Things to do in Washington DC this weekend
A locals-first shortlist of what's worth your time in Washington DC this weekend — from outdoor escapes to standout food and live music.
Top spots in Washington DC
The National Mall
CultureDowntown
Two miles of memorials and free Smithsonian museums on both sides.
National Gallery of Art
CultureMall
Vermeer, Rothko, and a sculpture garden with a winter ice rink. Free.
Eastern Market
Food & DrinkCapitol Hill
Saturday flea + farmers market in a Victorian brick hall — get the blueberry pancakes.
U Street
NightlifeU Street
Historic jazz corridor — Lincoln Theatre, Ben's Chili Bowl and 9:30 Club nearby.
Rock Creek Park
OutdoorsNorthwest
1,754-acre forest in the middle of the city — trails, horse stables, planetarium.
Georgetown Waterfront
OutdoorsGeorgetown
Cobblestone streets, Potomac kayaks and the C&O Canal towpath.
Where to eat
Rose's Luxury
$$$New American · Capitol Hill
No reservations, line at 4pm — pork sausage with lychee is the move.
Le Diplomate
$$$French brasserie · 14th Street
Paris transplant on 14th — best people-watching patio in town.
Ben's Chili Bowl
$Half-smokes · U Street
DC institution since 1958 — half-smoke with chili and onions.
Maydan
$$$Middle Eastern / North African · 14th Street
Open-flame hearth cooking in a candlelit courtyard.
Compass Rose
$$Global street food · 14th Street
Khachapuri, jianbing and Trinidadian doubles in a townhouse.
Live & on stage
Broccoli City Festival
RFK Festival Grounds · May 9–10 · Hip-hop / R&B
Jazz in the Garden
National Gallery Sculpture Garden · May – Aug Fridays · Jazz / Free
9:30 Club Year-Round
9:30 Club · Year-round · Indie / Mixed
Frequently asked
- Locals' favourites right now: The National Mall, National Gallery of Art, Eastern Market. The full list is curated weekly and balances outdoor, food, culture and live music picks.