SUMMER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Summer makes for a great time to visit as the city comes alive with festivals, holiday celebrations and seasonal activities. Spend a summer like no other with your family and friends in DC.
Washington, DC’s hottest, family-friendly summer installation opens through September 2 at The National Building Museum
The National Building Museum’s annual Summer Block Party installation, now in its sixth year, is always one of the city’s biggest highlights of the season. This year, the museum is offering ‘LAWN,’ an incredible superstructure that transports visitors to a sun-strewn summer afternoon.
Segway around the National Mall
Marveling at city sights on a Segway is also an option. City Segway Tours leads tours via individual motorized scooters. After an orientation and lessons in the art of riding a Segway, a guided tour of eight or less people are ushered around the National Mall with stops for photo-taking and history lessons. Limited to ages 16 and over, this is a memorable way for your older teens to experience the nation’s capital.
Savor delicious deals throughout the District as part of Summer Restaurant Week, Aug. 12-18.
Summer in the District would not be complete without Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week, which runs this summer between Aug. 12-18, 2019. Throughout the promotion, over 100 restaurants across the DC area offer three-course, prix-fixe meals for brunch, lunch and dinner, with brunch and lunch priced at $22 and dinner at $35. And while you’re dining out this summer, don’t forget to check out the hottest food and drink crazes across the city.
Smithsonian sleepovers at The Natural History Museum (August 2 – 9, 2019)
Join a small group of fellow adventurers and wander into the newly opened Fossil Hall, where dinosaurs cast giant shadows; explore the ocean’s aquatic wonders; walk softly pass mysterious mammals—did that one blink?
Swap stories while enjoying hands-on crafts projects and games. And then, as the lights dim, roll out your sleeping bag and dream away, knowing that Phoenix the whale is keeping watch throughout your night in the museum.
History of Superheroes at The National Museum of American History (Daily, Now – September 2, 2019)
This showcase presents artifacts from the museum’s collections that relate to Superheroes, including comic books, original comic art, movie and television costumes and props, and memorabilia. The display includes George Reeves’s Superman costume from the Adventures of Superman TV program, which ran from 1951-1958, as well as Halle Berry’s Storm costume from the 2014 film X-Men: Days of Future Past
Get local with food in DC (Aug, 2 to Sept. 20)
Truckeroo is a monthly festival held at The Bullpen that showcases the hottest food trucks in the DC area. Held from April through September, Truckeroo is a family-friendly event and features live music, cold drinks, games, and more. From: 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Catch an outdoor flick at the Tuesday night movie series
Georgetown’s Waterfront Park is one of the city’s most resplendent settings, situated right on the Potomac River. The neighborhood invites you to enjoy this year’s movie theme of “Out of Office,” as each Tuesday sunset screening highlights a story about vacations. The line up begins with Under the Tuscan Sun on July 9 and concludes with Eat Pray Love on Aug. 6.
Whiskey Rebellion Trail Passports in DC
The Mid-Atlantic region serves as the birthplace of American whiskey and its story is as complex as the distilled rye the area has produced. Whether you want to delve into George Washington’s role in the Whiskey Rebellion or mix it up with the District’s crop of craft distillers, the Whiskey Rebellion Trail in DC blazes the way.
Rock on the riverfront at free Friday night concerts
Enjoy music every Friday night of the summer at the Yards Park boardwalk stage. Pack a picnic basket for the family or pick up takeout from one of the many Capitol Riverfront restaurants and enjoy beer and wine for purchase.
Kayak, canoe or take a twilight tour
Boating on the Anacostia River is abound at Ballpark Boathouse with kayaks and canoes for rent throughout the spring and summer. Join Ballpark Boathouse for a Twilight Tour to boat along the river with friends and watch the sunset from your kayak. Paddle around the historic Anacostia and check out sites like the Capitol, Washington Navy Yard and Fort McNair. The tour lasts less than two hours, is great for beginner paddlers and includes kayak, life jacket, paddle and experienced guides.
