National Museum of African American History and Culture
Things to do the week of May 12-15, 2025
We've gathered up 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
Latin Restaurant Weeks
Support local Latinx culinary businesses during this new promotion that offers specials at restaurants all over the DMV. Expect mouth-watering specials at participating food trucks and eateries. The roster includes Colada Shop, La Famosa, El Centro DF and many others.
More Info
Nia Savoy - Dock (Deloris Van Cartier) and cast in the 2025 Ford ’ s Theatre production of Sister Act, directed and choreographed by Jeff Calhoun. Photo by Scott Suchman.
Sister Act at Ford's Theatre
Based on the smash hit 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act makes for divine musical comedy at Ford’s Theatre this upcoming spring. The Tony-nominated musical follows a nightclub singer who takes to a convent to hide from the mob. Self-discovery and glorious group harmonies ensue. The play features original music by the legendary Alan Menken.
Tickets
511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Tuesday
Twelfth Night
Audiences should prepare themselves for a night filled with hilarious mistaken identity mix-ups at Folger Theatre thanks to what is considered Shakespeare’s funniest play. After losing her twin brother in a shipwreck, Viola must pass as that brother in the world of Duke Orsino, leading to a hilarious tale that addresses gender fluidity and the discovery of true love.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Hedwig & The Angry Inch
Get ready for glam, grit, glitter and plenty of heart from the classic rock-n-roll romp when the Signature Theatre stages Hedwig & The Angry Inch this spring in its ARK Theatre. The story entails a song-stealing ex-lover, a childhood in Communist East Germany, a botched sex change operation and some of the most unforgettable songs in the history of musicals.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
The Dandy Warhols
More of a collective than a band, The Dandy Warhols have been fluidly moving through the alternative rock space since the mid-1990s, deftly maneuvering between underground sensation and mainstream success story. Now 12 LPs into their career, the Warhols have never sounded better, which will be evidenced during this show at DC’s Howard Theatre.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Wednesday
Capital Harvest on the Plaza
Located at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Capital Harvest on the Plaza is open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesdays from May through October. During your visit, you’ll find plenty of farm-fresh deliciousness and artisanal crafts, as well as recipes and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Check out the full list of vendors to start planning your haul.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Wednesdays | Free Admission
Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Falsettos
Keegan Theatre presents a modern musical that dives headlong into relationships, families, baseball, the AIDS crisis and the pains of growing up, perfectly timed for WorldPride in DC. Everyone must learn to mature when Marvin leaves his wife and son to be with his lover. Equally funny and emotionally moving, the production promises to pack a punch.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton
The 9:30 Club welcomes the Mothership to DC. George Clinton has been at the forefront of Parliament Funkadelic since the late 1960s, helping to shape multiple genres of music through a series of acclaimed albums and hit songs. Expect to hear decades of funk – songs that also helped plant the seed for modern hip-hop, dance and R&B music – and groove the night away during this highly anticipated performance.
7 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Thursday
Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line
A new exhibit at The Phillips Collection reappraises the work of Art Nouveau pioneer Alphonse Mucha and explores his impact on graphic art over the last 60-plus years. Visitors can experience Mucha’s distinct style and learn how psychedelic artists of later generations rediscovered his work and used it to inspire a wide range of media, from comics to manga and murals.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Niki de Saint Phalle In Print
The National Museum of Women in the Arts displays 20 of multimedia artist Niki de Saint Phalle’s large-scale prints. Although primarily known for performances and sculptures, Saint Phalle showcases mastery as a printmaker as well, using striking colors, a whimsical and animated drawing style and looping handwriting to stamp a style all her own.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Akira Kurosawa Explains His Movies and Yogurt (With Live & Active Cultures!)
Playwright Julia Izumi and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company invite audiences to a thoughtful and hilarious rumination on the amazing films and cultural contributions of Akira Kurosawa. The Japanese director is a character in the play, peering into his own filmography, discussing cultural imperialism and … yogurt. Among many other things.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
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