The US Capitol and Capitol Hill. The Lincoln Memorial. The White House. There’s a good chance you’re already familiar with the top-rated tourist attractions in Washington, D.C., – but the nation’s capital offers so much more for visitors, especially in the summer! From Capital Pride 2024 to the jazz-filled Home Rule Music Festival, there’s no shortage of fun things to do for travelers of all ages. Plan an unforgettable summer vacation with these must-see things to do in DC in summer!
Capital Pride 2024
Get ready to celebrate with the LGBTQ+ community and allies at the annual Capital Pride in Washington, D.C.! One of the top things to do in DC in summer, this colorful celebration offers visitors plenty of can’t-miss pride events and a huge parade.
Have you never celebrated pride in DC? The non-profit organization Capital Pride Alliance hosts a collection of events during the week leading up to the annual pride parade, including this year’s Rooftop Pool Party (for ages 21+ only) on June 5th. 2024’s Capital Pride lineup also includes:
- RIOT: Opening Dance Party – June 7th
- 17th Street Block Party – June 8th
- Pride Parade – June 8th
- Pride Festival & Concert – June 9th
…and more! The best part is that many of their events offer free entry and are open to the public! Get ready to experience local food, exciting performances, and a welcoming sense of community. The Capital Pride 2024 takes place May 31- June 9, with the theme “Totally Radical.”
Home Rule Music Festival
Looking for more fun and free things to do in DC in the summer? Hosted by the Home Rule Music and Film Preservation Foundation, a DC-based non-profit, this music festival celebrates DC’s music and culture with an electrifying lineup of jazz artists, go-go music, food trucks and drink vendors, and local shops and vendors. The main event even includes a Youth Village that offers young DC visitors cool games and activities to enjoy.
With its jazzy food trucks, bustling music, and unique marketplace featuring local artisans, the 3rd annual Home Rule Music Festival is an exciting way to immerse yourself into the vibrant and deeply diverse culture of DC.
Day 1 of the 2024 festival is on June 22nd at The Parks at Walter Reed, while Day 2 takes place on July 20th at Alethia Tanner Park.
Giant National Barbecue Festival
We hope you’re hungry because the 32nd annual Giant National BBQ Battle is packed with more mouthwatering food than you can imagine. One of the best things to do in DC in summer, this foodie extravaganza offers your taste buds some of the best BBQ in the country and free samples galore (over 150, to be exact).
In addition to witnessing pitmasters compete for glory, you can expect live music performances, cooking demonstrations from top chefs, kid-friendly arts activities, and exciting BMX and skateboarding shows. And if you’re a sports fan, you’ll love participating in or watching activities from the Washington Capitals, Wizards, DC United, and other DC-based teams while taking in the sites of historic Pennsylvania Ave.
The BBQ Battle is set for June 22nd and 23rd.
Washington, DC July 4th Celebration
What better place to celebrate Independence Day than the US capital?! Ring in America’s 248th birthday with marching bands, colorful floats, the brightest fireworks, and a whole lot of red, white, and blue.
Hands down, one of the most exciting things to do in DC in the summer is to attend the National Independence Day parade. On Constitution Ave from 7th to 17th Street, the annual parade typically features fife and drum corps, giant balloons and floats, military and specialty units, and much more family-fun entertainment. Just make sure you show up early – this 4th of July event draws in hundreds of thousands of spectators each year!
Not up for the parade’s crowds? Like Capital Pride 2024 and the Home Rule Music Festival, you have plenty of options. Other July 4th celebrations in Washington DC include the star-studded Capitol Fourth Concert and fireworks (which can also be watched via livestream!), Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and an always-exciting Washington Nationals baseball game at National Park.
Broccoli City Festival 2024
If you’re a music fan looking for things to do in DC in summer, there’s no way you can miss the Broccoli City Festival, an event that brings together people from all walks of life for great vibes and even greater music. Drawing crowds into the tens of thousands, this two-day music festival boasts an impressive roster of hip-hop artists and entertainers.
But Broccoli City, affectionately known as BC Fest, isn’t just another music event. Like Capital Pride 2024, this immersive experience fosters community. It offers boundless entertainment for those wanting to celebrate music and culture, including interactive art installations, unique culinary creations, a country music segment with up-and-coming artists, and more.
Grab your general admission or VIP tickets now – Broccoli City Festival 2024 takes place July 27th and 28th at Audi Field.
Activities to Lose the Crowds
If you don’t want to deal with the crowds at the big events, you still have tons of things to do in DC in the summer.
- Visit the top dispensary in Washington, D.C., for high-quality cannabis products
- Explore neighborhoods like Dupont Circle and Chinatown
- Take in local restaurants and bars
- Hit up the top ice cream spots
- Visit museums like the National Museum of African American History & Culture and the National Portrait Gallery.
- DC Waterfront activities – paddleboarding, taking a boat tour, or just soaking up the sun as you walk around The Wharf
Choose Your DC Adventure
Are you excited yet? Then, it’s time to start planning your DC getaway! Have the music-filled, adventure-packed vacation of a lifetime by adding these top things to do in DC in summer to your itinerary. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!
