From July to September, Washington, DC will unveil museum openings, cultural events, free festivals, and major city developments to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US.
Here’s some things Australians can check out:
Museums and events
The museum openings include the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, the new Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Museum, and the completion of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. City developments include numerous hotel openings and neighbourhood revitalisation projects.
Aside from America’s 250th Anniversary, Washington, DC is also celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Arena Stage, the 50th Anniversary of the National Air and Space Museum, the 50th Anniversary of the Art Museum of the Americas, the 50th Anniversary of Go-Go Music, and the 10th Anniversary of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Hotels
Washington, DC’s hotel scene continues to grow with a collection of exciting new openings, major renovations and special accommodation packages for the US’ 250th anniversary.
Hotels within the area include the 230-room CitizenM Washington Georgetown, Beacon at Embassy Row with its 650 square metres of event space, Georgetown University’s boutique hotel The Hoya Hotel at Georgetown, ex-office tower Tempo by Hilton Washington, DC Downtown, and Canopy by Hilton Washington, DC The Wharf.
Over 30 hotels throughout the city are offering special America 250-themed packages, experiences and exclusive offers throughout 2026. Participating hotels include the Conrad Washington, DC, Capital Hilton, Fairmont Washington, DC Georgetown, Kimpton Hotel Monaco DC, Pendry Washington, DC, Watergate Hotel and Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle.
Restaurants
Washington DC’s dining scene includes Michelin-starred chef Ryan Ratino’s Ox & Olive at Georgetown, Panamanian coffee roaster Café Unido, La Cosecha, Himalayan-inspired cocktail bar Kathmandu DC at U Street, Michelin-starred chef Carlos Cardona’s modern Italian restaurant Rosselli, Downtown, the French brasserie-esque Catahoula at Navy Yard, and coastal Italian restaurant Capitano at The Wharf.
