Your D.C. Weekend: New museum exhibits you don't want to miss
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"Nick Cave: Mammoth," the Smithsonian American Art Museum's largest commission, is a free must-see. Photo: Mammoth, Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2026, ©Nick Cave; Photos by RON BLUNT STUDIO
It's a great weekend to explore D.C.'s newest museum exhibits — from powerhouse female artists to mammoth-scale installations and American masters.
Three newcomers you won't want to miss:
The Smithsonian American Art Museum's largest-ever single-artist commission is Nick Cave's first solo show in D.C.
- Rooted in his Missouri upbringing, the immersive exhibit centers on a 70-foot illuminated table packed with found objects, plus towering bronze sculptures and video projections that explore memory, craft and the natural world.
What's next: On March 18, Cave and collaborator Bob Faust discuss the work (free; registration required). His opening talk sold out — reserve early.
If you go: Now through Jan. 3, 2027. Free admission.
🪢 "Ties of Our Common Kindred"
Glenstone's newest exhibition commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with iconic works from its collection.
- Pieces by Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Andy Warhol, Ruth Asawa and more highlight styles that shaped American art over the past century.
If you go: Free timed-entry passes required for the indoor/outdoor Potomac, Maryland, museum (must be 12 or older).
🎨 "Making Their Mark: Works from the Shah Garg Collection"
Around 80 works by nearly 70 influential female artists debut Friday at the National Museum of Women in the Arts.
- The multimedia collection features Faith Ringgold, Kara Walker, Joan Mitchell and more tracing themes of identity, abstraction and power across generations.
If you go: Friday through July 26. Tickets ($16); free under 21
More weekend fun
😆 Jim Gaffigan at The Anthem (Thurs–Sat): The comedian brings his "Everything Is Wonderful" tour and laughs to the Wharf. Ticket prices vary
🇮🇪 Capital Irish Film Festival (Thurs–Sun): Catch more than 20 Irish films, plus filmmaker panels and special events at AFI Silver Spring. Single tickets $25
🍽️ Restaurant weeks (now through Mar. 8): Five winter restaurant weeks are going on in Maryland and Virginia — check out our guide to promos in Bethesda, Vienna and more.
🏒 Capitals Black History Night (Fri): The Caps take on Vegas while honoring Black achievement in hockey — specialty jerseys on auction for charity. Ticket prices vary
🍫 Cheese & Chocolate Pairing at Bold Fork Books (Fri): Learn how to pair nontraditional cheeses and chocolates at this hands-on foodie workshop in Mount Pleasant. Tickets $75
🧀 Raclette Fest at Cheesetique (Now–Mar. 15): Cozy up to Swiss raclette, alpine cocktails and apple strudel in Alexandria. À la carte pricing
🪂 Sky Zone Dulles grand opening (Sat): Celebrate the launch of the new indoor adventure park with DJs and giveaways. Walk-in only, $10 for two hours