With the exception of peak cherry blossom bloom, summer is the District’s busiest season—once Memorial Day passes, we’re in the belly of the beast. Expect throngs of tourists crowding the Metro and packing museums.
Can you really blame them? May in D.C. is my favorite month of the summer; it’s not yet so sweltering that hiding inside is mandatory and there’s a certain breeziness that takes hold when the sun consistently shines and sets at 8pm. Signs of the season are everywhere: college seniors pack the monuments for portrait sessions and celebrations, parks are filled with picnickers, the outdoor patios are packed and there’s a buzz that washes the city with life. One thing about Washingtonians? We know how to take advantage when the seasons shift.
The best things to do this month in D.C. are all about getting out of the house and into the world. Mark this month by truly celebrating the people in it. This month includes the kickoff of a global celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in the form of WorldPride DC 2025. May also means Passport DC, the annual showcase of global cultures that sees locals line up to tour embassies. Plus, who isn’t excited about the return of Jazz in the Garden?
Don’t worry if smaller crowds are more your style. Exploration can happen on your own or with a friend or two at a show, an exhibit, or a vintage sale. Read on for the best things to do in Washington, D.C. right now.
D.C.-based writer Helen Carefoot updated this guide to reflect the best things to do in May and to refresh the listings with new tips and recommendations for summer. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
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