Washington D.C.

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in D.C. with Mimi Montgomery, Cuneyt Dil, and Anna Spiegel.

Axios D.C.

Standard

Axios D.C. Partners

Axios D.C. Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

A guide to fun things to do in D.C. this weekend.

Axios D.C. Weekender

Weekender

D.C. Alerts

Alert

Washington, DC Members

Membership

D.C.'s top outdoor design trends: Think rooms, not patios

Outdoor Living Brief

Forget a patio grill — even a fancy one. D.C.-area homeowners are seriously upgrading their outdoor living and entertaining game.Why it matters: Outdoor space comes at a premium here, no matter the size. That&#x27;s making near year-round enjoyment a priority.

Exclusive: Janeese Lewis George nabs endorsement from former AG Karl Racine

Karl Racine is D.C.'s first elected attorney general

Politics

Former D.C. attorney general <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Karl Racine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2021/10/12/washington-dc-attorney-general-racine-election" data-vars-content-id="2124c6bd-7406-414d-a4db-28b63926dc64" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Janeese Lewis George nabs endorsement from former AG Karl Racine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2021/10/12/washington-dc-attorney-general-racine-election" target="_self">Karl Racine</a> is endorsing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Janeese Lewis George" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/23/janeese-lewis-george-mayor-race-election-trump-democratic-socialism" data-vars-content-id="2124c6bd-7406-414d-a4db-28b63926dc64" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Janeese Lewis George nabs endorsement from former AG Karl Racine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/23/janeese-lewis-george-mayor-race-election-trump-democratic-socialism" target="_self">Janeese Lewis George</a> for mayor, praising the council member&#x27;s &quot;bold ideas&quot; for expanding child care access and building more housing.Why it matters: Racine&#x27;s popularity as D.C.&#x27;s first elected AG could help Lewis George in a tight race, where she and Kenyan McDuffie are the frontrunners.

Want more for your D.C. home? Start with a fence

Buyers put a premium on private outdoor space.

If you want to quickly add value to your home, don&#x27;t overlook the power of a fence, according to D.C. real estate agents.Why it matters: Washingtonians are ready to get <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outside" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/06/best-spring-events-dc-2026-cherry-blossoms" data-vars-content-id="e0de4988-c567-475b-9198-de56658e7496" data-vars-headline="Want more for your D.C. home? Start with a fence" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/06/best-spring-events-dc-2026-cherry-blossoms" target="_self">outside</a> after a long winter, and sprucing up outdoor spaces could help <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sellers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/12/03/dmv-real-estate-forecast-2026-bright-mls" data-vars-content-id="e0de4988-c567-475b-9198-de56658e7496" data-vars-headline="Want more for your D.C. home? Start with a fence" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/12/03/dmv-real-estate-forecast-2026-bright-mls" target="_self">sellers</a> fetch top dollar.

The National Zoo's rare baby elephant is ready to debut

Linh Mai — the first Asian elephant born at the National Zoo in 25 years — meets the public April 22.

Things to Do

Watch out, panda cubs — a new zoo baby is ready for the spotlight.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Asian elephant calf" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/04/d-c-zoo-welcomes-baby-asian-elephant" data-vars-content-id="6e6b3681-f224-4e80-9236-727d9eae1e54" data-vars-headline="The National Zoo&#x27;s rare baby elephant is ready to debut" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/04/d-c-zoo-welcomes-baby-asian-elephant" target="_self">Asian elephant calf</a> Linh Mai is the first born at the National Zoo in 25 years — a big win for elephant conservation, and unforgettably cute.

FilmFest DC returns for 40th year — plus more things to do this weekend

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Filmfest DC" data-vars-click-url="https://filmfestdc.org/index.cfm" data-vars-content-id="0067d744-21d2-4763-b575-5d52b3d0b07a" data-vars-headline="FilmFest DC returns for 40th year — plus more things to do this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://filmfestdc.org/index.cfm" target="_blank">Filmfest DC</a> is back for its 40th year, starting today.Why it matters: With over 3,600 films from 144 countries, you&#x27;re in for an only-in-D.C. adventure for cinephiles and casual audiences alike.

Your D.C. Weekend: Cherry Blossom Festival finale

It&#x27;s the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Cherry Blossom Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/" data-vars-content-id="80d5addd-00dc-4c6f-aac6-4a047ff8c1eb" data-vars-headline="Your D.C. Weekend: Cherry Blossom Festival finale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/" target="_blank">National Cherry Blossom Festival</a>&#x27;s final weekend — and they&#x27;ve saved some of the best for last.Why it matters: Peak bloom may have come and gone, but this weekend is still packed with spring energy.

The local's guide to America 250 around D.C.

The 100-day countdown to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s 250th" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/trump-america-250-celebration-new-years-eve-dc" data-vars-content-id="17c97f20-a164-40fa-9885-1ce7eae18a20" data-vars-headline="The local&#x27;s guide to America 250 around D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/trump-america-250-celebration-new-years-eve-dc" target="_self">America&#x27;s 250th</a> is on — but you don&#x27;t have to wait until July 4. There&#x27;s already plenty worth putting on your calendar this spring and early summer.Why it matters: Yes, 50 million visitors are expected — but this moment isn&#x27;t just for tourists. With a wave of new and revamped museums, exhibits and attractions, it&#x27;s a rare chance to play tourist in your own city.

Your D.C. weekend: Easter egg hunts and cherry blossom fun

It&#x27;s Easter weekend, and some places are putting a holiday spin on their menus, along with all-day parties.Why it matters: You can still snag some of these tickets.

Poll: Which cherry blossom is the next Stumpy?

Vote for your favorite short king in our poll.

Glorious <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stumpy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/03/15/stumpy-cut-down-cherry-tree" data-vars-content-id="43042002-44f8-4694-bc49-c87efa948902" data-vars-headline="Poll: Which cherry blossom is the next Stumpy?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/03/15/stumpy-cut-down-cherry-tree" target="_self">Stumpy</a> news: Cuttings from D.C.&#x27;s favorite lil&#x27; tree (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RIP to our short king" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/03/15/stumpy-cut-down-cherry-tree" data-vars-content-id="43042002-44f8-4694-bc49-c87efa948902" data-vars-headline="Poll: Which cherry blossom is the next Stumpy?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/03/15/stumpy-cut-down-cherry-tree" target="_self">RIP to our short king</a>) bloomed for the first time this spring at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Arboretum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/20/best-cherry-blossoms-without-crowds-dc-arboretum" data-vars-content-id="43042002-44f8-4694-bc49-c87efa948902" data-vars-headline="Poll: Which cherry blossom is the next Stumpy?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/20/best-cherry-blossoms-without-crowds-dc-arboretum" target="_self">National Arboretum</a> — and could make their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grand Tidal Basin return" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/Interior/status/2037208947203957084" data-vars-content-id="43042002-44f8-4694-bc49-c87efa948902" data-vars-headline="Poll: Which cherry blossom is the next Stumpy?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/Interior/status/2037208947203957084" target="_blank">grand Tidal Basin return</a> as early as next year.👑Yes, but: It will take years for Stumpy&#x27;s saplings to fill his royal roots, so we must crown a successor in the meantime.

Your D.C. Weekend: Bloomaroo, kite festival and blossom pop-ups

Kite Festival, Bloomaroo, international soccer, pop-ups and more.

Cherry blossoms are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="popping" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/26/dc-cherry-blossoms-peak-bloom-early" data-vars-content-id="f268b81a-2ce9-41f7-97b7-a9b18a03f044" data-vars-headline="Your D.C. Weekend: Bloomaroo, kite festival and blossom pop-ups" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/26/dc-cherry-blossoms-peak-bloom-early" target="_self">popping</a>, kites are flying and pink fireworks are set to light up the Wharf — D.C.&#x27;s biggest blossom weekend has arrived.Why it matters: The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs through April 12, but this is peak spring energy — with big events to match.

Peak cherry blossoms are here — go now

Peak typically lasts a few days, but rain and wind could shorten the show.

News

Peak bloom <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="burst this morning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm" data-vars-content-id="9a235364-98f4-4995-afe8-0e13a769112f" data-vars-headline="Peak cherry blossoms are here — go now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/bloom-watch.htm" target="_blank">burst this morning</a> at the Tidal Basin — which means the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cherry blossom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/20/best-cherry-blossoms-without-crowds-dc-arboretum" data-vars-content-id="9a235364-98f4-4995-afe8-0e13a769112f" data-vars-headline="Peak cherry blossoms are here — go now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/20/best-cherry-blossoms-without-crowds-dc-arboretum" target="_self">cherry blossom</a> clock is ticking.Why it matters: Go soon, and you may catch thousands of cherry trees at their peak before the biggest crowds descend.

Nat Geo's highly anticipated museum opens in June

The $300 million transformation of Nat Geo's campus has been years in the making — and it's not your typical museum.

D.C.&#x27;s most-anticipated new museum finally has an opening date: the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Geographic Museum of Exploration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/10/21/national-geographic-museum-of-exploration-dc" data-vars-content-id="db25e91d-8729-4a9f-a6b9-6f798bde8033" data-vars-headline="Nat Geo&#x27;s highly anticipated museum opens in June" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/10/21/national-geographic-museum-of-exploration-dc" target="_self">National Geographic Museum of Exploration</a> debuts June 26.Why it matters: The $300 million transformation of Nat Geo&#x27;s 140-year-old campus near downtown has been years in the making — and it&#x27;s not your typical museum. Think high-tech, hands-on and built for all ages.

A local's guide to Cherry Blossom Festival events in D.C.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Cherry Blossom Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/19/cherry-blossom-things-to-do-this-weekend" data-vars-content-id="23c1b889-ac30-459d-84df-2c6f1cecf4f2" data-vars-headline="A local&#x27;s guide to Cherry Blossom Festival events in 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/2026/03/19/cherry-blossom-things-to-do-this-weekend" target="_self">National Cherry Blossom Festival</a> kicks off today (through April 12) — and no, it&#x27;s not just for tourists.The big picture: Millions flock to D.C. every year (and drop serious green at hotels and businesses), so it&#x27;s easy to write the official fest off as a visitor thing.

Things to Do 🗓

FilmFest DC returns for 40th year — plus more things to do this weekend

The National Zoo's rare baby elephant is ready to debut

Your D.C. Weekend: Cherry Blossom Festival finale

A buzzy Obama musical is coming soon to D.C.

The local's guide to America 250 around D.C.