Washington DC, the magnificent capital of the United States, is a dream destination for travelers worldwide. In 2025, the city promises to be even more vibrant and captivating with a series of special events and festivals throughout the year. From national political events to diverse cultural, sports, and culinary festivals, DC will offer unforgettable experiences for every visitor. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) to explore a detailed schedule so you don’t miss any memorable moments in the US capital in 2025!
U.S. Presidential Inauguration – January 20th
Kicking off 2025 with excitement, Washington DC will witness a significant historical event: the U.S. Presidential Inauguration. Immerse yourself in the solemn atmosphere and witness the moment the nation’s leader takes the oath of office, you will feel the spirit and core values of America. This grand event is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about US history and politics, while experiencing the unique atmosphere only found in Washington DC. Don’t forget to plan your trip early and explore presidential site visiting tips in the city to make your trip even more meaningful.
U.S. Presidential Inauguration
Giant Pandas at Smithsonian National Zoo – January 24th
Welcome the New Year with joy and cuteness at the Smithsonian National Zoo, where two new giant pandas, Bao Li and Xing Bao, will officially debut to the public on January 24th. These new “stars” from China are expected to become the center of attention for tourists and locals throughout 2025. The Smithsonian National Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and home to many rare animals. This will be an ideal destination for families, especially those who love animals and want to learn about wildlife conservation.
Giant Pandas at the National Zoo
Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week – January 27th – February 2nd
If you’re a food enthusiast, don’t miss Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week, an annual event celebrating DC’s diverse and rich culinary scene. Taking place from January 27th to February 2nd, this event offers the chance to enjoy special menus at discounted prices at hundreds of famous restaurants in the city. This is a great opportunity to discover new flavors, experience unique dining spaces, and savor the talents of Washington DC’s top chefs. Get ready to “bombard” the culinary world of the US capital!
Food from Anju Restaurant
Broadway Center Stage: Schmigadoon! – January 31st – February 9th
February in Washington DC will be more vibrant with the arrival of the Emmy® Award-winning musical Schmigadoon! at the Kennedy Center. The musical tells the humorous and romantic story of couple Josh and Melissa who get lost in a magical town where everything happens like a classic musical. With captivating music, talented performances, and an engaging plot, Schmigadoon! promises to bring wonderful entertainment moments for theater lovers. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a Broadway-caliber production right in the US capital.
Image with title Schmigadoon!
Washington Auto Show – January 31st – February 9th
At the same time as Schmigadoon!, the Washington Auto Show will also take place, attracting the attention of car and technology enthusiasts. This world-class event brings together over 600 of the latest models from more than 30 leading automakers, showcasing advanced technologies and breakthrough designs in the automotive industry. The show is not only a place to admire beautiful cars but also an opportunity to experience interactive displays and exciting car-related activities.
Image of all the cars inside the convention center for the Washington Auto Show
Go-Go Museum & Cafe – Opening February 19th
February 2025 marks the birth of a new cultural destination in Washington DC: the Go-Go Museum & Cafe. Dedicated to the capital’s signature Go-Go music genre, this museum will be a place to honor and study the history, impact, and vitality of Go-Go, an indispensable part of DC’s musical cultural identity. Come and experience the modern, artistic space at this newest venue in Anacostia and discover the vibrant rhythms of Go-Go.
Go-Go Museum
The Age of Innocence – February 28th – March 30th
From late February to the end of March, Arena Stage will present the new play The Age of Innocence, adapted from Edith Wharton’s famous novel. The play recreates the New York scene of the 1870s, revolving around the troubled love story of Newland Archer as he must choose between duty and passion. With a profound script, delicate performances, and magnificent setting, The Age of Innocence promises to captivate audiences who love romantic and tragic love stories.
Outside of Arena Stage
Sister Act – March 14th – April 17th
Continuing the vibrant arts atmosphere, Ford’s Theatre will bring the hilarious musical Sister Act from mid-March to mid-April. Based on the famous 1992 film, the musical tells the story of a nightclub singer who must hide in a convent to escape the mafia. The humorous story of self-discovery, friendship, and the power of music will bring laughter and positive emotions to the audience.
Sister Act playbill
National Cherry Blossom Festival – March 20th – April 13th
Spring arrives, Washington DC puts on a new coat of brilliant pink cherry blossoms. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, lasting nearly a month from March 20th to April 13th, is the most anticipated event of the year, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. The festival is not only an opportunity to admire the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom at the Tidal Basin but also a chance to participate in many unique cultural, artistic, and entertainment activities, honoring the meaningful gift from Tokyo to the United States in 1912. The peak bloom is expected around March 28-31, and the best time to view the blossoms lasts for about a week afterward.
Cherry blossoms in bloom at the Tidal Basin
Washington Nationals Baseball: 20th Anniversary Season – Home Opener on March 27th
For sports fans, especially baseball, spring and summer in DC are indispensable without the exciting games of the Washington Nationals. 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the team’s establishment in the capital, promising a special season with many commemorative events and exciting matches at Nationals Park. Come to the stadium to immerse yourself in the passionate atmosphere, cheer for the home team, and experience top-notch sports moments.
Washington Nationals baseball team logo
Awesome Con – April 4th-6th
In early April, Washington DC will become a paradise for lovers of comics, movies, television, toys, and video games with the Awesome Con event. This three-day festival attracts over 70,000 fans, offering the chance to meet famous stars, participate in cosplay activities, interact with the fan community, and explore the colorful world of pop culture.
Group of people dressed up in costumes for Awesome Con
Passport DC – May
May is the time Washington DC celebrates international cultural diversity with the Passport DC event throughout the month. Highlights of the event are the Around the World Embassy Tour and the European Union Open House, usually held on the first two Saturdays of the month. This is a rare opportunity to explore unique architecture, learn about culture, and enjoy the cuisine of many different countries right in the US capital. Most events and tours in Passport DC are free, offering a rich and diverse cultural experience for everyone.
Passport DC event poster
WorldPride – August 17th – August 17th
The biggest and most anticipated event of 2025 in Washington DC is definitely WorldPride, taking place from August 17th to August 17th. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Pride in DC, WorldPride promises to gather millions of people from all over the world to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. This grand festival will include a series of spectacular events, parades, and cultural festivals, bringing a vibrant atmosphere, historical significance, and spirit of unity to the US capital.
World Pride 2025 logo
Essex Hemphill: So There: Take My Life and Duzzle – May 17th – August 31st
From mid-May to the end of August, The Phillips Collection will present the exhibition Essex Hemphill: So There: Take My Life and Duzzle, honoring the pioneering work of poet and LGBTQ+ activist Essex Hemphill, who greatly influenced the LGBTQ+ community through poetry and speech. This exhibition will explore the connection between Hemphill’s work and contemporary visual art, helping the public better understand his legacy and influence.
Essex Hemphill: So There: Take My Life and Duzzle exhibition poster
Frankenstein – May 27th – June 22nd
May and June will witness the premiere of the play Frankenstein at the Klein Theatre of the Shakespeare Theatre Company. Based on Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece, the play promises to deliver a haunting and profound stage version of the classic story of Victor Frankenstein and the monster he created.
Frankenstein play poster
A Wrinkle in Time – June 12th – July 20th
Continuing the series of arts events, Arena Stage will present the musical A Wrinkle in Time from mid-June to mid-July. Based on Madeleine L’Engle’s Newbery Medal-winning novel, the musical promises to take audiences on a fantastic adventure through space and time with the main character Meg.
Playbill for A Wrinkle in Time
FIFA Club World Cup – July 18th, 22nd & 26th
In July 2025, Washington DC is honored to be one of the host cities for the FIFA Club World Cup. Audi Field will host three official matches on July 18th, 22nd, and 26th, attracting the attention of football fans worldwide. This is a great opportunity to witness top-level matches and immerse yourself in the exciting atmosphere of international football right in the US capital.
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 banner at Audi Field
Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle – June 21st-22nd
For food lovers and festival atmosphere enthusiasts, the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle is an unmissable event in late June. Taking place over two days, June 21st and 22nd, this barbecue festival brings together barbecue experts from all 50 states, local restaurants, and musical artists, creating a vibrant and attractive street party. Here, you can enjoy countless delicious barbecue dishes, participate in free cooking demonstrations, and enjoy the lively music atmosphere.
Crowd at the Giant Barbecue Battle in front of the US Capitol Building
Smithsonian Folklife Festival – July 2nd-7th, 2025
July in Washington DC will come alive with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, an annual event celebrating folk culture and art from around the world. This free festival takes place on the National Mall, showcasing different countries and communities each year, with rich exhibitions, live music, cooking demonstrations, and a vibrant marketplace. This is a great opportunity to discover cultural diversity and experience traditional beauty from around the world.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall
Mubadala Citi DC Open – July 21st-27th, 2025
For tennis lovers, the Mubadala Citi DC Open will return to the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center in late July. This special professional tennis tournament brings together top talents from around the world, promising top-level and dramatic matches. Come and witness beautiful rallies and cheer for your favorite players.
Tennis match at the Citi Open
Otakon – August 8th-10th, 2025
In August, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center will be bustling with Otakon, the region’s largest convention for fans of Asian pop culture. Otakon brings together lovers of anime, manga, music, movies, and video games, offering a space to giao lưu, have fun, and explore unique culture. The convention includes cosplay competitions, skits, live music, panel discussions, and art exhibits, promising unforgettable experiences for attendees.
Crowd inside the convention center for Otakon
DC JazzFest – August 27th – September 1st
Closing out the vibrant summer, DC JazzFest will bring wonderful jazz melodies across Washington DC’s stages from late August to early September. This annual festival brings together leading jazz artists from around the world, with free and ticketed performances taking place throughout the city. This is a great opportunity to enjoy top-notch jazz art and feel the unique musical atmosphere of the US capital.
DC Jazz Festival banner
Amy Sherald: The Great American Fact – September 19th – February 22nd, 2026
From mid-September 2025 to early 2026, the National Portrait Gallery will present the exhibition Amy Sherald: The Great American Fact, honoring the work of renowned contemporary artist Amy Sherald. This large-scale exhibition will showcase Sherald’s iconic portraits, including portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor, marking the largest and most comprehensive event on the artist’s work to date.
Amy Sherald: The Great American Fact exhibition poster
Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955-1985 – April 21st – July 2025
The National Gallery of Art will host the exhibition Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955-1985 from April to July 2025, honoring the work of Black artists around the world. This four-decade exhibition showcases approximately 150 works by more than 100 artists, including big names like Gordon Parks, Carrie Mae Weems, and many others. This is an opportunity to discover and better understand the great contributions of Black artists to the art of photography worldwide.
Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985 exhibition poster
WalkingTown DC – Late September 2025 TBD
In late September, WalkingTown DC will showcase the capital’s great walkability with a week-long program of free public tours. Dozens of guided walking tours will be offered throughout the District, including neighborhood introductions, themed excursions, history hikes, and more. This is a great way to discover DC’s hidden and famous gems, learning about the city’s history, culture, and architecture.
Group on a WalkingTown DC tour
Downtown Holiday Market – Late November 2025 TBD
In late November, the Downtown Holiday Market will return, bringing a bustling festive atmosphere to Washington DC. This free market is centrally located in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, spanning two blocks of F Street. Here, you can explore unique products from dozens of pop-up stalls, enjoy seasonal music, and sip locally roasted coffee with hot donuts. The Downtown Holiday Market is an ideal destination for shopping for gifts, enjoying the early Christmas atmosphere, and experiencing DC’s special festive air.
Image of the Downtown Holiday Market at night with string lights overhead market tents
National Menorah Lighting – December 2025 TBD
In December, Washington DC will host the National Menorah Lighting on the White House Ellipse, marking the start of Hanukkah. This event welcomes everyone with latkes, donuts, menorah kits, and dreidels, along with music from the United States Navy Band. The National Menorah Lighting is a meaningful tradition, bringing a warm and united atmosphere during the year-end holiday season.
Photo from the National Menorah Lighting outside the White House
National Christmas Tree Lighting – December 2025 TBD
Finally, the National Christmas Tree Lighting will close a year of events and festivals in Washington DC in 2025. The beautiful Christmas tree is located in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse, decorated magnificently and surrounded by smaller trees, each representing a US state and territory. The National Christmas Tree Lighting is a symbol of the holiday season in DC, bringing a warm and magical Christmas atmosphere to both locals and visitors.
White House Christmas Tree
Washington DC in 2025 promises to be an unmissable tourist destination with countless exciting events and festivals. Plan your trip today to discover the US capital and enjoy the wonderful cultural, historical, culinary, and entertainment experiences that this city offers.