The fireflies are out, the rooftop bars are open late, and summertime is in full swing in the District. To help you make the most of your July in D.C., we’ve compiled the best goings-on that you won’t want to miss!
1-6. Relax to the sounds of classical music by candlelight
The Fever Originals Candlelight series is the perfect way to unwind. You can lose yourself in classical renditions of your favorite tunes amid soft candlelight. With five genres and musical themes to choose from, there’s bound to be a concert that’s perfect for you.
- Candlelight: From Bach to The Beatles
- Candlelight x Van Gogh Immersive: The Best of Classical Music
- Candlelight: Legends of R&B at Miracle Theatre
- Candlelight: Favorite Anime Themes at Miracle Theatre
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift at St. Francis Hall
7. Indulge in a hot underground burlesque experience
Get ready for a night of lavish surprises! Be transported to the ritzy, burlesque era with this all-in-one immersive theatrical mixology experience near D.C.—with five unique cocktails throughout the performance.
8. Stimulate your senses by dining in the dark
Looking for an exciting surprise? What’s more exciting than a blindfolded dinner? Dining in the Dark allows you to pick a surprise three-course meal based on your dietary preferences (green for vegan, blue for seafood, or red for meat) that will stimulate your senses!
9. Live life as a royal by attending The Queen’s Ball
“Dearest Readers, it’s time to gather your finest Regency-inspired attire and experience the dreamlike recreation of Shondaland’s Bridgerton at Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience.” With themed cocktails, jaw-dropping performances, and a ball full of suitors, what could be better? What a scandal!
10-11. Immerse yourself in renowned art
What could be more awe-inspiring than immersing yourself in your favorite art? The Immersive Van Gogh Experience and the Immersive Monet help you do just that! The exhibits use floor-to-ceiling projections to showcase each artist’s famous works, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in their art. Buy tickets to Van Gogh here or join the waitlist for Monet here!
12. Reenact your favorite show moments at The Office Experience
Step into the shoes of the World’s Best Boss with the interactive The Office Experience! With 17 realistic set representations — including the Dunder Mifflin office and Schrute Farms — you can reenact all of your favorite scenes, from Kevin’s chili spill to the coal walk. You can grab tickets here!
13. Get a private tour of two beloved Smithsonians
It isn’t a recreation of “Night at the Museum” but it’s a close second! You and seven others can experience a private or semi-private tour, complete with a private guide, of the Natural History Museum and the National Gallery of Art. Over five-and-a-half hours, plus a lunch break, you’ll get to see some of the most renowned works these museums have to offer!
14. Experience Shakespeare like never before
“All the world’s a stage,” and Drunk Shakespeare D.C. is hitting the stage like you’ve never experienced before! Grab a drink yourself and watch five classically-trained (and intoxicated) actors attempt to recreate some of Shakespeare’s most famous works to hilarious results!
15. Celebrate the Fourth of July in the nation’s capital
Few things are as stunning and patriotic as celebrating the Fourth of July in the nation’s capital and people from around the country come to experience it! From the National Independence Day Parade beginning on Constitution Avenue to the A Capitol Fourth Concert and fireworks lighting up the sky around the monuments Monday night, it’s truly a sight to behold!
16. Catch a concert at your favorite local venue
It’s officially peak concert-going season, and a number of favorite genre-spanning artists will be making stops at the nation’s capital! From Shawn Mendes dominating Capital One Arena, to 5 Seconds of Summer and Beach House igniting The Anthem, to Steve Aoki at Echostage and The Linda Lindas at Black Cat, D.C.’s numerous venues are sure to offer something for everyone!
17. Experience the return of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Following a two-year hiatus, the 2022 Smithsonian Folklife Festival has returned to the National Mall from June 30–July 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Presented by the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage in partnership with the National Park Service, this year the free festival is hosting two programs: one exploring the cultural traditions of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the other focused on “highlighting the importance of culture and community in creating a sustainable future.” The 2022 Smithsonian Folklife Festival will include workshops, discussions, concerts and performances, and family-friendly activities!
18-21. Catch one of these stunning art exhibits
D.C. is home to over 70 museums, including 19 free Smithsonian museums and galleries, each boasting numerous must-see exhibits! Here are a few you want to be sure to catch this July:
- National Gallery of Art: Afro-Atlantic Histories
- Hirshhorn Museum: Laurie Anderson- The Weather
- One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection
- Renwick Gallery: This Present Moment- Crafting A Better World
22. Go to Jazz in the Garden
As summer nears, D.C.’s favorite concert series Jazz in the Garden will return! Every Friday night from through July 22, the National Gallery of Art hosts an outdoor concert in its Sculpture Garden. Featuring a range of jazz, bluegrass, and Afro-Cuban music, attendees can enjoy the weather, tunes, and gorgeous views. You can register to attend at noon exactly one week prior to each concert.
23. Par-take in a fun-filled round of mini golf
Fun for all ages, mini golf is always a hole-in-one! Luckily, the D.C.-area has a variety of options, from the beloved chain Swingers to Tyson Corner’s Perch Putt, and from the classic East Potomac Mini Golf to the newly-opened Puttery, grab a drink and putt away!
24. Visit the St. Regis to discover Whimsy or Presidential Afternoon Tea
Whether you’re a U.S. history buff who wants to indulge in presidential-inspired tea treats or an elevated foodie looking for a delectable tasting menu immersed in art, St. Regis has events bound to please! Learn more about the Whimsy art and food experience here, or the dedicated Presidential Afternoon Tea here.
25. Enjoy a drink and warm weather at one of these rooftop bars
Warm weather and drinks while taking in a view of D.C. is virtually unbeatable! The District has a number of rooftop bars with gorgeous city views — including the newly opened Takoda Navy Yard — just waiting for you!
26. Watch a movie outdoors
What’s better than a free outdoor movie?! Just outside of D.C. at National Harbor, the Movies on the Potomac series is in full-swing. Fun for all ages, every 6 p.m. on Sunday features a family-friendly film, while couples and adults can come for Thursday’s 7 p.m. date night showings. Even better — each month has an overall theme! If you love food movies, then July is the perfect month for you! Find a full calendar listing of films here.
27. Take a tiki cruise on the Potomac
The people who brought you the Potomac Paddle Club just launched the Potomac Tiki Club in Georgetown! Groups of 8-18 can set sail on the Potomac for a 90-minute cruise, taking in the sights and having a drink. The tiki cruise offers an assortment of alcoholic beverages for purchase on board, and you can bring your own bottle of wine or champagne for an $8 uncorking fee. Light snacks are also available for purchase, but the cruise is BYOF (bring your own food). You can schedule a slot for an upcoming weekend, here!
28. Explore one of D.C.’s beautiful gardens
D.C. is a vibrant city but still filled with beautiful places where you can admire nature and stop and smell the roses — literally!
29. Beat the heat with local ice cream
Temperatures are soaring and ice cream is still a tried and true way to beat the heat! Luckily, D.C. has a variety of local shops and chains to help you do so!
30. Take a hike — literally
Looking to explore the great outdoors? D.C. might be a city, but it’s also within driving distance from some great hiking trails with equally gorgeous views!