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!
Experience Napoleon’s world like it has never been before with a unique VR tour through Napoleonic France’s history guided by Napoleon himself!
Fit for history buffs, Francophiles, and fun-lovers, this unique immersive experience is perfect for all audiences.
Catch a concert at your favorite local venue
- The Anthem: Joost Klein(May 1), PinkPantheress (May 3 & 4), HATSUNE MIKU EXPO (May 5), Trey Songz (May 8), Ashnikko (May 9), Baby Keem (May 28), Khalid (May 31)
- 9:30 Club: Laszewo (May 1 & 2), The Paper Kites (May 6), CMAT (May 10), Clara La San (May 13th), Emo Night Brooklyn (May 16), Buckethead (May 24)
- Echostage: Disclosure (May 6), Bunt. (May 8), Diplo (May 22)
Attend one of the most ‘electric’ golf events of the year at LIV’s Super Monday event in Virginia
The LIV Gold Super Monday Scramble gives you a chance to swing clubs with the best golfers in the world, the way you’ve never been able to before!
You can purchase an individual entry and be paired with others, or sign up with your own team of four if you already have a crew together!
You’ll even get a chance to go head-to-head against a LIV Golf pro at a par-3 as part of the festivities.
This incredibly immersive VR experience will transport you across time and space in an instant, taking you to ancient Egypt, where you can explore the pyramids, decipher hieroglyphs, and more!
The most interesting part of the exhibit?
It was developed in collaboration with one of Harvard University’s top Egyptologists, Peter der Manuelian, making it an accurate and educational experience. Save your spot here!
At this new immersive experience, you’ll travel back in time 250 years and be transported to the peaks of the Andes at the height of the Incan Empire in seconds!
The experience, which took years to develop, features the world’s top 3D modelling technology to let you explore the seventh wonder of the world as no one has ever been able to before.
This iconic musical experience was once featured at Art Basel and has since toured the nation, becoming one of the most exciting pop-up experiences everywhere it goes!
The experience will only be around until May 8th, which means that there is a limited time to visit.
Head to the theatre for one of these plays, musicals, or ballets
- The Kennedy Center
- “Shear Madness” (All May)
- Joe Hisaishi (known for scoring Studio Ghibli films) (May 14 – 16)
- National Theatre
- The Book of Mormon (April 28 – May 3)
- The Great Gatsby (May 12 – 24)
- Ford’s Theatre
- 1776 (March 13 – May 16)
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.
Bust a gut at one of these comedy shows in Washington, D.C.
- D.C. Improv: Don ‘DC’ Curry (May 8 -10), Peter Revello (May 8 – 10)
- Warner Theatre: Jordan Klepper (May 8), Akaash Singh (May 9)
Head to National Harbor for its seasonal events, including the outdoor movie series
Starting on May 3rd, outdoor movies will be held twice weekly until September 27th at National Harbor, just a few minutes away from the District.
On Sundays, the films will be suited for family-friendly audiences, and on Thursday nights, the films will be more aimed towards adult audiences for a date night feel.
Kid-friendly Sunday movies planned for this month include:
- Lilo & Stich (2026)
- Smurfs
- Minecraft Movie
- GOAT
- Zootopia 2
Adult, date night films on Thursday nights this month include:
- Hamnet
- Jurassic World Rebirth
- Wicked: For Good
- F1
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 to do it is by visiting one of Washington, D.C.’s local Mexican bars to support them and give them some business!
Peruse the Flower Mart at the National Cathedral
The National Cathedral’s Flower Mart is held annually to raise proceeds for the upkeep of its gorgeous grounds!
Taking place on May 1st & May 2nd, the annual Flower Mart event gives you the chance to peruse the breathtaking botanicals and even purchase some to take home!
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 8th to 10th.
Cheer 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 14th Annual ‘Running of the Chihuahuas‘ on Saturday, May 2nd.
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?
On Saturday, May 2nd, 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.
Whether it be weekly movies at Alethia Tanner Park as part of the CiNoMatic series by NoMa BID, or one of the other outdoor movie series around the District, there’s no better plan than enjoying the evening with your closest friends or family.
Georgetown’s Garden Club will be hosting its 96th annual Georgetown Garden Tour.
Held Saturday, May 9th, 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!
Teleport to Europe at the European Union Open House event
It’s back again!
This year’s EU Open House is returning on Saturday, May 9th, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the grounds of several EU embassies and participate in numerous cultural activities.
Participating embassies across Washington, D.C. include Bulgaria, France, Cyprus, Greece, and Spain, among others, will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
As the month ends and summer nears, D.C.’s favorite concert series, Jazz in the Garden, will return!
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.
Attend the Fiesta Asia Street Fair
Celebrating Asian Heritage, the 21st annual Fiesta Asia will take place on Saturday, May 16th, on Pennsylvania Ave from 11 am to 7 pm!
The all-day festival will include over 1,000 performers, artisans, vendors, and more.
On May 2nd & 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?!
While life in the District has its perks, tourists flooding the streets during holiday weekends might not be one of them.
Which is exactly why this Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to plan your short springtime escape to one of these storybook towns within driving distance of the District.
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 Taylor Swift – May 1
- Candlelight: Tribute to Adele – May 1
- Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles – May 2
- Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA – May 2
- Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, and More – May 14
- Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings – May 14
- Candlelight: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons – May 15
- Candlelight Jazz: The Best of Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole – May 21
- Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More – May 23
- Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac – May 23
- Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer – May 28
- Candlelight: Best of Joe Hisaishi – May 28
Head to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo to see its new Asian elephant, Linh Mai
After making her public debut in late April, the crowds have started to dissipate around the elephant enclosure, making this the perfect time to visit for a peaceful but exciting opportunity to see the Zoo’s newest resident!
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 May’s top museums putting on must-see exhibits you don’t want to miss!
- National Museum of American History
- Hirshhorn Museum
- National Museum of African American History & Culture
- National Gallery of Art
- The Rubell Museum
- National Museum of Asian Art
- Zenith Gallery
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!
Experience the razor-sharp wit of SAW The Musical as it takes over Baltimore this May.
Don’t miss this raunchy, darkly hilarious parody that blends iconic horror with musical comedy.
