1) 4th of July Things to do

-The nation's capital is an exicting place to be on Independence Day! Join the many patriotic festivities taking place in honor of America's birthday, visit the nation's memorials dedicated to those who served our country, or enjoy recreational opportunities in one of the many DC area national parks.

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalmall4th/things-to-do.htm

2) Great Spots to watch the Independence Day Fireworks

-Watching the fireworks is one of the highlights of Independence Day in Washington, DC and fortunately, the city and the surrounding area offer a plethora of scenic viewing options. Visit the District to celebrate the holiday in full with the fireworks display on the National Mall.

- https://washington.org/visit-dc/top-spots-catch-fireworks-washington-dc

3) Forensic Science on Trial

-The National Museum of American History explores historic courtroom cases and how forensic science has come to be used in the pursuit of justice. Artifacts from more than 150 years of trials showcase at least 12 forensic science techniques; three items can claim to come from “the trial of the century.”

-10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission

Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

- https://www.si.edu/exhibitions/forensic-science-trial:event-exhib-6719

4) Open Streets Capitol Hill

-Mayor Bowser and DDOT invite you to enjoy the Capitol Hill neighborhood through their Open Streets initiative for the first time. A full mile of streets will be closed to vehicles to allow for safe walking, biking and playing. Expect hourly programmed classes and performances that will include live music, yoga and dancing. The event is free and suitable for all ages and abilities.

-9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Free Admission

-North Carolina Avenue SE, East Capitol Street & Massachusetts Avenue SE from 6th Street SE to 17th Street SE

- https://openstreets.dc.gov/pages/spring-2025

5) Smithsonian Folklife Festival

- The free festival salutes different international cultures every year on the National Mall with craft exhibits, live music and cooking demos. The 2025 edition focuses on "Youth and the Future of Culture."

- https://festival.si.edu/visit

- https://washington.org/visit-dc/reasons-check-out-smithsonian-folklife-festival-washington-dc

6) Jazz in the Garden – Fridays through July 11

-Kick back and groove to the music with sangria in hand at Jazz in the Garden throughout the summer, held in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. An eclectic mix of DC-area jazz musicians lend a soundtrack to one of the city’s most idyllic scenes set around the sculpture garden’s central fountain. This is a free seasonal tradition that you do not want to miss. Due to high demand, the museum has instituted a lottery system; visit the Gallery’s website for more information.

-National Gallery of Art, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565

- https://www.nga.gov/calendar/jazz-garden

7) Alley Fest – July 26

-Don't miss this chance to see this only-in-DC area activated with summer festivities: the Blagden Alley, Naylor Court and Shepard Court Historic District hosts its second annual "Alley Fest" this July. The action-packed afternoon includes a live DJ, chalk mural making, games and special offers from local businesses like the award-winning Causa/Amazonia. The event will also launch of the DC Alley Pass, a digital membership offering special incentives at businesses in this happening part of the District.

-1-4 p.m.

Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

8) Summer Evenings at the U.S. National Arboretum – Through Aug. 30

-Thanks to the nonprofit Friends of the National Arboretum, the 451-acre park will stay open until 8 p.m. (three hours past regular closing time) giving visitors the chance to experience one of DC’s most picturesque destinations in a new light. This limited-time opportunity invites you to picnic, walk or bike after hours, catch golden-hour views of the Capitol Columns and enjoy special events throughout the summer.

-Excludes June 7, 14 & 21

3501 New York Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002

- https://www.fona.org/?utm_source=digital&utm_medium=media&utm_campaign=2025-summer-evening-hours#Summer_Evening_Hours

9) Collecting Memories – Through December

-The Library of Congress opens its new David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery with a brand-new exhibit filled to the brim with fascinating artifacts across its 120 items. Collecting Memories includes Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, a map from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, lyrics from The Sound of Music and much more in its examination of how cultures preserve the past.

-Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540

- https://newsroom.loc.gov/news/new-library-exhibition--collecting-memories--to-open-in-new-david-m.-rubenstein-treasures-gallery/s/f85cd354-924f-418d-900a-042173e5ec88?loclr=iloc&4

10) Bond In Motion – Through September

-Across more than six decades of films, James Bond has become the on-screen embodiment of spies for millions. The International Spy Museum pays homage to the fictional character, along with his allies and adversaries, with a breathtaking display of iconic vehicles from the movies. In total, visitors can fix their eyes on 17 pieces, including cars, motorcycles, submarines and even more from the Q Branch Garage.

-International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024

- https://www.spymuseum.org/bond-in-motion