Looking for the best things to do in Washington, DC this weekend? July 25 and 26 bring professional tennis, free Smithsonian programs, live music, family theater, interactive museums and memorable sightseeing experiences throughout the nation’s capital.
Whether you are visiting DC for the first time or planning a weekend outing close to home, here are some of the top events and activities to add to your itinerary.
1. Experience Opening Weekend of the Mubadala DC Open
When: Saturday, July 25–Sunday, August 2, 2026
Where: William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center at Rock Creek Park
Admission: Ticketed event
The Mubadala DC Open begins this Saturday, bringing world-class professional tennis back to Washington. The combined ATP and WTA tournament is one of the city’s biggest summer sporting events, with exciting matches, fan experiences and food options throughout the tournament grounds.
The scheduled 2026 player field features major names from both the men’s and women’s tours, although individual participation can change. Review the session schedule before purchasing tickets so you can choose the matches and seating option that work best for your group.
Recommendation: Book tickets early and allow additional travel time around Rock Creek Park, where parking and traffic may be busier than usual.
View the official tournament schedule and tickets
2. Play, Explore and Create at SAAM Arcade
When: Saturday, July 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum, Kogod Courtyard
Admission: Free; registration encouraged
SAAM Arcade transforms the Smithsonian American Art Museum into a celebration of video games as an artistic and storytelling medium. Visitors can play classic arcade games, try console games, meet independent game designers and enjoy live performances from the Triforce Quartet.
The program begins with sensory-friendly quiet hours from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., when sound levels will be reduced. Headphones will also be available to borrow throughout the day.
Recommendation: This is one of the weekend’s best free activities for families, teenagers, gamers and anyone interested in digital art.
3. Attend Library Day at the National Museum of American History
When: Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: National Museum of American History
Admission: Free
The National Museum of American History is partnering with DC Public Library for a special family-friendly Library Day. Visitors of all ages can participate in activities, discover suggested reading lists and learn more about the library’s Discovery Summer program.
The program is also connected to the museum’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Recommendation: Combine this event with a visit to the museum’s permanent exhibits. Admission to the museum is free, and regular entry tickets are not required.
4. Enjoy Free Caribbean Music from The Image Band
When: Saturday, July 25, at noon and 2 p.m.
Where: Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza, National Museum of American History
Admission: Free
While visiting the museum, stop for a live performance from The Image Band. The group celebrates Caribbean musical traditions through energetic rhythms, soulful melodies and original songs.
The concerts are part of the museum’s “Music from the Hearts of America” series, which explores the many cultures and musical traditions that have shaped American life.
Recommendation: Attend Library Day in the morning, enjoy the noon concert and then continue exploring the National Mall.
View The Image Band event information
5. Take a Guided Highlights Tour at the Hirshhorn
When: Saturday, July 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Admission: Free
Join a guided introduction to the Hirshhorn’s collection and current exhibitions. The one-hour experience is an easy way to understand some of the museum’s most important modern and contemporary artworks without spending the entire day inside.
Recommendation: After the tour, walk through the outdoor sculpture garden or continue to the nearby Air and Space Museum.
View the Hirshhorn Highlights tour
6. See Damon Keith Williams at the Kennedy Center
When: Saturday, July 25, at 6 p.m.
Where: Kennedy Center Millennium Stage
Admission: Free; walk-ins available
Spend Saturday evening listening to the powerful baritone voice of Damon Keith Williams. The vocalist has performed across R&B, jazz and musical theater and has opened for several well-known performers.
No advance tickets or registration are required for this free Millennium Stage performance.
Recommendation: Arrive early, explore the Kennedy Center terraces and enjoy the views before the performance.
7. Catch the Final Weekend of Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE
When: Through Sunday, July 26
Where: Kennedy Center Terrace Theater
Admission: Ticketed performance
Families have one final weekend to experience the colorful world of Fraggle Rock onstage. Presented by the Jim Henson Company, the production combines familiar characters, music, puppetry and a positive message designed especially for younger audiences.
The Sunday, July 26 performance at 11 a.m. is sensory-friendly, with adjustments intended to create a more welcoming theater experience for guests with sensory sensitivities.
Recommendation: This is an excellent Sunday morning option for families with young children. Check ticket availability before traveling to the theater.
Check performance times and tickets
8. Explore the New National Geographic Museum of Exploration
When: Open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 1600 M Street NW
Admission: Timed-entry ticket required
One of Washington’s newest attractions, the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, opened in June 2026. The museum offers approximately 100,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, photography, immersive media and stories about wildlife, cultures, science and exploration.
The museum’s “Red, White & Blue” photography exhibition is also on display as part of the America 250 commemoration and is included with general admission.
Recommendation: Reserve a timed-entry ticket in advance, particularly for weekend afternoon hours.
9. See the Monuments with Hello DC Tours
A weekend in Washington would not be complete without visiting the city’s famous monuments and memorials. Instead of spending hours walking between landmarks in the summer heat, consider booking a small-group sightseeing experience with Hello DC Tours.
Hello DC Tours offers two-hour guided experiences aboard vintage-style electric carts, comfortable electric vehicles and open-air minibuses. Tours include photo stops, live narration and visits to major landmarks, with daytime, sunset, nighttime and private tour options available.
An evening tour is especially memorable because the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and other landmarks take on a completely different atmosphere after sunset.
Recommendation: Take a morning tour before visiting the museums, or reserve a sunset or nighttime tour to finish your weekend with illuminated views of Washington’s most famous landmarks.
Explore and book Hello DC Tours
Suggested Washington, DC Weekend Itinerary
Saturday, July 25
Begin with Library Day at the National Museum of American History, stay for The Image Band’s noon performance and then visit SAAM Arcade during the afternoon. Finish the day with Damon Keith Williams at the Kennedy Center or a sunset monuments experience with Hello DC Tours.
Sunday, July 26
Spend the morning at the National Geographic Museum of Exploration or attend the sensory-friendly Fraggle Rock performance. In the afternoon, watch professional tennis at the Mubadala DC Open before ending your weekend with a guided nighttime tour of the monuments.
Plan Ahead for a Busy Summer Weekend
Popular performances, sporting events and guided tours may sell out, so reserve tickets as early as possible. Use Metro when practical, carry water and check each attraction’s official website before leaving because schedules, availability and entry procedures can change.
With free Smithsonian programs, professional tennis, live entertainment, family activities and iconic monuments, July 25–26 offers plenty of reasons to spend the weekend exploring Washington, DC.