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 it! Whether you need to get away outdoors, immerse yourself in art, or go on a culinary adventure, D.C. has something for everyone!
1. Stimulate your senses by stepping into 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 room dedicated to pillow fights.
Where: 5333 Wisconsin Ave NW
2. Catch a concert at your favorite local venue
- Capital One Arena: Tomorrow x Together (June 8th), Aventura (June 12th), Frankie Beverly & Maze (June 14th), FEID (June 20th), Jhené Aiko (June 23rd)
- The Anthem: The Bryson Tiller Tour (June 6th), Badshah (June 7th), Lizzy McAlpine (June 11th & 12th), Bleachers (June 14th)
- The Atlantis: Boeckner (June 14th)
- 9:30 Club: BENT pride (June 1st), Sophie Ellis-Bextor (June 3rd), PVRIS (June 26th), No Scrubs: ’90s Dance Party (June 29th)
- Echostage: Dillon Francis b2b Valentino Khan (June 1st), DC Pride Week: Tokischa (June 6th), RIOT! (June 7th), Lost Frequencies (June 22nd), Duke Dumont (June 28th), Reggaeton Rave (June 29th)
3. Head to the theatre for one of these plays, musicals, or ballets
- The Kennedy Center
- “Shear Madness” (through Sept. 29)
- New York City Ballet: Jewels (June 4th – 9th)
- “Bye Bye Birdie” (June 7th – 15th)
- “Funny Girl” (June 25th – July 14th)
- Woolly Mammoth Theatre
- “Rose: You Are Who You Eat” (June 5th – 23rd)
4. Explore some of the more beautiful hikes around the D.C. area
Washington, D.C. boasts several beautiful places that are just as great for exploring the wilderness! Secret D.C. has come up with some of the most stunning trails for hiking in and around D.C. to help you do just that.
5. Immerse yourself in the renowned art of Monet
Monet: The Immersive Experience allows you to step directly into the most famous works of the world-renowned artist Claude Monet using incredible 3D digital displays. The entire rooms from ceiling to floor are transformed into his most iconic art pieces, making this exhibit a breathtaking experience for all who visit.
6. Bust a gut at one of these comedy shows
- D.C. Improv: Sam Jay (June 4), Tony Roberts (June 8-11), Gaspare Randazzo (June 9), Jason Cheny (June 14), Jessica Kirson (June 15-17), Petey DeAbreu (June 15-17), David Gborie & Jamel Johnson (June 18), Ian Lara (June 22-24), Rafi Bastos (June 25), DeRay Davis (June 29-July 2)
- The Atlantis:Hannibal Buress + Eshu Tune (June 17-18)
7. Watch a movie outdoors
This June, there are outdoor film screenings taking place at Alethia Tanner Park in NoMa on Wednesdays or at National Harbor every Thursday and Sunday. Adams Morgan also hosts movie nights on Tuesdays, held at the Marie Reed Elementary School Soccer Field. These screenings are often first-come, first-serve for seating and feature classic films that are often family-favorites!
8. Take in drinks and a view from one of these beautiful rooftops
The weather is warming up, and we’re officially stepping into 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! Learn more here.
9. Enjoy cocktails and crazy golf at this social hotspot in D.C.
Anyone up for some friendly competition? Swingers Dupont Circle is the perfect place to unwind this June, kitted out with two nine-hole crazy golf courses, three bars, and an array of street food vendors. Whether you’re planning a date night or a massive party, the adults-only venue is such a fun place to gather – and conveniently located, too! Win or lose, you’re bound to have a blast.
10. Check out the Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Taking place from Wednesday, June 26 to Monday, July 1, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is a free event on the National Mall celebrating “Indigenous Voices of the Americas.” Filled with song, dance, storytelling, ancestral foods, and more, the 2024 festival honors the National Museum of the American Indian’s 20th anniversary in D.C.
It is the largest annual cultural event in the U.S. capital, connecting folks from Indigenous communities across the Americas in one shared space. From cooking demonstrations to hands-on workshops, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is both engaging and educational. Learn more here.
11. Attend an Authentic Flamenco performance by Amador Rojas
With only three performances in Washington, D.C. this June, this authentic flamenco show is the cannot-miss event of the month, with shows only on June 28th, 29th, and 30th. The unique traditional Spanish flamenco performance is as passionate and entertaining as it is captivating.
The show highlights international award-winning dancer and choreographer Amador Rojas in this production by the Royal Opera of Madrid!
12. 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 Sunday, June 9th.
13. Attend AirOtic Soirée – one of the most unique burlesque cabarets in the capital
This June you will want to set aside at least one Thursday or Friday evening to reserve a time slot to attend AirOtic Soirée at Hook Hall! The show comprises a cast of world-class performers and acrobats, plus cocktails can be ordered at the venue with the option to opt for bottle service if you’re interested!
14. Indulge in a booze cruise along the Potomac
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 allows Washingtonians and tourists 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!
15. Attend the Home Rule Music Festival
On June 21st and 22nd, Washingtonians are welcome to gather on the Great Lawn for this family-friendly event! Home Rule Music Festival highlights the music and culture of D.C., showcasing Go-Go and jazz, selling records, patronizing local food trucks, and more!
16. 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 lets you pick a surprise three-course meal based on your dietary preferences (green for vegan, blue for seafood, or red for meat) for an unforgettable meal that will stimulate your senses like never before!
Currently, two high-end spots in D.C. are hosting Dining in the Dark events:
- Dining in the Dark: A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience at Paraíso – June 26th
- Dining in the Dark: A Unique Blindfolded Experience at Ambar Clarendon – June 20th
17. See the original Emancipation Proclamation
In honor of Juneteenth, the National Archives will place the original Emancipation Proclamation, one of the most important legal documents in American History, on display from June 17-19.
18. Celebrate Father’s Day in Washington, D.C. properly
Father’s Day is around the corner on June 16th, and you may be looking for a last-minute way to celebrate the father, or father figure, in your life. Luckily, we’ve got you covered!
19. Commemorate Juneteenth In D.C.
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. President Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday in the U.S. to commemorate the landmark day in 2021.
20. Pig out at the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle
Summer is famous for BBQs, 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 22nd – 23rd.
21. Check out the Smithsonian Folklife Festival
The 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival is returning once again to the National Mall for six days of fun, this year the free-to-attend festival has only one core program, which is dedicated to “Indigenous Voices of the Americas”.
The Festival, as always, is presented by the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage in partnership with the National Park Service and is certainly one of the can’t-miss events in Washington, D.C. this June!
22. 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 Spring: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More – June 4th
- Candlelight Spring: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More – June 12th
- Candlelight: Best of Hip-Hop on Strings – June 13th
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyoncé – June 27th
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Whitney Houston – June 27th
23. 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!
24. Get out of the city for a refreshing outdoor dip in nature
Looking to get away from the city and enjoy the outdoors? Why not embrace the warm weather with a hike and a dip at one of these incredibly refreshing outdoor swimming spots?! Some can even allow for kayaking! All located within driving distance from D.C., these spots are worth the trip.
25. Take the time to go on a road trip to some of the small towns surrounding the D.C. area!
Summer is quickly approaching, but there’s still time to plan a weekend escape or two to celebrate the beginning of summer! 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.