What’s new in Washington DC

As the new year kicks in, it’s time to look ahead to what’s new for Washington, DC.

The capital has a stellar line up of new openings, events and exhibitions along with all the iconic landmarks.

That’s not all. Travelers will enjoy a host of seasonal attractions throughout 2025, new and updated venues, plus festivals and cultural experiences.

New Developments

Georgetown Market reopens

The shuttered Georgetown Market has been given new life. Partners Stephen Starr and Michelin-star chef Nancy Silverton opened the new 20,000-square feet Osteria Mozza restaurant and market at the close of 2024. The market has a pizza grill and bars dedicated to granita and juice, mozzarella, salumi and cocktails, as well as a produce and grocery area showcasing specialty olive oils, spices and Italian delicacies. Seating is available throughout at tables, bars and in the solarium lounges. https://www.osteriamozza.com/

Buzzard Point 

Buzzard Point, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, is undergoing a significant transformation from its industrial past into a mixed-use waterfront community. Key projects include The Stacks, a development featuring residential units, retail spaces, and public amenities, scheduled for completion in 2025.  https://buzzardpointdc.com/

Union Market 

New restaurants are coming to the Union Market district, a culinary hotspot in the city. Recent openings include Minetta Tavern and Pastis, storied Manhattan restaurants. Other exciting additions include Apapacho Taqueria, Cordelia Fishbar and La’Shukran from acclaimed chef Michael Rafidi. Chai Pani, a new Indian restaurant by acclaimed chef Meherwan Irani, is coming in spring of 2025. Hotel Nell-Union Market has relaunched as a stylish property. https://unionmarketdc.com/

Upcoming events

National Zoo giant pandas public debut (January 24 2025)

Following the giant pandas’ much anticipated return to DC in October, the National Zoo prepares for the panda pair’s official debut on Jan 24. The zoo will host a public celebration for the pandas from Jan 29 through Feb 9, with special events and programs. Visitors can see the pandas for free. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/dcpandas

National Ballet of China: Chinese New Year (January 29 – February 2)

The National Ballet of China returns to the Kennedy Center to tell the story of a family’s Chinese New Year celebration. It showcases Chinese culture and customs through a captivating ballet performance with lively characters and impressive choreography. https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/explore-by-genre/dance/2024-2025/chinese-new-year/

Black History Month (February)

African American history and culture are an essential part of DC’s identity, which means there are numerous ways to celebrate Black History Month. Visitors can spend an afternoon at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, stand beside the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial or take a culinary tour of the many Black-owned restaurants.  https://washington.org/visit-dc/celebrate-black-history-month

Ice Rink at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden (until March 2)

Ice skate amid works of art and sculptures in a lush garden. The ice rink at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden is a quintessential winter experience in Washington, DC. It opens each year and lasts until early March. https://www.nga.gov/visit/ice-rink.html

National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20 –April 13)

Nothing signifies the transformation of winter to spring quite like the blooming of the cherry blossom trees and the National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the occasion. Visitors descend upon Washington, DC each year to admire the 3,000-plus trees. The festival is full of free events that honor American and Japanese cultures and represents a close bond forged between the two countries. https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/

DC Cocktail Fest (March 29)

DC Cocktail Fest brings a premiere cocktail tasting experience to Union Market with tastings from the city’s top mixologists. With the purchase of tickets, visitors can redeem 15 different beverage samples while enjoying the event’s live music and paired bites. https://www.dccocktailfestival.com/

FilmFest DC (April 24 – May 4)

The largest and longest-running annual international film festival in DC, Filmfest returns with another varied lineup featuring comedies, dramas, thrillers, shorts and documentaries. https://www.filmfestdc.org/

Passport DC (May)

Passport DC is a month-long festival in May that pays tribute to Washington, DC’s thriving international diplomatic community and diverse cultures. Visitors can use the festival as a chance to stroll Embassy Row – a stretch of Massachusetts Avenue NW that runs through Dupont Circle and Upper Northwest – and visit some of the more than 170 embassies and cultural institutions. https://eventsdc.com/passportdc

Flower Mart (May 2-3)

During Passport DC’s first weekend, the Washington National Cathedral hosts its annual Flower Mart, a two-day event that allows visitors to shop for plants and gifts, eat festive food, enjoy children’s activities like riding a historic carousel. https://allhallowsguild.org/programs/flower-mart/

Financial Times Weekend Festival (May 10)

Experience the Financial Times weekend paper come to life at the FTWeekend Festival: US edition. In previous years, the lineup has been both online and in-person, featuring FT writers in conversation with names like Nancy Pelosi and Jake Sullivan. The event will feature everything from debates and performances to wine and whiskey tastings. https://usftweekendfestival.live.ft.com/

Running of the Chihuahuas – May TBD

The Wharf celebrates Cinco de Mayo with this too-cute-to-be-true chihuahua race. Watch the little pups run their way to glory at one of the most exciting places in DC. Guests will also be able to enjoy a beer garden, a 360-degree pet photo booth, a DJ, an adoptable pet parade. There is an all-breed costume contest and music throughout the afternoon. https://www.wharfdc.com/chihuahuas/

WorldPride (May 17 –June 8)

Washington, DC is gearing up to host a celebration of love, diversity, and unity at WorldPride 2025. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and pivotal role in championing civil rights, DC is the perfect backdrop for this iconic event. The WorldPride event marks the 50th anniversary of Capital Pride, first held in 1975. Festivities will include the International Choral Festival, in addition to several music concerts, and the Capital Cup Sports Festival, with currently over 20 planned sports taking place. Washington, DC will also host the International WorldPride Human Rights Conference, allowing visitors to hear from guest speakers, participate in workshops, learn more about queer history. https://worldpridedc.org/ and https://www.capitalpride.org/

FIFA Club World Cup (June 15 –July 13)

DC’s Audi Field is one of twelve stadiums across the US to host games for the FIFA Club World Cup. It will host three group stage matches between the June 18 – 26 with teams including Italy’s Juventus, Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg, and Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia. https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/club-world-cup/usa-2025

New exhibitions

Go-Go Museum and Cafe (Opening February) 

Located in Anacostia, the 3,000 sq. feet museum will include digital and interactive exhibitions to guide visitors through go-go’s roots, pivotal moments, best songs, landmark music venues and community impact. Go-go’s history will also be woven into the cafe’s offerings. The food will be a blend of African, Caribbean, Latin and mumbo-sauced dishes. https://www.gogomuseumcafe.com/

National Museum of Asian Art: “The Print Generation” (until April 27)

In the early decades of the twentieth century, a new generation of print artists broke from existing traditions in Japanese printmaking. While the labor of print production was historically divided among different craftspeople, these ambitious artists sought to reinvent the medium by undertaking all aspects of a work’s creation – designing, carving, and printing themselves. https://www.si.edu/exhibitions/print-generation:event-exhib-6744

National Portrait Gallery: “Always to Return” (until July 6)

Felix Gonzalez-Torres explores portraiture and the construction of identity through this exhibition. It is an exhibition focused on the artist’s deep engagement with portraiture and the construction of identity, as well as how history is told and inherited.

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