Not Bored in DC
Smithsonian Summer Solstice Weekend 2026

Smithsonian Summer Solstice Weekend 2026

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It's expanded from one day to the whole weekend! All 11 Smithsonian museums on the National Mall are staying open late for summer solstice weekend with special performances, programs, and America's 250th anniversary celebrations sprinkled throughout.

A few off-Mall spots are joining in too, including the National Zoo on Sunday. Note that some museums require free timed passes, and Mall access may be slower than usual this summer.

Click on the location to see the event details for each spot.
16 spots
2

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

History MuseumΒ· Northwest Washington
πŸ“… Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20
⏱️ Open until 11 PM

Friday, June 19

  • 🎈 Indepen'Dance takes over the American History Museum with two days of dancing, live music, and hands-on activities celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary. You can learn go-go moves from The Go-Go Museum, catch live performances from swing bands to DJ sets, take drop-in dance classes in everything from hip hop to ballet, and even watch the cult classic film Hairspray. Friday 6/19. Free.

  • πŸ–ŒοΈ Learn to Beat Ya Feet with Next Gen Krank at this high-energy workshop celebrating DC's iconic go-go dance style. You'll pick up some moves in the 4 p.m. workshop, then stick around for a live performance from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday 6/19. Free.

  • 🌐 Celebrate the summer solstice with Β‘Puro Ritmo! Summer Solstice Celebration at the National Museum of American History, where you can dance, sing karaoke, learn percussion, and explore the history of salsa through hands-on activities and guided tours. The museum stays open until 11 p.m., so you've got all day and night to experience the music and stories that shaped this iconic American sound. Friday 6/19. Free.

  • πŸ“œ Step into 1776 with Gunboat Philadelphia: Save the Revolution!, a VR experience that puts you right in the action of how Patriots worked together to stop a British invasion. It's history that actually feels like you're living it. Friday 6/19. $10 per person.

  • 🎈 Head to the American History Museum for Indepen'Dance: Civic Season Lounge, a celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary with dance, activities for all ages, and a Wish Wall where you can share your hopes for America's future. Grab a drink, hang out, and imagine what the next 10, 50, or 100 years could look like. Friday 6/19. Free.

  • πŸ•Ί Get ready to dance under the stars at Discoteca del Sol, where DJ Adrian Collazo and Orquesta Manplesa bring the heat with salsa dura and 1970s disco on the Madison Avenue Terrace. It's the perfect blend of Caribbean rhythms and summer energy that'll have you moving all night. Friday 6/19. Free.

Saturday, June 20

  • πŸ•Ί Head to the American History Museum for Indepen'Dance, an outdoor dance party celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US with DJ sets from Baronhawk Poitier and Les the DJ. Expect four hours of house, funk, disco, and everything in between on the Madison Drive Terrace, perfect for dancing with friends or bringing the whole family. Saturday 6/20. Free.

  • πŸ•Ί Dance to an all-vinyl DJ set with Leon City Sounds at the American History Museum's Indepen'Dance celebration. This husband-and-wife duo brings infectious Latin American sounds and deep musical traditions that'll keep you moving all night long. Saturday 6/20. Free.

  • 🎈 Celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary at Indepen'Dance: Civic Season Lounge, where you can grab a drink, hang out, and write down your hopes for America's future on the Wish Wall. It's a laid-back evening of reflection and conversation that welcomes everyone, from kids to adults. Saturday 6/20. Free.

  • πŸ•Ί Get ready to swing and sway at Indepen'Dance with Scott Silbert's Biggest Big Band, a roaring dance party celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary. This isn't your typical concertβ€”the band adds a full string section to classic swing sounds, so whether you're a seasoned dancer or just want to move around, you'll feel the energy. Saturday 6/20. Free.

  • πŸ“œ Step into 1776 with Gunboat Philadelphia: Save the Revolution!, a VR experience that shows you how thousands of Patriots worked together to stop a British invasion. It's history that actually feels real. Saturday 6/20. $10 per person.

  • πŸ•Ί Learn the moves that shaped DC culture at Indepen'Dance: Hand Dance presentation and social dance with the National Hand Dance Association. You'll catch a film about Hand Dance history, watch performers show off everything from '60s classics like the Twist to modern styles, and then get a beginner-friendly lesson before hitting the dance floor yourself with a live DJ. Saturday 6/20. Free.

  • πŸ•Ί Your little ones can get moving and grooving at Story Time with DC Public Library and CityDance Studios, where dancers from CityDance will teach creative movement to go along with the stories. It's the perfect way to get kids excited about reading and dancing at the same time, and the whole thing is designed for ages 5 and under (though everyone's welcome to join in). Saturday 6/20. Free.

  • 🎭 Catch Hairspray (1988) at the History Film Forum, where a Baltimore teen's dream of becoming a dance queen becomes a fight for racial desegregation in the 1960s. John Waters' cult classic is funny, sweet, and surprisingly relevant, plus it's part of the Indepen'Dance celebration. Saturday 6/20. Free.
3

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

MuseumΒ· Northwest Washington
πŸ“… Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20
⏱️ Open until 11pm

Friday, June 19

  • πŸ“– Spend 45 minutes learning how the Pollinator Garden creates habitats that support birds, insects, and people all at once. A knowledgeable volunteer will meet you outside the Constitution Avenue entrance to the National Museum of Natural History and show you the summer blooms that make it all happen. Friday 6/19. Free.

  • πŸ“– The Natural Museum of Natural History is staying open late with a scavenger hunt, DJ music in the Rotunda, and special exhibits celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary. Grab a self-guided hunt, explore the galleries until 11 pm, snag a prize from the National Postal Museum table, and hit up the cafΓ©s for food and drinks while you're there. Friday 6/19. Free.

Saturday, June 20

  • πŸ“– Get an early-morning look at the Pollinator Garden Tour where you'll learn how these gardens create homes for birds, butterflies, and other pollinators. A knowledgeable volunteer will meet you outside the Constitution Avenue entrance before the museum opens, so you'll have the space practically to yourself. Saturday 6/20. Free.

  • πŸ“– The National Museum of Natural History is staying open late until 11 PM for the Solstice celebration, so you can explore the galleries at your own pace without the daytime crowds. Grab a bite at the Atrium CafΓ© or browse the shops while you're there. Saturday 6/20. Free.

  • πŸ“– Bring the kids to celebrate the summer solstice at The World & Me: WETA PBS KIDS and NMNH's Solstice and Museum Celebration where you'll explore nature and culture through hands-on stations, specimen observations, and art activities. Plus, special guest Alma from the PBS Kids show "Alma's Way" will be there, and they're screening an episode about her family's museum visit throughout the day. Saturday 6/20. Free.

Sunday, June 21

  • 🌲 Bring the kids to the Pollinator Party at the Pollinator Garden and get hands-on with the Smithsonian Gardens Bug Mobile. You'll learn why pollinators matter, check out the new Growing Tomorrow exhibition, and discover how to help these important creatures in your own neighborhood. Sunday 6/21. Free.

  • πŸ“– Want to see how a garden can be a home for butterflies, bees, and birds? Take the Pollinator Garden Tour at the National Museum of Natural History where you'll learn how these blooming spaces support all kinds of wildlife and people too. A knowledgeable volunteer will meet you outside the Constitution Avenue entrance to get started. Sunday 6/21. Free.
4

National Museum of the American Indian

History MuseumΒ· Southwest Washington
πŸ“… Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20
⏱️ Open until 11pm

Friday, June 19

  • πŸ“– Experience the universe in a totally new way at Touch & Hear the Universe, where NASA's Chandra Interactive Sonification Wall lets you literally play the stars using motion-tracking sensors and sound. You'll explore cosmic wonders like the Pillars of Creation through light, sound, and touch all at once, and it's designed so everyone from kids to adults can get into it. Friday 6/19. Free.

  • πŸ•Ί Amy HānaialiΚ»i in Concert brings a Grammy-nominated vocalist to the American Indian Museum for an evening of her original compositions and traditional Hawaiian songs. This is your chance to experience the powerful falsetto tradition of ha'i performed by someone who's revived it for audiences worldwide. Friday 6/19. Free.

  • πŸ“– Get an insider look at InSight: Photos and Stories from the Archives, a guided tour through powerful images of Indigenous life across the Western Hemisphere. The museum's archivists will walk you through everyday moments of joy, family gatherings, and cultural traditions captured from over half a million photos in the collection. Friday 6/19. Free.

Saturday, June 20

  • πŸ“– Learn the powerful story behind the National Native American Veterans Memorial from museum specialist Rachelle B. Pablo (DinΓ©), who'll walk you through the design and meaning of this striking outdoor monument created by artist and Marine Corps veteran Harvey Pratt. It's a chance to understand the deep legacy of Native service in the U.S. Armed Forces in a really meaningful way. Saturday 6/20. Free.

  • πŸ§‘β€πŸ€β€πŸ§‘ Snap a solstice selfie with Ande the Llama at the American Indian Museum and strike a pose with a giant plush llama surrounded by colorful props and fun backdrops. Perfect for getting some genuinely funny photos with your crew. Saturday 6/20. Free.

  • πŸ•Ί Shub's PowWow-Step Dance Party brings Indigenous electronic music and live dancers to the American Indian Museum for a night of high-energy beats and movement. Shub, a Mohawk musician who literally created the powwow-step genre, is bringing the bass-heavy production and ancient rhythms that'll get you moving whether you're flying solo or bringing your crew. Saturday 6/20. Free.

  • πŸ“– Curator Tour: Stretching the Canvas takes you through ten decades of Native painting with curator Anya Montiel, who'll share how American Indian artists fought for recognition after World War I. Stick around for a fun Find-It activity that'll have you and your crew competing for bragging rights. Saturday 6/20. Free.

  • πŸ“– You can literally play the stars at Touch & Hear the Universe, NASA's brand new interactive exhibit that turns space data into sound and light you can actually touch. Motion sensors let you activate cosmic soundscapes from the Pillars of Creation and other mind-blowing views from the Chandra X-ray Observatory and James Webb telescope. Saturday 6/20. Free.

  • πŸ–ŒοΈ You'll get to learn beading techniques rooted in Assiniboine traditions while making your own glow-in-the-dark keychain with green, yellow, and blue beads. It's a hands-on way to connect with Indigenous art forms that have been passed down through generations and still matter today. Saturday 6/20. Free.

  • πŸ–ŒοΈ Learn about the strawberry harvest traditions celebrated by Native communities in the Northeast, then make your own paper strawberry to take home. It's a hands-on way to connect with Indigenous culture and get creative at the same time. Saturday 6/20. Free.

Sunday, June 21

  • 🍲 Watch Chef Alex Strong whip up two dishes using corn at the American Indian Museum and learn why this ingredient has been so important to Native peoples for thousands of years. You'll get to taste samples and pick up some kitchen tips you can actually use at home. Sunday 6/21. Free.

  • πŸ“– Experience the universe through sound and touch at Touch & Hear the Universe, NASA's brand new interactive exhibit that lets you literally "play" the stars using motion sensors and cosmic imagery from the Chandra X-ray Observatory, James Webb, and Hubble telescopes. It's a mind-bending way to explore space that works for curious kids and adults alike. Sunday 6/21. Free.

  • πŸ–ŒοΈ Make something cool with your hands at this cornhusk dragonfly craft where you'll learn why corn has been so important to Native peoples for thousands of years. You'll transform dried cornhusks into a colorful dragonfly to take home, and honestly, it's a great way to get creative while learning something real. Sunday 6/21. Free.
9

Enid A. Haupt Garden

GardenΒ· Southwest Washington
πŸ“… Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20
⏱️ Open until 11pm

Friday, June 19

  • πŸ“– Want to learn the real story behind one of DC's most beautiful gardens? Take a free guided tour of the Enid A. Haupt Garden with a knowledgeable volunteer who'll walk you through the garden's history and what makes it special today. Friday 6/19. Free.

  • 🌲 Spend your evening exploring the Enid A. Haupt Garden for Garden Nights, where you can check out tropical plants, spot nighttime pollinators, and snap photos with moth or butterfly wings. You'll also get to see the Growing Tomorrow exhibition about how American gardens have changed over time. Friday 6/19. Free.

  • πŸ–ŒοΈ Bring the kids (or just yourself) to Garden Break for hands-on activities, games, and crafts throughout the Haupt Garden. You can also grab a journal and spend time sketching what you see, then check out the new Growing Tomorrow exhibition about how gardens spark memories. Friday 6/19. Free.

Saturday, June 20

  • 🌲 Bring the kids to Pollinator Party at the Smithsonian Gardens for hands-on activities, the Bug Mobile, and pollinator-themed story times throughout the day. You'll learn why these creatures matter and pick up tips for helping them thrive in your own neighborhood. Saturday 6/20. Free.

Sunday, June 21

  • πŸ“– Take a free guided tour of the Enid A. Haupt Garden with a knowledgeable volunteer who'll walk you through the history of Smithsonian Gardens and American gardening. It's a perfect way to spend a Sunday morning learning about this iconic green space right in the heart of DC. Sunday 6/21. Free.
10

Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building

Museum
πŸ“… Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20
⏱️ Open until 11pm

Friday, June 19

  • πŸ–ŒοΈ Drop by the Papel Picado Drop-in Workshop with David Amoroso and learn how to transform a flat piece of paper into an intricately cut colorful strand of this beautiful Mexican tradition. Kids and adults can work side by side creating your own projects at your own pace. Friday 6/19. Free.

  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Watch artist Ubaldo SΓ‘nchez create a stunning alfombra (sawdust carpet) installation across the tile floors of the Arts and Industries Building. He and his assistants will be there all day sharing the story behind this beautiful Maya artistic tradition and letting you get up close with the process. Friday 6/19. Free.

  • πŸ“– Ever wondered how the Smithsonian pulls off a massive garden exhibition across the entire National Mall? Growing Tomorrow: Developing a Mall-Wide Garden Exhibition gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how the gardens team plans, coordinates, and actually makes it all happen, from the first spark of an idea to dealing with real-world logistics. You'll hear directly from the Smithsonian Gardens staff and landscape architects about what goes into creating nine different exhibits that explore our connection to nature and growing a better future. Friday 6/19. Free.

  • πŸ›οΈ Spend your day browsing the Folklife Marketplace where you'll find handmade goods from artists and makers across the country, everything from Louisiana cotton bags to Ozark syrups and 250th commemorative pieces. It's the kind of place where you can actually chat with the people who made what you're buying. Friday 6/19. Free.

  • πŸ“– Take a peaceful tour of the Kathrine Dulin Folger Rose Garden and Mary Livingston Ripley Garden with a knowledgeable volunteer guide who'll show you around these beautiful green spaces on the National Mall. It's a perfect way to slow down and find some calm in the middle of the city. Friday 6/19. Free.

  • πŸ“– Learn why bison are way more impressive than you probably think in this conversation with experts from the Smithsonian who study and celebrate America's national mammal. Kirk Johnson, Emil Her Many Horses, and Bill McShea will share what makes these massive animals so important to our history, culture, and land. Friday 6/19. Free.

  • πŸ–ŒοΈ Spend your Friday morning getting hands-on with Introduction to Bookbinding: The Sewn Softcover Book, where you'll learn the basics of creating a handmade book from local creative Amaal Younes. You'll work with paper and thread to master one of the oldest binding techniques while discovering how bookbinding can be both a practical skill and a meditative practice. Friday 6/19. $115.

  • πŸ–ŒοΈ Drop by the Papel Picado Drop-in Workshop with David Amoroso and learn how to transform a flat piece of paper into an intricately cut colorful strand of this beautiful Mexican tradition. Kids and adults can work side by side creating your own projects at your own pace. Friday 6/19. Free.

Saturday, June 20

  • 🎈 The Arts and Industries Building is staying open late for Solstice weekend with live jazz, summer cocktails, and a photo booth to celebrate America's 250th. You can catch performances from Hot Club of DC and Freeform The Collective, browse the Folklife Marketplace, and check out the Voices and Votes exhibition all in one night. Saturday 6/20. Free.

  • πŸ“– Take a peaceful guided tour through the Kathrine Dulin Folger Rose Garden and Mary Livingston Ripley Garden with a knowledgeable volunteer who'll show you around the blooming roses and hidden garden spots. It's a perfect way to find some quiet inspiration right in the heart of the Smithsonian. Saturday 6/20. Free.

  • πŸ“– Want to hear what young people actually think about museums? The Kids Are Alright: Youth Voices Leading the Future of Museums brings together educators from across the Smithsonian to talk about how they're empowering the next generation through art, history, and science programs. You'll get real insight into what's working and how teens are literally helping shape the future of these institutions. Saturday 6/20. Free.

  • πŸ–ŒοΈ Get hands-on with Ubaldo SΓ‘nchez's alfombra workshop at the Arts and Industries Building, where you'll create your own mini sawdust carpet inspired by this beautiful Latin American tradition. You'll design, photograph, and then sweep away your creation, which is kind of the whole point of this fleeting art form. Saturday 6/20. Free.

  • πŸ–ŒοΈ Learn to weave a one-of-a-kind pocket basket with master weaver Lori VanKirk Schue at the Arts and Industries Building. You'll get the full experience, from picking the right materials to mastering the tools and techniques, and everyone from beginners to experienced crafters is welcome. Saturday 6/20. Paid workshop.