24 After Hours Museum Happy Hours, Parties, and Programs in Washington, DC
Washington DC is known for its museums, many of which are free and open to the public during the day. However, after hours, some of these institutions transform into lively social spaces with unique programs, live entertainment, and special events.
Getting to hang out in a museum after hours makes you feel cool and cultured. Whether it’s an art-inspired happy hour, getting immersed in cultural history, or a seasonal outdoor festival, these events allow you to experience museums in new and exciting ways.
For locals, these after hours programs offer an alternative to traditional nightlife, blending education with entertainment in a relaxed setting. For visitors, they provide an opportunity to experience DC’s museums in a way that’s less crowded and more interactive.
Over the years, there have been different after hours programs that I’ve enjoyed but are no longer available. I will always miss Screen on the Green, where movies were shown on the National Mall, with the illuminated Capitol behind the screen. I also am looking forward to the IMAX theater at the DC Air & Space Museum to re-open in 2026, because it’s a really cool experience to watch a sci-fi movie (like one of the Alien movies) in the Air & Space Museum. But, there are still plenty of amazing late night museum events to experience.
In this guide, I go through the best after hours museum events in Washington DC, from happy hours at world-class art museums to late-night jazz performances and game nights.
Table of Contents
Why After Hours Museum Events Are Popular in DC
Washington DC’s many museums have been creating after hours museum parties and happy hours, and they seem to have exploded since COVID. Before COVID, the larger parties were put on by a group called Brightest Young Things. However, once social distancing ended and people started exploring the city and felt comfortable in crowds, the museums took up the torch and have been working hard on developing their late night museum parties.
Some of the programs, like Smithsonian’s Take 5, Phillips After Five, game nights at the Woodrow Wilson House, and Jazz in the Sculpture Garden have been happening for years. Others, like the Smithsonian Solstice Festival, are new and have become highlights for DC’s young professionals.
DC is a nerdy city. Unlike other nations’ capitals, Washington DC was created as a federal city, and the industries here have grown around government services and funding. It’s home to several major universities, it has free access to some of the best known museums in the country (Smithsonian), think tanks and research organizations are everywhere, and it has a higher education level than the rest of the country.
DC has historically been a city with a big happy hour culture. Although this has decreased a bit with so many people working from home and Gen Z drinking less, it’s still a big part of social life for many professionals in Washington DC.
Combine being nerdy with liking to drink, and the appeal of after hours museum happy hours seems like a natural evolution. Every event is different, but they all try to highlight the collections of the museum in a fun and social atmosphere.
These events are largely attended by local DC residents, but tourists enjoy them as well. Visitors often choose after hours museum events for their relaxed atmosphere and exclusive access to galleries and exhibits, which might otherwise be crowded during the day.
These events often feature interactive programming, live performances, and curated food and drink options, making them ideal for date nights, group outings, or solo cultural experiences.
Museum Happy Hours & Late Night Parties
Museum happy hours and late-night parties have become a staple of Washington DC’s social scene. These events allow attendees to explore museum collections in a more relaxed and social atmosphere while enjoying drinks, live music, and themed programming.
Several museums host regular happy hours and after hours parties, such as National Gallery Nights, Phillips After 5, and Live! at the Library. These require advance registration or a ticket lottery due to high demand. Unlike traditional museum visits, these events often include interactive elements, such as artist talks, themed food and drink pairings, and live entertainment.
The appeal of these events lies in their ability to make art, history, and culture more accessible and engaging. They attract young professionals, tourists, and culture enthusiasts looking for a unique night out. Whether you’re interested in networking, enjoying a date night, or simply experiencing a museum in a different way, these events offer something for everyone.
National Gallery Nights
Many people think that the National Gallery is a Smithsonian museum since it is on the National Mall, but it is outside of the Smithsonian umbrella.
The National Gallery Nights series brings art, music, and culture together in a festive atmosphere. These events, featuring themed programming and pop-up performances, allow visitors to explore the gallery’s exhibitions in a more lively atmosphere, with popup bars and expanded menus at the cafe and gelato bar (one thing I love about them is that they publish their menu and prices).
Each event has a different theme, focused around the collections, cultural events, and special art features. They are held in the East building of the National Gallery of Art, which focuses on modern and contemporary art and has a lovely roof deck with views of the Capitol. To enter the East building, the event does require free tickets that are won by lottery.
To get a ticket, you’ll need to join the lottery for a ticket the week before the event. If an event is on Thursday the 12th, the lottery opens on Monday the 2nd at 10 AM and closes Thursday the 5th at noon. You will find out the Friday before the event (in this example, Friday the 6th) whether you have won the tickets.
Didn’t win the tickets? My friends have showed up early in line around 5:30 PM, and were able to scan a QR code to claim a ticket when they got up to the front. They were able to get a ticket that way, but others further back in line without a ticket had to wait. It depends on what’s going on, but there may be tickets available if you get there and wait in line early. If not, make sure you’re going on a night that they have outdoor events on the 4th Street plaza, because those are open to everyone.
Cost: Free
When: Second Thursday of the month in the spring and fall
Next events: March 13, April 10, and May 8, 2025
Where: National Gallery of Art East Building, 4th Street NW entrance (between Madison Drive and Pennsylvania Avenue NW), Washington, DC 20565
More info: See details, menus & tips on the series and check the schedule
Phillips After 5 at Phillips Collection
One of the longer running after hours museum happy hours, Phillips After 5 transforms The Phillips Collection into a buzzing space on the first Thursday of each month. Originally the country’s first museum of modern art when it opened its doors in 1921, this privately-funded museum has lots of both impressionist and modern paintings.
From 5:00 to 8:30 PM, attendees can explore the museum’s renowned art exhibits while enjoying live performances, themed programming, and refreshments. Tickets are free for members, while non-members can purchase reserved tickets for $20.
Cost: $20 (free for members)
When: First Thursday of each month
Next events: April 3, 2025
Where: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington DC 20009
More info: See upcoming events
Live! At The Library at Library of Congress
The Great Hall of the Library of Congress’s Jefferson Building is stunning with its ornate frescos, murals, sculptures, and stone work. I used to work at the Library of Congress, and whenever I went through the Great Hall, I’d think, “wow, this would be an amazing venue for a party.” Many years later, someone had the same thought, and Live! at the Library was launched.
Live! at the Library happens every Thursday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, where visitors can purchase happy hour drinks and snacks in a beautiful setting. You also get the opportunity to explore the Main Reading Room, which is usually only available to researchers and not visitors. Getting tickets ahead of time is strongly recommended.
Many nights, Live! at the Library will coincide with a lecture, performance, or screening. I’ve seen Kronos Quartet perform as well as an early screening of chef Carla Hall’s new show with a Q&A session. There is a wide breadth of different types of programming that they have after hours.
You will need separate tickets for the performances and lectures, though, as they frequently sell out. If they do sell out, you can still show up and hope to fill any empty seats. Just before the performances start, if the ticket holders don’t arrive, they are made available to those waiting.
I do want to note that the after hours programming is not confined to Thursdays, it’s just that Thursdays have the happy hour in the Great Hall. The Library of Congress’ Music Division has been hosting a concert series for over 100 years, and those are throughout the week. Film screenings and lectures can also be found throughout the week. Check the Events listing to see what’s planned.
Cost: Free
When: Live! at the Library is Thursdays starting at 5:00 PM. Other performances and events vary.
Next events: March 27, April 3, April 10, April 17, and April 24, 2025
Where: Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street SE, Washington DC 20003
More info: See details on the series
NMWA Nights at National Museum of Women in the Arts
The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA, pronounced nim-WAH) hosts NMWA Nights on the third Wednesday evening of each month (except in the summer). This after hours event combines art appreciation with a social experience.
Visitors can wander the museum’s galleries, enjoy performances, participate in art-making activities, and sip cocktails. Each month has different programming like poetry, embroidery, and photography, so you’ll want to check it out each month.
Tickets are made available 2 weeks in advance, and include 2 drink tickets. Like other after hours museum events, there are limited walk-in spots starting 15 minutes before the events.
Cost: $22 for DC residents, $25 for everyone else
When: The third Wednesday of each month, September through May
Next events: April 11, April 16, and May 21, 2025
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
More info: See details on the series
Live Music & Performances
Live music and performances in museums make them come alive, like the exhibits are jumping off the walls. Many museums incorporate live performances into their after hours programming, setting the tone for a new way to experience their collections.
Events like Take 5, Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, and Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra performances showcase the city’s rich jazz heritage. These events provide a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences, featuring both intimate concerts and large-scale musical gatherings.
Beyond jazz, other museums host diverse performances, including chamber music, orchestral works, and contemporary live acts. Some events, like Live! at the Library, feature a mix of concerts, film screenings, and artist talks, making them a great way to experience music in a historic setting.
Whether you prefer a laid-back jazz session or a grand orchestral performance, DC’s museums provide a variety of musical experiences that give you a full sensory experience.
Take 5: Jazz at Smithsonian American Art Museum
The Smithsonian American Art Museum hosts the popular Take 5 jazz series in the Kogod Courtyard every third Thursday during spring and summer. These free, live jazz performances provide a laid-back atmosphere perfect for music lovers. Guests can enjoy refreshments from the Courtyard Café and borrow board games for added fun.
Technically these are not after hours events, since the Smithsonian American Art Museum is normally open until 7:00 PM, but it is a fun after work program that, for most museums, would be considered after hours.
Cost: Free
When: Every third Thursday at 5:00 PM during spring and summer
Next events: April 17 and May 15, 2025
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
More info: See details on the series or search the events calendar
Folger Fridays
The Folger Shakespeare Library is best known for its Shakespeare performances in its Globe-replica theatre. On Fridays throughout the year, it also offers free programming on Friday evenings.
During the warm months, guests can enjoy local artists and performers in the front lawn, stroll through the gardens, and visit the exhibits inside. In the colder months and when it rains, it moves inside. Performances run from 5:30 Pm to 7:30 PM. You can also purchase a drink at the Quill & Crumb cafe.
Performers vary, and have included a wide variety of styles and formats, like hip hop, Cuban dances, and poetry. Once the performance is over, explore the museum. The exhibition halls remain open until 9:00 PM, and entry tickets are recommended to be reserved ahead of time.
In addition to Folger Fridays, they have occasional Mixology events that are themed trivia or gamenights with early cocktail recipes. These do have a cost associated with them, but you can win prizes! These sell out quickly.
Cost: Free
When: Various Fridays from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM for programming and until 9:00 PM for museum exhibits.
Next events: March 21, 2025
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
More info: See upcoming Folger Fridays or search the events calendar
Jazz in the Garden at National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
Jazz in the Garden is a popular summer event at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, offering live jazz performances amidst the varied sculptures and fountain. This series presents a unique opportunity to enjoy music and art in an outdoor setting. Bring a blanket and a picnic basket, but no alcohol. Instead, you can purchase a pitcher of their delicious sangria.
A popular Friday night activity with locals in the summer, tickets are required and typically run out. Jazz in the Garden happens every Friday from May through August, and tickets are available via a lottery system.
Each concert has its own lottery, which will open the week prior on Monday at 10:00 AM and close that Friday at noon. Results of each lottery will be emailed to all entrants the week of the concert on Monday at 10:00 AM. For example, if the concert is held Friday, May 17, you could sign up for the lottery from May 6-10, and you would find out on Monday, May 13 whether you got tickets.
Cost: Free (ticket lottery required)
When: Fridays at 5:00 PM from May through August
Next events: Each Friday through August 23, 2025
Where: National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, Constitution Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
More info: See details on the series
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra at American History & Natural History Museums
For a more refined musical experience, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra performs concerts at two Smithsonian museums: National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History. The museums are located next to each other on the National Mall.
These events combine the program’s goal of preserving and sharing America’s rich jazz history with live performances by talented musicians.
Cost: $25-45
When: Various days from December to June, with doors opening at 6:45 PM
Next events: April 6 and June 14, 2025
Where: Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560; or Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, 10th & Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC 20560.
More info: See details on the series
Jazz at The Kreeger
The Kreeger Museum is tucked away in the Foxhall neighborhood and features an impressive collection of modern and impressionist art, as well as terraced gardens filled with beautiful gardens and sculptures. Jazz at the Kreeger offers an intimate and artistic setting for live music performances.
Held about once a month, they do tend to be on Saturday afternoons. Even though it’s not an after hours event, I am including it here because it’s a popular event for people who enjoy the after hours museum parties. Last year, they did have an evening performance with DC Jazz Fest, but most events are Saturday afternoons.
Cost: ~$35
When: Saturday afternoons throughout the year
Next events: March 22, April 19, and May 17, 2025
Where: The Kreeger Museum, 2401 Foxhall Road NW, Washington, DC 20007
More info: See details on the series
Cultural Immersion & Interactive Programs
For those looking to go beyond traditional museums, many offer interactive and immersive. These after hours events allow visitors to engage more deeply with different cultures, historical themes, and creative activities.
Programs such as Asia After Dark at the National Museum of Asian Art, After Dark at the Anacostia Community Museum, and Wordplay Wednesday at Planet Word incorporate hands-on activities, performances, and discussions. Attendees might participate in art-making workshops, storytelling sessions, or interactive games that bring museum themes to life.
Other museums, like the O Museum in the Mansion, host scavenger hunts, themed mystery nights, and unusual experiences that turn traditional museum visits into an adventure. Historic sites such as the Tudor Place and Heurich House Museum also offer evening lectures and themed events that provide deeper insight into their collections.
These cultural and interactive programs are designed for people who want an engaging, participatory experience rather than a passive one. While many have food or alcohol options, that’s not the main draw of these. They encourage creativity, social interaction, and a deeper appreciation of art, history, and language.
Asia After Dark at National Museum of Asian Art
The Asia After Dark series offers themed, immersive experiences highlighting Asian art and culture. These after hours events typically features live performances, art workshops, and food and drinks inspired by Asian traditions. The unique programming provides a fun, educational night out for attendees.
Asia After Dark is not a regularly occurring event on a schedule like some of the others. In the past year, they had Asia After Dark events for the Diwali holiday, their IlluminAsia festival, Vietnam week, Bruce Lee’s legacy, and the Smithsonian Solstice Festival. Not every Asia After Dark event offers alcohol.
Cost: Free
When: Various (no set schedule)
Next events: No upcoming events scheduled.
Where: National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560
More info: See details on the series
After Dark at Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
The Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum’s After Dark events focus on community engagement, art, and storytelling. These gatherings often include live music, art installations, and local cuisine, creating a lively and inclusive environment that celebrates the museum’s mission.
Like Asia After Dark, the After Dark programming here is also not on a set schedule. They have historically been built around exhibits at the museum, as well as the museum’s anniversary.
Cost: Free
When: Varies
Next events: No upcoming events scheduled.
Where: Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, DC 20020
More info: View the event schedule
Wordplay Wednesday at Planet Word
Planet Word is the only museum in the country dedicated to appreciating language and words through playful interactive exhibits. It’s one of the newer museums in the city, having opened in 2020, but is a favorite among visitors and locals.
Once a month, they host Wordplay Wednesday and keep the museum open from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Explore the museum’s galleries, play word-based puzzles and games, and purchase drinks from the Immigrant Foods popup bar.
Cost: Pay what you can, $5-25. $15 suggested.
When: Usually the first Wednesday of the month at 5:00 PM
Next events: April 9, 2025
Where: Planet Word, 925 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
More info: See details on the series
Hillwood Estate Evening Programming
The Hillwood Estate is the former home of heiress Marjorie Post and during the day, offers tours of the mansion, gardens, and art collections. They also host after hours lectures where you can learn more about topics related to Marjorie Post, such as art, horticulture, and sailing.
Cost: $22 for non-members
When: Thursdays
Next events: March 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, April 2 & 5
Where: Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
More info: See details on upcoming lectures
Tudor Nights at Tudor Place
Tudor Place is a historic house that is related to the family of George Washington. They have tours of the mansion and the collections, as well as self-guided tours of the beautiful gardens.
Throughout the year, they stay open late to host Tudor Nights. At Tudor Nights, you can learn more deeply about a part of the collections that is not usually shown publicly. After the talk, you’ll get to enjoy cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres
Cost: $35 for non-members
When: Select Thursdays at 6:30 PM
Next events: March 27, May 1, and September 25, 2025
Where: Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
More info: See upcoming events
https://tudorplace.org/events/category/calendar/tudor-nights
Heurich House Events
The Heurich House Museum is a historic mansion in the heart of Dupont Circle that was the home of local brewer Christian Heurich. It also is the home of the 1921 Biergarten, which features prominently in many of its periodic after hours events.
The events range from lectures with a cash bar to beer release tastings to craft workshops. The evening programs are not on a set schedule, so you’ll want to check to see when something special is happening.
If there’s not a special event, you can always hang out at the beer garden. It re-opens in late winter for limited hours, and their hours extend in the spring as the weather gets better.
Cost: Varies
When: Year round
Next events: March 21
Where: Heurich House Museum & 1921 Biergarten, 1307 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
More info: See details on what’s coming up
Vintage Game Nights at Woodrow Wilson House
When President Woodrow Wilson left the White House, he moved into this mansion in Kalorama. The Woodrow Wilson House has been preserved to be much as it was in 1924, and aims to tell the complicated history of Wilson as both a progressive and a racist who refused the rights of Black Americans, immigrants, and women.
Several times a year, the Woodrow Wilson House hosts Vintage Game Nights. They offer a nostalgic evening of old board games, live music, and drinks in a historic setting. With your ticket, you get 2 drink tickets and snacks. You also have the option to add on a Prohibition-era tour to see their wine cellar that helped them during Prohibition.
Note that the Woodrow Wilson House is planned to be closed through April 1, 2025 for HVAC repairs.
Cost: $20-40
When: First Wednesday of the month
Next events: April 2, April 22, April 28, May 1, and May 2, 2025
Where: Woodrow Wilson House, 2340 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
More info: See upcoming events
O Museum in the Mansion
Frequently called the O Street Mansion Museum, the O Museum in the Mansion is a quirky museum. The collections are kind of all over the place, with lots of Americana but also animatronic stuffed animals. Most things are also available for sale.
The O Museum hosts a variety of evening events, including live music performances, themed scavenger hunts, and cocktail parties. Known for its 85 hidden doors and eclectic items, its unconventional nature has made it a favorite destination of locals looking to do something different.
Their website is hard to navigate. The experiences are booked as tours, and the Secret Door Experience and Champagne Tour are the most common ones for those after hours events and are Tuesdays through Saturdays, but you’ll want to look for the special events. They have things like an amnesia dinner where you’re meant to dine with strangers and at the end vote on whether to reveal your identities to each other.
Cost: Varies
When: Tuesdays through Saturdays until 9:00 PM
Next events: April 11 and April 29, 2025
Where: O Museum in the Mansion, 2020 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
More info: See details on the series
Film Screenings at the Packard Campus of Library of Congress
The Library of Congress’s Packard Campus is not in Washington DC. It is a purpose-built facility in Culpeper, VA about 70 miles outside of DC. However, because a lot of people confuse it and think that it is in the main Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress, I wanted to discuss it.
Formally known as the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center, this film archive hosts free public showings. Films are screened in a beautiful art deco-style theater that is reminiscent of the golden age of Hollywood, but with state-of-the-art equipment. These events showcase a mix of classic and contemporary films, offering film buffs a chance to experience curated selections from the Library’s extensive film collection.
Unlike the main campus of the Library of Congress in DC, the Packard campus isn’t a popular tourist stop. It is not open for tours, and the film screenings and special events are the public’s only ways to see inside the massive archive.
Cost: Free
When: Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons, and Saturday evenings
Where: National Audio-Visual Conservation Center, 19053 Mt Pony Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701
More info: See upcoming screenings
Seasonal & Outdoor Programs
Washington DC’s museums take advantage of the city’s changing seasons by offering outdoor and seasonal events. These programs provide a unique way to experience museum spaces while enjoying the natural beauty of DC’s parks and gardens.
Solstice Saturday at the Smithsonian Museums celebrates the longest day of the year with extended hours, live performances, and themed activities across many Smithsonian museums. Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of Art and Summer Evenings at Glenstone Museum allow visitors to enjoy live music and art surrounded by sculptures.
Other seasonal events, such as the Jane Austen Film Festival at Dumbarton House, Boo at the Zoo, and ZooLights at the Smithsonian National Zoo, provide opportunities for themed entertainment that align with holidays and special occasions. The Smithsonian Sleepover at the Natural History Museum is a rare overnight experience that offers children and families a chance to explore exhibits after dark.
These outdoor and seasonal programs create memorable museum experiences that go beyond traditional exhibits, offering a fun and engaging way to connect with art, history, and nature.
Solstice Saturday at the Smithsonian Museums
On Solstice Saturday, Smithsonian Museums stay open late to celebrate the longest day of the year in late June. This annual event offers a variety of activities, including live music, special exhibits, and outdoor celebrations. It’s a unique opportunity to explore multiple Smithsonian institutions after dark, with programming specific to each museum.
It’s a very popular party that gets people dancing and a fun way to celebrate the start of summer.
Cost: Free
When: The first Saturday after the summer solstice in late June
Where: Various Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo
More info: See details on the series
Jane Austen Film Festival at Dumbarton House
The Dumbarton House is another historical mansion with beautiful gardens open to the public in Georgetown. The Jane Austen Film Festival, held on summer evenings at Dumbarton House, provides an outdoor movie experience that’s a cross between a drive in and sitting in a beautiful English garden.
Each summer, they screen four different Jane Austen movies (like Emma and Pride and Prejudice) in July. Guests can bring blankets and picnic baskets to enjoy film versions of Austen’s works on the lawn of this historic estate.
These always sell out, and you should purchase your tickets when they go on sale at the beginning of June. A limited number are available at the gate.
One thing to note: Dumbarton House should not be confused with Dumbarton Oaks. Both are beautiful old mansions, but they are separate and five blocks apart.
Cost: Historically $10
When: Weekly in July
Where: Dumbarton House, 2715 Q Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
More info: Details are posted to their calendar in the spring
Summer Evening Hours at United States Botanic Garden
During the summer months, the United States Botanic Garden extends its hours for evening visits. Guests can stroll through the greenhouses and gardens with a non-alcoholic beverage or snack in hand.
These summer evenings provide a peaceful way to explore the varied plant collections that highlight the diversity of life across the globe as well as the ways that plants are intertwined into our every day life. In years past, the garden has stayed open until 8:00 PM on the third Thursday of June, July, and August.
Outside of the summer program, the Botanic Garden has some sensory-friendly evening hours with its major exhibits throughout the year for people who thrive in lower stimulation environments. Filter the calendar of events for Sensory-Friendly Hours.
Cost: Free
When: Third Thursdays of the months of June, July, and August
Where: United States Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001
More info: See details on the series
Boo at the Zoo, ZooLights and Free Summer Film Night Smithsonian Zoo
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a variety of popular evening events catering to all ages through the year.
- Boo at the Zoo: This family-friendly Halloween celebration features trick-or-treating stations, live entertainment, and themed decorations, creating a festive environment for kids and adults alike. Costumes are encouraged, making it a fun way to celebrate the spooky season.
- Night of the Living Zoo: The Smithsonian National Zoo’s adults-only Halloween party wants to actually scare you. Features an open cocktail bar, circus acts, DJs, and access to select exhibits.
- ZooLights: During the winter holiday season, the zoo transforms into a dazzling wonderland with light displays, live music, and special treats. This free event is a beloved DC tradition, perfect for families or a festive night out with friends.
- Free Summer Film Nights: On select evenings in summer, the National Zoo screens popular family movies outdoors. Guests can bring blankets and snacks to enjoy a casual cinematic experience under the stars, surrounded by the unique atmosphere of the zoo.
Unfortunately, some events like Brew at the Zoo are no longer held at the zoo.
There is a parking fee if you bring your car. The metro provides easy access.
Cost: Varies
When: Select dates throughout the year
Where: National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
More info: Boo at the Zoo, Night of the Living Zoo, ZooLights, Free Summer Film Night
Smithsonian Sleepover at the Natural History Museum
The Smithsonian Sleepover is the real life version of Night at the Museum. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience for children ages 8-14 (along with their adult chaperones).
Participants spend the night exploring the museum’s exhibits after hours, engaging in activities such as scavenger hunts, guided tours, and crafts. The sleepover culminates in a night of storytelling surrounded by the museum’s fascinating collections.
In the past, it was also held at the Smithsonian Museum of American History, but now is only at the Natural History Museum.
Cost: $120-150
When: Select dates in the summer
Where: National Museum of Natural History, Constitution Avenue & 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
More info: See details on the series
Summer Evenings at Glenstone Museum
The Glenstone Museum blends art, architecture, and nature with its contemporary art collection and sculptures throughout the estate. In the summer, visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits and expansive outdoor spaces in a serene twilight setting. While not in DC, it’s such a great museum that it deserves a mention.
During these extended summer hours, in addition to being able to enjoy the art, visitors can take advantage of guided outdoor walks, snacks, and wine and local beer. You can also enjoy live music once a month.
Glenstone is free, but you do need tickets. Part of their philosophy is that they want people to enjoy art without feeling rushed or pressured by others, so they limit how many people they allow in at once.
Cost: Free
When: Fridays and Saturdays, May through September
Where: Glenstone Museum, 12100 Glen Road, Potomac, MD 20854
More info: See details on the series
Final Thoughts
Washington DC’s after hours museum events and happy hours offer a unique way to explore the city’s cultural and artistic treasures in a more relaxed and engaging environment. From live jazz and outdoor films to interactive art workshops and historical tours, these events cater to a wide range of interests and provide an exciting alternative to traditional nightlife.
Smithsonian museums and other cultural institutions across the city have embraced late-night programming, blending education with entertainment. Events like Jazz in the Garden, Boo at the Zoo, and Phillips After 5 showcase the creativity and community engagement that DC’s museums are known for. Meanwhile, opportunities such as the Smithsonian Sleepover and Solstice Saturday provide rare and memorable experiences for attendees.
These events not serve as a way to get out and be social, but they also scratch the itch of getting exposure to continuous learning in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a local looking for something special or a visitor seeking to take full advantage of the museums, after hours museum events provide the perfect opportunity to connect with art, history, and community.
