The latest news and attractions from the United States’ capital in 2026

Washington, D.C. is poised for an exceptional year of travel as the U.S. gears up for A250, with a mix of new openings, major events, and compelling exhibitions guaranteed to appeal to all visitors. The U.S. capital seamlessly combines its iconic historical attractions with modern innovation, offering everything from inventive new dining experiences and exciting cultural programs to luxurious new hotels perfect for a calm urban getaway.

DC 250 – Citywide | Yearlong, 2026

Washington, DC is centre stage for the nation’s yearlong celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with dynamic events citywide. Museums, theatres, 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. Just a few of the new attractions and exhibits are listed below. For an expanded list, visit DC250.us.

• 51 Steps to Freedom Trail (Through 2026) – DC becomes the largest outdoor museum in the world with this new augmented reality trail that explores DC’s hidden history, pivotal events and legendary figures. From Frederick Douglass to Duke Ellington and Mrs. Rosa Parks, the 8-mile trail features 300+ stories and 51 historic stops.
• National Archives – Washington, DC is the only place to see the charter documents: the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights – admission is free.
• In March 2026, the National Archives plan to add the Emancipation Proclamation and 19th Amendment (which removed restrictions for women to vote) to its permanent display.
• Road to Revolution (through Aug. 6, 2026) – A rotating exhibition showcases original documents that detail major milestones and give critical historical context to the American Revolution and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
• National Gallery of Art – One of the world’s most preeminent museums, the Gallery’s collection includes over 141,000 paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculpture, decorative arts and new media from the Middle Ages to the present. 2026 will bring special exhibitions like American Icon: The U.S. Flag in Art and a block party, the Gallery’s largest-ever public programme, where entire campus will come alive with artmaking, food, music, film screenings and more.
• National Mall – Explore the swath of land nicknamed “America’s front yard” and you’ll find inspiring monuments and memorials, museums and family fun. The free monuments and memorials honour American forefathers and heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country.
• Fourth of July Celebration – Kick off the holiday by joining the National Archives for a historic reenactment of the Declaration of Independence. The event includes music performers, remarks from special guests, and concludes with the National Park Services’ National Independence Day Parade. In the evening, the National Park Service is planning a spectacular fireworks show befitting the occasion.
• National Mall A250 Signature Series (Summer 2026) – Events include America’s 250^th Ball for the Mall, National Mall 250 Red, White and Blue Concert, and National Mall Civic Learning Forum.
• National Portrait Gallery – Through portraits and performances, the Portrait Gallery tells the stories of poets and presidents, visionaries and villains, actors and activists.
• America’s Presidents (ongoing) – This permanent gallery featuring the only complete collection of presidential portraits on view outside of the White House will include a newly installed portrait of President Joe Biden by 2026.
• Smithsonian Castle Temporary Reopening (May 22, 2026 – Sept. 7, 2026) – The iconic Smithsonian Castle will pause its renovation to reopen temporarily with a cafe, shop, special exhibition and visitor’s centre.
• Smithsonian National Museum of American History – The American History Museum’s collection contains more than three million historical objects—including the famed Star-Spangled Banner—and documents that explore the evolution of the American identity. A new exhibition that explores the ideals of the Declaration of Independence will open in March 2026.

Other major Anniversaries in 2026:

• 75^th anniversary of Arena Stage
• 50^th anniversary of the National Air and Space Museum
• 50th anniversary of the Art Museum of the Americas
• 10th anniversary of the National Museum of African American History and Culture

New Developments

With £7.6 billion in development, investment in the city continues to surge.

The National Mall

The National Mall is getting an estimated £373.8 million in improvements ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration in 2026. These upgrades, led by the National Park Service and the Trust for the National Mall, include a major revitalisation of the Lincoln Memorial, which will boast a new 15,000-square-foot exhibit space beneath the memorial. Constitution Gardens will also be transformed with new gathering spaces, an events plaza and refreshed landscaping. The Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basil are undergoing a massive £84.5 million seawall replacement, which required the removal of 158 cherry trees, which will be replaced by 274 new trees upon the project’s completion in 2027. Additionally, Japan is gifting the U.S. 250 cherry trees to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Pennsylvania Avenue

Plans are advancing for a reimagined Pennsylvania Avenue, as part of a long-term effort by DC and federal agencies to transform the iconic corridor between The White House and the Capitol into a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly public space. This initiative is part of the city’s five-year “comeback plan” for downtown. A design team is currently developing plans, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and create 35,000 new jobs

Georgetown

Georgetown is experiencing significant commercial and residential growth, marked by several new openings and developments across retail, dining, and real estate. The retail sector gained a specialised IKEA Plan and Order store, a permanent Huckberry location, the upcoming On Running store, and a future Google brick-and-mortar presence, alongside unique services like the AI-powered Korean beauty studio HOSŪ and the membership-based spa Glowbar. In 2025, the dining scene expanded with diverse options, including Andy’s Pizza, BIBIBOP Asian Grill, Argentinian concept Brasero Atlántico/Florería Atlántico, Greek ice cream shop Yala, and the Buenos Aires-inspired Flor Coffee + Books, plus the combined café and dog boutique Milo & Mav. A major shift in real estate is also underway, with multiple former office and retail spaces being converted into hundreds of new residential apartment units to increase the neighbourhood’s resident population.

Downtown

The Downtown Action Plan, a £299 million economic development strategy for DC’s downtown area over the next five years, is underway. The investment is aimed at several foundational improvements as well as attracting more residents and businesses. Among the proposed initiatives are new apartments, public safety enhancements, added space for pedestrians, green spaces and cultural hubs.

Union Market, NoMa

A wave of new tenants have signed lease agreements in Union Market, expanding the 45-acre area with new restaurants. Recent openings include Eunoia, a vegetable-centric restaurant that resides inside a Pilates studio. The eclectic restaurant combines flavours from Mexico, Bulgaria and Japan. Other new restaurants include Karravaan, a celebration of the dishes connected by the Silk Road, the seafood focused Cordelia Fishbar, the Indian restaurant Chai Pani, Bar Bestie, Station DC, Sly Rooftop Bar and La’Shukran.

National Geographic Society – Base Camp and Museum of Exploration (opening 2026)
Extensive renovations to the headquarters of the global science organization are underway. The £187 million rehabilitation will modernise the three-building block that serves as a headquarters, museum and event space. The future of “Base Camp,” as The National Geographic Society calls the campus, will tell the story of National Geographic and be an inviting destination for visitors and residents alike.

Upcoming Events (H1)

Passport DC – Embassy Row | May 1-31, 2026

Only in DC can you travel the world while staying in the same city. Passport DC is a month-long journey around the world highlighting DC’s thriving international diplomatic community and its lively and varied culture. Thousands of people enjoy the popular embassy open houses, street festivals, performances, exhibitions, workshops and more. Popular events include the Fiesta Asia Street Fair, Flower Mart and EU Open House.

Memorial Day Festivities – Citywide | May 23-25, 2026
Honour active-duty service members and veterans during the Rolling to Remember tribute ride and patriotic concert (May 24), followed by the nation’s largest Memorial Day parade (May 25). Expanded programming is also planned throughout the National Mall and Memorial Parks.

Capital Pride Celebration – Citywide | June 8 -14, 2026

Amidst the historic monuments and tree-lined avenues of Washington, DC, Capital Pride emerges each year as a brilliant spectacle of love, acceptance and unity. The vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community paints the U.S. capital in rainbows, with a roster of events from a parade to drag performances.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival – National Mall | June/July TBA

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an international exposition of living cultural heritage annually produced outdoors on the National Mall by the Smithsonian Centre for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. The theme for 2026 is “Nation’s 250^th”.

Museum Spotlight

Major Renovations & Future Additions, 2025-2027: The African American Civil War Memorial Museum is undergoing a large renovation, slated to reopen in 2026 with free admission. The National Air and Space Museum’s multi-year renovation continues, with the remaining galleries expected to be completed by 2026, and a Jeff Bezos-funded 50,000-square-foot learning centre opening in 2027. The National Archives Museum is transforming its public space to debut a new permanent gallery and educational centre ahead of 2026, updating the display of founding documents like the Declaration of Independence. The Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden is undergoing its first major revitalization since 1974, designed by Hiroshi Sugimoto, scheduled to open in 2026 with expanded gallery space and improved accessibility.

Future Smithsonian Museums: The Smithsonian Institution is proceeding with plans for two major new museums on the National Mall: The American Women’s History Museum and the National Museum of the American Latino. While awaiting a physical location, the Women’s History Museum has already launched virtual initiatives like the Discoverability Lab (March 2025) and the “We Do Declare” oral history project.