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

From concerts by candlelight and Chihuahua races to veteran celebrations, May is one of the best times of the year to enjoy Washington, DC.

Naomi Chadderton

An experienced editor and journalist specialising in news and lifestyle.

Introducing Beyond the 9-5, our round-up of all the best things to do in Washington, DC each month. This May, we’ve got huge Pride celebrations, art exhibitions and the chance to travel around the world without leaving the city.

1Pay Tribute to America’s Heroes on Memorial Day

Marking the start of the summer, Memorial Day falls on May 26 this year, and Washington, DC is pulling out all the stops with the likes of its epic The National Memorial Day Parade: Our Sacred Honor, which tells the story of American sacrifice from the Revolution to today along Constitution Avenue. May 25 is also jam-packed with events including Rolling to Remember, a motorcycle rally held to raise awareness of critical issues faced by veterans every day, and the National Memorial Day Concert, which will be aired on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol at 8pm.

Large group of bikers with Stars & Stripes flags

2Celebrate the LBGTQ+ Community at WorldPride 2025

An event that has been years in the making, DC is only the second city in the United States to celebrate the gargantuan event (after New York City in 2019, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots), so it’s kind of a big deal. Wicked star Cynthia Erivo will join the likes of Shakira, Jennifer Lopez and Troye Sivan for the mammoth LGBTQ+ celebration on June 7 but, kicking off on May 17, there will be plenty of activities held all over the city, including a sports tournament among LGBTQ+ teams.

May 17th – June 8th: World Pride DC

3National Gallery Nights: 70s Disco

National Gallery Nights at the National Gallery of Art are one of the most popular events in the capital, with limited capacity and tickets only available via a lottery system. We’re particularly looking forward to the 70s disco night, which will finish the season with a themed ‘prom’ event filled with 70s nostalgia. Expect plenty of legendary tunes, drinks and, of course, world-class art on display all night.

May 8th: National Gallery Nights

People in costume (one as Elvis) dancing

4Catch a Fantastic Exhibition on African American History

It’s your last chance to see fantastic exhibit In Slavery’s Wake at The National Museum of African American History and Culture this month, as it’s closing its doors on June 8. Delving into the freedom-making practices of Black communities navigating both the histories and the legacies of racial slavery and colonialism, it takes a look at how the slave trade shaped the world through over 100 artifacts, 250 images, and ten interactive presentations and films. Viewers can also peruse ceremonial cowrie shell baskets, flags from various slave rebellions, and slave badges from markets across North and South America in what is truly harrowing stuff.

Until June 8th: The National Museum of African American History and Culture.

5.Passport DC

If you want to travel the world for free then you’re in luck – Passport DC is back this year, hosting its popular open houses at embassies around the city, allowing visitors to experience food, dance, music and the manufactured goods produced in the respective countries. A month-long international celebration, the events themselves are free, but visitors often purchase a souvenir “passport” to have stamped at each embassy. The popular ‘Around the World Embassy Tour’ will be held on Saturday May 3, and it’s always one of our favourites.

May 1st – 31st: Passport DC

6Spruce Up your Garden at Flower Mart

One of the most colourful celebrations of the spring, the Washington National Cathedral will be hosting its annual Flower Mart, a two-day event where you can shop for plants and gifts while eating festive food. A must for anyone with a green thumb, it’s also a great event to take the children and grandkids along to as well, with plenty of fun children’s activities like historic carousels.

May 2nd – 3rd: Washington National Cathedral.

View through the Ttwers at Washington National Cathedral at the landscape beyond

7Take Your Pup to the Running of the Chihuahuas at the Wharf

For something a little different, why not join your fellow dog lovers at the annual Running of the Chihuahuas, featuring purebred Chihuahuas and mixed-breed dogs with dominant Chihuahua traits, all of similar size. All dogs must be under 15 pounds, and Chihuahuas who qualify will race down a 60-foot track in groups of eight, with the speediest advancing through a bracket-style competition until one little champ takes the crown. Winners can look forward to cash prizes, pup-approved treats and a shiny trophy to celebrate their victory.

May 3rd: The Wharf DC.

8Join the Liberation Weekend Festival

Celebrate inclusivity and artistic expression at the inaugural Liberation Weekend, a music and arts festival dedicated to supporting the trans community. Organized by DC punk band Ekko Astral and the Gender Liberation Movement, the festival will feature performances by artists such as Home Is Where, Ted Leo and Speedy Ortiz while, in addition to live music, attendees can enjoy art installations and a dance afterparty. Proceeds will benefit initiatives promoting gender inclusivity and trans rights.

May 30–31. Various venues in Washington, D.C.

9Experience the Magic of Candlelight Concerts

There’s no better way to spend an evening than by immersing yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Candlelight Concerts, where classical renditions of popular music are performed by talented musicians surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight. This May, Washington, DC will host several themed performances, including tributes to Queen, Prince, Adele and Abba, offering a unique way to enjoy your favourite songs in a serene setting.

Various dates in May. Locations vary: Candlelight Experience