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!
Bubble Planet is headed to D.C., so if you love museums that double as photo ops, you’re going to love it!
This interactive exhibit has 10 different rooms, all with different themes, colors, and sights. Bubbles ranging from soapy baths to smoke-filled orbs to balloons will allow you to float through a magical story that you likely haven’t experienced before.
Catch a concert at your favorite local venue
The Anthem: James Blake (June 2), Martin Garrix (June 5-6), Yungblud (June 7)
The Atlantis: Sadie Jean (June 3), Feng (June 5), Violet Grohl (June 6), Panic Shack (June 9), Jessic Baio (June 13), Odunsi (June 17), Naomi Scott (June 20), Son Little (June 23), Circles Around The Sun (June 25)
9:30 Club: Yebba (June 4), Trinix (June 6), Futurebirds (June 8), Holly Humberstone (June 10), underscores: Galleries (June 11), Joshua Slone (June 13), Wolfmother (June 19), of Montreal (June 22), White Ford Bronco (June 27), Tortoise (June 28)
Echostage: Ivy Queen (June 4), Layton Giordani (June 5), Martin Garrix (June 6), Hardwell (June 11), Sara Landry (June 12), Dystinct (June 21)
- Moulin Rouge! The Musical – June 17-28
- Bluey’s Big Play – June 24 – July 5
- Shear Madness – May 28 – June 7th
- A Fine Madness – May 30 – June 28
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.
Bust a gut at one of these comedy shows
D.C. Improv: Annie Lederman (June 5-6), Jay Jurden (June 12-14), Alec Flynn (June 12-14), Emil Wakim (June 17-18), Jordan Rock (June 19-21)
Warner Theatre: Daniel Tosh (June 18-19)
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: Tribute to Adele – June 5
- Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA – June 5
- Candlelight: Tribute to TOOL – June 6
- Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles – June 6
- Candlelight: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons – June 13
- Candlelight: Tribute to Drake – June 26
- Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac – June 26
- Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More – June 27
- Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings – June 27
The weather is warm, 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!
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.
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 20th.
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!
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!
Starting on June 11th, FIFA and Freedom250 organizers have orchestrated a summer-long watch party on the National Mall!
The event will be free to attend and loaded with some fantastic entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
Father’s Day is around the corner on Sunday, June 21st, 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!
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 having been freed.
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 27th – 28th.
Attend the Great American State Fair on the National Mall
You’re going to want to check out the ‘Great American State Fair’ on the National Mall when it opens on June 25th!
The event is one of the main celebrations for America’s 250th birthday this summer, featuring unique themes each day.
Here are the themes during June:
- Thursday, June 25 — The American Canon: Opening Day
- Friday, June 26 — Land & Prosperity
- Saturday, June 27 — The American Canvas
- Sunday, June 28 — Military & Veterans Appreciation Day
- Monday, June 29 — Everyday Health and Well Being
- Tuesday, June 30— Future of America | Innovation, Technology & Progress
The Embassy of Sweden will host the 2026 Midsummer celebration on Friday, June 12, at the National Sylvan Theater on the National Mall.
Guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, food, and flower crowns for the open-air evening celebration.
The event is expected to feature the same relaxed, community-focused atmosphere that has made midsummer one of Sweden’s most iconic holidays.
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!
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.
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.
Despite being a 20-minute trek from the District, a trip to PG County’s National Harbor remains one of the top things to do for many Washingtonians!
The trip is particularly worth it during the summer when the weather is much more agreeable.
Here are the movies happening this month:
- Miracle – June 7th
- Remember the Titans – June 21st
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier – June 4th
- Captain America: Brave New World – June 11th
- Song Sung Blue – June 18th
Maryland’s Assateague Island is a whimsical getaway known for its beautiful sunsets, white-sand beaches, and wild horses!
We would recommend heading there this month before the weather becomes too unbearable.
DC/Dox Festival will be from June 11th to June 14th, and it will have dozens of films and shorts from filmmakers representing dozens of countries.
The documentaries will cover a variety of topics from domestic issues to international politics, culture, comedy, and climate, to name a few.
You can check out the full schedule here.
Every Friday night from May 22nd to August 14th (excluding June 5th and July 3rd), 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 before each concert.
Board historic 100+-foot tall ships and enjoy free fireworks over the Potomac.
If you’re looking to add a waterfront adventure to your June itinerary, check out Sails on the Potomac, a three-day festival running June 12-14, 2026, along the Alexandria waterfront.
The event features tours of the historic ships, live performances, family activities, and a free Saturday-night fireworks show over the Potomac.
Whether you want to see the latest horror movie that everyone is raving about, or want to go and see the new Toy Story flick, there’s always something worth seeing in theatres!
Grab your tickets here, and you can even bundle that with discounted meal or drink vouchers to complete the experience.
