New Developments and Upcoming Tourism Events in Washington, D.C. in Fall 2023

United States Park Police Horse Patrol Stable (June 2023)

This Tudor-style sustainable stable on the National Mall includes a public education area, self-guided tours, and a paddock for viewing the horses.

National Museum of Asian Art Centennial (2023)

The first art museum on the National Mall has opened a newly restored Peacock Room and its first contemporary gallery supporting video-based exhibitions.

Smithsonian National Zoo's Bird House (March 2023)

The immersive exhibition includes a walk-through aviary and interactive experiences with Western Hemisphere birds, featuring a tropical bird-friendly coffee farm.

Metro Silver Line Extended to Dulles International Airport (November 2022)

This new transit line connects Dulles International Airport to downtown Washington, D.C. The airport plans $500–$800 million in renovations over the next few years.

Rubell Museum (October 2022)

This contemporary museum near the National Mall houses over 7,400 works by more than 1,000 American and international artists.

The Wharf – Phase 2 (October 2022)

Phase 2 includes a Pendry hotel and spa, more shopping and dining, a marina, and a public park along the Southwest Waterfront.

National Air and Space Museum Renovation (October 2022, ongoing)

Eight new and renovated exhibitions and a planetarium display hundreds of new artifacts, such as the X-wing starfighter from Star Wars. The remaining 15 exhibitions will open by 2025 for tourism.

Upcoming Events at a Glance

National Museum of Women in the Arts Reopening (October 21, 2023)

The first major museum dedicated to women artists reopens after a $67.5 million renovation, offering more gallery space, showcasing over 5,500 works, and providing enhanced facilities and amenities.

National World War I Memorial's "Soldiers' Journey" Sculpture Wall (2024)

The longest bronze sculpture in the Western Hemisphere, 58 feet (17.8 meters) high, will feature 38 soldier sculptures accompanied by engraved quotes. (2024)

11th Street Bridge Park (2025)

Washington, D.C.'s first elevated park will open over the Anacostia River for tourism, featuring an amphitheater, picnic gardens, interactive art, waterfalls, and other attractions and activities.

WorldPride DC 2025 (May 23–June 8, 2025)

Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Capital Pride event, additional week-long celebrations will take place citywide.

Washington, D.C. has 19 new hotels and over 3,500 additional rooms in the pipeline, including renovated, newly built hotels and brands across various neighborhoods.

Royal Sonesta Washington, D.C. – Capitol Hill (September 1, 2023)

This upscale tourism hotel embodies wellness and green design, featuring a state-of-the-art yoga room, a vegetated green roof, a Parisian bistro, and a rooftop overlooking iconic landmarks.

Arlo (mid-2024)

This boutique hotel will open in one of Washington, D.C.'s oldest multi-unit residential buildings, with two restaurants, a rooftop pool and lounge, a wine cellar, and a speakeasy.

Luxury Hotels and Spas (2022)

Washington, D.C. has welcomed a host of new wellness-focused hotels. Waldorf Astoria Washington DC features the city's only salt therapy room. The Pendry Hotel at The Wharf boasts a world-class spa, while the women-owned Black Salamander Washington DC hotel will undergo a full renovation in 2024.

Michelin Guide Update for Washington, D.C. (November 7, 2023)

Washington, D.C. now has 24 Michelin-starred restaurants and is one of the few U.S. cities with a Michelin guide for tourism.

20 New or Renovated Rooftop Bars and Restaurants

With no buildings exceeding 13 stories, rooftop dining venues like Moonraker, Upstairs at The Morrow, and VUE offer diners stunning views of Washington's iconic landmarks.

World-Renowned Chefs and Restaurant Operators

Visitors can find establishments by celebrity chefs and operators including Gordon Ramsay (Hell's Kitchen), Ryan Chetiyawardana – Mr. Lyan (Silver Lyan), Stephen Starr (The Diplomat), José Andrés (The Bazaar), and others.

Washington, D.C. is known for its iconic festivals and events, many of which are free and open to the public. The National Cherry Blossom Festival (free, March 20–April 14, 2024) celebrates the largest cherry blossom bloom outside Japan. Passport DC (free, May 1–31, 2024) showcases open houses and cultural activities at 180 embassies around the city. Capital Pride (free, May 31–June 9, 2024) celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with parades, concerts, and festivals. Each summer, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and the Fourth of July fireworks (July 4, 2024) take place for free on the National Mall. The DC Jazz Festival over Labor Day weekend celebrates a uniquely American music genre. In winter, visitors can enjoy the lighting of the National Christmas Tree and National Menorah, and shop at holiday markets throughout the city.