Summer in Motion: What to Do in the DMV This July

July in the DMV is full of festivals, shows, and sports to enjoy. From outdoor fun to great performances, there’s something for everyone this summer.

LIVE! Concert Series on the Plaza
Date: Thursdays, through summer
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Wilson Plaza, Washington, DC
Midday melodies return with this free lunchtime concert series featuring jazz, salsa, strings, and more. Grab your lunch and enjoy a fresh soundtrack for your Thursday afternoons downtown.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Date: Now – Sept. 7, 2025
Time: Various showtimes
Location: The National Theatre, Washington, DC
The spellbinding Broadway hit returns to DC with a magical new run. This Tony Award-winning sequel brings fresh adventure and nostalgia for fans young and old.

Sesame Street the Musical
Date: July 10 – Aug. 31, 2025
Time: Various showtimes
Location: The Kennedy Center, Washington, DC
Sing along with Elmo, Abby, and friends in this joyful musical filled with classic songs and family fun. It’s the perfect first theater experience for little ones.

Washington Nationals: 20th Anniversary Season
Date: Ongoing through summer 2025
Time: Varies by game
Location: Nationals Park, Washington, DC
Cheer on the hometown team as the Nationals celebrate two decades in the capital. Expect special events, commemorative giveaways, and all the excitement of Major League Baseball.

Mubadala Citi DC Open
Date: July 21–27, 2025
Time: Varies daily
Location: Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, Washington, DC
World-class tennis returns to the capital. Catch top international players in action at this fast-paced and fan-friendly summer tournament.

Pixies at The Anthem
Date: July 25–26, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: The Anthem, Washington, DC
The legendary alt-rock band hits DC for two nights, playing their cult-favorite albums Trompe le Monde and Bossanova live. An iconic act in an epic venue.

Alley Fest
Date: July 26, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Blagden Alley, Washington, DC
Explore one of DC’s coolest corners during this festive day of art, food, music, and community. Expect live DJs, chalk art, games, and the launch of the DC Alley Pass.

New Galleries at the Air and Space Museum
Date: July 28, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DC
Five newly renovated galleries reopen, showcasing aviation icons and spaceflight milestones. Timed-entry passes required—book early to touch the moon rock.

How to Be a Power Player: Tudor Edition
Date: Through July 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, DC
Dive into the world of Tudor court life with hands-on exhibits and historic artifacts. Learn how wit, charm, and strategy ruled the royal stage.

Pictures of Belonging
Date: Through Aug. 17, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC
This poignant exhibit explores the legacy of three groundbreaking Japanese American women artists. A rare and powerful look at resilience through art.

Summer Films at The REACH
Date: Fridays through Aug. 29, 2025
Time: 8:30 PM
Location: The REACH at The Kennedy Center, Washington, DC
Enjoy Friday night movies under the stars—classics and cult favorites alike—on the outdoor video wall. Free and family-friendly.

Summer Evenings at the Arboretum
Date: Through Aug. 30, 2025
Time: Extended hours until 8:00 PM
Location: U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
Picnic, stroll, or bike through golden hour in one of DC’s most scenic parks. Extended summer hours let you enjoy this urban oasis late into the evening.

The Shape of Power
Date: Through Sept. 14, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC
Explore how sculpture has shaped American ideas of race, power, and identity. This timely exhibition spans more than two centuries of artistic reflection.

Shifting Boundaries: American Landscapes
Date: Through July 26, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: National Museum of Asian Art, Washington, DC
See iconic American landscape paintings through a modern lens. This thoughtful exhibition reframes a classic genre with new perspectives and narratives.

Source: washington.org