What's Hot in Washington, DC January to March 2026
- Tracey Watters
- Jan 15
- 9 min read
15 January 2026: Washington, DC welcomes the new year with a dynamic lineup of cultural milestones, major openings and citywide celebrations that make 2026 a standout time to visit. From headline-making exhibitions and performances to acclaimed restaurant and hotel debuts, the nation’s capital offers fresh reasons to explore in the year ahead.
Capitol | Courtesy of NCPC
DC’s dining scene continues to gain momentum with high-profile additions, including celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Marcus DC and Omakase Room by Tadayoshi, marking Chef Tadayoshi Motoa’s first U.S. venture. Georgetown now hosts the first U.S. outpost of World’s 50 Best Bar Brasero Atlántico, while chefs Isabel Coss and Matt Conroy bring French-inspired fare to Adams Morgan with Maison Bar à Vins. On the accommodations front, the newly renovated Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill and the historic Willard InterContinental debut refreshed experiences, with CitizenM Georgetown slated to open later in 2026.
Throughout the year, Washington, DC takes centre stage for America’s 250th anniversary, with events unfolding across all four seasons and neighbourhoods. As the only city where visitors can view the original Declaration of Independence, DC offers unparalleled access to the nation’s story. Highlights include the 10th anniversary of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the opening of a new museum beneath the Lincoln Memorial, final phases of the National Air and Space Museum expansion, the largest renovation in the history of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and a new concourse at Dulles International Airport.
Together, these milestones position Washington, DC for an exceptional year of discovery in 2026.
MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES IN 2026
Arena Stage – 75th anniversary
National Air and Space Museum – 50th anniversary
Art Museum of the Americas – 50th anniversary
National Museum of African American History and Culture – 10th anniversary
50 Years of Go-Go Music | Credit Washington.org
MAJOR CULTURAL OPENINGS
National Archives Museum (2026) - Following a USD$40 million renovation, the first in 20 years, the only place to see the Declaration of Independence debuts a reimagined permanent exhibition. New galleries feature original documents, films and artifacts, including George Washington’s personal copy of the Constitution, displayed publicly here for the first time. AI-driven technology allows visitors to personalise their journey through American history.
Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (opened September 2025) - Immersive galleries explore ingenuity, perseverance and opportunity in a nation shaped by immigrants.
Credit Milken Centre for the American Dream
African American Civil War Memorial Museum (reopening late 2025) - Honouring the 209,145 U.S. Coloured Troops who fought to end slavery and preserve the Union, the museum reopens with expanded galleries and storytelling.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon (2026) - After a major restoration, the mansion’s first and second floors fully reopen, including the Washington bedchamber. New exhibitions and a Revolutionary War encampment bring 18th-century life into focus.
Historic Carousel on the National Mall (March 2026) - This restored artifact, tied to a pivotal moment in civil rights history, returns to public view after extensive conservation.
Tidal Basin Enhancements (spring 2026) - Infrastructure upgrades, wider walkways and 250 newly planted cherry trees improve access and resilience ahead of peak bloom season.
Jefferson Memorial New Exhibits (2026) - State-of-the-art galleries present broader perspectives on Thomas Jefferson and the memorial’s construction and legacy.
National Geographic Museum of Exploration (summer 2026) - Reopening after a major renovation, the museum offers immersive exhibits, iconic photography, an innovative theatre experience and nightly outdoor projections.
National Air and Space Museum (July 2026) - The final phase of a multi-year renovation concludes, reopening most galleries and public spaces in time for the museum’s 50th anniversary.
Museum Beneath the Lincoln Memorial (July 2026) - Fifteen thousand square feet of new exhibition space opens beneath the memorial, revealing its rich history and role as a powerful symbol of civil rights.
Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden (fall 2026) - The USD$68 million revitalisation reopens the 1.4-acre art park as a leading destination for outdoor sculpture, performance, education and dining.
Global Moments & Signature Events
FIFA World Cup 26 - Washington, DC serves as a gateway destination for East Coast matches, supported by three major airports, Amtrak connections and citywide watch parties and hotel packages.
DC250 (yearlong celebrations) - As the epicenter of America’s 250th anniversary, DC hosts exhibitions, performances, culinary experiences and public art citywide. Highlights include:
51 Steps to Freedom Trail - An 8-mile augmented reality trail featuring 300+ stories across 51 historic sites
National Archives - Expanded displays including the Emancipation Proclamation and 19th Amendment (March 2026)
Road to Revolution - Rotating original documents through August 2026
National Gallery of Art - Special exhibitions and the museum’s largest-ever campus-wide block party
Fourth of July on the National Mall - Reenactments, parades and fireworks marking the semiquincentennial
Smithsonian Castle Temporary Reopening (May - September 2026)
National Museum of American History – New exhibition exploring the ideals of the Declaration of Independence
Historic Dining Icons - DC’s culinary landmarks continue to anchor the city’s story, including 1789 Restaurant, Ben’s Chili Bowl, Martin’s Tavern, Old Ebbitt Grill and Succotash Prime, each offering a taste of history alongside contemporary dining.
Experience America's 250th Anniversary in Washington, DC | DC250
Washington, DC’s hotel landscape continues to evolve in 2026, with a wave of new openings, conversions and milestone celebrations timed to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary. From lifestyle brands and university-led projects to major national flags, several highly anticipated hotels are set to debut this year, expanding options across price points and neighbourhoods.
CitizenM Washington Georgetown (early 2026) – CitizenM’s third DC property opens along the Georgetown waterfront near Key Bridge. The 230-room lifestyle hotel preserves the façade of a 100-year-old building while introducing the brand’s signature design-forward rooms, vibrant communal spaces and technology-driven guest experience.
City Express by Marriott Washington, DC Northeast (March 2026) – Marriott’s midscale City Express brand debuts in the capital with a conversion of the former Hotel Arboretum. The 126-room property will feature complimentary hot breakfast, a fitness centre and refreshed guestrooms designed for value-focused travellers.
Hoya Hotel (Spring 2026) – Georgetown University’s hotel in the Leavey Center reopens as the Hoya Hotel following a comprehensive renovation. The five-story property will feature 146 modern guest rooms, 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space and an open-concept lobby filled with natural light.
Tempo by Hilton Washington, DC Downtown (late 2026) – A former office building at 1776 K Street NW is transformed into a 278-room Tempo by Hilton, offering contemporary rooms, a café and restaurant, flexible meeting space and an outdoor rooftop overlooking downtown DC.
Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill – Completing a full-property transformation ahead of its 50th anniversary, the hotel debuts fully redesigned guest rooms, upgraded meeting spaces, refreshed dining venues and modernised public areas.
As Washington, DC takes centre stage for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, several iconic hotels are marking major milestones, including:
St. Regis Washington, DC – 100 Years (2026) – Opened in 1926 as the Carlton Hotel, the landmark property celebrates its centennial following a comprehensive redesign revealed in 2024.
Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill – 50 Years (2026) – The milestone year follows the completion of a sweeping renovation across guest rooms, public spaces and conference facilities.
Credit The St. Regis Washington, DC
EAT
Washington, DC’s dining and drinking scene enters 2026 with momentum, driven by highly anticipated openings, chef-driven returns and national brands choosing the capital for their next chapter. From intimate neighbourhood restaurants to headline-making imports, the year ahead delivers fresh flavours across the city.
Alfie’s (early 2026) – From Lucky Buns founder Chef Alex McCoy, the beloved Isaan-style concept returns in a cozy 25-seat Georgetown location. The menu features bold Thai-inspired dishes such as beef-rib khao soi, paired with natural wines and cold beer.
Uchi (2026) – James Beard Award–winning Chef Tyson Cole brings his acclaimed Japanese dining concept to Washington, DC. The menu will showcase a refined blend of tradition and innovation, including sushi, seasonal omakase and a curated tasting experience.
Dead Rabbit (2026) – Originating in New York, the world-renowned Irish bar is set to open in Penn Quarter. The two-story, 6,200-square-foot space will feature Guinness on tap, Irish coffees, whiskeys and elevated pub fare paired with warm hospitality.
Giordano’s (2026) – The iconic Chicago deep-dish pizzeria makes its DC debut in a 7,400-square-foot space near Chinatown, offering dine-in, takeout and delivery, with room for up to 150 guests.
Cork & Wine Bar (2026) – A neighbourhood favourite opens its third location, featuring a 20-seat wine bar and retail shop, a tasting room for classes and events, and a curated menu of cheese, charcuterie and small plates in Cleveland Park.
Taki Taki (2026) – Opening on Capitol Hill, this new Indian restaurant draws inspiration from the philosophy atithi devo bhava (“the guest is god”), serving regional dishes crafted with traditional spices and modern technique.
The Salty Donut (2026) – The Miami-based, family-owned doughnut brand expands into DC with multiple locations planned, offering its signature brioche doughnuts alongside rotating, DC-inspired flavours.
Credit - Uchi
DEVELOPMENTS
Washington, DC enters 2026 amid unprecedented investment, with transformative projects reshaping neighbourhoods, cultural institutions and infrastructure in advance of America’s 250th anniversary. From major civic enhancements to landmark openings, the city’s evolution is on full display.
National Mall Enhancements – Nearly USD$500 million in improvements are underway across the National Mall ahead of the semiquincentennial. Highlights include the debut of a new 15,000-square-foot exhibit space beneath the Lincoln Memorial, revitalised Constitution Gardens with new gathering and event areas, and continued restoration work at the Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin. Japan will also gift 250 cherry trees to commemorate the anniversary.
Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden (opening 2026) – The reimagined sunken sculpture garden debuts following its first major renovation since 1974. Designed by artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, the project expands gallery space, improves accessibility and introduces new areas for performances and large-scale installations.
National Air and Space Museum (final galleries complete 2026) – The multi-year renovation concludes with the opening of remaining galleries, a new learning centre, redesigned entrance and expanded visitor amenities, timed to the museum’s 50th anniversary and the nation’s 250th birthday.
National Archives Museum (2026) – A new permanent gallery reinterpreting the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights opens with immersive media, updated storytelling and a new education centre.
National Geographic Museum of Exploration (2026) – Following a USD$250 million campus rehabilitation, National Geographic unveils a modernised headquarters and immersive museum experience featuring interactive exhibits, state-of-the-art theatres and sustainability-forward design.
Credit - National Geographic Museum of Exploration
Pennsylvania Avenue Redesign – Construction is expected to begin in 2026 on a long-term plan to transform Pennsylvania Avenue into a more pedestrian-friendly, vibrant civic corridor connecting the White House and the Capitol.
Downtown Action Plan – A USD$400 million, five-year initiative continues to bring new housing, green spaces, safety improvements and cultural hubs downtown. DC remains a national leader in office-to-residential conversions, with dozens of projects active or underway.
Yards West (Capitol Riverfront) – Retail, residential and public-space openings continue through 2026 as part of what will become DC’s largest mixed-use waterfront neighbourhood.
Buzzard Point – New residential buildings around Audi Field bring thousands of new homes to the evolving waterfront district.
Bridge District (Ward 8) – Following its initial opening, additional phases progress toward completion, positioning the neighbourhood as one of the largest zero-carbon residential developments in the world.
Reservoir District – Redevelopment of the historic McMillan Sand Filtration Site advances toward major residential, retail and park completions by 2027, with visible progress in 2026.
Brooklyn Bowl Washington, DC (Opening 2026) – The all-in-one entertainment venue opens near Audi Field, featuring bowling lanes, live music, a restaurant and event space with capacity for 1,200 guests.
African American Civil War Memorial Museum (Reopening 2026) – The renovated museum reopens with expanded galleries honouring the 209,145 U.S. Coloured Troops who fought to end slavery.
Dulles International Airport – A new 14-gate United Airlines concourse is scheduled for completion in 2026, bringing expanded seating, lounges, dining and retail. Across Reagan National and Dulles, more than 80 new concessions are expected to open by year’s end.
Reagan National Airport (DCA) – Terminal upgrades continue through 2026, including new dining, retail, amenities and construction of a 1,500-space parking garage.
PLAY
Kick off 2026 in Washington, DC with a dynamic calendar of exhibitions, festivals and events spanning art, culture, sports and history.
Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985 | Through 4 January 2026
The National Gallery of Art presents a landmark exhibition featuring more than 100 Black artists whose work shaped cultural identity and creativity through photography.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebrations | 20 January 2026
Washington, DC honours Dr. King’s legacy with citywide commemorations, including performances, parades and volunteer opportunities.
Presidents’ Day & Washington’s Birthday | 17 February 2026
Celebrate American leadership with special programming, exhibits and tours at memorials and museums across the city.
Mardi Gras at The Wharf | 1 March 2026
DC’s waterfront comes alive with parades, stilt walkers, live music and fireworks inspired by New Orleans tradition.
1776 | 13 March to 16 May 2026
The Tony Award–winning musical returns to Ford’s Theatre, dramatising the debate surrounding the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
National Cherry Blossom Festival | 20 March to 12 April 2026
DC’s signature spring celebration commemorates the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Tokyo, with peak bloom expected between 28–31 March.
Cherry Blossoms
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