Find the latest coronavirus-related updates on attractions, museums, venues, festivals, events and more
Current Reopening Status
The city is currently in Phase Two of recovery through May 20, which allows many businesses and attractions to operate. Mayor Muriel Bowser recently announced updates to the city’s status that will go into effect on May 21 and culminate with a full reopening of DC starting June 11.
The coronavirus pandemic has affected events, attractions and other businesses throughout the Washington, DC area. Make sure to check out our list of reopened businesses and read below for more details on restaurants, attractions and museums, including helpful safety information.
DC needs everyone in our community to pre-register for a vaccination appointment by going to vaccinate.dc.gov or calling 1-855-363-0333. Already vaccinated or pre-registered? Reach out to friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors and help them pre-register. Together, we can save lives and end this pandemic.
Follow DC’s guidance for fully vaccinated people, including guidelines about when it’s okay to skip wearing a mask. If not fully vaccinated, you are required to wear a mask in public.
Current Travel Requirements
Fully vaccinated travelers from domestic locations may visit Washington, DC without a COVID-19 test. Unvaccinated travelers from high-risk areas visiting for more than 24 hours are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before traveling. Private institutions and local government officials may ask for proof of a negative test. It is recommended to travel with your vaccination card with you in case documentation is required. Read more up-to-date information about traveling to the city to ensure the health and safety of visitors.
Please note that the National Park Service has implemented a mask requirement across all parks and federal buildings. Masks are also required on NPS-managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including narrow or busy trails, overlooks and historic homes. Additional public health measures are in place across the service, from capacity limits to one-way trails, or even temporary closures in response to local conditions. Visitors should check individual park websites and social media channels for details on operations before they visit. Park rangers are on duty to provide information, protect visitors and park resources, and uphold this requirement. Other tips to recreate responsibly are available on NPS.gov.
Looking for upcoming events? The nation’s capital remains open for gatherings and events with some capacity restrictions through Phase Two of reopening. Starting on June 11, the city will fully reopen offering countless things to see and do this summer, from July 4 fireworks to outdoor movie screenings to Labor Day weekend festivities. Check out the latest events and festivals on weekdays, weekends and this month.
Updated May 13, 2021
What’s Open
Museums/Attractions
Through May 20, museums, galleries and exhibits are able to operate indoors and outdoors at 50% capacity. Capacity limits will be removed starting on May 21.
What’s Open Right Now
- The National Gallery of Art has reopened its West Building. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum’s website. The Sculpture Garden is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily with limited capacity, while the East Building remains closed.
- The National Museum of African American History and Culture has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum’s website.
- The National Portrait Gallery is now open. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum’s website.
- The Smithsonian American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery have both reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum’s website.
- The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum’s website.
- The Hirshhorn’s Sculpture Garden is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while the plaza and building remain closed. For more information, visit the Hirshhorn’s website.
- The National Museum of Women in the Arts is now open. Visit the museum’s website for more information.
- Glenstone is open for visits to the Gallery building, grounds, and outdoor dining at the Patio in a limited capacity on visitor days (Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.). The Arrival Hall is open in a limited capacity for access to restrooms and a water bottle refill station, as well as the Bookstore. Scheduled visits are required, and admission is free. Visit the museum’s website for more information.
- George Washington’s Mount Vernon is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., non-members should buy tickets online, guests and staff are required to wear face coverings and must social distance.
- ARTECHOUSE is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Make sure to read its safety protocols before planning a trip.
- O Museum in The Mansion is open for lodging, outdoor dining and shopping; the garden is open for reservations as well.
- Lincoln’s Cottage has reopened for self-guided tours from Wednesday through Monday. Advance tickets are required.
- International Spy Museum is now open daily. You must get advance tickets and abide by social distancing guidelines and mask requirements. Read more safety info.
- Kreeger Museum is open. You must get advance reservation tickets.
- Museum of the Bible is open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets, face masks and social distancing required. Use complimentary styluses on touchscreens. Read more “Thou Shalts”.
- Big Bus Tours is offering tours every day of the week. For more information, visit its website.
- The Phillips Collection has reopened with its new centennial exhibition, Seeing Differently: The Phillips Collects for a New Century.
- Dumbarton House has reopened. Hours are Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Dumbarton House’s website.
- Planet Word has reopened. Hours are Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the museum’s COVID-19 guidelines and to reserve passes, visit Planet Word’s website.
- The National Building Museum is now open Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the museum’s website.
- Tudor Place has reopened, with hours of Friday and Saturday, 12 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the estate’s website.
- Dream Aero is open from 12-7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Visit its website for more information.
- Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is now open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit the museum’s website.
- Old Town Trolley Tours is now open, with tours departing hourly from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. You can also read about the company’s safety policies.
- Ford’s Theatre has reopened. The Petersen House and Aftermath Exhibits will remain closed. For more information regarding tickets and safety protocols, visit the Ford’s Theatre website.
- The Washington National Cathedral is open for ticketed entry to the Les Colombes exhibit and special events. Visit the Cathedral’s website for ticket information.
What’s Reopening Soon
- The National Archives will reopen on May 15. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum’s website.
- The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum will reopen on May 17. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum’s website.
- The National Museum of the Marine Corps will reopen on May 17. For more information on safety protocols, visit the museum’s website.
- The National Museum of American History will reopen on May 21. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum’s website.
- The National Museum of the American Indian will reopen on May 21. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum’s website.
- The Smithsonian’s National Zoo will reopen on May 21. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the Smithsonian unit’s website.
Restaurants
Service is open for indoor dining at 25 percent capacity, outdoor dining and carryout and delivery at restaurants through June 10. Starting June 11, capacity restrictions will be lifted at bars and nightclubs. Check the status on outdoor dining options including beer gardens, patios and rooftop restaurants, as well as popular takeout and delivery options.
Sports
Currently professional sports may operate pursuant to a waiver. Anticipated capacity is for 10,000 fans at Nationals Park; 5,000 at Audi Field; 2,100 at Capital One Arena and 450 at the Entertainment and Sports Arena through June 10. Starting Friday, June 11, capacity restrictions will be lifted at large sports and entertainment venues.
- The Washington Capitals (Tickets) in Capital One Arena. Regular season ends May 15, playoffs begin afterward.
- Washington Wizards (Tickets) in Capital One Arena. Regular season ends May 16, playoffs begin afterward.
- Washington Mystics (Tickets) in the Entertainment and Sports Arena. Team begins season on May 15.
- Washington Nationals (Tickets) at Nationals Park. Regular season ends Sept. 29.
- D.C. United (Tickets) at Audi Field. Regular season ends Nov. 7.
Parks/Gardens/Recreation
Dog parks, golf courses, parks, tennis courts, tracks and fields are open. Recreation centers, bowling alleys, climbing gyms, squash or racquetball clubs, skating rinks and skateboard parks may open with a 50-person capacity or at 50 percent capacity through May 21. Note that outdoor attractions like the National Park Service Sites, Monuments and Memorials at the National Mall and around the city remain open. You can also learn more about DC’s parks and gardens and read details of currently reopened sites below.
- The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts‘ outdoor campus at THE REACH is accessible, including pop-up wine garden and cafe Victura Park.
- Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with limited number of visitors, required social distancing and face coverings suggested. Onsite buildings and bathroom are closed. Learn more.
- National Museum of the Marine Corps remains closed, but its museum grounds, including Semper Fidelis Memorial Park and the playground, are open with safety measures. Learn more.
- The Smithsonian’s Enid A. Haupt Garden is open with safety protocols in place. Learn more.
- U.S. National Arboretum has reopened from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more.
- George Washington’s Mount Vernon is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., non-members should buy tickets online, guests and staff are required to wear face coverings and must social distance.
- The Fields & Festival Grounds at RFK Campus are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. The weekly farmers’ market is open. Learn more.
Theaters/Cinemas/Concert Venues/Entertainment Centers
From May 21-June 11, waivers are necessary for nightclubs and entertainment venues. Starting June 11, capacity restrictions will be listed at entertainment venues. Note that many area theaters are offering virtual programming – make sure to check our things to do for the week and weekend to review options.
- The Howard Theatre – Next scheduled show on June 5 with Pianist Tigran Hamasyan
- Union Stage – Next scheduled show on June 24 with DC based indie soul band Oh He Dead
- Black Cat – Next scheduled show on Aug 6 with Between the Buried and Me
- The Anthem – Next scheduled show on Aug. 29 with the Deftones Summer Tour 2021
- 9:30 Club – Next scheduled show on Aug. 28 with Luttrell
- The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts – 2021-2022 Ballet & Dance Season debuts Oct. 7 | Theater Season debuts Oct. 13
Retail
Nonessential retail businesses are limited to 25 percent capacity as specified on their Certificate of Occupancy or 250 people including staff, whichever is fewer. Phase Two allows for personal services to open including hair and nail salons, massage and spas by appointment only and with strong safeguards and physical distancing in place through May 20. Capacity restrictions will be lifted starting May 21. Many Made in DC shops offer online shopping with the option for curbside pickup. Check out ways that you can support some of these local businesses in the District.
Hotels
If you find yourself in Washington, DC during this time and in need of a hotel, many DC-area hotels are open and ready to welcome guests.
Transportation
WMATA’s enhanced cleaning measures include daily disinfecting of trains, buses and stations with mopping, wiping down high-touch surfaces or using electrostatic foggers. Metro has upped its deep cleaning of stations to four times that of the pre-Covid era. In addition, Metro launched new touch-free SmarTrip service for iPhone and Apple Watch devices, becoming the first rail system in the U.S. to offer a full service, touch-free payment option at every single stop.
Metro has restored most rail and bus service to pre-covid levels across the region in the largest – and likely most complex – service change in the system’s 44-year history. Metro is expanding late-night service and restoring more routes to support the DC region’s reopening and recovery. Face masks are required. For more information, visit wmata.com.
What’s Closed
- Anderson House – Closed to the public until further notice.
- Arena Stage – Closed to the public until further notice.
- Atlas Performing Arts Center – Closed until further notice, but check its marquee for inspiring social justice messages.
- Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument – Closed to the public until further notice.
- DAR Museum – Closed to the public until further notice.
- DC Armory – Closed to the public until further notice.
- Festival Grounds at RFK Campus – Closed to the public until further notice.
- Gateway DC – Closed to the public until further notice.
- Library of Congress – Closed to the public until further notice.
- Lincoln Theatre – Closed to the public until further notice.
- Madame Tussauds – Closed to the public until further notice.
- National Children’s Museum – Closed to the public until further notice.
- National Geographic Museum – Closed to the public until further notice.
- National Law Enforcement Museum – Closed to the public until further notice.
- National Museum of the Marine Corps – Closed to the public until further notice. The museum grounds, including Semper Fidelis Memorial Park and the playground, will remain open.
- Old Post Office Tower – Closed to the public until further notice.
- Pentagon Tours – Closed to the public until further notice.
- R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center – Closed to the public until further notice.
- U.S. National Archives – Closed to the public until further notice.
- Washington National Cathedral – Closed to the public until further notice.
- Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company – Closed to the public until further notice.
