What's Hot in Washington, DC July - September 2025
- peri861
- Jun 25, 2025
- 8 min read
Summer in Washington, DC is marked by exciting festivals and standout events, especially during holiday weekends. This Summer the USA Capital will host the beloved Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall, Fourth of July celebrations featuring spectacular fireworks, and later in the season, the DC JazzFest which will bring music to venues citywide.
Summer is also a prime time to explore DC’s vibrant culinary scene. At The Wharf, the renowned Fish Shop opens its second global location, joined by Willowsong from acclaimed chef Jeffrey Williams. Across the city, Stephen Starr revives The Occidental with glamour, Hakan Ilhan debuts Alara in Georgetown, and Food Network star Eric Adjepong launches Elmina. The new Sixty DC Hotel, opening in June, introduces Casamara and Reynold’s Bar.
Since 2020, DC has added more than 30 new or revamped rooftop spots, including Marcus Samuelsson’s Sly at The Morrow, ART DC at Arlo, and the immersive Dome at Hi-Lawn. With the city’s height restrictions, these rooftops offer sweeping views of iconic monuments—perfect for a summer evening.
Here’s what sizzling in DC this Summer:
EXPLORE
It’s rooftop and patio season in DC, so for monumental views from above take the elevator to one of DC’s 30+ new or renovated rooftop experiences since 2020. Underscoring the notion “There’s Only One DC,” the city’s height restrictions ensure each establishment boasts an iconic backdrop. Many of these trendy rooftops are atop the city’s most stylish hotels.
Marcus Samuelsson’s Sly at the Morrow Hotel, ART DC at the Arlo DC, Ciel Social Club’s second location at the Washington Marriott Capitol Hill and Sixty DC’s new rooftop space (opening this summer) are among the newest additions.
For sweeping monumental views and signature cocktails, head to VUE in the Hotel Washington, overlooking the White House and Washington Monument. The YOTEL’s Deck 11, Conrad’s Summit and AC Hotel Washington, DC Capitol Hill’s Smoke and Mirrors overlook the awe-inspiring Capitol dome.
For elegant waterfront views, the Pendry’s Moonraker is a stunner, complete with a Japanese-inspired menu. Nearby options include Whiskey Charlie atop the Canopy by Hilton Washington, DC and 12 Stories atop the InterContinental Washington, DC. The Potomac River is also in view from the Graham Rooftop and Rosewood’s CUT Above in Georgetown, and Top of the Gate at the Watergate Hotel.
In NoMa, Treehouse Rooftop tops the Hotel Nell-Union Market – paying homage to the building’s history as a seed factory. At Sushi by Bou, located atop the citizenM Washington DC Capitol Hill, experience the lively, intimate spirit of the underground disco era while enjoying its signature, high-quality omakase menu. Lucha Rosa in the Moxy Hotel has a collection of more than 130 bottles of tequila and menu offerings include tacos and ceviche.
Summer also offers the perfect time to appreciate the beautifully decorated patios of DC’s most charming hotels. The Hotel Monaco’s Dirty Habit, known locally for its winter chalets, offers a seasonal summer pop-up: Riviera. An alfresco lunch at Café du Parc outside the historic Willard InterContinental and the sunken garden at Park Hyatt’s chic Blue Duck Tavern are local treats. From its signature black and white chairs, take in views of Lafayette Square from French brasserie Opaline at the Sofitel.
EAT
As summer arrives in DC, the city's dining scene comes alive with seasonal menus, refreshing cocktails, and new rooftop spots.
The intimate Press Club cocktail bar kicks off a summer cocktail collaboration series featuring guest bars from around the country. The series launches 26 May with White Limozeen from Nashville, followed by Bandista from Houston on 23 June and Bar Kaiju from Miami on 30 June.
Tucked in the St. Gregory Hotel, Ellington Park Bistro offers a new seasonal menu combining classic French cuisine with creative comfort dishes. Chef Loomis focuses on local ingredients and a lively dining experience.
Every day is Sunday at Alta Strada inside the Canopy by Hilton Washington, DC Embassy Row. Chef Michael Schlow’s new menu offers a warm, family-style dining experience inspired by the Italian-American Sunday suppers of his childhood. Located in the Michelin-starred Elcielo, Elbistro introduces a new à la carte culinary menu, drawing inspiration from Colombian roots and global influences
New
Lobby Bar serves elevated American comfort food and inventive cocktails, including a standout martini program featuring creations like a caper-brined Dirty Martini and caviar-topped French 75, all crafted under DC native Chef Andre Williams.
Fish Shop is a new addition to The Wharf, the restaurant emphasises sustainability, serving fresh shellfish from the Potomac River and locally sourced vegetables.
Fraiche translating to “fresh” in French, Fraiche opened its doors in early May on 14th Street. The fusion restaurant blends French, Cajun/Southern, and Caribbean cuisine for a bold, flavourful menu.
Lucky Danger has debuted its third location in the heart of Penn Quarter, evolving from its original takeout-only pop-up. The Chinese American concept now offers a full dine-in experience.
GAIA Supperclub in Downtown DC blends Latin and Mediterranean cuisine with lively DJs and dancers, featuring creative dishes by Chopped winner Chef Sammy Davis like salmon lollipops and a 24-ounce tomahawk ribeye.
Mélange michelin-starred chef Elias Taddesse’s Mélange in Shaw features three fast-casual concepts: gourmet burgers, Ethiopian-inspired comfort food, and soon, Ethiopian tacos.
Bar Angie an upscale brasserie from Balos Restaurant Group, offers a refined dining experience in DC’s West End with a brasserie-style menu including the Angie’s Happy Meal—fries and Caesar salad paired with a martini or wine.
Sly Award-winning Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s new rooftop bar, Sly at the Morrow Hotel in NoMa, serves playful cocktails and bites like mumbo sauce chicken sandwiches, served with stunning city views
Coming Soon
Birdsong, a modern Thai restaurant led by Chef Kitima Boonmala and Pastry Chef Naomi Gallego, blends bold flavours with seasonal ingredients and offers a creative cocktail program with zero-proof options.
Chai Pani - James Beard Award–winning Chai Pani is opening at Union Market this summer, offering Indian street food fused with Gujarati and Southern flavors in a vibrant space.
Alfie’s - Chef Alex McCoy, known for Lucky Buns, is reopening Alfie’s this summer in Georgetown, serving Isaan-style dishes like beef-rib khao soi alongside natural wines and cold beer in a cozy space.
JINYA Ramen Bar is opening two new locations this summer—in Georgetown with a late-night menu and at The Wharf, its first waterfront spot—known for crafted broths, aged noodles, and Japanese-inspired ambiance.
Cork & Wine Bar opens its third location in Cleveland Park this fall, featuring a 20-seat wine bar, retail shop, tasting room, outdoor seating, and a curated menu of wines, cheese, charcuterie, and small plates.
Maison Bar à Vin - The team behind Pascual, Lutèce, and Lapis is opening Maison Bar à Vin, a French-inspired wine bar and restaurant in a cozy three-story brownstone, featuring French bites and cocktails by beverage director Suzy Critchlow.
Karravaan, a new Indian restaurant from the team behind RASA, is to open in Union Market, bringing a vibrant mix of traditional and modern Indian flavors to the area.
Pitango Gelato is expanding to 14th Street this summer. Known for hand-churned gelato made with organic milk and fresh ingredients, the new shop will offer 20 rotating flavours
REST
With 17 new or renovated hotels and more than 2,800 rooms in the pipeline, DC’s hotel scene is headline-worthy right now. Better yet, there’s more to come.
Sixty DC, a luxury 73-room boutique hotel which opened in May 2025, boasts two trendy food and beverage concepts: Casamara, serving coastal Mediterranean, and Reynold’s, a cocktail bar whose name is a nod to Alexander Hamilton’s affair.
Mint House Downtown Washington, DC, opened in May 2025 and offers 85 apartment-style suites with full kitchens, meeting space, and an on-site restaurant and bar.
Canal House of Georgetown, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, opened in March 2025, blending a five-story former office building and adjacent townhouses into a 107-room hotel with amenities like the C+O Lounge, private courtyard, and fitness center.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Washington, DC / NY Avenue rebranded in January 2025 following a renovation, now offering amenities like a fitness center and free breakfast buffet.
Coming Soon
Hyatt House Washington, DC – Convention Center, is set to open in Summer 2025 after a renovation, offering 182 rooms and a rooftop terrace with views.
Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill will undergo an extensive renovation in 2025, enhancing guest rooms and dining areas ahead of its 50th anniversary.
Moxy Hotel Southwest, opening in 2025, will offer 166 rooms near Nationals Park and Audi Field, with residential space and a farmers' market.
citizenM Georgetown plans to open in 2025 with 230 rooms in a renovated 100-year-old building along the Georgetown waterfront.
The James, a high-end lifestyle hotel, is expected to open in 2026 as a brand conversion from the Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle
The Georgetown University Hotel in the Leavey Center will open in Summer 2026, featuring 146 rooms, event space, and a new restaurant and bar.
MOB Hotel, The Bazaar House by José Andrés and Avid Downtown are just some of the new offerings which are also in the pipeline.
PLAY
Make the most of your summer in Washington, DC by enjoying festivals, taking in live performances and catching a couple of sports games.
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 | 14 June to 23 July
Soccer fans from around the world will converge in the nation’s capital as Washington, DC’s Audi Field hosts three FIFA Club World Cup 2025 matches—Al Ain vs. Juventus on 18 June, FC Salzburg vs. Al Hilal on 22 June, and Wydad AC vs. Al Ain on 26 June.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival | 2 to 7 July: The largest annual cultural event in the U.S. capital, the free Smithsonian Folklife Festival returns to the National Mall in 2025 with craft exhibits, live music, and cooking demos, celebrating global cultures and highlighting the theme "Youth and the Future of Culture."
Daytime Baseball at Nationals Park | 4 July: Catch the Washington Nationals home game on Independence Day.
July 4th Fireworks | 4 July: Watching the fireworks is one of the standout highlights of Independence Day in Washington, DC with a plethora of scenic viewing options.
The International Colombian Festival | 19 July: This vibrant and growing event at the Catholic University of America celebrates Colombian and Latino culture with live music, dance performances, and delicious food.
DC Bachata Congress | 14 to 18 August: Named the best Latin dance festival in the U.S. five times, DCBX17 brings five days of high-energy celebration to DC each summer, offering dancers of all levels endless opportunities to enjoy bachata—from live concerts and dance contests to immersive workshops.
Restaurant Week | 15 to 21 August: The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s (RAMW) Summer Restaurant Week returns, offering food lovers special deals at more than 200 restaurants across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
DC JazzFest | 29 August to 1 September: A beloved DC summer tradition, DC JazzFest brings national and local talent to venues across the city—including The Wharf—with a mix of free and ticketed concerts, making this year’s star-studded line-up a must-see.
National Symphony Orchestra's Free Labor Day Concert | 1 September: The National Symphony Orchestra's free annual Labor Day weekend concert returns to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The performance is free to attend.
DC Bike Ride | 6 September: DC Bike Ride is a family-friendly, 20-mile cycling event that welcomes participants ages three and up to enjoy a scenic ride through the city's streets, past iconic monuments and memorials, culminating in a lively Finish Festival with food, music, and activities.
Washington Commanders | 7 September: Washington, DC’s official NFL team, the Commanders, compete in the NFC East and, following a strong 2024 playoff run, take on the New York Giants.
Other
For longer-lead inspiration visit: https://washington.org/press/journalist-newsletter/long-lead-inspiration
For more information on Washington, DC visit https://washington.org
Images
For release images click HERE. For general Destination DC images click HERE (for specific images please contact Natalie)
About Destination DC: Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. washington.org.
For more information please contact:
Media: Natalie Brown at Canuckiwi on +61 (0) 422 565 001 or email nat@canuckiwi.com
Trade: Corey Marshall at Canuckiwi on +64 (0) 21 555 463 or email corey@canuckiwi.com
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