Drunk Shakespeare D.C. is hitting the stage like you’ve never experienced before! Grab a drink yourself and watch five classically-trained (and intoxicated) actors attempt to recreate some of Shakespeare’s most famous works to hilarious results!
14. Get a private tour of two beloved Smithsonians
It isn’t a recreation of “Night at the Museum” but it’s a close second! You and seven others can experience a private or semi-private tour, complete with a private guide, of the Natural History Museum and the National Gallery of Art. Over five-and-a-half hours, plus a lunch break, you’ll get to see some of the most renowned works these museums have to offer!
15. Catch a concert at your favorite local venue
Concert-going season is among us, and a number of favorite genre-spanning artists will be making stops at the nation’s capital! From Justin Bieber and Machine Gun Kelly dominating Capital One Arena, to Phoebe Bridgers igniting The Anthem, to CHVRCHES at 9:30 Club, and Rufus du Sol at D.C. Amory, D.C.’s numerous venues are sure to offer something for everyone!
16. Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with Capital Pride
D.C.’s Capital Pride Alliance works year-round to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and June’s Pride Month is no different! The group hosts a series of events and talks throughout the month, as well as the city’s renowned Pride Parade, on Saturday June 11.
17. Get lost in the music at Something in the Water Festival
Pharrell Williams’ Something in the Water Festival will be relocating from Virginia Beach, Va., to Washington, D.C., this summer. Held over Juneteenth weekend, June 17-19, the festival will take place across three stages on Independence Avenue and its adjacent streets. The festival, which aims to “fight systemic issues for historically marginalized communities,” will feature performances by Ashanti & Ja Rule, Dave Matthews Band, Pharrell & Phriends, Pusha T, Tyler, the Creator, Usher, and many more.
18-19. See a renowned play
Two renowned plays will be hosting showings in D.C. later this month. Patrons of the Kennedy Center can witness the lauded “To Kill A Mockingbird” live from June 21-July 10, while DuPont Circle’s Keegan Theatre will be hosting its regional premiere of “Shakespeare in Love” from June 18-July 16.
20. Pig out at the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle
Summer is famous for BBQ’s, and one of epic proportions is coming to the District! Hosted by Giant, the National Capital Barbecue Battle will bring entertainment, barbecue contests, tastings, and more to Pennsylvania Avenue on June 25-26. Here’s to pigging out!
21-24. Catch one of these stunning art 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
25. Go to Jazz in the Garden
As summer nears, D.C.’s favorite concert series Jazz in the Garden will return! Every Friday night from through July 22, 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 at noon exactly one week prior to each concert.
26. 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.
27. Check out D.C.’s first vegan bar
DC Vegan, the plant-based deli and caterer for private events and gatherings, launched the first vegan bar — Botanical Bar — in the District on Saturday, May 28. Located in the bustling Dupont Circle, the bar features not only local craft beers and vegan wines but, much like the founding couple’s well-known plant-based Italian American delicatessen, utilizes the same creativity and finesse to craft gorgeous vegan cocktails rooted in Italian American fare.
Location: 1633 P Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20036
28. Take a tiki cruise on the Potomac
The people who brought you the Potomac Paddle Club just launched the Potomac Tiki Club in Georgetown! Groups of 8-18 can set sail on the Potomac for a 90-minute cruise, taking in the sights and having a drink. The tiki cruise offers an assortment of alcoholic beverages for purchase on board, and you can bring your own bottle of wine or champagne for an $8 uncorking fee. Light snacks are also available for purchase, but the cruise is BYOF (bring your own food). You can schedule a slot for an upcoming weekend, here!
29. Enjoy the glorious weather at one of these rooftop bars
It’s officially rooftop bar season! Grab some friends and a cocktail and enjoy the gorgeous weather at one of these Instagram-worthy rooftop bars in D.C.
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 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.