Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's leading museum and research complex. The museum is dedicated to inspiring curiosity and learning about the natural world through exhibitions and education outreach programs. Opened in 1910, it was among the first Smithsonian buildings to house the national collections and research facilities. Today, it entertains millions of visitors each year. See the 2017 Windland Smith Rice Awards exhibition on display through September 30 on the second floor of the museum.

A Garden Party: From Africa to Asia

This Friday, August 10, attend the party in the Enid A. Haupt Garden from 8 pm to 11 pm for an awesome Smithsonian at 8 event! Enjoy late-night access to the National Museum of African Art and the Sackler Gallery and view art from the African and Asian continents. The garden party features music from DJ As-One, specialty cocktails, curator talks, a photo booth, a cash bar, Asian- and African-inspired cuisine and beer samples. Dress in your garden party best and bring a photo ID. This is a ticketed event.

An Airmail Affair

Visit the College Park Aviation Museum this Friday, August 10, for tasty hors d'oeurves, live music by The Swingin' Swamis and a silent auction. See and take photos with a Curtiss Jenny aircraft, flown in to re-enact the first airmail flight, chat with the crew and take a peek at the new exhibit Delivering America: Airmail to Email. Guests also may talk with a curator about the historic airmail artifacts that are on display for one night only. Prizes will be awarded for the best 1920s inspired attire. Tickets are $60 to $100.

Investigating Where We Live

Visit this curated exhibition at the National Building Museum to learn about local teens' views of Washington, DC through their photographs, writings and artwork. Since 1999, teen participants in the Investigating Where We Live program have been exploring the city, meeting DC and making connections to their own communities, followed by an exhibit of their findings. This year, participants were asked to reflect on how their lives in 2018 connect to 1968. The Making Space For Us exhibit opens with a reception on Saturday, August 11, from 1 pm to 3 pm.

The Richter Archive at 75

In celebration of the arrival in 1943 of the George M. Richter Archive of Illustrations on Art, this installation presents the history and development of the photographic archives of the National Gallery of Art. The initial gift from Richter has become one of the largest collections of images of art and architecture in the world with over 15 million items. This exhibition is open through August 24, Monday to Friday in the National Gallery of Art.

WalkingTown DC is Cultural Tourism DC's longest running program. It is a nine-day festival of lunchtime, happy hour, and extended tours of DC's neighborhoods. The 2018 edition will run from Saturday, September 15 through Sunday, September 23 and will include more than 50 top quality tours.

Do you want to volunteer and be part of WalkingTown DC? Click here for volunteer information.

August 17 VooDoo Threauxdown Featuring Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue  Filene Center at Wolf Trap	August 19 DC World Reggae Festival  Robert F. Kennedy Stadium
August 23 Bard in the Park: Kiss Me Kate (1953) Folger Shakespeare Library	August 25 17th Street Festival Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets