Things to Do in Washington DC This Week (July 8–13, 2025)
Romanian festival, free outdoor movies, & more!
EMBASSY CHEF CHALLENGE – Over a dozen chefs from DC’s embassies compete in this international culinary showdown. Sample creative bites from around the world and vote for your favorite. ($75+, Thursday 6–10pm, Union Station)
ROMANIAN FESTIVAL – Expect live music, traditional food, dancing, and a cultural showcase along the waterfront. (Free, Friday–Saturday, The Wharf)
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS MOVIE – The Library of Congress is screening Grease on the lawn of the Capitol Hill campus—bring a blanket and settle in for a free movie and views of the Capitol. (Free, Thursday 8:30pm, Lawn)
NATIONAL TREASURE DRIVE-IN MOVIE – National Treasure is playing as a drive-in movie this weekend at Union Market! Catch a movie from your car or bring a lawn chair. ($20/car or walk-up free, Friday 8:45pm, Union Market)
HARRY POTTER & THE CURSED CHILD - Harry Potter & The Cursed Child is now playing in DC at the National Theater through September ($50+, daily, National Theater)
LOTUS & WATER LILY FESTIVAL – Celebrate peak bloom season of the lotus and water lilies with ranger tours, cultural performances, yoga in the park, and some of the best photo ops in DC. (Free, July 18–20, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens)
DC BIKE PARTY – Ride through the city with hundreds of others at this nighttime group bike ride featuring music, lights, and a party atmosphere. (Free, Saturday night, starts in Dupont Circle)
MUBADALA CITI DC OPEN – DC’s biggest professional tennis tournament returns with ATP and WTA stars like Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe competing all week. (From $25, July 19–27, Rock Creek Park Tennis Center)