The best things to do in Washington, D.C. in July 2026

Celebrate the best of Washington with the Washingtonian’s 2026 Best of Washington event. The evening starts at 6:00 PM for early access ticket holders, with general admission beginning at 7:00 PM. This 21+ event requires a government-issued photo ID for entry and offers a chance to enjoy a curated experience in a vibrant setting.

The Mubadala DC Open stands out as the only tournament in the world that stages ATP 500 and WTA 500 events side by side on the same grounds. Played at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center in Washington, D.C., it brings top level men’s and women’s tennis into a wooded public park setting that feels unusually close to the action. The summer hard court event draws leading international players as they build momentum toward the US Open, creating a week where early round matches can feel as charged as finals elsewhere on the tour. Between matches, the grounds take on a festival rhythm with food stalls, shaded viewing spots, and a steady flow of spectators moving between courts. The tournament also maintains ties to local youth tennis initiatives through the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone on the National Mall turns a stretch of central Washington into a temporary stadium-sized commons built entirely around live match viewing. Running from June 11 to July 19, 2026, the experience is timed to mirror the rhythm of the tournament itself, opening daily an hour before the first broadcast and closing an hour after the final match of the day. At its core are massive screens showing live World Cup games, including all USA matches and knockout fixtures, creating a central gathering point for fans who are not traveling to host cities. The programming extends beyond the pitch with food vendors, cultural showcases, youth activities, and interactive exhibits designed to keep the space active between matches. Set between 3rd and 4th Street on the National Mall, the location places the event within one of the most symbolically loaded public spaces in the United States, surrounded by the city’s monuments and museums. The fan zone is also tied to America’s 250th anniversary celebrations through Freedom 250, positioning it as part sporting hub and part national commemoration. Each day shifts depending on the match schedule, so the atmosphere changes constantly from daytime screenings to late evening crowds gathered for key fixtures. It is less a single event than a rolling public viewing arena that turns the World Cup into a month-long civic ritual in the heart of DC.

The legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan was born in Minnesota as Robert Allen Zimmerman. Counted among the best songwriters of all time, his career spanning six decades produced several iconic songs including "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'." 

The International Colombian Festival in Washington, DC turns a late-summer Saturday into a full-scale celebration of music, food, and national pride anchored at The Catholic University of America. Running from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the event is timed around Colombia’s Independence Day, which gives the day a built-in sense of occasion beyond the performances themselves. The grounds at the University Garage space are filled with food vendors and cultural stalls, creating a layout that feels closer to an open-air market than a traditional concert festival. Live music runs throughout the day, with salsa, cumbia, and vallenato acts sharing space with folkloric dance groups and contemporary Latin performers. Between sets, visitors move through rows of Colombian street food and regional dishes, turning the festival into a steady rhythm of eating, listening, and wandering. The programming also highlights broader Latin American cultural threads, bringing in dance and music traditions that extend beyond a single national spotlight. Organized by Go Colombia LLC, the festival has grown into one of the larger Colombian cultural gatherings in the DC area, drawing thousands of attendees each year. It is less about a single headline moment and more about an all-day immersion in sound, flavor, and community expression.

Tom Segura’s stop at the DC Improv leans into the kind of setting where big-name comedians deliberately test material before it locks into its final form. The show is billed as “working out new material,” which signals a night built around experimentation rather than a polished tour set. Segura has become one of the most recognizable voices in modern stand-up, known for long-form storytelling that can veer from tightly structured bits into unexpected, often uncomfortable detours. His recent run includes a global tour and the Netflix special Teacher, adding to a catalog that has steadily expanded over the past decade. At the DC Improv, the club format creates a closer feedback loop with the audience, where reactions can shape pacing, tags, and entire directions of jokes in real time. The venue itself is one of Washington’s most established comedy rooms, giving the performance a stripped-down setting compared to arenas and theaters. It is the kind of night where even a well-known comic is effectively rebuilding the set in front of you, one laugh at a time.

Beetlejuice is a musical comedy based on Tim Burton's beloved film, telling the story of Lydia Deetz, a unique teenager whose life changes after meeting a recently deceased couple and a mischievous demon. The show combines an irreverent book, impressive set design, and a memorable score to create a fun and touching experience. It explores themes of family, love, and making the most of every day with a darkly humorous twist.

Smithsonian Family Day invites you and your crew to the Arts and Industries Building for a celebration of America's 250th birthday. The historic space becomes a playground of hands-on activity zones, live performances, and outdoor fun in the Haupt Garden. Bring curious kids ready to explore the nation's past while looking ahead to what comes next.

Sheryl Underwood brings her sharp and fearless comedy to the DC Improv with shows tackling race, politics, sex, and life. You will find her blend of corporate polish and streetwise humor engaging and thought-provoking. The performances run across three days with multiple showtimes each evening.

Summer Sunset Cinema is a family-friendly outdoor movie event held on the second Saturday of each month. The movies begin at dusk, with gates opening approximately one hour prior. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets, and no alcohol is allowed. Rain dates are scheduled for the following Saturday night.