Washington, DC will be awash in rainbows this May and June, when the Nation’s Capital hosts WorldPride 2025. Celebrating equality, diversity, and love on a global scale and coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Capital Pride, this historic event offers a powerful opportunity to unite, celebrate, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community through impactful events, parades, festivals, concerts, cultural activities, and vibrant nightlife.
Rainbows aside, DC overall continues to evolve with exciting new attractions, including the newly opened Go-Go Museum & Café in Anacostia, the first institution dedicated to honoring and preserving go-go music, the drum-driven funk that originated in DC.
Here’s just a snapshot of what’s happening in Washington DC this Spring…
DON’T MISS
DC WorldPride, from 17 May to 8 June, celebrates the 50th anniversary of DC’s annual Pride event. The city expects two million visitors, generating an economic impact of USD$787 million, according to S&P Global. Hotels like Kimpton Hotel Monaco are offering special packages, such as its “Free to Fly” suite, featuring vibrant décor by a local artist symbolising love and inclusivity. Other hotels, including the Willard InterContinental’s, Hotel AKA Washington Circle, Moxy Washington DC, Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square, Hotel Nell Union Market and Washington Marriott Capitol Hill have exclusive packages with unique pride perks.
Destination DC and partners have launched America 250, a year-long celebration in 2026 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Featuring more than 70 organisations from the tourism and hospitality sectors. The event was unveiled at the National Archives Museum, home to the Declaration of Independence
EAT
From street food to Michelin-starred dining and everything in between, Washington DC delivers a diverse culinary experience, this has been further enhanced with the opening of a variety of new restaurants and bars, including:
Tapori, a communal Indian street food restaurant, opened on H Street in March, offering shared plates and bold flavors from southern and Himalayan India.
Sagrada, a new restaurant by Knead Hospitality + Design, offers an eight-course psychedelic tasting menu with dishes featuring mushrooms like shiitake and lion’s mane, supporting psychedelic research at Johns Hopkins.
Stephen Starr has revitalised The Occidental, a historic 1906 DC restaurant near the White House, offering American classics and a martini-focused cocktail list in a 14,000-square-foot space decorated with murals and velvet furnishings.
River Club DC has introduced The Lobby, a bar with craft cocktails and waterfront views of the Potomac, offering a prix fixe brunch and exclusive food menus.
Kata, an upscale supper club in Chinatown, blends Japanese and French influences, focusing on omakase and inventive cocktails in an intimate late-night setting.
Celebrity chef Eric Adjepong’s restaurant, Elmina, brings West African cuisine inspired by Ghanaian flavors and an innovative cocktail program to Union Market.
Willowsong at the Wharf highlights Mid-Atlantic flavors, with dishes like Rappahannock oysters and Chesapeake rockfish, created with regional ingredients.
Bar Betsie, opening in Union Market, draws inspiration from co-owner JP Sabatier’s Puerto Rican mother, offering cocktails, beer, wine, and finger foods.
Dupont Coffee Collective offers a curated selection of specialty coffees and artisan pastries, focusing on sustainability and craftsmanship in Dupont Circle.
Life Alive, an organic café, serves plant-based, wellness-focused meals using locally sourced ingredients to inspire health and sustainability.
Barbouzard, a French-Mediterranean restaurant opening in Spring 2025 at Farragut Square, will blend classic Mediterranean dishes with contemporary twists in an elegant ambiance.
Atlas Brew Works will open its third DC location in the Bridge District in early 2025, featuring a taproom, brewery operations, and food from Andy’s Pizza.
Bar Angie, an upscale brasserie from the Balos Restaurant Group, is coming to DC’s West End, offering refined dining in a sophisticated setting.
Karravaan, a new Indian restaurant from the team behind RASA, will open in Union Market, serving traditional and modern Indian flavors with bold spices.
Urban Roast will expand to the Wharf in 2025, bringing cozy café vibes, creative cocktails, and shared plates to the waterfront.
Right Proper Brewing will open its third location in Northeast DC this summer, offering a 180-seat pub experience.
Fish Shop, a Scottish seafood restaurant favored by King Charles III, will open its first U.S. location at The Wharf in April, featuring locally sourced seafood by chef Ria Montes.
REST
Washington, DC’s hotel scene is thriving with 23 new or renovated properties and nearly 4,000 rooms in the works, with more to come in the near future.
Canal House of Georgetown, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, opened in March 2025, blending a five-story former office building and adjacent townhouses into a 107-room hotel with amenities like the C+O Lounge, private courtyard, and fitness center.
Arlo Washington, DC, debuted in November 2024 near Judiciary Square, incorporating the city’s oldest conventional apartment building with a rooftop pool, lounge, and a Spanish restaurant, Arrels, by chef Pepe Moncayo.
Placemakr expanded its footprint in DC with new locations like Coda on Half in the Navy Yard, offering flexible, tech-forward apartment-hotel experiences for various stay durations.
Sixty DC, a luxury 73-room boutique hotel opening in May 2025, will feature Mediterranean cuisine at Casamara and a cocktail bar named Reynold’s, located near Dupont Circle.
Mint House Downtown Washington, DC, opening in May 2025, will offer 85 apartment-style suites with full kitchens, meeting space, and an on-site restaurant and bar.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Washington, DC / NY Avenue rebranded in January 2025 following a renovation, now offering amenities like a fitness center and free breakfast buffet.
Reside Navy Yard and Reside NoMa, a Wyndham Residence, launched in Fall 2024, offering fully furnished apartments with full kitchens for extended stays.
Le Méridien Washington, D.C., The Madison, The Madison rebranded in September 2024 after a USD$15 million renovation, featuring French-inspired cuisine at Lady Madison restaurant.
The Quincy Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection, reopened in September 2024 after renovations, offering 99 rooms within walking distance of major landmarks like the White House and Dupont Circle.
Salamander Washington, DC unveiled its renovation in December 2024, featuring a modern design and the opening of celebrity chef Kwame Onwuachi’s Dōgon restaurant.
Grand Hyatt Washington completed a renovation in Fall 2024, introducing refreshed guest rooms, a new feature wall inspired by the Capitol dome, and achieving LEED certification.
Residence Inn Washington, DC Downtown underwent a full renovation in September 2024, offering spacious suites with kitchens and a daily breakfast buffet.
Washington Marriott at Metro Center completed a multimillion-dollar renovation in June 2024, with updated rooms, tech-enabled workspaces, and an upgraded fitness center.
Westin Georgetown, Washington, DC, unveiled a multimillion-dollar renovation in June 2024, focusing on wellness and offering refined guest experiences.
Coming soon:
Hyatt House Washington, DC – Convention Center, is set to open in Summer 2025 after a renovation, offering 182 rooms and a rooftop terrace with views.
Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill will undergo an extensive renovation in 2025, enhancing guest rooms and dining areas ahead of its 50th anniversary.
Moxy Hotel Southwest, opening in 2025, will offer 166 rooms near Nationals Park and Audi Field, with residential space and a farmers’ market.
CitizenM Georgetown plans to open in 2025 with 230 rooms in a renovated 100-year-old building along the Georgetown waterfront.
The James, a high-end lifestyle hotel, is expected to open in 2026 as a brand conversion from the Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle.
The Georgetown University Hotel in the Leavey Center will open in Summer 2026, featuring 146 rooms, event space, and a new restaurant and bar.
MOB Hotel, The Bazaar House by José Andrés and Avid Downtown are just some of the new offerings which are also in the pipeline
EXPLORE
There is always something new or old to explore in Washington DC, from music heritage to politics, to a huge list of free things to see and do, including world renowned museums and monuments, here are a few new things to add to the must-see list:
Go-Go Museum and Cafe (opened February 2025): Located in Anacostia, this 3,000 sq. ft. museum features digital and interactive exhibits on go-go’s history, pivotal moments, songs, venues, and community impact, with a café offering African, Caribbean, Latin, and mumbo-sauced dishes opening in the spring.
The People’s House (opened September 2024): This new interactive replica of the White House, located in the Mills Building at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, provides an immersive experience with exhibits on the Rose Garden and Oval Office, offering free public admission with reserved passes.
National Museum of Women the Arts (opened October 2023): After a USD$70 million renovation, the museum now offers expanded gallery space, a new education studio, and a performance hall, while its inaugural exhibit “The Sky’s The Limit” showcases contemporary women artists’ sculptures.
The Museum of Failure (opened September 2023): The Museum of Failure in Georgetown Park displays humorous failures from brands like Coca-Cola, Google, DeLorean, and Nokia.
Capital Jewish Museum (opened June 2023): This new museum juxtaposes the story of Jewish Washington with exhibits on civil rights activism, featuring a mix of historic and modern architecture, educational spaces, and event venues.
New Smithsonian Museums:The Smithsonian is finalizing locations for the American Women’s History Museum and American Latino Museum, with USD$55 million raised for the Women’s History Museum, which launches virtual exhibitions and initiatives like the “We Do Declare” oral history project.
Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden (revitalisation): The Hirshhorn Museum’s 50-year-old sculpture garden is undergoing a multi-year renovation, with a new design expected to open in 2026.
National Air and Space Museum (renovation): The museum is undergoing a multi-year renovation, with new exhibits, a learning center, and a futuristic Jeff Bezos-funded addition opening in 2027.
National Archives (renovation): The National Archives will add a new 9,700 sq. ft. permanent gallery and an educational center with interactive content, scheduled to be completed before 2026.
National World War I Memorial (opened September 2024): The newly completed U.S. World War I Memorial in Pershing Park features the massive bronze sculpture “A Soldier’s Journey,” honoring the 4.7 million servicemen and women of WWI.
Folger Shakespeare Library (opened June 2024): After an USD$80.5 million renovation, the library now features a 12,000 sq. ft. public pavilion, accessible entry plazas, and a new education lab, along with the world’s largest collection of First Folios on display.
Dulles Airport Concourse Construction (begun December 2023): A new 400,000 sq. ft., 14-gate concourse at Dulles Airport, expected to cost USD$500-800 million, will open in late 2026 with new retail, dining options, and eco-friendly features.
PLAY
Think of Washington, DC for vibrant spring festivals, blooming cherry blossoms, and exciting seasonal events.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® | 12 April: Enjoy DC’s grand petal procession, with floats, balloons, and performances along Constitution Avenue.
Washington Capitals 50th Anniversary Season: Last Home Game | 13 April: Watch the Capitals’ final regular-season home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
FilmFest DC | 24 April to 4 May: DC’s largest international film festival showcases a diverse lineup of films.
Georgetown French Market | 25 to 27 April: This open-air market features boutiques, French pastries, and entertainment on Wisconsin Ave.
Passport DC | 1 to 31 May: Explore DC’s international community with a month-long celebration of embassies and cultural institutions.
Passport DC Around the World Embassy Tour | 3 May: Visit non-EU embassies for cultural experiences including food, art, and performances.
The Running of the Chihuahuas | 3 May: Watch chihuahuas race in this festive Cinco de Mayo celebration at The Wharf.
Anacostia River Festival | 17 May: Celebrate the outdoors with live music, markets, and activities at the 11th Street Bridge Park.
Capital House Music Festival | 24 May: Enjoy local music, art, and community in Alethia Tanner Park.
National Memorial Day Parade | 26 May: A parade honoring military sacrifice, featuring reenactors, performances, and celebrity appearances.
Capital Cup Sports Festival | 30 May to 4 June: Athletes from around the world compete in Washington’s inaugural LGBTQ+ sports festival.
WorldPride Welcome Ceremony + Concert | 31 May: Kick off WorldPride 2025 with a ceremony and concert featuring Shakira.
Project GLOW | 31 May to 1 June: DC’s top electronic music festival showcases renowned artists and immersive experiences.
Armed Forces Cycling Classic | 31 May to 1 June: Cyclists of all levels race through a closed-course event in Arlington.
WorldPride Human Rights Conference | 4 to 6 June: The conference focuses on inclusion, diversity, and accessibility with global speakers.
WorldPride Music Festival | 6 to 7 June: A global dance party featuring top artists, cutting-edge art, and immersive experiences.
WorldPride Parade | 7 June: The Capital Pride parade transforms into the WorldPride Parade, honoring LGBTQ+ history.
International March on Washington & Rally | 8 June: A march inspired by civil rights leaders, featuring prominent LGBTQ+ activists.
Full event calendar: https://washington.org/press/
