July came in hot with heat advisories, but thankfully, there’s no shortage of rooftop events, waterfront concerts, and unforgettable experiences to keep the season cool.
Here are our curated picks of the best things happening in and around DC this month:
EDITOR’S PICKS
🛝 THE PLAYGROUND at the National Building Museum (7/3 - 8/30)
The NBM’s newest summer installation transforms the Great Hall into a larger-than-life interactive playground designed for climbing, exploring, and play at every age. In partnership with NYC-based Snarkitecture, this installation comes paired with a full summer lineup of family-friendly activities, creative workshops, and after-hours events for adults.
🎆 America’s 250th: Fourth of July in the Nation’s Capital
The Fourth of July brings food, fireworks, and festivities to every corner of the city as the District marks America’s 250th anniversary. Check out our curated guide to fireworks, food, parties, cruises, and the best places to celebrate.
🏰 Smithsonian Dreams: Castle Illuminations (7/17 - 7/18)
Watch the Smithsonian Castle become a canvas for “Smithsonian Dreams,” a free, 20-minute nighttime projection show by artist Refik Anadol that transforms millions of Smithsonian images and artifacts into an immersive, AI-powered light show celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the neighboring Arts and Industries Building (show starts at 9p, free)
🪷 Lotus & Water Lily Festival at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (7/18 - 7/19)
One of DC’s most beautiful summer traditions returns as Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens bursts into bloom with cultural performances, guided tours, family-friendly activities, and stunning lotus and water lilies at their seasonal peak (10a - 8p, free)
ACTIVITIES + EXPERIENCES
Tuesdays & Fridays This Month
U.S. Marine Corps Parades
Experience Marine Corps precision and pageantry during these free summer performances held Tuesdays in Arlington and Fridays at Marine Barracks in DC. The parades are free, registration is required for the Friday parades.
7/8
Sunset Cinema outdoor screening of “Hamilton” - Transit Pier at The Wharf | 7:30p, free
7/9
Live! At the Library outdoor screening of “Clueless” - Library of Congress | 8p - 10p, free
7/15 - 7/19
Lake Arbor Jazz Festival
Celebrate smooth jazz with four days of live performances from acclaimed artists, plus brunches, workshops, after-parties, and special events hosted across MGM National Harbor, Newton White Mansion, Wellspring Manor & Spa, and other venues throughout Prince George’s County (event tickets $40+)
7/16
Summer Evening Hours at the Garden - US Botanic Garden | 5p - 8p, free
Will have live music and mocktails, snacks, & ice cream available for purchase
7/17, 7/24, + 7/31
Concerts in the Courtyard at Nat Geo’s Museum of Exploration | 6p, $20
Live music series with access to the exhibits and drinks available for purchase
7/18
THE9AMBANGER PRESENTS: RNB at 9AM - Howard Theatre | 9a - 3p, $40
Tequila sunrise open bar until 11aTaste of the South - The Anthem | 8p, $400
Experience the flavors of 13 Southern states at Taste of the South, where regional cuisine, live music, dancing, and Southern hospitality come together for one of DC’s signature summer galasLibraryFest - Central Library in Arlington, VA | 10a - 7p, free
Will have live music, crafts, food trucks, & more
7/23
Nat Geo Nights: America’s National Parks - National Geographic Museum of Exploration | 7p - 10p, $40
21+ museum afterhours event with live music, cocktails, an artist activation featuring nighttime photography, access to the exhibits, & moreWashingtonian’s Best of Washington - The Anthem | 6p - 10p, $230+
Unlimited tasting event featuring dozens of DC’s favorite restaurants
7/24
Smithsonian Sleepover at the American History Museum
Trade the hotel for the museum during this after-hours sleepover for youth ages 8-14 and their adult chaperones with access to the exhibits, America’s 250th-themed activities, and more (7p - 9a, $150pp / discount available for Girl Scouts)
7/24 - 7/25
WPGC Bike Fest - Maryland International Raceway | gates open at 8a, $35 / kids 11 & under free
7/27 - 7/31
Capital One Center Culinary Week - Tysons, VA | multiple venues, tickets from $72+
For the foodies: Celebrate Tysons’ growing culinary scene with chef demos, tastings, and cocktail competitions at restaurants including Wren, Stellina Pizzeria, Ometeo, Sisters Tysons, Naisho Room, and a preview of La Omri before it opens later this year
7/25 - 8/2
Mubadala Citi DC Open
Rock Creek Park Tennis Center | multiple session times, $60+
Tennis tournament featuring Naomi Osaka, Venus Williams, Frances Tiafoe, & more
CONCERTS + SHOWS
*Check resale sites for additional pricing
7/7
Lizzo with the National Symphony Orchestra - Filene Center at Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA | 8p, $66+
7/10
Bow Wow with Twista & Bubba Sparxxx - Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in WV | 9p, $75+
7/10, 7/11, + 7/13
Usher & Chris Brown - Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD | $110+
7/11
Tiny Desk Contest on the Road 2026 ft. Cure For Paranoia - Howard Theatre | 7p, $36
7/14
India Shawn - Pearl Street Warehouse | 8p, $34+
7/15
Buju Banton & Stephen Marley - 7p, $55+
7/16
Lyfe Jennings - The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA | 7:30p, $92
7/17
Trina - Bethesda Theater in MD | 8:30p, $100+
Ne-Yo & Akon - Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, VA | 8p, $35+
7/18
T.I. - The Fillmore in Silver Spring, MD | 8p, $80+
Alice Smith - Lincoln Theatre | 8p, $64+
7/19
Lauryn Hill: Acoustic - Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore, MD | 7p, $74+
Phone-free concert, attendees will be given locked pouches to place their devices in
7/22
BabyChiefDoit - Union Stage | 7p, $34+
7/23
J. Cole - CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, MD | 8p, $188+
7/24
Project Pat & Juicy J - Howard Theatre, 8p
Resale tickets available for $231+: StubHub | Vivid SeatsAnthony Hamilton - The Theater at MGM in National Harbor, MD | 8p, $109+
DJ Diesel (Shaq) - Power Plant Live! in Baltimore, MD | 9p, $41+
7/24 - 7/26
Sheryl Underwood - DC Improv | multiple showtimes, $44+
7/25
A Bobby Nsenga Experience - BETTE at BERHTA | 8p, $43+
Backyard Band: 35th Anniversary - The Theater at MGM in National Harbor, MD | 8p, $109+
7/26
Elmiene - Nevermore Hall in Baltimore, MD | 8p, $91+
Steven G - DC9 | 8p, $26+
Mike Sherm - Union Stage | 7p, $40+
7/27
Honey Bxby - Songbyrd | 7p, $26+
7/28
Herbie Hancock - Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, MD | 7:30p, $68+
Daniel Caesar - CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, MD | 7:30p, $105+
7/29
April + VISTA - Songbyrd | 7p, $26
7/30
Bossman Dlow - The Fillmore in Silver Spring, MD | 8p, $60+
7/31
Justine Skye - DC9 | 7:30p, currently waitlist only