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Things to do in Washington, DC

Find current events, restaurants, family activities, and quick getaway ideas in Washington, DC. WonderKit curates these picks daily so the page stays useful for both local search and trip planning.

11 hand-picked things to do in Washington, DC right now · 7 with confirmed dates

Last updated: Sun, Jul 12, 2026

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A perfect 3 days in Washington, DC

A sample plan built from this week's Washington, DC picks — the same day-by-day itinerary WonderKit drafts for your group in about a minute.

Day 1

MorningBeetlejuice at The National Theatre

Escape the summer sun for a few hours with this high-energy, visually spectacular musical production downtown.

$$$
AfternoonThe Salt Line

The quintessential DC spot for Maryland blue crabs and lobster rolls. Its breezy, riverside patio vibe is unmatched in July.

$$
EveningTaj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band

Legendary bluesman Taj Mahal brings his iconic sound to this storied, seated venue just across the river.

$$$

Day 2

MorningBaltimore Symphony Orchestra

A sophisticated Sunday afternoon at the Music Center, known for its pristine acoustics and climate-controlled comfort.

$$$
AfternoonLe Diplomate

A 14th Street staple that captures the energy of a bustling French brasserie. Perfect for a long, air-conditioned Sunday brunch.

$$
EveningWashington Nationals vs. New York Yankees

Live at Nationals Park.

$$

Day 3

MorningPippin at Signature Theatre

A bold, fresh take on the classic musical, currently running at Arlington's premier stage for high-caliber theater productions.

$$$
AfternoonAmerican Football at 9:30 Club

Catch the influential emo pioneers in the intimate, air-conditioned cool of one of the city's best music venues.

$$
EveningWashington Nationals vs. NY Yankees

Beat the afternoon humidity with a cold drink under the covered sections at the ballpark for a high-stakes series.

$$

Plan a multi-day trip to Washington, DC

Ready-made, day-by-day itineraries built from real local spots — grab one and make it yours.

☀️ Happening Today

Events and things to do tonight

American Football at 9:30 Club

Sun, Jul 12, 2026 · 7:00 PM · 9:30 CLUB · $$ · Best for Music fans

Catch the influential emo pioneers in the intimate, air-conditioned cool of one of the city's best music venues.

Learn more

musicconcertnightlife

Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band

Sun, Jul 12, 2026 · 7:30 PM · Birchmere · $$$ · Best for Music lovers

Legendary bluesman Taj Mahal brings his iconic sound to this storied, seated venue just across the river.

Learn more

bluesmusiclive-performance

Washington Nationals vs. New York Yankees

Sun, Jul 12, 2026 · 1:35 PM · Nationals Park · $$ · Best for Everyone

Live at Nationals Park.

Learn more

sportsbaseball

Plan a trip to Washington, DC

Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three Washington, DC trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.

📅 This Weekend in Washington, DC

Making the most of the peak summer heat

Washington Nationals vs. NY Yankees

Sun, Jul 12, 2026 · 1:35 PM · Nationals Park · $$ · Best for Sports fans

Beat the afternoon humidity with a cold drink under the covered sections at the ballpark for a high-stakes series.

Learn more

sportsbaseballafternoon

Beetlejuice at The National Theatre

Sun, Jul 12, 2026 · 2:00 PM · The National Theatre · $$$ · Best for Theatergoers

Escape the summer sun for a few hours with this high-energy, visually spectacular musical production downtown.

Learn more

theaterbroadwayindoor

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Sun, Jul 12, 2026 · 3:00 PM · Music Center at Strathmore · $$$ · Best for Classical music fans

A sophisticated Sunday afternoon at the Music Center, known for its pristine acoustics and climate-controlled comfort.

Learn more

classicalmusicindoor

🍽️ Eat & Drink

Cool spots for a hot summer Sunday

The Salt Line

Navy Yard, Washington, DC · $$ · Best for Foodies

The quintessential DC spot for Maryland blue crabs and lobster rolls. Its breezy, riverside patio vibe is unmatched in July.

Learn more

seafoodpatiobrunch

Le Diplomate

14th Street Corridor, Washington, DC · $$ · Best for Brunch lovers

A 14th Street staple that captures the energy of a bustling French brasserie. Perfect for a long, air-conditioned Sunday brunch.

Learn more

frenchbrunchclassic

✨ New & Notable

What's happening this month

Pippin at Signature Theatre

Sun, Jul 12, 2026 · 2:00 PM · Signature Theatre · $$$ · Best for Theater fans

A bold, fresh take on the classic musical, currently running at Arlington's premier stage for high-caliber theater productions.

Learn more

theaterperformanceart

🚗 Quick Escape

Weekend trips within a 3-hour drive

St. Michaels, Maryland

Eastern Shore, MD · $$$ · Best for Couples

Escape to the Eastern Shore for a weekend of sailing, fresh crab cakes, and harbor-side strolls. It's the ultimate summer retreat from the DC heat.

Learn more

coastalrelaxingfood

Shenandoah Valley Wineries

Shenandoah Valley, VA · $$$ · Best for Friends

Head west into the mountains where the air is slightly cooler. Spend the weekend tasting at boutique vineyards like those near Front Royal.

Learn more

naturewinescenic

Frequently asked

What are the best things to do in Washington, DC?

Current local highlights in Washington, DC include American Football at 9:30 Club, Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues Band, and Washington Nationals vs. New York Yankees. WonderKit refreshes this guide daily so the picks reflect real local happenings.

What's happening in Washington, DC this week?

The sections above show this week's events, weekend plans, and new-and-notable openings in Washington, DC, updated daily.

Where do locals eat in Washington, DC?

The "Eat & Drink" section above lists restaurants and food spots locals are recommending in Washington, DC right now.

Plan a trip to Washington, DC

Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three Washington, DC trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.

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