Capital of United States, Washington DC, is home to several museums, and besides preserving unique artefacts, many of the city’s best museums also offer after-hours activities and events. From musical performances and specialised tours to delicious bites and cocktails, various activities here make for a perfect chance to soak up performances, history and culture. Destination DC, the official destination marketing organisation for the American capital, lists some.

National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum

Visitors can enjoy free, live performances in the Kogod Courtyard with the Take 5: Jazz at SAAM monthly series (Photo: Washington.org)

Both popular museums are open until 19:00, giving meetings attendees the chance to see the visual arts, performing arts and new media at the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM)’s collections of art from the colonial period to the present. Visitors can enjoy free, live performances in the Kogod Courtyard with the Take 5: Jazz at SAAM monthly series.

Jazz in the Garden – National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden

The ticket lottery opens the week prior on Monday at 10:00 and closes that Friday at noon (Photo: Washington.org)

During summers, on Friday nights, the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden hosts the Jazz in the Garden series. The free jazz concert series runs from 18:00-20:30 all summer. It is advised to get there early to stake out a spot in the grass, lay out some snacks and enjoy pitchers of sangria, local beers and other refreshments. The ticket lottery opens the week prior on Monday at 10:00 and closes that Friday at noon.

Live! at the Library – Library of Congress

Visitors can join the Library of Congress every Thursday from 17:00-20:00 for a variety of performances, workshops, discussions and more (Photo: Washington.org)

The nation’s oldest federal cultural institution presents new programming every week. Visitors can join the Library of Congress every Thursday from 17:00-20:00 for a variety of performances, workshops, discussions and more. There can also enjoy happy hour drinks and food while exploring the Library’s exhibits, collections and programs during these extended hours. 

Tudor Nights and Landmark Lectures – Tudor Place

The Landmark Lecture series presents historical and educational discussions with experts (Photo: Washington.org)

Very few have discovered the Georgetown abode, that was once home to descendants of Martha Washington, after hours. The Landmark Lecture series presents historical and educational discussions with experts and Tudor Nights offers an exclusive look at archived artifacts and art, complete with cocktails and bites. 

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra Concerts – National Museum of Natural History

The 2023-2024 concert series features the 17-member group in the National Museum of Natural History’s Baird Auditorium for performances (Photo: Washington.org)

The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra has celebrated jazz music for 32 years as the orchestra-in-residence at the National Museum of American History. The 2023-2024 concert series features the 17-member group in the National Museum of Natural History’s Baird Auditorium for performances that honour Mamie Smith and Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington and Jazz Appreciation Month.

Smithsonian Nighttime Adventures

This programme is intended for children ages 8-14 and their adults (Photo: Washington.org)

It is also a great option to venture to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to experience a night at the museum. Discover the wonders of the natural world, from the depths of the ocean to pre-historic creatures, within the light of the night and emptied halls. This programme is intended for children ages 8-14 and their adults. Find date, time and ticket information online.

O Museum in the Mansion

The museum is open until 21:00 Tuesday to Saturday and 18:00 on Sundays and Mondays

O Museum in the Mansion is known for one of the most idiosyncratic experiences in DC. The locale features more than 100 rooms and 70 secret doors, leading to themed areas filled with fine art, antiques and furnishings. Many details from the 19th century remain, including stained glass windows. The museum is open until 21:00 Tuesday to Saturday and 18:00 on Sundays and Mondays, with a variety of themed tours.

National Gallery Nights – National Gallery of Art

Admission is free but registration is required and opens one week prior to each event

On the second Thursday of each month throughout the fall and spring seasons, guests at the National Gallery of Art’s East Building Gallery can enjoy works of art, live music, dance performances and pop-up talks from educators from 18:00-21:00. Admission is free but registration is required and opens one week prior to each event. Light bites and drinks are available for purchase. For more information on the series, visit their website.

Brew at the Zoo – Smithsonian National Zoo

Guests must be at least 21 years old and the event includes lawn games, animal demonstrations and local food trucks (Photo: Jeff Lucas)

The local craft beer scene in DC is hopping, even at the Smithsonian National Zoo. Brew at the Zoo is an annual craft beer festival, featuring beers from over 40 local craft breweries. Guests must be at least 21 years old and the event includes lawn games, animal demonstrations and local food trucks. The festival is typically at the end of summer, so make sure to check their website for specific dates.