Summer Starts Here: June’s Best Events Lighting Up the DMV

Summer has officially arrived in the DMV, and June is leading the way with its buzz of excitement. From concerts and field trips to outdoor cultural festivals and weekend getaways, this month is packed with events that will have you turning down every invitation. Here's what you can't miss this month.

WorldPride DC 2025 

Date: Now – June 8, 2025
Location: Washington, DC

Washington, DC will host WorldPride for the first time, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Pride in the city—a major milestone celebrated with international energy and powerful community spirit. Events across the region will highlight the diversity, culture, and history of the global LGBTQ+ community under the theme The Fabric of Freedom. This historic event features inclusive festivities, cultural showcases, and headline performances—including Shakira live on stage. From the powerful Welcome Ceremony at Nationals Park to vibrant parades, art installations, and community events across the region, WorldPride 2025 promises unforgettable moments of unity, visibility, and celebration.

Street Fest

Date: Now – June 8
Location: Union Market District, Washington, DC

Get ready for two weekends of nonstop creativity and energy as Street Fest takes over the Union Market District. From immersive art shows and curated gallery walks to international film screenings and circus-inspired performances, the neighborhood becomes a playground for the senses. Expect everything from vinyl DJ sets and pop-up concerts to dance parties, salsa classes, and outdoor movie nights. This vibrant festival blends local flair with global inspiration, celebrating art, music, and community in unforgettable ways. Whether you're a longtime DC resident or just passing through, Street Fest promises a summer experience that’s as diverse as it is dynamic.

Endless Story

Date: Now – August 3, 2025
Location: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Independence Ave. at 7th St., SW, Washington, DC

The Hirshhorn Museum presents OSGEMEOS: Endless Story, the largest U.S. exhibition showcasing the vibrant work of Brazilian twin artists Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo. This immersive show features around 1,000 pieces—from large-scale paintings and sculptures to interactive installations—that blend urban graffiti, magical storytelling, and cultural heritage. Celebrating their unique vision and multidisciplinary art, the exhibit offers a captivating journey through the artists’ fantastical world inspired by São Paulo’s urban life and rich imagination.

Ambition at Court

Date: Now – August 10, 2025
Location: Stuart and Mimi Rose Rare Book and Manuscript Exhibition Hall, Washington, DC
Tickets: Free (timed-entry pass recommended)

Explore the drama and strategy behind court life in Tudor England at this captivating Folger exhibition. Featuring over 60 rare artifacts, it reveals how courtiers used wit, charm, and cunning to rise through the ranks. Visitors can even craft their own 16th-century playbook at the interactive Engagement Table.

The Power of Creativity 

Date: Now - September 28, 2025
Location: Kingston, New York

The Women’s Studio Workshop (WSW) exhibition showcases over 40 powerful works that highlight decades of creativity and advocacy by marginalized artists, including women, transgender, non-binary, and gender-fluid creators. Since 1974, WSW has been a beacon of support for sustainable and equitable art through programs like their renowned Artist Book Grant, which has published over 245 unique works collected by the world’s leading museums. This exhibition offers a rare glimpse into an inspiring legacy of artistic innovation and social change, making it a must-see for anyone passionate about culture and community. If you value art with meaning and impact, this event is a great reason to explore Kingston this spring and summer.

Washington Nationals 20th Anniversary Season

Date: Spring–Summer 2025
Location: Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC

Celebrate 20 seasons of Major League Baseball in DC as the Washington Nationals return to Nationals Park for another thrilling year. From big league action and home runs to the beloved Racing Presidents, every game is packed with energy and tradition. This anniversary season includes special events and fan experiences—perfect for a summer outing in the city.

Asanka Food Festival

Date: Saturday, July 5, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Fort Hunt Park, 8999 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 22308

Savor the vibrant flavors of Ghana at the Asanka Food Festival, a one-day cultural celebration in the heart of Alexandria. This family-friendly event offers authentic Ghanaian dishes served in traditional Asanka bowls, alongside live Afrobeats music, dance, art, and a colorful craft market. Come hungry and ready to explore—this is more than a food festival, it’s a joyful tribute to community, culture, and flavor.

Jazz Fest

Date: June 6–8, 2025
Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, Maryland

The Capital Jazz Fest is a highlight of the early summer music scene, drawing thousands of jazz and soul enthusiasts to the Washington, D.C. suburbs each June. This iconic outdoor festival has been bringing top-tier talent and vibrant energy since 1993, creating the perfect atmosphere to relax, connect, and enjoy unforgettable live performances. With a lineup that has featured legends like Ray Charles and John Legend, it’s a must-attend event for anyone who loves great music and community vibes. 

Les Misérables

Date: June 11 – July 13, 2025
Location: The Opera House, Kennedy Center, Washington, DC

A true masterpiece returns to Washington, DC this summer as Les Misérables takes the stage at the Kennedy Center’s Opera House. Following a sold-out run in 2023, this world-renowned production brings its powerful storytelling and breathtaking music back to the city where it had its pre-Broadway debut in 1986. Set in 19th-century France, the musical unfolds a sweeping tale of love, sacrifice, and resilience—offering an emotional journey that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. With a legacy spanning 53 countries and over 130 million viewers, Les Misérables is not just a show—it’s an unforgettable cultural experience. If you're planning a night out in DC, this is one performance you won’t want to miss—just be sure to arrive early, as late seating is limited.

Docs That Matter

Date: June 12–15
Location: Various venues across Washington, DC

DC/DOX 2025 returns with a powerful lineup of 94 films—59 features and 35 shorts—representing voices from 25 countries. This year’s festival features 12 world premieres and a wide spectrum of stories that capture the creativity and impact of documentary filmmaking today. Beyond the screen, the Reality Check Forum offers enriching panels, workshops, and masterclasses where storytellers and audiences come together. This event delivers unforgettable insights and inspiration from around the globe. 

A Taste of the DMV

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 12 PM – 7 PM (Rain or shine)
Location: 300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC (Between 3rd & 7th Streets NW, near the U.S. Capitol)

The 4th Annual A Taste of the DMV is back and bigger than ever, bringing together over 200 food, music, and cultural vendors for one unforgettable day in the heart of DC. Enjoy live performances across multiple stages, savor affordable tasting plates from local and international cuisines, and take part in fun giveaways and raffles. This free, all-ages event is the perfect way to explore the vibrant flavor and creativity of the DMV—don’t miss it!

Photography’s Grand Beginnings

Date: June 20, 2025 – June 7, 2026
Location: National Portrait Gallery, Washington, DC 

Explore the origins of portrait photography through rare, large-format images from the 19th century. This exhibition highlights the evolution of early techniques like daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, and tintypes. Featured portraits include notable historical figures and lesser-known but equally powerful subjects. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how early photographers captured identity, status, and memory.

Walk Weekend

Date: June 21–22, 2025
Location: DKMC Museum District, Washington, DC

Walk Weekend is a once-a-year opportunity to explore some of DC’s most fascinating museums for free, all within the walkable, historic Dupont-Kalorama neighborhood. For two days only, participating institutions open their doors with special programming, extended hours, and welcoming community vibes. It's the perfect chance to stroll between exhibits, discover new favorites, and enjoy the city’s cultural gems without a ticket. 

Japanese Prints and Photographs

Date: June 21–November 20, 2025
Location: Arthur M. Sackler Gallery | Gallery 25

Step into a world where photographs and prints defy expectations. Cut + Paste highlights seventeen innovative Japanese artists who blend photography with unconventional materials like foam, plastic, and tape to create layered, dimensional works that leap off the page. Spanning the 20th and 21st centuries, these experimental pieces explore memory, perception, and the boundaries of traditional art forms. 

Barbecue Battle

Date: June 22–23, 2025
Location: Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC

One of DC’s tastiest summer traditions returns for its 33rd year—the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle! This two-day event brings together top pitmasters from around the country for a flavorful showdown right in the heart of the city. Expect over 100 free food samples, live music across multiple stages, family-friendly fun, and nonstop entertainment. It’s the ultimate way to kick off summer with bold flavors, great vibes, and unforgettable memories. 

Forensic Science on Trial

Date: Now – June 2025
Location: National Museum of American History, 2nd Floor, East Wing, Albert H. Small Documents Gallery, 1300 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC

Step inside 150 years of criminal investigations at this fascinating exhibit exploring how forensic science has shaped real courtroom drama. See the first-ever polygraph, arsenic tests from an 1872 serial poisoning case, and tools used to analyze bite marks on cadavers. It's a rare look at the science behind justice — and the human stories that made history.

Open Streets

Date: Saturday, June 28 | Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Road Closure: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: North Carolina Ave SE, East Capitol St, and Massachusetts Ave SE (from 6th St SE to 17th St SE)

For the first time, Open Streets is coming to Capitol Hill, turning one mile of city streets into a car-free zone for the day. This exciting event encourages residents and visitors to explore the neighborhood on foot or bike, with space to move, play, and connect. From yoga and fitness classes to live music, dance, and family-friendly fun, it’s a lively celebration of community and wellness. Best of all, it's completely free and open to all ages and abilities.

Source: washington.org