Fun Summer Activities in the DMV
Published: July 04, 2022
By Zooey Parker
The DMV area is filled with endless outdoor activities with the hot, sunny, long summer days.
You can enjoy various exciting events and fun activities in Washington, D.C., during the summer months, whether you are a visitor or a local!
Whether you enjoy picnicking at Meridian Hill Park, visiting art exhibits, or enjoying delicious food, there is much to do in Washington, D.C., and it won’t break the bank.
Table of Contents
- 4th of July fireworks
- Smithsonian FolkFestival on the National Mall
- Watch play
- Movies on the Potomac River
- Take a day trip to Alexandria
- Visit refreshing swimming holes near the city
- Check out a new art exhibit
- Walk around Meridian Hill Park
- Squeeze in a few laughs at D.C.’s Improv Comedy Club
- Grab a drink at a rooftop bar
1. 4th of July fireworks
On this 4th of July, experience the exciting fireworks spectacle in the nation’s capital.
Thousands of tourists and locals swarm to the National Mall yearly to watch a world-class fireworks show. After the song ‘A Capitol Fourth’ concludes, the night sky lights up with colors that will amaze you.
If you’re wondering what the best spot to watch the fireworks is, check out the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall, and the Washington Monument.
The fireworks launch around 9 pm, so don’t be late! This is a memorable event you don’t want to miss!
2. Smithsonian FolkFestival on the National Mall
2018 Smithsonian Folklife Festival by Ser_Amantio_di_Nicolao
One of the perks of living in Washington D.C. is easy to access to some of the best museums in the country.
The Smithsonian museums also offer special event programming that D.C. residents can take advantage of.
The Summer FolkFestival has been a part of the Smithsonian Institute since the 1960s, bringing together global musicians, artisans, chefs, and more for an annual celebration at the National Mall.
You can enjoy craft exhibits, live music, cooking demos, expansive marketplace pottery, books, textiles, toys, sculptures, clothing, and more.
The Smithsonian FolkFestival highlights different international cultures every year, and the 2022 edition will celebrate the United Arab Emirates, focusing on Earth Optimism Programming.
The festival usually takes place from late June through early July.
3. Watch play
2019 World Series victory parade by Ted Eytan
Grab a hot dog, and a couple of beers, and cheer on the Washington Nationals! What’s more American than that?
The Stadium offers up magnificent views of the Capitol Dome and the Washington Monument. Don’t miss the famous Presidents Race, which happens between the top and the bottom of every fourth inning.
Check out the promotional schedule, as there’s always something fun happening at the ballpark!
4. Movies on the Potomac River
National Harbor by beliefbeyond
Summertime and movies go hand in hand. Head to the National Harbor in Maryland to watch a film on the Potomac River.
What’s great about outdoor movies is that they are free! Just bring a couple of chairs and some friends to enjoy the night.
The showings are themed each month, starting with animal movies in May, traveling movies in June, food movies in July, musicals in August, and American-themed movies in September.
Films cater to families on Sundays and date nights on Thursdays.
5. Take a day trip to Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria, Virginia by Ken Lund
Alexandria, Virginia is only 30 minutes by train from D.C., leaving you with the whole day ahead for summer activities on the Potomac River.
Venture around the streets of Old Town and explore beautiful historic homes. Then head to King Street, the main road in a town full of charming independent boutiques, cafes, and top-notch restaurants.
Be sure to check out the Torpedo Factory Art Center to see what works of art they have on view.
Finish the day by walking down to the waterfront for a stunning sunset.
6. Visit refreshing swimming holes near the city
Cunningham Falls State Park: People enjoying the falls by Virginia Hill
To cool off from the extreme heat in the city, check out one of the nearby swimming holes.
Grab a friend with a car, and take them on an adventurous trip outside the city for a hike to one of the area’s many swimming holes, such as Overall Run in Shenandoah National Park or Cunningham Falls State Park.
If you’re not up for a hike, head over to the Beaver Dam Swimming Club instead, a large quarry just north of Baltimore.
7. Check out a new art exhibit
If you are a fan of art and missed Yayoi Kusama’s last exhibit in D.C. a couple of years ago, this is your chance to see it in real life!
The Hirshhorn has been collecting her work since 1996, and this year, the gallery will display five of her works from the museum’s permanent collection, including two of the iconic Infinity Mirror Rooms.
The exhibition will be on display until November, so don’t miss your chance to see this otherworldly art!
8. Walk around Meridian Hill Park
Meridian Hill Park by NCinDC
Sometimes, simple activities like grabbing a coffee and meeting up with a friend for a walk around the park are the most fun.
Next time you’re unsure of what to do and want a relaxed day, grab a coffee from one of D.C.’s best coffee shops and head over to Meridian Hill Park for a walk and some fresh air.
Relaxing afternoon picnics at Meridian Hill are highly recommended all summer long, especially on Sundays when you can experience live music and a crowd.
9. Squeeze in a few laughs at D.C.’s Improv Comedy Club
Showcase Finals – Erin Jackson by Aaron Webb
You can never go wrong visiting a comedy club and having a good laugh.
After a romantic dinner at Dupont Circle, catch a post-dinner show at D.C. Improv, a long-standing comedy venue in the neighborhood.
The venue hosts multiple comedy shows just about every night of the week, so you can squeeze in some laughs no matter what your summer schedule looks like.
10. Grab a drink at a rooftop bar
What better way to spend a cool summer evening than drinks on a rooftop?
The fabulous thing about building the height restrictions in D.C., is that the views from a rooftop can span the entire city.
Catch a jaw-dropping view of everything from the White House and National Mall to the Potomac River and charming townhomes of Dupont and Logan Circle.
Some of the best-rated rooftops are Top Of The Gate (Watergate Hotel rooftop bar), Officina, Mason & Rock, and Colada Shop.
That’s All Folks…
As you can see, spending the summertime in the DMV is far from boring. With endless activities, it is worth it to visit the nation’s capital and enjoy the activities that it has to offer.
Suppose you are thinking of moving to Washington D.C. In that case, summertime is a great opportunity to visit, enjoy fun activities, and learn about the city!
About the author
Zooey Parker
Zooey draws from her life story when writing about moving and creates informative content for our customers.
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