Washington is in full spring mode, and the events lineup is doing its best to match the energy. This week brings the DAR Celebration with Patti LaBelle, Kids Opening Day at Nationals Park, the opening of ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa, plus plenty more worth adding to your plans.

Below are the highlights for the week. For a complete look at what’s on in and around Washington, visit the Washington Times DC Events Calendar.

Theater & Performing Arts

1776 at Ford’s Theatre — In commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, Ford’s Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning musical dramatizing the debates leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Get Tickets →

Through May 16, 2026 | Ford’s Theatre | From $60

44: The Obama Musical — After sold-out runs in LA, Chicago, and New York, this satirical musical tells Barack Obama’s presidency through Joe Biden’s hazy recollection — 24 original numbers blending R&B, gospel, and sharp political comedy. Get Tickets →

Apr 18 – May 10, 2026 | Klein Theatre | Tickets Required

Music & Concerts

Demi Lovato — Pop powerhouse Demi Lovato brings her tour to Capital One Arena for one night. Get Tickets →

Thu, April 16, 2026 | Capital One Arena | From $49

Florence + The Machine — Florence Welch and her band bring their theatrical, orchestral rock spectacle to DC. Get Tickets →

Sat, April 18, 2026 | Capital One Arena | From $59

Lily Allen — British pop star Lily Allen performs at the intimate Warner Theatre. Get Tickets →

Sun, April 19, 2026 | Warner Theatre | From $45

Sports

Nationals vs. Giants Series — Apr 17 – 6:45 PM | Apr 18 – 4:05 PM (Hockey Jersey Giveaway) | Apr 19 – 1:35 PM (Kids Opening Day) Full Schedule →

Apr 17–19, 2026 | Nationals Park | Tickets Vary

Washington Wizards & Capital City Go-Go — Both the Wizards and their G League affiliate Capital City Go-Go continue through April. Wizards Schedule →

Through April 2026 | Capital One Arena | Tickets Vary

Washington Capitals — 2026 NHL Playoffs — The Capitals are postseason contenders. Playoff Schedule →

Apr–Jun 2026 (if qualified) | Capital One Arena | Tickets Vary

DC Defenders — The DC Defenders play two home games at Audi Field in April as the United Football League season heats up. Get Tickets →

Apr 18, 2026 · Audi Field | Audi Field | From $20

Museums & Exhibitions

Nick Cave: Mammoth — Internationally renowned artist Nick Cave explores the entanglement of land and race in American consciousness. Museum Info →

Through Jan 3, 2027 | Smithsonian American Art Museum | Free

Star Power: Photographs by George Hurrell — Hollywood’s premiere photographer captured the brightest stars of cinema’s golden age. Gallery Info →

Ongoing | National Portrait Gallery | Free

Mary Cassatt: An American in Paris — Roughly 40 paintings, drawings, and prints examining how Mary Cassatt created her radically modern impressionist works. Gallery Info →

Ongoing | National Gallery of Art | Free

Into the Waters with Senju and Bingyi — A sweeping exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art exploring how water — rivers, seas, rain, and floods — has shaped Asian art, culture, and spirituality across centuries. Museum Info →

Through Sep 27, 2026 | National Museum of Asian Art | Free

Dear America — A landmark exhibition at the National Gallery of Art featuring works by American artists responding to the nation’s history, ideals, and ongoing story. Gallery Info →

Through Sep 20, 2026 | National Gallery of Art | Free

America’s State Flowers — The U.S. Garden Info →

Through Oct 12, 2026 | U.S. Botanic Garden | Free

¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa — A new permanent-gallery exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History tracing the origins and cultural journey of salsa music and dance across Latin America, New York, and beyond. Museum Info →

Opens Apr 18, 2026 | National Museum of American History | Free

Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen — A major solo exhibition by celebrated American artist Adam Pendleton at the Hirshhorn Museum, exploring themes of Blackness, abstraction, and language through paintings, videos, and installations. Museum Info →

Through Jan 2027 | Hirshhorn Museum | Free

Special Events

DC250 Programming — DC serves as the epicenter for America’s semiquincentennial celebration with special programming, exhibitions, and events. DC250 Info →

Throughout 2026 | Various Locations | Varies

DAR Celebration with Patti LaBelle — The Daughters of the American Revolution celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a one-night concert featuring legendary performer Patti LaBelle. Event Info →

Sat, April 18, 2026 | DAR Constitution Hall | From $45

DC Emancipation Day Festival — Washington, DC marks the anniversary of the DC Emancipation Act of 1862 — which freed enslaved people in DC nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation — with a free street festival featuring live music, food vendors, and community celebration. Event Info →

Sun, April 19, 2026 | Pennsylvania Avenue NW | Free

Tidal Basin & Cherry Trees — Nearly 4,000 cherry trees surround the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson, FDR, and MLK Memorials. NPS Cherry Blossom Info →

Daily | Tidal Basin | Free

Georgetown Waterfront — Stroll the C&O Canal towpath, explore boutique shopping, and dine at waterfront restaurants with Potomac River views. Georgetown Info →

Daily | Georgetown | Free

Eastern Market — Historic public market with local farmers, artisans, and crafters. Market Info →

Tuesday–Sunday | Eastern Market, Capitol Hill | Free Entry

Event dates, times, and prices are subject to change. Please verify details directly with venues before attending. Visit the Washington Times DC Events Calendar for more.