Summer in Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia is a season of festivals, outdoor concerts, waterfront dining, and events that take full advantage of the region’s rich cultural institutions and natural scenery.
Free Things to Do in the DMV This Summer
One of Washington DC’s greatest assets is the sheer volume of world-class experiences available completely free. The Smithsonian’s 19 museums on and around the National Mall are all free to enter. The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage hosts free concerts every evening at 6:00 PM.
Summer Festivals & Events
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival takes over the National Mall each June and July, celebrating international cultures with food, music, and craft demonstrations. The DC Jazz Festival brings world-class jazz to venues across the city. Juneteenth celebrations, Pride events, and neighborhood street festivals fill weekends from June through Labor Day.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
No summer in the DMV is complete without at least one evening at Wolf Trap. Set in the rolling hills of Vienna, Virginia, this outdoor amphitheater is the only national park dedicated to the performing arts. The season runs May through September. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and arrive early to enjoy the grounds before the show.
Outdoor Dining & Rooftop Bars
Summer is the prime season for DC’s rooftop bar and outdoor dining scene. Properties across the city open their rooftops to reveal sweeping views of the Capitol, the monuments, and the Potomac River.