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. Walk through history at the immersive experience, “Titanic The Exhibition”
If you’re looking for a unique experience and an excuse to get out of town for a little while, then a day trip to National Harbor, Maryland to experience the immersive “Titanic The Exhibition” is the perfect plan for you. The narrated experience takes you through the history of the tragedy and explores the personal stories of passengers who were on board the “unsinkable” ship the night it went down. This experience will only be in town until Mid-May, so you’ll want to check it out before it’s too late!
Location: 254 Mariner Passage at National Harbor
2. Catch a concert at your favorite local venue
- Capital One Arena: Colors of the East (May 24th), Aventura (May 25th), Diljit Dosanjh (May 28th)
- The Anthem: Jacob Collier (May 1st), Belle & Sebastian(May 2nd), The Decemberists (May 10th), P1Harmony (May 30th), Dwight Yoakam (May 31st)
- 9:30 Club: Ra Ra Riot (May 2nd), Wild Child (May 15th)
- Echostage: Afrojack (May 3rd), Madison Beer (May 10th), MAU P (May 11th), Sean Paul (May 12th), TCHAMI X MALAA (May 17th), Yellow Claw & Flosstradamus (May 18th), Hunxho (May 22nd), Chris Lake (May 24th)
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 9th’s event is “Art Prom”, sure to be a whacky 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)
- “Alonzo King LINES Ballet: Deep River” (May 16th, 17th, & 18th)
- National Theatre
- “Jesus Christ Superstar” (May 17th-19th)
- Ford’s Theatre
- “Little Shop of Horrors” (March 15th – 18th)
- Woolly Mammoth Theatre
- “Amm(I)gone” (April 20th – May 12th)
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: Max Manticof (May 2nd-4th), Joe Dombrowski (May 3rd-5th), Charlene Kaye (May 9th), Louis Katz (May 24th-26th), Adele Givens (May 31st)
- Warner Theatre: Marc Maron (May 4th), Celeste Barber (May 8th), Daniel Sloss (May18th)
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 2nd 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! Even better? From May 3rd & May 4th, it offers you the chance to peruse the breathtaking botanicals to beautify your own home!
10. Sip & paint at the Neon Brush fluorescent black-lit painting workshop
This 21+ painting workshop is the perfect plan for a night of fun whether it be with friends, family, or even that special someone, this is the type of event you don’t want to miss out on! The black-lit atmosphere and neon paint make for such a memorable experience and the added selection of drinks for you to enjoy pushes this plan over the edge.
11. Check out the 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 a number of events this month celebrating the Bonsai tree and more! Check out some key dates below, or learn more here.
- Bonsai Basics (May 4th – November 2nd)
- Bonsai Festival, Potomac Bonsai Association (May 10th-12th)
12. Root on the Running of the Chihuahuas (Postponed from May 4th until May 19th)
Watching chihuahuas race for charity in Washington, D.C.? Woot woot (or should we say, woof woof)! The Wharf is putting on its 12th Annual Running of the Chihuahuas on Sunday, May 19th. 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 4th, 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 8th through June 5th, head to Alethia Tanner Park for NoMa BID’s free outdoor film series CiNoMatic NoMa! This spring’s series is dedicated to “Epic Expeditions” 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 11th, 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, if you want to fully experience the Spy Museum, a combo deal between General Admission to the museum as well as 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 11th, 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 31 through August 9th (excluding July 5th), 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, Fiesta Asia is being hosted by the Asia Heritage Foundation on May 18th, 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 18th & 19th, 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 24th-27th) 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 26th)
- Rolling to Remember Veterans Motorcycle Rally. (May 26th)
- National Memorial Day Parade (May 27th)
- 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, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.
23. Explore the history of Ancient Egypt at this immersive exhibit dedicated to the pharaoh Tutankhamun
This unparalleled recreation of Tutankhamun’s tomb is filled with all the same treasures originally discovered in his final resting place, making this exhibit an interesting and educational experience that is perfect for all ages! When you visit you’ll find over 1,000 authentic recreations of the original artifacts uncovered exactly how they were when the tomb was first discovered.
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 Spring: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More
- Fever exclusive Candlelight: Best of Hip-Hop on Strings
- Candlelight Spring: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay
25. Visit the Smithsonian National Zoo
There’s so much going on at the National Zoo that we can bear-ly contain our excitement! You can visit thetwo newborn endangered primates that have just recently made their debut, and event spend time seeing of their other amazing exhibits and inhabitants on view.
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.