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. This June will be the last chance so don’t miss out!
Where: 5333 Wisconsin Ave NW
2. Catch a concert at your favorite local venue
- The Anthem: Grace Jones and Jonelle Monae (June 5), Peach Pit and Briston Maroney (June 22nd)
- The Atlantis: Gallant (June 12)
- 9:30 Club: Ok Go (June 1st), Sleigh Bells (June 5), Joyce Manor june 27).
- Echostage: Zedd (June 5), World Pride Music Festival (June 6-7), Boys Like Girls (June 13), Excision (June 20-21).
3. Head to the theatre for one of these plays, musicals, or ballets
- The Kennedy Center
- “Shear Madness”
- Amadeus Full Film with Live Orchestra
- “Moonshot Studio”
- Les Miserables
- Woolly Mammoth Theatre
- Pride Plays (June 3-6)
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. Bust a gut at one of these comedy shows
- D.C. Improv: Jay Jurden (June 1st), Standup Showcase (June 1st), Comedy School Showcase (June 3rd), Lady Bunny (June 4th), Gina Yashere (June 6-7), June 8 (Zach Noe Towers), Bad Medicine (June 10), Read the Room (June 12), Science Comedy Night: Chuck Nice (June 12), Tony Roberts (June 13-15), Louis Katz (June 13-15), Open Mic Night (June 18), Juneteenth Showcase (June 19), Jordan Jensen (June 20-22), Cipha Sounds (June 20-21), Kristen Key (June 25-26).
- The Atlantis: UDY by Sasha Colby and Leland – A WorldPride 2025 Event (June 6)
6. Join the waitlist for this regal candlelit concert
Romanticize your summer with this whimsical candlelight concert dedicated to the best of Bridgerton. Be swept away into a candlelit venue that will transform into Regency-Era England with every song. You can join the waitlist now.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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!
11. 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!
12. 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
13. Smithsonian museums will have extended hours for 1 night
For one night only, multiple Smithsonian museums will be open late in honor of the summer solstice. The Smithsonian Saturday Solstice event will have various exhibits that run from 10 to 11 to even midnight. There will also be live music and food. More information is set to be announced soon.
14. 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!
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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!
18. 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
19. 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!
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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!
23. Take a roadtrip to go beach camping with wild horses
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 unberable.
24. Attend this documentary film festival
DC/Dox Festival will be from June 12th to June 15th and it will have 94 films including 59 features and 35 shorts across 25 countries. The documentaries will cover a variety of topics from U.S. to international politics, culture, comedy, and climate, to name a few. You can check out the full schedule here.