This three-day weekend is packed, but we’re here to walk you through it. Whether you prefer late-night museum exhibitions, a World Cup watch party, a cross-neighborhood parade, or rooftop go-go, here’s what’s happening in the coming days around the city.
THURSDAY, JUNE 18
Ribbon-cutting: Beverly Pepper sculptures 📍New York Avenue Median (1250 New York Ave. NW) ⏰ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 💸 FREE Witness the unveiling of artist Beverly Pepper’s new exhibition of large-scale sculptures in front of the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Pepper’s pieces bend industrial materials into unexpected curves and forms, and will be displayed on the New York Avenue median between 9th and 13th St NW. The event will start with remarks from leaders from the city and local organizations, followed by light refreshments.
Rooftop concert: Black Passion Band Live 📍 Sandlot Downtown (555 12th St. NW) ⏰ 5 - 8 p.m. 💸 FREE, RSVP required Kick off your long weekend with local go-go legends Black Passion Band as they bring their tunes to Sandlot Downtown, the rooftop community and event space in the heart of downtown. Expect food by Flavorture and views of the Old Post Office’s clock tower and the Washington Monument.
The Smithsonian Museums along the National Mall are open past sunset on Friday and Saturday to celebrate the solstice. (LunchboxLarry / Flickr)
FRIDAY, JUNE 19
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration 📍 Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Place SE) ⏰ 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. 💸 FREE This full-day festival celebrates Juneteenth, preserves cultural traditions, and creates joyful spaces for healing and connection. Expect everything from workshops on herbalism and pickling to a roller-skating experience with DJ B Sharp and an interactive recipe exchange.
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SPONSORED: Solstice Celebration in DC 📍 National Museum of the American Indian (on 4th St. SW) ⏰ June 19-21 💸 FREE Stay out late and celebrate the start of summer at the National Museum of the American Indian. Dance to Shub’s award-winning electronic music and join Indigenous dancers, experience gallery tours of the newest exhibitions, hands-on activities, musical performances, and more. Enjoy extended evening hours June 19-20! Check out the full schedule of activities.
Juneteenth Community Day: Honoring Opal Lee and Celebrating 100 Years 📍 National Museum of African American History and Culture (1400 Constitution Ave. NW) ⏰ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 💸 FREE Celebrate Ms. Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” and her impact on how we remember, celebrate, and reflect upon American history. The Community Day’s programming includes an NMAAHC Kids Juneteenth Story Time, a line-dancing workshop with the DMV City Slickerz and DJ Zoom, and an art-making station.
United in Play: FIFA World Cup Watch Party 📍 Tingey Plaza (101 Tingey St. SE) ⏰ 12 p.m. doors; games at 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m. 💸 FREE D.C. United is hosting free World Cup watch parties throughout the summer, and this weekend's party is at Navy Yard’s Tingey Plaza. Catch one or all three of the games: USA vs. Australia kicks off at 3 p.m., followed by Scotland vs. Morocco at 6 p.m., and Brazil vs. Haiti at 9 p.m.
Juneteenth Poetry Reading with Attorney Ewuare X. Osayande 📍 Busboys and Poets Takoma (235 Carroll St. NW) ⏰ 5 - 6:30 p.m. 💸 FREE Spend Juneteenth with poet and attorney Ewuare X. Osayande, author of Blood Luxury, Whose America?, and Black Phoenix Uprising. Osayande is known for his poetry reflecting of Black liberation and critiquing white supremacy, sexism, and class oppression. In Takoma, he’ll be reading from his latest collection.
Juneteenth Celebration: Tank and the Bangas, the Last Balloon Tour 📍 Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St. NW) ⏰ 5 - 8 p.m. 💸 $45.65+ Celebrate Juneteenth with a night of funk, soul, and jazz, and poetry. Tank and the Bangas, a New Orleans-based band and former NPR Tiny Desk Contest winner, will be headlining the evening, accompanied by Cecily, Akinola Pedro, Amuche The Poet, and Pi-Anir the Poet.
Summer Solstice Bubble Party Wine Tasting!!! 📍 Bar Americano (Jefferson Dr. SW between 4th St. SW and 7th St. SW) ⏰ 6 - 8 p.m. 💸 $13.26 When the Smithsonian Museums along the National Mall are open late on Saturday, so will perhaps the Mall’s best kiosk — operated by the team behind Sonny's Pizza. The Georgia Avenue pizzeria is bringing its bubbly natural wines to Bar Americano, in front of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, where staff can walk you through a selected tasting. Please note the event is 21+.
The Capital Pride Parade will be marching through Shaw, Logan Circle, Downtown, and Penn Quarter this weekend. (Ted Eytan / Flickr)
SATURDAY, JUNE 20
Summer Solstice Bike Ride 📍 Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Place SW) ⏰ 10 - 11:30 a.m. 💸 FREE Celebrate the solstice on two wheels! On the longest day of the year, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association is leading a family bike ride from the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum through Ward 8. All are welcome, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and those under 7 must be a passenger on an adult’s bike.
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SPONSORED: Capital Pride Family Fun Festival 📍 Stead Park (1625 P St. NW) ⏰ 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 💸 FREE Head “over the rainbow” for a vibrant family-friendly celebration of community, creativity, and Pride! Explore a variety of activities, including games, crafts, drag queen story time, splash pad, an inflatable obstacle course, photo ops, and more! Hosted by Friends of Stead Park, DPR, Capital Pride, and our dedicated partners. Best for ages 2-10.
Home Rule Music Festival 📍 The Parks at Walter Reed (7150 12th St. NW) ⏰ 12 - 9 p.m. 💸 FREE The festival celebrating the District’s music scene is back for a fifth year with performances from go-go, jazz, and hip-hop. Saturday’s festivities include a celebration of the future of local music with a Youth Showcase, including local talent by Soul of Seed DC and Next Gen Krank Band.
Capital Pride Parade 📍 Parade route runs through Shaw, Logan Circle, Downtown, and Penn Quarter neighborhoods ⏰ 3 - 7:30 p.m. 💸 FREE Now in its 51st year, the annual Capital Pride Parade will be Grand Marshaled by Monroe Alise and David Archuleta. The party will march through Shaw, Logan Circle, and downtown D.C., complete with party floats, giveaways, music, and crowds. Lots of crowds. Did we mention to be prepared for crowds? The general parade is free to attend, but accessibility tickets and paid special-access passes must be reserved in advance.
Fête de la Musique – Make Music Day 📍 Around Georgetown ⏰ 4 - 11:30 p.m. 💸 FREE Still not over this spring’s PorchFests? On Sunday, more than 30 musical acts will take over 10 outdoor locations across the Georgetown neighborhood, mostly along Wisconsin Avenue, including two stages at the French Embassy.
Walk amongst the flowers and birds in Rock Creek Park this weekend. (Diane Krauthamer / Flickr)
SUNDAY, JUNE 21
A Gentle Walk with Birds & Nature 📍 Rock Creek Park (exact location provided after registration) ⏰ 9 - 10:30 a.m. 💸 $28.52 Slow down your weekend by joining the DC Bird Alliance and Susan West Montgomery for a guided forest bathing experience. Tune in to the birds and quietly soak in the park's sights, sounds, and scents. The walk itself will be at a slow and relaxed pace, but please note that the natural uneven terrain may not be suitable for all participants.
Capital Pride Festival 📍 Pennsylvania Ave. NW between 3rd St. NW and 15th St. NW ⏰ 12 - 10 p.m. 💸 FREE Head to “America’s Mainstreet,” where hundreds of exhibitors, artisans, food, and beverage gardens will take over Pennsylvania Avenue to celebrate Pride. Catch free performances from Lisa Lisa, the Juno-nominated producer and DJ from Heated Rivalry soundtrack, and RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 winner Myki Meeks, as well as Leikeli47 and Maren Morris.
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