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What to Do in DC In June

Updated: March 4, 2024

This post covers the top things to do in June in Washington, DC updated for 2024, including nighttime activities, free things to do, and family-friendly options.

Be sure to read our master post on things to do in DC for even more ideas.


Disclosure: While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text.

Where possible we link to websites that often offer less expensive ticket prices (like StubHub). While we are unable to confirm their prices are the best, they are all verified ticket resellers.


TOP 10 ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

This section covers our top ten list for June.

For more ideas on favorite things to do in DC, check out the following posts:

Some of the items listed in this post are included for free with the purchase of a tourist attraction pass


1. Attend a Sporting Event 

Beer and baseball are the perfect way to fend off the summer swelter, and lucky for us we've got a great lineup for The Washington Nationals.

And while you are here, you could watch the President's Race at each home game.

Baseball

Hockey

Soccer

Check here for even more sporting events in the DC area (including Baltimore) in June.

This is a great option for families. For more family-friendly ideas, check out our things to do with kids section.


2. Go to a Concert

June brings plenty of musical performances to Washington, DC in venues all around the city.

If you're looking for a great concert to enjoy, there will be plenty to choose from.

Pop/RockConcerts

Classical Music/Opera Concerts

Music Festivals

Check this link for even more concerts in Washington, DC in June.


3. Head to the Theater

There will be a few different theatrical performances to see in the Washington DC area this month, including plays, musicals, and ballets.

Musicals/Plays

For even more opportunities, check the following list of theatrical performances in DC during the month of June.


4. Fill Up on BBQ

If you enjoy eating, the 32nd Annual Giant National BBQ Battle is the place to do it.

There are over 100 brands offering food (including BBQ, of course) and drink samples in a "free sampling pavilion".

There's also a 90s nostalgia theme, with a 90s block party that includes DJ Jazzy Jeff!

In addition to other musical acts on 3 stages, you'll find cook offs, contests, and giveaways and so much more.

All of it takes place June 22 & 23, and you can purchase tickets here.

NOTE: If you're looking for more fun activities for fans of all ages, check our family-friendly section below.


5. Take a Sightseeing Tour 

There are so many ways to explore Washington, DC, but of course, we think that our pay-what-you-wish tours are the way to go.

In addition to bus tours and boat cruises, there are bike and segway tours.

You can explore on your own. We offer a GPS-enabled audio tour app, free self-guided tours, and neighborhood guides. 

Learn about all those monuments and memorials in DC and plan your visit to each of them.


6. Celebrate Capital Pride

The Pride festival in DC is beloved and popular. For two days the Dupont Circle neighborhood is alive in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.

The Pride Parade takes place June 8, 2024 in Dupont and Logan Circles.

RIOT! The Capital Pride Official Opening Party takes place on June 9,

And then there is the Pride Festival on the Mall on June 9 where you'll find food and drink, three stages full of entertainment, exhibitors, and 250,000 attendees having fun.

It is a free and family-friendly event and always a lot of fun!

For more information, visit the Capital Pride Parade and Festival website


7. Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Many of the Smithsonian Museums are free and open daily, but some may require timed tickets.

Each year on the National Mall there's a chance to experience traditions from around the world at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Over two weekends there are dance performances, workshops, music, food, and much more, all celebrating diverse cultures.

The festival runs from June 26-30, and then again from July 3-7.

For more information, visit the Folklife website.

For more free things to do in DC in June, check out our free things to do section below.


8. Visit Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is one of the best-known military cemeteries in our nation. 

Take a free walking tour or a trolley tour to learn about specific graves and history, or take a self-guided tour to enjoy at your own place.

Visitors will immediately notice the beauty of the landscape as they stroll through the cemetery, which is home to over 8,600 native and exotic trees.


9. Watch Military Parades

The Marines have an Evening Parade from the Marines Barracks on Friday evenings.

Reservations are required but it is free to attend. Visit the Friday Evening Parade website for more information.

On Tuesdays, you can watch the Sunset Parade from the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial - this event does NOT require tickets or reservations. Read more about it here.

Check out our nighttime activities section for more details.

This is particularly popular with families and we detail it in our family-friendly section.


10. Look into a Tourist Attraction Pass 

Tourist attraction passes bundle together many popular attractions and tours into one that can potentially save you over 50%.

They also can save you time with skip-the-ticket-line privileges. 

We detail how these passes work and help you decide which, if any, is best for you.


THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN JUNE

June is a lovely month weather-wise so spending some time outside after the sun goes down is a treat!

Some of our top ten items are great for evenings like watching a baseball game.

Here are a few more nighttime activities for June.

For more nighttime activities, visit our post on things to do at night in DC


Take a Walking Tour!

We offer several tours in the evening. Our daily 7:45 pm Memorials and Moonlight Tour lets you explore the National Mall after the sun sets.

Other night tours that we offer include:

Reserve a spot now

You might also be interested in a bike or bus night tour.


Kennedy Center Reach's Victoria Park

The outdoor beer and wine picnic area at Kennedy Center's Reach is both kid and dog-friendly!

You'll find beer, wine, cocktails, and prepared food to eat at picnic tables or bring your own blanket. (Just don't bring your own food!) 

Entrance to the Kennedy Center is free and you can take our free self-guided tour of the Kennedy Center along with you.


Stay Late at a Museum

Celebrate the long summer days by staying late at the Smithsonian Museums

The Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery stay open until 7 pm every day.

We offer guided tours of many of the Smithsonian Museums!

For our definitive guide to all the best museums in DC, visit our post.


Attend a Film Festival

The DC/DOX International Film Festival brings documentary films to venues across DC.

See over 60 docs from June 13-16.

Visit the DC/DOX24 for more information.


FREE THINGS TO DO IN JUNE

DC is (fortunately) overloaded with free things to do! In addition to some events listed above, we list a few more below.

For even more budget-friendly ideas, check out our post on free things to do in DC


See a Free Outdoor Movie

There are a few places you can see outdoor screenings of movies for free!

Also, the Library of Congress does a Summer Movies on the Lawn series.

For a complete schedule of films, dates, and locations, visit the websites.

Note: Some sites won't be updated until closer to the date when they begin the series.


Jazz in the Sculpture Garden

From May to July, you can listen to jazz at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden.

Reservations are required and are bookable a week in advance. Note that they go FAST because this is a popular event.

For a complete schedule of performances, visit here


FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN JUNE

Washington, DC is super family-friendly! There are also so many activity options available, there is sure to be something to fit everyone's tastes.

A few activities we've listed above like taking a Potomac River cruise. Here are a few more kid-friendly things to do in June.

Be sure to read our master post on things to do with kids in DC for even more ideas.


Head to the Zoo! 

A part of the Smithsonian Institution (meaning admission is free!), the National Zoo offers families a variety of animals and fun when they visit.

Don't miss the zoo's largest draw - the giant pandas that are currently on loan from China.

Other animal highlights include gorillas, elephants, lions, and zebras, or watch the orangutans walk the high wire every morning

Read more about the Zoo and remember timed tickets are required to enter the Zoo (and ANOTHER ticket is needed to see the Pandas.)


Cool Off at the Georgetown Waterfront Park

Escape the DC humidity along the banks of the Potomac River at the Georgetown Waterfront Park.

Children will enjoy splashing around on the accessible fountain splash pad and lounging on the riverfront steps leading up to the water.

Our Historic Georgetown walking tour starts here and our family-friendly Ghosts of Georgetown Tour begins not too far away. 


Visit the Kids' Sections at the Smithsonian Museums

Smithsonian museums have no costs.

Many of the main Smithsonian Museums on the National Mall have separate rooms for younger visitors, a favorite is the miniature Julia Child's Kitchen in the Wegmen's Wonderplace at the American History Museum.

You'll also find an entire floor of the American Indian Museum geared towards kids, with a passport to explore the many Native cultures.


See DC From the Potomac River

Washington DC has two rivers - the Potomac and the Anacostia and both have kayak and boat rental options.

You can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats in Georgetown, the Wharf, and even the Tidal Basin. Check it out: Boating in DC


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About The Author

Canden Arciniega

Follow On Instagram | I'm a historian & tour guide in Washington DC with 4 published books about the city. I have written for HuffPost Travel and have been featured in the Washington Post, WTOP, and numerous other DC papers. I've also been interviewed by the BBC, NPR, Travel Channel and Discovery Family Channel. I am the producer of the podcast, Tour Guide Tell All. I am an authority on D.C. history, and have led tours in the city since 2011. I currently resides in DC, but have also lived in London and South Korea, and have traveled to over 28 countries and every US State but Hawaii. I homeschool my 2 children by exploring the plethora of museums in DC. Read More...
Updated: March 4th, 2024
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