Destination DC

Today, our team stepped away from our desks and got moving for World Heart Day! ❤️🚶

We took a walk in the shape of a heart, combining movement, connection and a little fun while raising awareness for heart health alongside the World Heart Federation. ❤️

Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, marking a decade as an important part of DC’s cultural landscape.

Since opening in 2016, NMAAHC has welcomed nearly 13 million visitors from all 50 states and nearly 200 countries, underscoring the museum’s reach as a cultural destination.

Here’s to 10 years of history, culture and community!

Theatre Week is back in ! 🎭

From Sept. 24–Oct. 11, TheatreWashington is celebrating the start of the region’s theatre season with reduced pricing on more than 30 productions, plus free events and performances across the DC region. New this year, Theatre Week is teaming up with Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington for Theatre Week–Dining Week, creating more opportunities to explore local businesses while enjoying the arts.

It’s a great example of how DC’s arts and culture scene brings people together, supports local businesses and creates more ways to experience the city this fall. Learn more about Theatre Week: https://bit.ly/3VzNsES

Nothing beats a night at the ballpark! ⚾️

Our Employee Action Committee brought the team together for a Washington Nationals game and social hour at Royal Sands Social Club, giving everyone a chance to enjoy some baseball and spend time together.

We're grateful for opportunities like these to connect, unwind and enjoy together! 🙌

Today on the 25th anniversary, we pause to honor and remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001. 🕊️

The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the 184 lives lost at the Pentagon and aboard American Airlines Flight 77, a reminder of resilience and unity.

Labor Day weekend is bringing a strong lineup of events and experiences to , showcasing the city’s continued momentum as we head into fall.

From DC Jazz Festival and the Washington DC Festival of Magic to the National Symphony Orchestra and DC State Fair, major events are activating venues and neighborhoods across the District and giving visitors even more reasons to spend time in DC.

With a full fall calendar, new openings and major events ahead, there’s plenty of opportunity for our tourism and hospitality community to leverage what’s happening across the city. Explore what’s ahead for the fall in Washington, DC: https://washington.org/visit-dc/fall-events-festivals-washington-dc

That’s a wrap on Destination DC’s 2026 Marketing Outlook Meeting! 🏈📊

Hundreds of industry leaders, partners, elected officials and stakeholders gathered at George Washington University to look at the data, opportunities and challenges shaping ’s visitor economy.

Here are a few numbers worth knowing:
💰 $11.9B in visitor spending in 2025
💼 114,013 local jobs supported by tourism
🏙️ $2.4B in tax revenue generated
🏈 1M+ attendees expected for the 2027 NFL Draft
📈 10% year-over-year increase in hotel occupancy during the IndyCar Grand Prix

The takeaway? Visitation drives real economic impact and the opportunities ahead are significant. From the NFL Draft and the 100th National Cherry Blossom Festival to new sports venues, openings and major events, DC has plenty to promote.

Now, it’s up to all of us to leverage these moments, tell DC’s story and keep the city competitive.

Thank you to Mayor Muriel Bowser, our speakers, sponsors, partners and members for making this year’s meeting a success. 🙌

📸: Jon Armstrong Photography

🏆 The 2026 NWSL Championship is coming to !

We’re thrilled to welcome the National Women's Soccer League's biggest stage to the nation’s capital this November. With DC already home to a passionate soccer community and the Washington Spirit, the Championship will be another exciting moment for the and an opportunity to showcase DC to soccer fans from across the country.

🎟️ Public tickets go on sale Sept. 2 at 10 a.m. ET.

🔗 Secure your seats: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/15006516DC0B17DC

🏈 What’s on the game plan for Washington, DC?

Get the inside scoop at ’s Annual Marketing Outlook Meeting on Sept. 2. From the latest tourism and hotel-market data to the major opportunities ahead, including the 2027 NFL Draft, this is where DC’s hospitality and tourism community comes together to look at what’s next.

Come for the insights. Stay for the networking. Leave with a better view of where our industry is headed.

🎟️ Register to attend next week: https://bit.ly/4qBYHIr