10 Things to Do in Washington DC in Summer

Summer arrives loaded with irreverent festivals and plenty of things to see and do in Washington DC. It's this time of year when the city is at its most lively, so locals and visitors alike take advantage of the friendly temperatures to indulge in the fun.

One of Washington DC's most iconic celebrations of the summer season is undoubtedly the 4th of July celebration. America's independence is celebrated in style in the capital. If you're passing through during the summer season, don't miss these ten must-sees.

This is a three-day event celebrating geek culture. Lovers of film content, movies, series and other geeky events have a celebration especially for them.

This event in DC seeks not only to celebrate fans, but also to attract curious onlookers who want to be part of the expo and party along with the participants.

One of the most interesting things about this Awesome Con is that it is not only for people who are already fans of comics and other mass-consumer material and content. It also has an exhibition area especially dedicated to the little ones.

Here children can learn a little more about geek culture. It is definitely an activity that I would include in my list of things to see and do with kids in Washington, at least in the summer.

Every year this event hosts more than 70,000 visitors, both locals and foreigners, who come to see and learn a little more about the activities that take place.

On the other hand, you can also see a wonderful futuristic exhibition organised by the Awsome Con in conjunction with the Smithsonian. In this area, you will be able to see the point of view of its creators regarding the role of science and science fiction in today's world and what its future will be.

To subscribe and be part of the event you have to go to the official website where you can find more information about the different exhibitions and what to expect from the event.

Practical info

• Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center. 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC 20001.
• Price: Prices range from 45 to 90 euros for attending the event. To join the Awesome Con club, you must pay between 400 and 1000 euros.
• Opening hours: Fridays from 13:00 to 20:00. Saturdays from 10:00 to 19:00. Sundays from 10:00 to 17:00.

The capital takes Pride very seriously, so for a few days the city becomes the centre for the celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. During the days of Pride, multiple events are planned that I recommend you attend when you're passing through Washington in the summer.

Among the events that take place to honour the LGBTQ+ community during Capital Pride are:

• Pride Honors: To honor people who have given their lives defending the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in the capital city and across the country.
• Conversations: These types of events and forums are usually organised to share experiences and knowledge about the characteristics of the LGBTQ+ community.
• Kick-Off Party: At the beginning of Pride Days, an 18+ party is held to officially kick off the Pride season in Washington DC.
• Pride Block Party: This is usually an outdoor party with multiple food trucks and other attractions where you can enjoy all the queer and pride magic at its best. At this party you will also have the opportunity to have some alcoholic beverages if you are over 21 years old.
• Pride Parade: This is one of the most recognized activities of the whole pride week in Washington, it is the parade where the whole community participates and wears their best attire, to tell the society that they exist and that they are celebrating their moment.
• Pride Saturday Party: Generally this party takes place on the last Saturday of Pride and aims to give a celebratory atmosphere to all the participants of the events during the day.
• Pride Festival: This is a festival within the festival. On this day when the pride festival is celebrated, you can see multiple pride exhibitions as well as take part in various entertainment activities. It is a spectacle worth attending and enjoying.
• Pride Concert: To round off the pride celebration in Washington, a concert is organised where you can enjoy different artists that enliven the celebrations.

Traveller Tip

There are some events that you can't go to with children, so I recommend you take this into account when making your plans.

This is a festival that seeks to highlight the culture and folklore of the nation as well as to make visible the tradition and culture of other countries that have a close relationship with Washington and the United States in general.

This festival was born in 1967 and since then has been responsible for highlighting the culture and folklore that unites the United States with other countries.

The premise of the organisers of this annual festival is to work together with the communities of the United States and the world to better understand and learn about their economic, social and cultural ways of life.

If you want to enjoy a different experience and learn much more about American society and other latitudes, then this is the event to attend.

To find out what the festival has in store for you, I invite you to visit their website, where they always post updated information about the programmes that are available year after year. You can also find out on their website how to enter the festival and how you can shop in their festival souvenir shop.

The festival usually takes place during the last weeks of June and the first week of July, with the festival closing on the 4th of July.

Practical info

• Location: Between Constitution and Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20050.
• Price: Free admission.
• Hours: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm and special events starting at 6:00 pm.

This is more than a show, festival or event, it is a battle between barbecue lovers, where they vie for the throne of the National Barbecue Champion.

This event usually takes place in mid-June and is considered the most important food and music event in the city. It's a festival you can't miss if you're a food lover, and especially a barbecue lover.

At the Barbecue Festival you will have the opportunity to see how the experts in the field cook their best meat dishes and you will also be able to taste the corresponding flavours.

This two-day event gives you the opportunity not only to sample the best food and barbecue, but also to taste wines and beers from Washington and other parts of the world.

The barbecue festival is another great thing to do if you' re in Washington with kids, with plenty of activities for the little ones. Another interesting activity you'll find when you visit the festival is the number of interactive exhibits where you can talk to the chefs about their cooking techniques and share their knowledge.

Practical info

• Location: 555 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20001.
• Price: From 15 to 150 euros.
• Hours: From 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Traveller Tip

I recommend that you go to the festival without eating, as you are sure to find plenty of food options. The festival is not suitable for vegans.

Every 4th of July is celebrated in the United States as National Independence Day. Of course, the site of the biggest celebrations is the nation's capital itself. Watching the 4th of July fire works is a must-do summer activity.

To admire this spectacle you have many options, from watching them from the ground, to climbing to the top of the city and seeing them from above.

If you want to enjoy the 4th of July celebrations all day long, you can do so by attending the annual concert organised to celebrate Independence Day.

You can also go to Constitution Avenue to watch the magical and colourful spectacle that is organised along this important avenue in Washington. The parade is one of the most fun activities you can do during the day...

Places to watch the fireworks from

On the evening of the 4th of July, the sky lights up with a truly beautiful fireworks display. In addition to the top 10 sights in Washington DC, here are some of the other spots in the city from which you can admire the fireworks:

• National Mall: The Mall is one of the capital's favourite places to watch the 4th of July fireworks. You'll find the largest crowds there.
• Potomac Cruise: I think there is no better place to watch the 4th of July fireworks than on a cruise around the Potomac. You can take one with your whole family and enjoy the show in a special way.
• Mount Vernon Trail: Besides being an interesting walk, you will have a beautiful view from the Virginia side of the Potomac River.
• US Supreme Court Square: This is a local favourite. The square is big enough for you to enjoy the show from this spot.
• Hains Point in East Potomac: This is a public park located near the Potomac River from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Potomac and the Anacostia.
• Washington National Cathedral: This is a good place to watch the fireworks display, especially in the terraced area, where you can even picnic while waiting for the sky to light up with colourful pyrotechnics.
• The Wharf: An evening on the Wharf accompanied by a fireworks display in the sky is definitely the perfect activity for you to enjoy the 4th of July celebrations.

Every summer since 2006, Washington DC opens its doors to the most special theatre festival in the city. It's the Capital Fringe Festival, which showcases the talents of a host of artists who take to the stage to offer audiences a quality and, above all, entertaining and captivating show.

The festival usually takes place in several different theatres and venues in Washington, D.C., presenting around 90 shows over several weeks.

The sheer number of artists participating and on stage is what makes this show one you won't want to miss. Among the genres you can enjoy during the show are comedy, drama and thrillers. You will also have the opportunity to see musicals with impeccable staging.

Some of the themes that are dealt with in the different theatrical productions have to do with people's relationship with their own bodies, and how they relate to the world around them.

Although the central theme changes from year to year, the essence of bringing a positive message to society and the general public is always present.

Practical info

• Location: Various theatres and venues in the city.
• Price: From 20 euros for single tickets, up to 500 euros for passes to all shows.
• Opening hours: From morning to evening, depending on the annual programme.

This is one of the most interesting festivals of the summer in Washington DC. If you are a lover of Asian culture, manga, anime, video games and other elements that represent their pop culture, then this fair is for you.

This event takes place over a weekend in July and to attend you can line up at the entrance or go to the event's official website and register to participate in the expo.

Year after year the schedule is changed, as well as the number and type of exhibits you can enjoy. It's a great place to test your knowledge of Asian culture, as well as have a lot of fun letting your creativity run wild from the very beginning of the exhibition.

Practical info

• Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center. 801 Mount Vernon Place NW Washington, DC 20001.
• Price: Adults from 55 euros for a single day ticket. Children 8 and under free. Children 8-12 years old pay 50 euros.
• Hours: All day with overnight accommodation available.

It is a celebration that happens twice a year, in winter and in summer. In this case, I'll tell you about the summer version of this culinary extravaganza. But if you are a lover of restaurants and good food, you will surely love to include this event in your list of things to do in Washington DC in winter as well.

Going back to Washington's summer restaurant week, you should know that it's a fine dining experience that you'll love not only for the variety of food you'll be able to try, but also for the affordability of the prices.

This summer restaurant week offers a varied menu of lunches, dinners and brunches with exquisite combinations that will keep you coming back for more.

In the summer version you can participate in the selection of the best dishes among the many participating restaurants. A detailed list of the restaurants participating in each edition can be found on the official Restaurant Week website.

Practical info

• Location: Varies according to the list of participating restaurants.
• Price: Brunch and lunches from 22 euros. Dinners between 35 and 55 euros.
• Opening hours: All day, depending on the opening hours of each restaurant.

The DC Jazz Festival is not just a few days of celebrating jazz culture in the nation's capital, it is also a year-round music education enterprise for people interested in jazz music.

As for the Jazz Festival event, it takes place during the last weeks of August and the first weeks of September. If you're in Washington DC during the summer months, this is a great way to see some great music and get inspired to learn a little more about American musical culture.

Practical information

• Location: 515 M Street SE. Ste. 102-B. Washington, DC 20003
• Price: General admission is free. Other ticket prices start at 59 euros.
• Hours: From 14:00 to 22:00.

If there's one activity you can't miss in summer, especially given the pleasant weather and temperatures, it's a trip to Mount Vernon.

On the guided tour you'll have the chance to visit George Washington's estate, as well as learn about the life of the American president.

Lasting approximately 5 to 8 hours, the full day tour aims to take you on a complete experience from Washington DC to Mount Vernon, with attractions ranging from the museum to the tomb where George Washington himself and Martha Washington are buried.

You'll love seeing what period costumes were like, plus you'll get an insight into the era of slavery in America by visiting an authentic slave quarters.

The tour is completely historical and cultural and definitely the time of year to do this tour is summer, as the temperatures make for a more pleasant and peaceful walk.

Useful information

• Price: From 64 euros per person.
• Duration: Approximately 5 hours, counting the trip from Washington DC to Mount Vernon.
• Means of transport: Bus with capacity for approximately 20 to 25 people.
• Advantage of this option: It is wheelchair accessible. Assistance animals are allowed. It is possible to take prams. The tour is also available in Spanish.
• Disadvantages of this option: You must be in average physical condition to be able to do the whole tour. The tour may be cancelled in bad weather or if the minimum quota is not reached.