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Your D.C. Weekend: New museum exhibits you don't want to miss

Go see Nick Cave at the Smithsonian and these other shows.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s a great weekend to explore D.C.&#x27;s newest museum exhibits — from powerhouse female artists to mammoth-scale installations and American masters.Three newcomers you won&#x27;t want to miss:

Union Station wants a lighting makeover for its facade

Officials say the looksmaxxing would also boost public safety.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Union Station" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/12/02/union-station-project-amtrak-moynihan-train-hall" data-vars-content-id="ca68d975-5a06-4223-9e8b-ff37d009fa46" data-vars-headline="Union Station wants a lighting makeover for its facade" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/12/02/union-station-project-amtrak-moynihan-train-hall" target="_self">Union Station</a> wants a literal glow-up — nighttime lights outside, brighter bulbs inside.The big picture: The train station&#x27;s CEO has wanted to work with the Trump administration on realizing its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="longterm modernization project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/14/union-station-renovation-progress-update" data-vars-content-id="ca68d975-5a06-4223-9e8b-ff37d009fa46" data-vars-headline="Union Station wants a lighting makeover for its facade" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/14/union-station-renovation-progress-update" target="_self">longterm modernization project</a>, and a flashier entrance for D.C.&#x27;s front door might appeal to the president&#x27;s sensibilities.

Exclusive: D.C. mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George reveals how she'd handle Trump

The democratic socialist dove deep into a range of topics for the first time.

Politics

Mayoral candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Janeese Lewis George" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/11/20/janeese-lewis-george-bowser-dc-mayor-election-zohran-mamdani" data-vars-content-id="3c850410-729e-40ed-aaa4-33038fc55d58" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: D.C. mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George reveals how she&#x27;d handle Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/11/20/janeese-lewis-george-bowser-dc-mayor-election-zohran-mamdani" target="_self">Janeese Lewis George</a> would support a new business tax to fund child care for all. And says she&#x27;d work with President Trump on redeveloping downtown.Why it matters: Lewis George is vying against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kenyan McDuffie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/15/dc-mayoral-kenyan-mcduffie-janeese-lewis-george-campaign-election-fundraising-fair-elections" data-vars-content-id="3c850410-729e-40ed-aaa4-33038fc55d58" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: D.C. mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George reveals how she&#x27;d handle Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/15/dc-mayoral-kenyan-mcduffie-janeese-lewis-george-campaign-election-fundraising-fair-elections" target="_self">Kenyan McDuffie</a> to lead the nation&#x27;s capital, and her strategy echoes that of fellow democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, the New York City mayor who isn&#x27;t shy about his disagreements with Trump but also seeks areas of cooperation.

D.C. on the verge of lifting Potomac River recreation restrictions

It's an early sign the region may be turning a corner on what officials have called the worst sewage spill in U.S. history.

D.C. is aiming to lift its restrictions on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Potomac River" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/13/sewage-spill-potomac-river-safety-fishing-swimming-future" data-vars-content-id="6c022735-497c-4c20-8ad3-0e1621adaeec" data-vars-headline="D.C. on the verge of lifting Potomac River recreation restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/13/sewage-spill-potomac-river-safety-fishing-swimming-future" target="_self">Potomac River</a> recreation on March 2 — three weeks after the last sewage surge was reported (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Superbowl Sunday&#x27;s &quot;wipegate&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wusa9.com/article/tech/science/environment/non-flushable-wipes-more-sew[…]tomac-river-super-bowl/65-bbe1af6c-6dd0-4aad-bb99-1fcb16a2c650" data-vars-content-id="6c022735-497c-4c20-8ad3-0e1621adaeec" data-vars-headline="D.C. on the verge of lifting Potomac River recreation restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wusa9.com/article/tech/science/environment/non-flushable-wipes-more-sew[…]tomac-river-super-bowl/65-bbe1af6c-6dd0-4aad-bb99-1fcb16a2c650" target="_blank">Superbowl Sunday&#x27;s &quot;wipegate&quot;</a>) and six weeks after the initial spill.Why it matters: It&#x27;s an early sign the region may be turning a corner on what officials have called the worst sewage spill in U.S. history — and a test of public trust in the river.

Cowboy Carter is coming to D.C. — here's your Beyoncé party plan

Join the BeyHive for karaoke, brunch, yoga and dance parties.

Beyoncé is bringing her <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cowboy Carter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/04/03/beyonce-cowboy-carter-shaboozey-brittney-spencer" data-vars-content-id="180c457a-16e6-4547-bce7-9a0ca89d0520" data-vars-headline="Cowboy Carter is coming to D.C. — here&#x27;s your Beyoncé party plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/04/03/beyonce-cowboy-carter-shaboozey-brittney-spencer" target="_self">Cowboy Carter</a> tour to Washington starting Friday — but even if you don&#x27;t attend IRL, there are plenty of ways to hang with the BeyHive this weekend.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a long weekend — pack in as much Bey as possible.

Shakira cancels WorldPride concert at Nats Park

This comes after the singer canceled her Boston show this week.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shakira" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/29/shakira-worldpride-things-to-do-in-dc" data-vars-content-id="5f311bb4-826a-40e4-b818-0319bd0f7018" data-vars-headline="Shakira cancels WorldPride concert at Nats Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/29/shakira-worldpride-things-to-do-in-dc" target="_self">Shakira</a> has cancelled her <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="WorldPride" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/01/worldpride-2025-guide-concerts-parade-festivals-free" data-vars-content-id="5f311bb4-826a-40e4-b818-0319bd0f7018" data-vars-headline="Shakira cancels WorldPride concert at Nats Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/01/worldpride-2025-guide-concerts-parade-festivals-free" target="_self">WorldPride</a> concert in D.C. Saturday night, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nationals Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/05/30/shakira-world-pride-concert-canceled/" data-vars-content-id="5f311bb4-826a-40e4-b818-0319bd0f7018" data-vars-headline="Shakira cancels WorldPride concert at Nats Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/05/30/shakira-world-pride-concert-canceled/" target="_blank">Nationals Park</a> said in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="statement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/concerts/shakira" data-vars-content-id="5f311bb4-826a-40e4-b818-0319bd0f7018" data-vars-headline="Shakira cancels WorldPride concert at Nats Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/concerts/shakira" target="_blank">statement</a> released Friday.Why it matters: The concert was set to be part of the welcome festivities for D.C.&#x27;s massive LGBTQ+ celebration, which is expected to bring 2-3 million people to town.

Your D.C. Weekend: Bourbon & Bluegrass, Greek festival

Get ready for a banjo-pickin&#x27;, tumbler-swillin&#x27; good time: It&#x27;s the annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bourbon &amp; Bluegrass" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lincolncottage.org/event/bourbon-and-bluegrass-2025/" data-vars-content-id="5155f1a6-5959-4093-aadc-12e10552e401" data-vars-headline="Your D.C. Weekend: Bourbon &amp; Bluegrass, Greek festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lincolncottage.org/event/bourbon-and-bluegrass-2025/" target="_blank">Bourbon &amp; Bluegrass</a> festival this weekend.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the 10th anniversary of what <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington City Paper&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://bestof2024.washingtoncitypaper.com/arts-and-ent-readers-picks/best-music-festival" data-vars-content-id="5155f1a6-5959-4093-aadc-12e10552e401" data-vars-headline="Your D.C. Weekend: Bourbon &amp; Bluegrass, Greek festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bestof2024.washingtoncitypaper.com/arts-and-ent-readers-picks/best-music-festival" target="_blank">Washington City Paper&#x27;s</a> called &quot;The Best <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Music Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/04/15/all-things-go-lineup-tickets-doechii-noah-kahan" data-vars-content-id="5155f1a6-5959-4093-aadc-12e10552e401" data-vars-headline="Your D.C. Weekend: Bourbon &amp; Bluegrass, Greek festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/04/15/all-things-go-lineup-tickets-doechii-noah-kahan" target="_self">Music Festival</a> in D.C.&quot;

Signs of summer: Jazz in the Garden is back

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jazz in the Garden" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/20/jazz-in-the-garden-tickets" data-vars-content-id="77439e3a-6cc9-4355-aee6-512decb604e9" data-vars-headline="Signs of summer: Jazz in the Garden is back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/20/jazz-in-the-garden-tickets" target="_self">Jazz in the Garden</a> is back for the season on May 23 — but you can score free passes earlier.Why it matters: You haven&#x27;t summered in D.C. until you&#x27;ve sipped sangría and listened to live music at the National Gallery of Art&#x27;s sculpture garden.

D.C.'s 2024 Spotify Wrapped is here: Top artists, albums and songs

The city's most-streamed artists, albums and songs.

Yes, your Instagram is likely inundated with everyone you&#x27;ve ever met&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spotify Wrapped" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/04/2024-spotify-wrapped-how-to" data-vars-content-id="4a51cada-8d36-4173-9112-898bdde00bcc" data-vars-headline="D.C.&#x27;s 2024 Spotify Wrapped is here: Top artists, albums and songs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/04/2024-spotify-wrapped-how-to" target="_self">Spotify Wrapped</a> content — but what were D.C. residents&#x27; top Spotify jams this year?The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Taylor Swift" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/08/grammys-taylor-swift-album-of-the-year" data-vars-content-id="4a51cada-8d36-4173-9112-898bdde00bcc" data-vars-headline="D.C.&#x27;s 2024 Spotify Wrapped is here: Top artists, albums and songs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/08/grammys-taylor-swift-album-of-the-year" target="_self">Taylor Swift</a> was D.C.&#x27;s most-streamed artist this year, per Spotify data shared with Axios.

"Bridgerton" candlelight music series comes to D.C.

Ready the carriages and make haste — a concert series inspired by music from the hit Netflix show &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bridgerton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/04/01/washington-bridgerton-pop-up" data-vars-content-id="50be59b2-4d47-4c97-b238-28e8c1c1bcb2" data-vars-headline="&quot;Bridgerton&quot; candlelight music series comes to D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/04/01/washington-bridgerton-pop-up" target="_self">Bridgerton</a>&quot; is coming to D.C.Why it matters: If you&#x27;re looking for a holiday gift for the wannabe Lady Whistledown in your life, look no further.

The D.C. Go-Go Museum has a ribbon-cutting date

The space will include a cafe in historic Anacostia.

It&#x27;s a go: The long-awaited <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Go-Go Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/11/16/new-museum-gogo-anacostia-music" data-vars-content-id="bbead906-3738-402e-b476-b9442e156459" data-vars-headline="The D.C. Go-Go Museum has a ribbon-cutting date" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/11/16/new-museum-gogo-anacostia-music" target="_self">Go-Go Museum</a> and Cafe in Anacostia is planning to cut the ceremonial ribbon on Nov. 18.Why it matters: The idea was sparked in 2019 during the #DontMuteDC movement, which tried to uplift the city&#x27;s original soundtrack.

Tickets are going live for D.C.'s biggest fall festivals

Boo at the Zoo, Gold Cup, Snallygaster and more.

Fall&#x27;s biggest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="festivals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/09/15/fall-festivals-events-guide-things-to-do-dmv-maryland-virginia" data-vars-content-id="708cd56c-f338-4dd5-bd15-78b6a353a3ef" data-vars-headline="Tickets are going live for D.C.&#x27;s biggest fall festivals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/09/15/fall-festivals-events-guide-things-to-do-dmv-maryland-virginia" target="_self">festivals</a> and events are coming up fast, and some tickets are already live.Why it matters: You can hop on early bird pricing and snag popular passes before they sell out.

HFStival is launching a comeback in D.C. with an epic lineup

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&#x27;90s are back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/12/mcdonalds-grimace-meal-nostalgia-summer-movies" data-vars-content-id="1010f24a-ec3b-41fe-9c65-cf315a7d65a1" data-vars-headline="HFStival is launching a comeback in D.C. with an epic lineup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/12/mcdonalds-grimace-meal-nostalgia-summer-movies" target="_self">&#x27;90s are back</a>, and so is HFStival — a legendary D.C. alt-rock concert that&#x27;s being revived at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nationals Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/03/25/washington-nationals-park-2024-tickets-discounts" data-vars-content-id="1010f24a-ec3b-41fe-9c65-cf315a7d65a1" data-vars-headline="HFStival is launching a comeback in D.C. with an epic lineup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/03/25/washington-nationals-park-2024-tickets-discounts" target="_self">Nationals Park</a> in September with artists like The Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie, Incubus, and Violent Femmes.Why it matters: Nostalgia overload in the best way possible — now if only Commander Salamander returns for the &#x27;fits.

D.C.-area travel agents are planning bougie Taylor Swift Euro trips

Traveling overseas likely adds up to the same amount as an expensive U.S. ticket and the cost of domestic travel, one agent says.

D.C.-area travel agents are planning elaborate trips for American clients jaunting to Europe for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Taylor Swift&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/09/americans-fly-taylor-swift-eras-tour-europe" data-vars-content-id="ae38b612-cb1a-4fe8-aa1b-c47aaa151d6a" data-vars-headline="D.C.-area travel agents are planning bougie Taylor Swift Euro trips" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/09/americans-fly-taylor-swift-eras-tour-europe" target="_self">Taylor Swift&#x27;</a>s Eras tour this summer.Why it matters: Many fans are taking advantage of significantly cheaper <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ticket prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/09/maryland-concert-ticket-law" data-vars-content-id="ae38b612-cb1a-4fe8-aa1b-c47aaa151d6a" data-vars-headline="D.C.-area travel agents are planning bougie Taylor Swift Euro trips" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/09/maryland-concert-ticket-law" target="_self">ticket prices</a> — thanks to tighter regulations on fees and resales in Europe — and making a summer vacation out of it.