Featured Events in Washington D.C. in May 2025 (July Updated)

Artificial lights have become such a common nighttime fixture that we take them for granted. But what do brighter nights mean for people and wildlife? The effects of light pollution extend beyond our reduced view of the stars, but solutions can have an immediate impact. Through more than 100 photographs, nearly 250 objects, interactive experiences, tactile models, and a theater program, discover why the dark night matters, rekindle your connection to the night sky, and consider how much light at night is enough—for whom, for what purpose, and who gets to decide?

Art history isn’t linear. Artists mix and remix references, finding inspiration across time. When contemporary artist Rozeal. began painting afro.died, T. in 2011 in her studio just outside Washington, DC, she didn’t have Titian’s Venus with a Mirror in mind. Paul Cezanne wasn’t thinking about Titian’s Ranuccio Farnese when he painted Boy in a Red Waistcoat in 19th-century France. Yet these works share striking visual similarities with Titian’s 16th-century paintings. Back and Forth illuminates unexpected connections between these four works and invites us to see them in new ways.

Celebrate the 100th Birthday of Barro Colorado Island Research Station by immersing yourself in a Panamanian jungle! From monkeys to microbes, research on the “most studied piece of tropical real estate in the world” gave rise to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, which now hosts 1200 scientists from 50 countries at 12 tropical research facilities, trains young biologists, and contributes new knowledge vital to the future of tropical forests and reefs.

Committed to both craft and causes, this visionary artist-activist continues to inspire us today. One of the defining artists of the 20th century, Elizabeth Catlett addressed the injustices she witnessed and experienced in America and Mexico through her bold prints and dynamic sculptures. See more than 150 of her creations in this exhibition, including rarely seen paintings and drawings. Trace the career of this cultural force—from her roots in Washington, DC, Chicago, and New York to the remarkable body of work she made during some 60 years in Mexico. In striving to make art for the people, Catlett put social justice at the very center of her work.

See three awe-inspiring sculptures by an American artist who transforms tires to explore environmental concerns. For over four decades, Chakaia Booker has cut, coiled, and contorted tires, sculpting the industrial waste into spectacular abstract forms. Booker uses discarded tires both as a commentary on cultural histories and experiences and as a sustainable practice. Salvaging the tires avoids their disposal into landfills, where they trap and emit methane gas. Her works encourage us to consider the history of the material of tires as well as the effect rubber can have on our future. Three monumental wall relief sculptures—Acid Rain (2001), Echoes in Black (Industrial Cicatrization) (1996), and It’s So Hard to Be Green (2000)—are presented. Each sculpture spans 20 to 21 feet wide and features a mass of curled bands of tire rubber, some interspersed with spiky shards, coiled strips, and loops made from inner tubes. Booker’s six-part photogravure series Foundling Warrior Quest (II 21C) (2010) showcases the artist as a mythical being foraging in a harsh, industrial landscape.

Experience the wonders of nature through the eyes of an artist. Look closely at works of art that depict insects and other animals, as well as real specimens. Art played a key role at the dawn of natural history in 16th and 17th century Europe. Advances in science and technology, trade, and colonial expansion enabled naturalists to study previously unknown and overlooked insects, animals, and other beestjes, or "little beasts." Artists such as Joris Hoefnagel and Jan van Kessel helped deepen and spread knowledge of these creatures through highly detailed and playful works that inspired generations of printmakers, painters, decorative artists, and naturalists. A delight for all ages, this exhibition uniquely showcases nearly 75 of these paintings, prints, and drawings, as well as specimens and taxidermy from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Learn about the rich exchanges between artists and naturalists that have fueled our fascination with creatures big and small on Earth. Watch a new film by artist Dario Robleto to see how the intersection of art and science continues to inspire us.

Latina journalists wrote the first draft of history for Spanish-speaking communities in the United States.Breaking News! Latinas Report Breaking News is a bilingual exhibition featuring stories from Latina journalists to show how Spanish-language television gave voice and visibility to a broad segment of the American public and how these journalists advocate for Spanish-speaking communities and navigate the fast-paced, ever-changing pace of breaking news. In the approximately 1,000-square-foot gallery, visitors will explore broadcast journalism through the work of journalists such as Ilia Calderón, Dunia Elvir, Marilys Llanos, Gilda Mirós, Lori Montenegro, Maria Elena Salinas, and Blanca Rosa Vílchez. A multimedia piece will illustrate these women's accounts as eyewitnesses to important histories like the Vietnam War, 9/11, and the Black Lives Matter protests, as well as issues of cultural and political significance to local Latinx communities that are sometimes overlooked by English-language news. Working in the characteristic fast-paced, ever-changing environment of news production, these women shaped the narrative of major historical events while collaborating with their local and national Latinx communities to provide news coverage that meets their needs.

Social climbing was a competitive sport in Tudor England, requiring a complex range of skills, strategies, and techniques. How to Be a Power Player: Tudor Edition invites you into a world of lace ruffs, jousting, hawks, bad handwriting, scandal, and political factions. Experience the playbooks, the people, and the spectacular fails, as courtiers tried to navigate the minefield of working for a boss who could shower you with riches or chop off your head. The exhibition features more than 60 objects from the Folger’s collection to demonstrate the “rules” for how to be a successful courtier. They show how historical and literary figures ranging from royal advisors to household staff used cunning, cutthroat, and creative means to acquire power and curry favor with the Tudor monarchs.

The International Spy Museum is proud to host this official exhibition of iconic vehicles, all of which have been used on screen by 007 and his many allies and adversaries. Although James Bond is a fictional character, he embodies the spirit of many real spies in this museum. These men and women from around the world have been inspired by more than six decades of the Bond film franchise and its enduring cultural impact. Bond In Motion is a celebration of 60 years of 007 vehicles. The exhibition features 17 iconic pieces from the EON Productions Archive and the Ian Fleming Foundation. Props, scale models and clips from the films are also on display along with cars, motorcycles, submarines and more from the Q Branch garage.

CVFFD Elysium: Walk and Talk Matchmaking Event Welcome to the CVFFD Elysium: Walk and Talk Matchmaking Event ! Join us for a fun-filled walk and talk matchmaking at the beautiful Tidal Basin . Meet new people, make connections, and maybe even find your perfect match while enjoying a leisurely walk around your scenic surroundings. This event is all about mingling, chatting, and getting to know others in a relaxed and casual setting. Don't miss out on this opportunity to meet a potential great connection (maybe even a soulmate) and spark some great conversations. See you there! Information Source: CVFFD Elysium | eventbrite

American Soft Power: Disassembly of Institutions | Focus: Voice of America Join us at the for a thought-provoking discussion on the current state of American soft power. Our speaker, Beth Mendelson, and moderator, Ilya Ponomarev, will explore how the traditional mechanisms of U.S. influence—media, diplomacy, cultural institutions, and international aid—are shifting, eroding, or being redefined in an age of political polarization, institutional skepticism, and rising authoritarianism. About the Speaker – Beth Mendelson   With over 30 years of experience in communications and media, including 19 years at Voice of America, Ms. Mendelson offers a deeply informed perspective on current U.S. institutional shifts. She was an award-winning documentary filmmaker and Executive Producer at Voice of America, specializing in issue-driven storytelling. Her recent film Jamala: Songs of Freedom follows Ukrainian singer Jamala during the early hours of Russia's 2022 invasion and her activism for Ukraine.  Other selected works include:  Symphony of Courage – about Afghan music students escaping to Portugal  Turkey: Breaking the Silence – on media repression in Turkey  After Parkland – exploring school gun violence in the U.S.  Boko Haram: Journey From Evil – with original Boko Haram footage and stories of resistance  A Single Step – on global women leaders, hosted by Sally Field  AIDS: Living in the Shadows – hosted by Elton John  John F. Kennedy: A Legacy Remembered, Immigration: The New Face of America, and A Fateful Harvest  With 30 years in media, Mendelson has worked for PBS, CNN, ITN, ARD, and MSNBC, and produced content for organizations including the World Bank, USAID, and the State Department. She formerly led VOA’s Afghanistan Service.  About Free Peoples of Russia House   Founded by the Congress of People’s Deputies (a shadow parliament of the Russian Republic), the Free Peoples of Russia House is a nonprofit platform for the democratic opposition to the Putin regime. The House hosts regular events, including panel discussions, fundraising, and cultural programming, and facilitates dialogue between resistance representatives and the American political elite. Oversight is provided by a board of trustees chaired by President Lech Wałęsa and President Viktor Yushchenko.  Information Source: eventbrite

REE RSVP Ticket Policy A FREE RSVP ticket provides complimentary admission only if you are inside the venue before the RSVP time listed for the event. Being in line does not count as being inside. To gain free entry, you must be physically inside the venue before the stated time. If you are not inside by the RSVP time, you will be required to pay for admission. Early arrival is highly recommended. Please note: An RSVP ticket does not guarantee entry. Admission is subject to venue capacity. The only way to guarantee entry is to purchase a ticket. ⸻ General Disclaimer Each event venue and its management reserve the right to deny entry for failure to follow basic rules, including: • Dress code violations • Intoxication • Any other venue policies Dress code restrictions are enforced at management’s discretion. Information Source: J&J Ent Group Ent | eventbrite

VYBZ FESTIVAL DMV (WASHINGTON DC)- AFROBEATS vs DANCEHALL vs SOCA Come join us at KARMA DC Friday May 9, for the ultimate music experience! Bring your Flags and represent your GENRE ! This in-person event will be one for the books, so grab your friends and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss out on the party of the year - mark your calendars now! Information Source: PLATINUM ENT | eventbrite

Join Ambassador Daniel Fried and Dr. Vladislav Inozemtsev for a timely discussion on the first 100 days of President Trump’s administration, examining the implications for U.S. foreign policy, transatlantic relations, and Russia. Drawing on decades of diplomatic, economic, and geopolitical expertise, the panel will explore early policy signals, global reactions, and what they may mean for the future of international order. Ambassador Daniel Fried is a leading U.S. diplomat who shaped post-Cold War European policy and led key efforts on NATO expansion, Russia sanctions, and Guantanamo closure. Dr. Vladislav Inozemtsev is a Russian economist and political scientist based in Washington, known for his work on global economics, Russian modernization, and over 20 books and columns in major international outlets. Information Source: eventbrite

The 13th annual DC Electric Vehicle Grand Prix (DC EVGP) will be held on a purpose-built racetrack from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM alongside Truck Touch . Cheer on high school students from DC, Maryland, and Virginia as they strategize and race their hand-built electric vehicles. Families with children are welcome to get an up-and-close look at the cars while the students work on passing the technical inspection and as they prepare to race. Practice and qualifying begin at 10 AM, and race heats begin at 12:30 PM. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to blend learning with fun, entertainment, and community spirit in the heart of the District of Columbia! The event will take place at RFK Stadium Lot 8.* Schedule at a glance: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | View high school electric cars up close and personal! 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Watch the practice and qualifying session 12: 00 PM – 12:30 PM | Welcoming ceremony 12:30 PM | Race countdown begins 3:30 PM | Awards ceremony * Parking is limited and we suggest using Metro, which is a short distance walk to the event. Information Source: Department of Energy & Environment | eventbrite

GIMS the last tour is finally coming to Karma DC Live Music Venue for an epic in-person event! Get ready to experience the magic of GIMS live on stage one last time. Don't miss out on this unforgettable night filled with incredible music, amazing energy, and a whole lot of fun. Mark your calendars and grab your tickets now before they sell out. See you there! Information Source: LSMprod | eventbrite

On May 10th, the doors of a truly remarkable home will open – and you're warmly invited to step inside. This is your chance to explore the historic Residence of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on an exclusive small-group tour . You'll get a rare glimpse inside this impressive building, located in the picturesque Kalorama neighborhood. The public spaces of the Residence are beautifully decorated with works of old Dutch masters and newer Dutch talent. Immerse yourself and be in awe of the exquisite artwork! You’ll also have the opportunity to meet diplomats representing the Kingdom and learn more about their work, the longstanding ties between the Kingdom and the United States, and the rich history, economy, and culture of the Netherlands, Aruba, and Curaçao. As you leave the Residence, you’ll be treated to a small gift. Important Information for Visitors To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, please take note of the following: Registration is required : Only guests who have registered in advance will be granted access to the Residence. Timeslot entry : You may only join the tour during your confirmed timeslot. Arrival time : Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour to allow time for check-in. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated or rescheduled to a different timeslot. Guided entry and exit : All guests will be escorted in and out of the building at the beginning and end of the tour. Security : For security reasons, all visitors (including children) must be registered using their official first and last names. Please bring a valid photo ID. Bags may be subject to inspection. Accessibility : The Residence is wheelchair accessible. Parking : Please note that parking in the area is extremely limited or unavailable. Personal belongings : No storage is available for strollers, bicycles, coats, or other items. Only small handbags are permitted inside. Change of plans? If you're unable to attend, please cancel your registration as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to someone else. Information Source: Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands | eventbrite

We are the Nathaniel H Pickett II Foundation, and we are running for mental health! Join us for a run with scenic routes and feel-good activities for people of all ages. Choose between a 2.5K 5K or 10K to walk or run, and bring in the positive vibes with live music, and wellness activities! Event Details When: May 18th, 2025 Where: Fletcher's Cove, Washington, DC 20016 Registration Includes: Medals Access to all of the day's festivities, including live music, giveaways and prizes, and wellness vendors with mindfulness workshops, yoga sessions, and resources for mental health support Donation to Organization Canoes available for rent Important Details: Parking on-site ID required for registration In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled to a later date Our Mission: To unite our community and bring awareness to the importance of mental health. *Agencies focused on mental health are invited to apply as exhibitors. Use the link below to submit your application for consideration. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUVDZIWPxTmsDPyc58SC9YOpN1KFvesTegCxZRw-wauRWbnA/viewform?usp=sharing Information Source: Nathaniel H. Pickett II Foundation | eventbrite

Welcome to Soft Life Day Party (All White Party)! Come join us on Sat, May 24, 2025 at Zebbies Garden for a day filled with good vibes and great music. Put on your best all-white outfit and get ready to dance the day away! Get ready for an unforgettable experience with amazing DJs, delicious drinks, and a lively atmosphere. This is the perfect opportunity to let loose and have a blast with friends old and new. Mark your calendars and get ready for a day of fun at the Memorial Day Weekend (All White DAY Party) at Zebbie's Garden! The best selection of Afrobeat, Amapiano, Hiphop, RnB, Dancehall Jams and A state of the art Photobooth and a luxurious red carpet experience . SATURDAY Day Party 4pm - 9pm ---------------- 21+ Admission | ID’s Required Table/ Bottle Service Please Text 2405758244 There is a mandatory $500 deposit collected per table. The table deposit goes toward your allocated minimum. *All tables have to check in before 6pm to avoid losing the reservation.* Inside VIP ROOM Birthday Packages Bronze - HIGHTOP TABLE - $500 Minimum spend towards bottle service + Tax & Gratuity; 5 Guests Silver - $750 Minimum spend towards bottle service + Tax & Gratuity; 6 Guests Gold - $1000 Minimum spend towards bottle service + Tax & Gratuity; 8 Guests Platinum - $1250 Minimum spend towards bottle service + Tax & Gratuity; 10 Guests Rooftop Minimums Superstar - $1500 Minimum spend towards bottle service + Tax & Gratuity; 10 Guests Diamond - $2000 Minimum spend towards bottle service + Tax and Gratuity; 12 Guests TEXT 240-575-8244 for Table Reservations & Birthdays Information Source: A+ District | eventbrite

Get ready for THE OFFICIAL DC BLACK PRIDE AFTER HOURS event! Join us at Power Nightclub for a night of celebration, music, and fun. Let's keep the party going after the main event with great vibes and even better company. See you there! Information Source: XAVIER ENTERTAINMENT LLC | eventbrite

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Bring a friend and met your instructor, Megan, to learn a lovely art form and flex your creativity. This art form made popular by artists like M.C. Escher, produces beautiful prints over and over. Perfect for repeating designs or art prints, come learn how to carve your own printmaking blocks. During this workshop you’ll carve a 4” by 6” reusable lino block, learn to handle carving tools safely, and print your design. You can create your own design or choose form a selection of patterns curated by Megan. You'll learn the basics of carving with linoeluem and be able to create repeating patterns or mini prints perfect for gifts. All supplies provided. ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Megan is a linocut artist with a background in history. She loves writing, sketching, sewing, and carving new lino blocks. She is passionate about taking time to do art and creative pursuits and learning new techniques. Her Instagram account Starglowrabbit focuses on the calm side of Lino cutting and creating art meditatively. Information Source: Shop Made in DC | eventbrite

Information Source: Lesbian Black Love | eventbrite

The State of Crypto 2025 —an exclusive 1-day Online event where you’ll: Meet the Top 10 - 15 Crypto Disruptors (Top Startups from around the world building innovative fintech solutions on blockchain) – Get an insider look at the most innovative crypto startups revolutionizing the industry. Learn from Crypto Pioneers – Gain direct insights from leading crypto innovators, fintech experts, and blockchain visionaries. Discover Emerging Crypto Trends – Stay ahead with expert analysis of the top crypto, blockchain, and Web3 trends shaping 2025. Expand Your Network – Connect with potential partners, clients, investors, and industry leaders. Who Should Attend? Business leaders and executives Startup founders & entrepreneurs Investors & venture capitalists Blockchain and Web3 professionals Anyone looking to stay ahead in the crypto space Don’t miss this high-impact, fast-paced event designed to give you exclusive market insights, valuable connections, and a front-row seat to the future of crypto! Disclaimer: This event is organized ON-DEMAND in B2B format only. If you represent an organisation interested to book this event for your team - book your free requestration ticket - to schedule a call with us to further discuss this program. If you are in individual - you can join our waitlist - we will notify you once this program becomes available for general public. Email: office@indina-consulting.com with subject line "Crypto Startup Roadshow" Or text via What's app: +1 (650) 507 50 15 More info: https://www.mission2mars.academy/emerging-tech-roadshows Information Source: Indina-Consulting Innovation Academy | eventbrite

Welcome to the **WORLD PRIDE DC 2025 - WHITE PARTY with a RAINBOW TOUCH**! Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with music, dancing, and celebration. Join us on **Sat May 31 2025** at **4:00 pm** at the iconic **Capital City - Hall of Distinction**. Put on your best white outfit with a rainbow touch and come ready to party with the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Let's come together to show our pride and support for equality and love. FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT WE WILL BE PROVIDING : OPEN BAR LITE FARE "LIVE" MUSIC TOP DJ FREE PARKING SPECIAL GUEST BAND ~ "ATTENTION SPAN" BAND & BALTIMORE'S OWN ~DJ CO will be performing to "ROCK THE HOUSE"!!! Don't miss out on this epic event! See you there! Capital City Hall of Distinction is a prestigious event venue in the heart of Washington, DC, known for hosting a variety of gatherings and ceremonies. With its elegant architecture and versatile spaces, this venue provides a sophisticated setting for memorable occasions and celebrations. The venue is close to the Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station. It is a 12 min walk or a 3 min. taxi/Uber/Lyft ride. This event will benefit SMYAL. SMYAL’s youth programs provide queer and trans youth ages 6-24 with a safe space to express themselves and build community. SMYAL’s scholarships recognize outstanding and unapologetic LGBTQ+ student leaders who have demonstrated personal growth and a commitment to creating change in their school or community. Information Source: DC Metro Circle of Friends, Incorporated | eventbrite

Information Source: sole proprietor - Anton Gress | eventbrite

Mid-Atlantic Nanofab Managers Meeting Welcome to the Mid-Atlantic Nanofab Managers Meeting ! Join us for a day of networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration with fellow nanofabrication managers in the Mid-Atlantic region. This in-person event will feature insightful talks and opportunities to connect with peer experts. Don't miss this chance to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, best practices and developments in nanofab operations management. See you there! Information Source: Mid-Atlantic Nanofab Managers Organizing Committee | eventbrite

Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion, examining the trajectory and consequences of U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration. Our panel of experts will explore key themes such as global security, trade relations, geopolitical shifts, human rights, and anti-corruption efforts. The conversation will unpack how recent policy decisions impacted foreign aid, including agency restructurings and aid suspensions, and reflect on the ethical implications for international partnerships and U.S. global leadership. The discussion will be followed by an interactive Q&A session, offering a chance to engage directly with the panelists. Appetizers and beverages will be provided. Information Source: New York Center for Foreign Policy Affairs | eventbrite

Welcome to the Beltane Gathering ! Come join us on Sun May 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM for a night filled with magic, music, and merriment. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just curious about Pagan traditions, this event is open to all who wish to connect with nature and community. Join us in honoring the fertility of the land and the turning of the seasons. We will make individual mini Beltane altars together for you to take home with you. Let's come together to welcome the warmth and abundance of the season. Mark your calendars and spread the word - the Beltane Gathering awaits! Information Source: The Alchemist, Britnie | eventbrite

East City Bookshop welcomes Sophie Gilbert to discuss her book, Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves. Note on Format:This hybrid event will have both an in-person component with limited seating as well as a virtual broadcast via Zoom Webinar. Both in-person and virtual attendees will be able to pose questions to the author during audience Q&A. ABOUT GIRL ON GIRL FromAtlanticcritic and Pulitzer Prize finalist Sophie Gilbert, a blazing critique of early aughts pop culture What happened to feminism in the twenty-first century? This question feels increasingly urgent after a period of cultural and legislative backlash, when widespread uncertainty about the movement’s power, focus, and currency threatens decades of progress. Sophie Gilbert identifies an inflection point in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when the energy of third-wave and “riot grrrl” feminism collapsed into a regressive period of hyper-objectification, sexualization, and infantilization. Gilbert mines the darker side of nostalgia, training her keen analytic eye on the most revealing cultural objects of the era, across music, film, television, fashion, tabloid journalism, and more. And what she recounts is harrowing, from the leering aesthetic of American Apparel ads and explicit music videos to a burgeoning internet culture vicious toward women in the spotlight and damaging for those who weren’t. Gilbert tracks many of the period’s dominant themes back to the explosion of internet porn, tracing its widespread influence as it began to pervade our collective consciousness. Gilbert paints a devastating picture of an era when a distinctly American confluence of excess, materialism, and power worship collided with the culture’s reactionary, puritanical, and chauvinistic currents. Amid a collective reconsideration of the way women are treated in public, Girl on Girl is a blistering indictment of the matrix of misogyny that undergirded the cultural production of the early twenty-first century, and how it continues to shape our world today. Sophie Gilbert is a staff writer at The Atlantic, where she writes about television, books, and popular culture. She won the 2024 National Magazine Award for Reviews and Criticism and was a finalist for the 2022 Pulitzer Prize in Criticism. She lives in London. Information Source: East City Bookshop | eventbrite