Beyond the 9-5: The Best Things to Do in Washington, DC this June

From the 250th anniversary of the US Army to the return of one of the region’s most popular film festivals, June in the capital has something for everyone.

Naomi Chadderton

An experienced editor and journalist specialising in news and lifestyle.

Beyond the 9-5 is our round-up of all the best things to do in Washington, D.C. each month. In June we’ve got musical festivals, foodie extravaganzas and art exhibitions galore.

1Discover the Best Upcoming Documentaries at DC/Dox Film Festival

One of the world’s most prestigious documentary film festivals, DC/Dox is now in its third edition, with plenty for film buffs to look forward to. There will be a whopping dozen world premieres including The Last Class, a documentary about former Secretary of Labour and ardent Trump opponent Robert Reich; A Savage Art: The Life & Cartoons Of Pat Oliphant, a film about the famed political cartoonist directed by Bill Banowsky; and sex trafficking documentary The Right Track, directed by Shareen Anderson, to name a few, alongside a slate of 59 features and 35 shorts from more than two dozen countries. That’s our 2025 viewing schedule sorted.

June 12-15: various locations, dcdoxfest.com

2Celebrate DC’s Musical Roots at Home Rule Music Festival

A multi-day celebration of DC's rich musical legacy and culture, this much-loved jazz festival is coming back to the District this year, complete with live performances, food vendors and much more. Kicking off with a live music producer showcase with the Joantz, featuring several of DC's finest music producers and a display of the creative process, beat-making, and the art of sampling, guests can then enjoy free live music from the likes of Imani-Grace Cooper, New Impressionz and Backyard Band.

June 21: The Parks at Walter Reed; homerulemusicfestival.com

Jazz performers on stage at Home Rule music festival

3Explore DC’s Cultural Gems for Free at the Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk

You can spend a couple of days exploring some of DC’s best museums for free this month with the return of the Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk weekend. Wander through cultural icons like Anderson House, Dumbarton House, the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, The Phillips Collection, Woodrow Wilson House, O Museum in The Mansion and even the Dupont Underground, with each location hosting the likes of fresh exhibits and live music. This event only comes around once a year, so you won’t want to miss out.

June 21-22: various locations; dupontkaloramamc.com/walk-weekend

Montage of venues open for Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk

4Step Inside the Surreal World of OSGEMEOS: Endless Story

If you haven’t been to see this dreamlike exhibition by Brazilian twins Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo, otherwise known as OSGEMEOS, then don’t leave it too long, as it closes at the beginning of August. On show down at the Hirshhorn Museum, it immerses visitors in the duo’s vibrant street art and murals, which blend elements of Brazilian culture, often drawing on whimsical characters and intricate patterns. It actually marks the largest exhibition in the United States dedicated to their work, encompassing nearly 1,000 pieces, from paintings and photographs to monumental sculpture.

Until August 3: Hirshhorn Museum; hirshhorn.si.edu

5.Feast Your Way Through the Giant BBQ Battle

One of DC’s tastiest summer traditions is back this year, as the Giant BBQ Battle returns to Pennsylvania Avenue for two days of barbecue, live music and community fun. Some of the country’s top pitmasters will be on hand to serve up their juiciest delicacies along with plenty of sides, samples and sips to keep you going, and guests can also expect live music across multiple stages, cooking demos, contests and a whole lot of smoky goodness in the air.

June 21-22; Historic Pennsylvania Ave, NW; bbqdc.com

6Trace Photography’s Roots in From Shadow to Substance

A year-long exhibition is coming to the National Portrait Gallery this June, From Shadow to Substance: Grand-Scale Portraits During Photography’s Formative Years does exactly what it says on the tin, showcasing large-scale portraits from photography's most influential times. Tracing the evolution of large-scale portraiture using the three popular mediums of the day: the upmarket daguerreotype, the mid-range ambrotype, and the far more common and affordable tintype; it is set to be truly fascinating for both budding photographers and professionals alike, with featured works including daguerreotypes representing US senators Daniel Webster and John C. Calhoun; an ambrotype portrait of American landscape artist John Frederick Kensett; and a tintype likeness of an unidentified African American woman.

June 20, 2025 - June 7, 2026: National Portrait Gallery

Interior courtyard with glass roof National Portrait Gallery

7Catch Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center

Les Misérables returns to the Kennedy Center on June 11 for a three-night run of the iconic musical that’s captivated audiences for decades. While a few cast members have opted out of the first night due to political concerns, the show goes on with all the powerful music, emotion and storytelling that make Les Mis a timeless favourite. It’s also a rare chance to see the production in one of DC’s most celebrated venues, so what’s not to love?

June 11 – July 13: The Kennedy Center; kennedy-center.org

8Witness History at the US Army 250th Anniversary Parade

Marking a major milestone, the US Army will celebrate its 250th anniversary with a grand parade on June 14, one of the largest military processions in recent memory. The spectacle will include thousands of soldiers, military vehicles and aircraft making their way from Arlington, Virginia, across the Memorial Bridge and into the heart of Washington, D.C, and you can catch the action along the parade route, with prime viewing spots near the National Mall and around Constitution Avenue. It’s sure to be a powerful tribute to the Army’s legacy and service.

June 14; around Washington, D.C.