Les Misérables 

June 11 – July 13 /GENR THEATRE – Since its pre-Broadway run at the Kennedy Center in 1986, Les Misérables has changed the world of musical theater. Now, the acclaimed production returns to the Opera House after its sold-out run in 2023. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, the musical tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. Since its pre-Broadway run at the Kennedy Center in 1986, Les Misérables has changed the world of musical theater. Now, Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Boublil & Schönberg’s Tony Award^®–winning phenomenon returns to the Opera House after its sold-out run in 2023. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, the musical tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/explore-by-genre/theater/2024-2025/les-miserables/

DC/DOX Film Festival 

June 12 – 15 /THE REALITY CHECK FORUM – A dedicated space for fostering dialogue and collaboration within the documentary film community through a series of panels, workshops, masterclasses, 1:1 sessions and a two-day legal clinic. Expect four days of visionary documentaries and conversations with the talent behind dozens of innovative and acclaimed works of non-fiction storytelling. Catch a showing at locations all across the city such as Edlavitch Community Center, Eaton Cinema, MLK Memorial Library and the National Archives. More information is at https://dcdoxfest.com/

Home Rule Music Festival

June 13 and 21/THE PARKS AT WALTER REED – Home Rule Music Festival is more than just a stage—it’s a space where our history, creativity, and community come together to create something lasting. Every year, we honor the legacy of Black music while building a future that’s rooted in culture and powered by people. This DC-centric festival celebrates the rich music and cultural scene of the nation’s capital. The 2025 edition includes a Youth Showcase at Woolly Mammoth and a full day of live performances at the Parks at Walter Reed. If you can’t make these dates, plan ahead for part three in Oct. For more information, visit  https://www.homerulemusicfestival.com/

FIFA Club World Cup 2025

June 14 – July 23 

Local and international soccer fans will flock to stadiums around the U.S. to witness their favorite club teams perform on American soil. The nation’s capital will host three matches of FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at Audi Field from June 18 to June 26. Fans can witness top-tier clashes, including Al Ain (UAE) vs. Juventus (Italy) on June 18, FC Salzburg (Austria) vs. Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) on June 22, and Wydad AC (Morocco) vs. Al Ain on June 26.

Emancipation Proclamation & General Order No. 3 

June 19 – 22 

In honor of Juneteenth, the National Archives will place the original Emancipation Proclamation, the document proclaiming the freedom of all enslaved people, on display in the Archives Rotunda Galleries. The document will be shown alongside General Order No. 3, which U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation informing the people of Texas that all enslaved people were free.

District Cup 

June 21

The game of Polo has been played on the National Mall for more than 100 years. Thousands of guests from around the world—including young professionals, diplomats, members of Congress, executives, and more will gather on the National Mall to experience world-class horsemanship to raise money to support educational and Polo scholarships for underserved Washington, DC-area youth. This is a ticketed event.

Fête De La Musique – World Music Day 

June 21 

Faites la fête at Georgetown’s iteration of the free, live music festival that has been celebrated in France for over 40 years. Listeners can catch R&B, Americana, jazz, bluegrass, spoken word or rock across the fest’s locations throughout Georgetown’s commercial district and at the French Embassy.

Smithsonian Solstice Saturday 

June 21 

Celebrate the official first Saturday of summer with the Smithsonian. Institutions like the Hirshhorn, the National Zoo, the National Museum of Asian Art and the National Museum of American History will curate special projects and programs, host exciting performances and grant the rare chance to explore the museums into the evening.

Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle

June 21- 22 

Rib roasters and sauce bosses show off their delicious wares during the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle. Dozens of pit masters, local restaurants and live music shut down Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th streets NW for a lively street party. Cooking demos and free tastings make for a delicious (and filling) experience. Tickets start at $20.

Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend

June 21 – 22 
Take two days to enjoy free admission at seven awesome DC museums. The Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk weekend includes Anderson House, Dumbarton House, Dupont Underground, the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, O Museum in The Mansion, The Phillips Collection and the Woodrow Wilson House. You will have access to new exhibits, fascinating stories and live music at each museum, an incredible free opportunity that comes only once a year.

Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony

June 26 – 27 

Join the National Symphony Orchestra for a vivid, visual-musical journey through the music, life, and legacy of Dolly Parton, featuring the Southern icon on screen. Accompanied by guest vocalists and musicians, Steven Reineke conducts new and innovative orchestrations by David Hamilton of Dolly’s hit songs, including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You,” plus some of her own personal favorites.