National Museum of African American History and Culture
Things to do the week of Feb. 10-13, 2025
We've gathered up some things to do across the nation's capital, including museum exhibits, concerts, only-in-DC events and much more. Don't miss our things to do this weekend and things to do this month as well.
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Monday
In Slavery's Wake
The National Museum of African American History and Culture's new exhibit offers a dynamic mix of history, art and media. Visitors can observe connections between Black freedom-makers across time and join in a global conversation on the continued impacts of slavery and colonialism. The multi-lingual experience features 100 objects, 250 images and 10 multi-media interactives and films.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily | Reserve Timed Passes
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture
The Smithsonian American Museum’s new exhibit examines sculpture’s role in understanding and constructing race in the United States. Across 82 sculptures created between 1792 and 2023 by 70 different artists, visitors can observe historical and modern works that inspire conversation and reflections on how power, identity and race are intertwined.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Martin E. Red Bear / National Museum of the American Indian
Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains
The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates narrative art among Native nations of the Great Plains with an exciting new exhibition. You'll see historical works alongside contemporary commissions, from battle records to ledger books to pop culture takes.
More info | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Tuesday
This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance
Guest curated by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hilton Als, the National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibit focuses on one of the most important American writers of the 20th century. James Baldwin beautifully spoke out against injustice throughout his stirring career. He and other queer artists had to keep their sexuality hidden even while speaking up for civil rights. In addition to portraits of Baldwin, the exhibit also highlights many of his contemporaries including Lorraine Hansberry, Barbara Jordan, Bayard Rustin, Essex Hemphill and Marlon Riggs.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
NSO at Mount Vernon
If champagne, chocolate and mingling with musicians aren’t your thing, you’ll want to stay far away from Mount Vernon this spring. But if the triple threat of bubbly, bites and classical delights entices you, book your tickets immediately for this charming series of concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra at George Washington’s estate. Concerts begin at 7 p.m.; musicians will join the receptions that follow at 8 p.m.
Tickets
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
In the Heights
One of the most beloved and energetic American musicals will light up Signature Theatre this spring. Between beloved Latin beats, colorful choreography and favorite numbers like “96,000,” “Paciencia y Fe,” and “Carnaval del Barrio," In the Heights will immerse viewers in the characters, community and culture of Washington Heights.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Guac
The Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company hosts a one-man tour-de-force theatrical performance from Manuel Oliver, the father of Parkland shooting victim Joaquin Oliver. Totally fearless and remarkably funny, the father-turned-activist speaks to his undying love for his son and how his family has navigated an unspeakable and uniquely American tragedy.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Wednesday
Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean
ARTECHOUSE and the Woods Holde Oceanographic Institution have collaborated to highlight an awe-inspiring nightly migration of ocean twilight zone creatures and their intricate connections to the planet’s health, including their contributions to the regulation of the earth’s climate. The groundbreaking exhibition offers a 24-minute cinematic journey with immersive 270-degree projections that span from floor to wall, complemented by six interactive installations and six XR activations. Use the code 'AEF10' for discounted tickets.
Tickets
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20002
Hand to God
The Keegan Theatre stages a Tony-nominated comedy that manages to combine irreverence with contemplations of faith, morality and family ties. After the passing of his father, Jason – who lives in the quiet, religious town of Cypress, Tx. – discovers an outlet for his anxiety at the Christian Puppet Ministry. His complicated relationships with his pastor, the school bully, the girl next door and his mother are thrown into upheaval when Jason’s puppet, Tyrone, shockingly comes to life.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
American Ballet Theatre: Crime and Punishment
One of modern literature’s essential texts, Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s novel Crime and Punishment is a psychological thriller about a poor, helpless young man’s horrendous act of murder and his following desperate quest for redemption. Choreographer Helen Pickett and director James Bonas were inspired to create a ballet filled with striking movement and powerful physicality that is not to be missed when performed by the American Ballet Theatre at the illustrious Kennedy Center.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Thursday
W. Kamau Bell: Who’s With Me?
Triumphantly returning to his roots, W. Kamau Bell steps back onto the stand-up stage on his new tour. The comedian and filmmaker has lots of questions, opinions and a heavy dose of silliness for you in these hectic times. The Kennedy Center hosts a night sure to be filled with curiosity and hilarity.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Games Women Play
The National Theatre brings Je’Caryous Johnson’s hilarious and emotional comedy to its stage just in time for Valentine’s Day. Love, ambition and trust are each central themes in this story of a financial advisor (Caleb) and his fiancée (Paisley). When Caleb proposes to Paisley AND drops a prenup bombshell on a live podcast, there’s immediately trouble in paradise. Plenty of twists and turns ensue as more and more parties are involved and more and more feelings are laid on the line.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Arena Stage
The Bedwetter: The Musical
You'll likely recognize comedian Sarah Silverman's signature wit from her stint on SNL or Comedy Central, her voice acting on Bob's Burgers, one of her many stand up specials or even her bestselling comedic memoir The Bedwetter. In 2022, the latter was adapted for the stage by a Tony-nominated director (Anna Kauffman) and a Grammy- and Emmy-winning composer (Adam Schlesinger) – and now, you're in luck: lively "stories of courage, redemption and pee" take over Arena Stage’s Kreeger Theater for a limited time this spring.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Job
Head to Signature Theatre to experience the haunting show that is Job, a psychological thriller that explores the dark side of corporate work, social media and technology. An Off-Broadway sensation and New York Times Critic’s Pick, Job is sure to have you on the edge of your seat.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
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