Washington, DC invites visitors to experience unforgettable moments, cultural milestones, vibrant festivals, groundbreaking museum openings, and extraordinary anniversaries unfolding throughout spring 2025 and beyond.
Yearlong Anniversaries, Events, & Celebrations
America 250 (Yearlong, 2026) Washington, DC will lead the nation’s yearlong celebration of America's 250th anniversary with dynamic events citywide. Museums, theaters, restaurants, and iconic landmarks across the city will host special exhibitions, performances, culinary experiences, and public art installations reflecting America’s rich cultural tapestry and historical evolution from 1776 to the present.
Arts, Culture, & Museum Openings
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's 50th Anniversary | July 2026
Following extensive renovations, the National Air and Space Museum will celebrate its 50th anniversary with most galleries reopening. Exhibits feature historic milestones in air and space exploration, offering exciting educational experiences for visitors.
National Geographic Museum of Exploration | Summer 2026
Set to become one of DC’s groundbreaking attractions, this museum invites visitors on thrilling expeditions through immersive exhibits and state-of-the-art technologies, showcasing wildlife, landscapes, cultures, and global communities.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Reopening | Fall 2026
The Hirshhorn's renowned Sculpture Garden reopens following an $88 million revitalization. Visitors will enjoy a refreshed outdoor experience, blending innovative art installations with iconic sculptures.
Lincoln Memorial: Immersive Museum | July 2026
This ambitious project adds 15,000 square feet of interactive museum space beneath the iconic memorial. Exhibitions will share untold stories about the monument's construction and its legacy as a symbolic space for civil rights.
New Accommodations & Culinary Highlights
23 New Hotels and 3,900+ Rooms | Ongoing
Washington, DC continues expanding its hospitality offerings with 23 hotels in development, including the Parisian-inspired MOB Hotel in NoMa, CitizenM’s green-roof hotel in Georgetown, and Capitol Riverfront’s vibrant Moxy Hotel.
Michelin-Starred and Celebrity Chef Dining | Ongoing
With 25 Michelin-starred restaurants, Washington, DC solidifies its culinary reputation. The city welcomes new establishments by globally acclaimed chefs like José Andrés (The Bazaar), Gordon Ramsay (Hell’s Kitchen and Street Pizza), Stephen Starr (El Presidente, Pastis DC, and Osteria Mozza), and Mr. Lyan (Silver Lyan).
Nearly 30 New Rooftop Dining Experiences | Ongoing
Capitalizing on its distinctive low skyline, DC introduces nearly 30 new or renovated rooftop restaurants and bars. Hotspots such as Moonraker, Smoke & Mirrors, and VUE Rooftop offer exceptional views of the city’s landmarks.
Transportation & Infrastructure
Metro Silver Line to Dulles International Airport | Now Open
The newly operational Silver Line connects Dulles International Airport directly to downtown DC, providing affordable and convenient transportation for visitors arriving from international and domestic flights.
Dulles International Airport Expansion | 2026
A $580 million concourse expansion begins in 2026, adding seven new international gates to accommodate increasing global travel demand.
Signature Annual Events DC JazzFest | Labor Day Weekend 2025
Celebrate jazz music in the birthplace of Duke Ellington. DC JazzFest presents performances by acclaimed local, national, and international jazz artists, solidifying the city’s reputation as a music capital.