May is here, and it’s brought beautiful weather and a bevy of fun activities along with it!
In a city as expansive and diverse as Washington, D.C., the possibilities are endless, so we sorted through some of the best events the District has to offer to bring you this May roundup.
Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, an artistic experience, or a low-key night, there’s something here for everyone!
1. Explore a touring LEGO® exhibit that’s visited over 24 countries
A world-famous LEGO® exhibit just opened in D.C. last month, featuring a whopping 130 sculptures composed of over a million LEGO® bricks! The Art of the Brick is really for anyone – art aficionados, LEGO®-obsessed kids, and even those simply seeking a new D.C.-based adventure.
The Art of the Brick exhibit will only be in town until May 22nd, so make sure you grab discounted tickets and check it out before it’s too late!
2. Catch a concert at your favorite local venue
- The Anthem: Devo (May 3rd), Bullet for My Valentine & Trivium (May 6th), Megan Moroney (May 21st & 22nd), Empire of the Sun (May 23rd), BOMBA ESTÉREO + RAWAYANA (May 28th)
- 9:30 Club: The Damned (May 2nd), Smallpools (May 7th), San Fermin (May 8th), Larkin Poe (May 9th)
- Echostage: Elderbrook (May 3rd),Coco Jones (May 7th), Project Glow 2025 (May 31st – June 1st)
3. Attend May’s National Gallery Night
The National Gallery of Art’s seasonal favorite National Gallery Nights is back!
The theme for Thursday, May 8th’s event is “70’s Disco Prom”, which is sure to be a wacky and fun experience that you will not want to miss out on!
4. Head to the theatre for one of these plays, musicals, or ballets
- The Kennedy Center
- “Shear Madness” (All May)
- “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs” (May 2nd – 10th)
- National Theatre
- “Jason’s Lyric Live!” (May 2nd – 4th)
- “Kimberly Akimbo” (May 20th – June 1st)
- Ford’s Theatre
- “Sister Act” (March 14th – 17th)
- Woolly Mammoth Theatre
- “Akira Kurosawa” (May 4th – June 1st)
5. Immerse yourself in the renowned art of Claude Monet in 3D
What could be more awe-inspiring than immersing yourself in your favorite art? Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience allows you to do just that!
The exhibits use floor-to-ceiling projections to showcase Claude Monet’s most famous works, allowing you to literally step directly into his most iconic art pieces.
6. Bust a gut at one of these comedy shows in Washington, D.C.
- D.C. Improv: Randy Feltface (May 2nd-4th), Frank Caliendo (May 20th & 21st), Jay Jurden (May 29th – June 1st)
- Warner Theatre: Stavros Halkias (May 11th), Chris Distefano (May 29th)
7. Watch a movie outdoors for free at National Harbor
What’s better than a free outdoor movie?!
Just outside of Washington, D.C. in National Harbor, May 1st kicks off the beginning of National Harbor’s Movies on the Potomac summerlong slate.
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.
8. Indulge in a Cinco de Mayo happy hour at one of Washington, D.C.’s Mexican bars’ happy hour
Today, Cinco de Mayo is recognized across the United States as a celebration of Mexican culture and way of life.
While that might not be the official background and history of why Cinco de Mayo is celebrated, it is how many of us reflect and participate in the holiday today.
If you are hoping to join in on the festive fun, one way you can do it is by patronizing one of Washington, D.C.’s local Mexican bars to support them and give them some business!
9. Peruse the Flower Mart at Washington National Cathedral
The Washington National Cathedral’s Flower Mart is held as an annual benefit with proceeds going toward the upkeep of its gorgeous grounds!
Taking place on May 2nd & May 3rd, the annual Flower Mart event gives you the chance to peruse the breathtaking botanicals and even purchase some to take home!
10. Have the time of your life at Bingo Loco
Not your average nursing home bingo session, Bingo Loco is all the party and fun you need to make memories that will last a lifetime!
Not only will you have the time of your life at this unique rave raffle, but you could walk away with some pretty stellar prizes too… if you hit bingo.
11. Check out the Bonsai Festival U.S. National Arboretum
The U.S. National Arboretum is always a fun and beautiful place to spend your free time, but this May it’s better than ever!
The Arboretum has several events this month celebrating the Bonsai trees, particularly the official Bonsai Festival Weekend taking place May 9th to 11th.
12. Root on the Running of the Chihuahuas at The Wharf
Watching chihuahuas race for charity in Washington, D.C.? Woot woot (or should we say, woof woof)!
The Wharf is putting on its 13th Annual Running of the Chihuahuas on Saturday, May 3rd.
More than 100 Chihuahuas will race, and you can treat yourself to more games, food, and special cocktails named after adoptable dogs!
Did we mention all proceeds go to Rural Dog Rescue?
13. Take part in the Passport D.C.’s Around the World Embassy Tour
On Saturday, May 3rd, several embassies will open their doors to the public as part of Passport D.C.’s Around the World Embassy Tour.
Participating embassies—including Japan, Costa Rica, Kenya, Nepal, and Thailand, among others—will offer several cultural activities, such as karate and dance demonstrations, and showcase each country’s art, cuisine, music, and traditions.
A full list of participating embassies can be found here.
14. Enjoy stimulating your senses at Dopamine Land
This immersive experience is so incredibly fun and picturesque that it is perfect for any occasion, whether you plan to go with friends, family, or even a loved one.
Each room of the exhibit is dedicated to stimulating a variety of your senses, making this one of the most memorable and joy-inducing things you can do in the capital city!
Location: 5333 Wisconsin Ave NW
15. Check out CiNoMatic NoMa
Every Wednesday from May 7th through June 11th, head to Alethia Tanner Park for NoMa BID’s free outdoor film series CiNoMatic NoMa! This spring’s series is themed “under the rainbow” and is stacked with several iconic movies that are always a good time!
16. Take a stroll with Georgetown’s Garden Tour
Georgetown’s Garden Club will be hosting its 94th annual Georgetown Garden Tour.
Held Saturday, May 10th, the tour is at your own pace, offering refreshments as you take in the natural beauty of some of Georgetown’s most pristine gardens.
Children 12 and under can attend for free, and funding from ticket sales goes toward beautification efforts in the neighborhood!
17. Visit The Spy Museum’s “Bond in Motion” exhibit
Celebrating the decades of cultural influence and impact that the James Bond saga has had on society, The International Spy Museum’s latest exhibition is centered around the various vehicles seen throughout the character’s legendary cinematic history.
The exhibit has 17 iconic Bond vehicles, including his iconic Aston Martin, motorcycles, submarines, and a few of the creative inventions from the Q branch.
Tickets to the Bond In Motion exhibit are at $13 per person, but if you want to fully experience the Spy Museum, a combo deal for General Admission to the museum and the Bond exhibit is available starting at $40 for adults and $29 for children.
18. Experience the EU at the European Union Open House
It’s back again! This year’s EU Open House is returning on Saturday, May 10th, offering visitors to explore the embassy grounds and participate in several cultural activities.
Participating embassies across Washington, D.C., including Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, and Spain, among others, will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
19. Go to Jazz in the Garden
As the month ends and summer nears, D.C.’s favorite concert series, Jazz in the Garden will return!
Every Friday night from May 23rd through July 11th (excluding July 4th), 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.
20. Enjoy the Fiesta Asia festival
Celebrating Asian Heritage Month, the 20th annual Fiesta Asia is being hosted by the Asia Heritage Foundation on May 17th, featuring an array of fun and educational cultural experiences, including a street fair, movie showings, fashion exhibits, tastings, and more!
21. Indulge in a little Bourbon and Bluegrass
On May 17th & 18th, President Lincoln’s cottage will be hosting its annual Bourbon and Bluegrass fundraiser!
Take in some tunes, sip some drinks, go on a preservation tour, and enjoy delicious food and lawn games. What could be better?!
22. Commemorate Memorial Day
Memorial Day weekend (May 23rd-26th) is a busy weekend in D.C., so we broke down some of the events to keep an eye out for!
- National Memorial Day Concert. (May 25th)
- Rolling to Remember Veterans Motorcycle Rally. (May 23th)
- National Memorial Day Parade (May 26th)
- Visit Arlington Cemetery and see Flags In.
- Visit monuments like the Iwo Jima Memorial, the National World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.
23. Check out Filmfest D.C.
Get whisked away into the world of international cinema at the 39th annual Filmfest D.C. Running from April 24th through May 4th, the international film festival will feature dozens of films from several different countries, spanning every genre from “comedies, thrillers, dramas, social justice documentaries,” and works by local filmmakers.
See a full list of films and times on the Filmfest D.C. website.
24. Relax to the sounds of classical music by candlelight in Washington, D.C.
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: Best of Hip-Hop on Strings – May 8th
- Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, and More – May 8th
- Candlelight x Immersive Monet: A Tribute to Adele – May 9th
- Candlelight x Immersive Monet: The Best of Hans Zimmer – May 9th
- Candlelight Spring: Queen vs. ABBA – May 22nd
- Candlelight Spring: A Tribute to Coldplay – May 22nd
25. Visit the Smithsonian National Zoo
There’s so much going on at the National Zoo that we can bear-ly contain our excitement!
Head to the new giant panda exhibit to watch Qing Bao and Bao Li run around during their first spring in the District!
26. Check out one of these must-see art exhibits
Every history and art lover’s dream, Washington D.C. is home to over 70 museums, including 19 free Smithsonian museums and galleries. With each museum boasting a rotation of numerous exciting exhibits, we rounded up some of April’s must-sees you don’t want to miss!
- National Museum of American History
- “Entertainment Nation”
- Hirshhorn Museum
- “One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection”
- “A Window Suddenly Opens: Contemporary Photography in China”
- National Museum of African American History & Culture
- “Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures”
- National Gallery of Art
- “Philip Guston Now”
- “Called to Create: Black Artists of the American South”
- “This Is Britain: Photographs from the 1970s and 1980s”
- The Rubell Museum
- “What’s Going On”
- National Museum of Asian Art
- “Ay-Ō’s Happy Rainbow Hell”
- “The Art of Knowing in South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Himalayas”
- Zenith Gallery
- “Black Like Me”
27. 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 and here.