From a temporary reopening of the Smithsonian Castle to a free concert on the Capitol lawn, here is how to navigate the holiday weekend.
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Washington, D.C., prepares for a familiar mix of solemn remembrance and the unofficial start of summer. For residents staying in the District and visitors arriving for the holiday, the city offers a full slate of activities that do not require months of advance planning.
Whether you are looking to honor the military, take in a Broadway-bound musical, or entertain the family, here are five last-minute ways to spend your weekend in the nation’s capital.
Attend the National Memorial Day Concert
A staple of the Washington holiday weekend, the National Memorial Day Concert returns to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 24. The live broadcast and performance begin at 8 p.m.
The concert is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required. General admission gates typically open at 5 p.m., and early arrival is recommended to secure a viewing spot. Attendees must pass through security checkpoints with metal detectors, and all bags will be checked. Because of heavy traffic and extensive street closures around the Capitol grounds, organizers strongly advise taking the Metro. The Federal Center SW and Union Station stops are the closest options.
Visit the Temporarily Reopened Smithsonian Castle
The Smithsonian Institution Building, affectionately known as the Castle, closed for extensive multiyear renovations in early 2023. However, the iconic red sandstone building is temporarily reopening to the public for the summer, running from May 22 through Sept. 7.
Inside, visitors can view “American Aspirations,” a special exhibition honoring the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The exhibit features historic artifacts and explores the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence. The Castle also offers a visitor center, cafe, and shop, making it a convenient starting point for a day on the National Mall.
Catch “The Great Gatsby” at The National Theatre
If you want to escape the summer heat and step into the Roaring Twenties, the new musical adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” is closing out its run at The National Theatre this weekend. The production, which began May 12, features a jazz- and pop-influenced original score and Tony Award-winning costume design.
You have several chances to catch the final performances before the show leaves town. Weekend showtimes are Friday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 23, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, May 24, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Special Offer: $99 rear/side orchestra and main mezzanine seats, $89 front balcony seats, $79 rear mezzanine seats, and $69 rear balcony seats. Use code OLDMONEY for the Friday and Sunday evening performances. The code must be entered before selecting your seats by clicking the “unlock” button.
Watch D.C. United Play at Audi Field
For sports fans, D.C. United hosts a Major League Soccer match against CF Montréal on Saturday, May 23. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Audi Field in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood.
The club is promoting special holiday weekend deals for attendees, including discounted concessions such as $1 hot dogs, popcorn, and popsicles. It offers a family-friendly outdoor evening option to cap off a Saturday in the city.
Explore the Bubble Planet Experience
If you need a kid-friendly indoor activity, Bubble Planet recently opened its doors in Northeast Washington. Located at the Rhode Island Center at 524 Rhode Island Ave. NE, the immersive attraction features 11 thematic environments, including a giant bubble pit, optical illusions, and virtual reality technology.
A standard visit takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Tickets are currently available online, starting at $22.90 for adults and $17.90 for children. Children ages 2 and under can enter for free.
Next Steps: Before heading out this weekend, check the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) website for any holiday weekend track work or schedule changes. If you plan to attend the outdoor events, monitor the local forecast and pack plenty of water.
