My Fellow Soldiers: Letters from World War I was created by the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum in collaboration with the Center for American War Letters at Chapman University. This special exhibition commemorates the centennial of America’s involvement in World War I and uncovers this rich history through compelling personal letters written by military service members […]
Washington DC Events
(For a list of annual events in Washington DC, visit our Annual Events Page)
Get Your Tickets for Mount Vernon’s Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
Mount Vernon’s Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour celebrates the history of wine in Virginia with exclusive evening tours of the Mansion and cellar, appearances by “George and Martha Washington”, and live jazz on the east lawn overlooking the scenic Potomac River. Visitors can bring a blanket and relax on the lawn as they sample wines from 20 […]
Public Screening: “Good Work: Masters of the Building Arts” at the National Cathedral
Academy Award-winning directors Marjorie Hunt and Paul Wagner reunite for Good Work: Masters of the Building Arts, a film showcasing American artisans in the building trades, including four with hands-on experience at Washington National Cathedral. Join us for a free screening of Good Work on Thursday, March 23, at 7 p.m. at Washington National Cathedral, followed by a […]
Women’s History Month Family Day at the National Postal Museum
Celebrate Women’s History Month at the National Postal Museum! Learn about all the amazing roles women have played throughout the history of the Postal Service, right up through today! Watch historic printing press demonstrations, play the “Dead Letter Office” game, and participate in a topical scavenger hunt. Visitors can meet a real Postal Inspector and […]
Valentine’s Day Card Workshop at the National Postal Museum
Nothing delivers love better than a heartfelt and handmade card for your valentine! The Valentine’s Day Card Workshop will have pretty papers, vintage stamps from around the world and lots of other supplies to inspire your creativity as you create one-of-a-kind valentines. Visit the museum’s stamp store to send your cards to your loved ones with […]
2017 Inauguration Day Information, January 20, 2017
Washington, DC will swear in the 45th President of the United States on Friday, January 20, 2017. The Inauguration will take place around noon on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Spectators will be able to view the ceremony on the National Mall. The Inaugural Parade takes place on Pennsylvania Avenue from the U.S. […]
Make a Stop at the Other “White House” During Inauguration Weekend
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Extends Hours and Offers Special Activities George Washington’s Mount Vernon celebrates the next presidential inauguration with special activities for the entire family! From January 19-22, Mount Vernon’s guests, ages 8 and above, will have the unique opportunity to look for clues and solve puzzles in a scavenger hunt that includes variety […]
ZooLights at the National Zoo, from November 25 – January 1
ZooLights, powered by Pepco, at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is wilder than ever and a perfect holiday event for families. Hosted by Friends of the National Zoo, the festival will run over 35 days and features thousands of environmentally friendly LED lights that will illuminate the Zoo’s trees, walkways and buildings. Life-sized animal silhouettes, dancing […]
Grand Opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Sept 23-25, 2016
This weekend is the Grand Opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. The event kicks off Friday, September 23 on the Washington Monument Grounds with Freedom Sounds: A Community Celebration. Saturday, September 24 is the Dedication Ceremony, and the celebration continues Sunday, September 25th. See the schedule below: Freedom Sounds: […]
Colonial Market and Fair at Mount Vernon, Sept 17-18, 2016
Colonial Market & Fair Delights with 18th Century Entertainment and Marketplace Mount Vernon re-creates a lively early-American marketplace with demonstrations, crafts and entertainment at its Colonial Market & Fair on Saturday, September 17, and Sunday, September 18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than forty juried artisans from across the nation will demonstrate their trades […]