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DC | CLOSED: Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe and Espresso Bar
One-Time Events
From Monday, Sept. 15–Friday, Sept. 19 the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe and Espresso Bar on Level 1 will be CLOSED for required maintenance.
No food or beverages will be available for purchase. Water fountains and water bottle filling stations are available.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Both dining locations will reopen on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Mitsitam: 11 AM-4 PM
Espresso Bar: 10 AM-5 PM
Image courtesy of Restaurant Associates.
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 1. Cost: n/a.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
Storytime Studio: Who Am I?
One time events
ABOUT STORYTIME STUDIO
Storytime Studio is a captivating blend of play, educator-led read-alouds, and art exploration designed for kids from birth to age 6 and their caregivers. Every Wednesday morning at 10 and 11 AM, visitors are welcomed into our studio to enjoy a special Storytime adventure.
Storytime Studio has limited capacity. Entry is first-come, first-served. THIS WEEK
Celebrate your unique identity with a finger-painted self-portrait inspired by Cobalt Blue Dress (2020), by Amoako Boafo (b. 1984). We’ll visit Boafo’s painting, now on view in Revolutions: Art from the Hirshhorn Collection, 1860–1960 exhibition, and read Why Am I Me? by Paige Britt.
Featured Book: Why Am I Me? by Paige Britt, KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Storytime Studio is a one-hour experience
There are two Storytime sessions each Wednesday, with entry times at 10 and 11 AM. Participation for each adult and child is limited to one hour.
No pre-registration required
Entry to Storytime Studio is first-come, first-served. When the 10…
Venue: Hirshhorn Museum. Event Location: Lower Level/ Art School. Cost: Free. Related Events: Storytime Studio , About Hirshhorn Kids , Visiting with Kids , Art Project: Naturally You! , Art Project: Draw with Your Face.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
For more info visit hirshhorn.si.edu. Spark!Lab
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with art, history and creativity.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Spark!Lab, First Floor, West Wing. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Related Exhibition: Places of Invention, Inventive Minds, Landmark Object: Ralph Baer's Workshop, Inventing in America.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
For more info visit invention.si.edu. Wonderplace
Ongoing Tours & Activities
This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians.
Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At busy times, we may use FREE, timed tickets to minimize wait time if needed. Tickets are available for 30-minute visits on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are required for the first session from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. To visit during a later half-hour session, visitors may pick up a ticket at Wonderplace in 1 West. The last entry using timed tickets is at 3:30 p.m.
Hours are subject to change.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Wonderplace, 1 West. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
CANCELLED - Enid A. Haupt Garden Tour
Smithsonian Gardens
Free weekly tours of the Enid A. Haupt Garden are offered every Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. from April 30 through September 26, 2025, weather permitting.
Meet one of our knowledgeable volunteers by the tour sign near the northwest entrance to the Enid A. Haupt Garden on Jefferson Drive, SW. No reservation is required.
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: Enid A. Haupt Garden, Meet at the northwest entrance to the garden on Jefferson Drive, SW. Cost: Free
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM.
For more info visit gardens.si.edu. Interactive Programs
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Docents offer interactive programming throughout the museum, in the form of Highlights tours of the museum, gallery spotlight talks, and hands-on cart programs.
Tours of the museum’s highlights generally take place daily at 10:15 AM and 1 PM. Additional tours may be offered on the hour between 11 AM and 3 PM as docents are available. Please check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Gallery spotlight talks take place throughout the day. Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object. Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Carts are located throughout the museum, and you can check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Year-Round:
Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Notes:
Programs are subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Multiple floors. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 10:15 AM – 3:15 PM.
Sneak Peek Presentation: “¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa”
American Latino Museum
Sept. 15–Oct. 15 only on Mondays and Wednesdays • 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The National Museum of the American Latino is offering preview presentations of its upcoming exhibition, "¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa," ahead of its spring 2026 opening. Participants will gain insight into the themes and concepts that will be explored in the exhibition. Preview presentations are available for a limited time and on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are required. Stay tuned for sign-up information at latino.si.edu.
Event Location: Virtual. Cost: Free. Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1669561857459?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 10:30 AM.
Storytime Studio: Who Am I?
One time events
ABOUT STORYTIME STUDIO
Storytime Studio is a captivating blend of play, educator-led read-alouds, and art exploration designed for kids from birth to age 6 and their caregivers. Every Wednesday morning at 10 and 11 AM, visitors are welcomed into our studio to enjoy a special Storytime adventure.
Storytime Studio has limited capacity. Entry is first-come, first-served.
THIS WEEK
Celebrate your unique identity with a finger-painted self-portrait inspired by Cobalt Blue Dress (2020), by Amoako Boafo (b. 1984). We’ll visit Boafo’s painting, now on view in Revolutions: Art from the Hirshhorn Collection, 1860–1960 exhibition, and read Why Am I Me? by Paige Britt.
Featured Book: Why Am I Me? by Paige Britt, KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Storytime Studio is a one-hour experience
There are two Storytime sessions each Wednesday, with entry times at 10 and 11 AM. Participation for each adult and child is limited to one hour.
No pre-registration required
Entry to Storytime Studio is first-come, first-served. When the 10…
Venue: Hirshhorn Museum. Event Location: Lower Level/ Art School. Cost: Free. Related Events: Storytime Studio , About Hirshhorn Kids , Visiting with Kids , Art Project: Naturally You! , Art Project: Draw with Your Face.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
For more info visit hirshhorn.si.edu. DC | Cradleboards and Crawlers
One-Time Events
Designed for early learners (ages 0-2), their caregivers, and families, this drop-in program offers young visitors the opportunity to enjoy a book by a Native author or illustrator read by a Museum Educator, engage in free play and sensory enrichment, and participate in other hands-on learning.
*Due to limited capacity in our spaces, tickets may be needed to enter the Activity Center and therefore the Story room (limited to 25 persons max). Please see staff at the entrance desk of the imagiNATIONS Activity Center on Level 3.
**Recommended for visitors ages 0-2 years old accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 3, imagiNATIONS Activity Center. Cost: FREE.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.
All About Paper
Resident Associate Program
Learn all about paper for your different types of projects. Aspects such as weight, tooth, origin, costs, production, color additives, and which papers suit which mediums are covered.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264134?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264134?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM.
Sneak Peek Presentation: “¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa”
American Latino Museum
Sept. 15–Oct. 15 only on Mondays and Wednesdays • 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The National Museum of the American Latino is offering preview presentations of its upcoming exhibition, "¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa," ahead of its spring 2026 opening. Participants will gain insight into the themes and concepts that will be explored in the exhibition. Preview presentations are available for a limited time and on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are required. Stay tuned for sign-up information at latino.si.edu.
Event Location: Virtual. Cost: Free. Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1669760722269?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 1:30 PM.
Unpacking Symbols and Stories in Gilbert Stuart’s Portrait of George Washington | Cultivating Learning
Smithsonian Sponsored Events
Join Briana Zavadil White, head of education and public programs at the National Portrait Gallery, for an engaging look at the Lansdowne portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart. Together, we’ll practice close-looking strategies that help students uncover meaningful details and symbols within the painting. These techniques can spark rich conversations about early American identity and leadership. Participants will leave with ready-to-use resources and activities that make portraiture a dynamic gateway to exploring the past.
Program Details:
This is a Zoom webinar with live captioning. You’ll be able to participate using the chat and Q&A, and your camera and mic will be disabled. We’ll record and post the webinar on the Smithsonian Learning Lab’s Events page approximately 72 hours after the session ends.
For general questions, or if we can provide additional accessibility services to support your participation, please email us at learninglab@si.edu. Please make your accessibility request as far in…
Event Location: Online. Cost: Free. Related Events: This interactive webinar is part of “Cultivating Learning,” a professional development series focusing on techniques to use digital museum resources for learning. In this special 2025-2026 Cultivating Learning series, "Celebrating America at 250," Smithsonian educators share teaching techniques and resources that help tell the story of America's 250th. The series will celebrate well-known people, events, and accomplishments of our nation and also provide opportunities to discuss lesser-told histories that t… Accessibility: Captioning.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Beyond the Frame: An Inside Look at the Portrait Gallery
One-Time Events
Curious about the inner workings of a museum? Ever wondered how conservators care for centuries-old artworks or how lighting designers illuminate exhibitions? Peek behind the curtain at the National Portrait Gallery and hear from staff who work behind the scenes to bring our collection to life.
Event Location: G Street Lobby. Cost: Free. Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-frame-an-inside-look-at-the-portrait-gallery-tickets-1334324994979?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.com. Digital Drawing Fundamentals
Resident Associate Program
Learn to use the iPad, Apple Pencil, and Procreate for illustration and animation. Students get an introductory lecture on the basics of digital art production, demonstrations, and experience drawing in Procreate on an iPad.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264135?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264135?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 6:15 PM – 9:15 PM.
Natural History Road Trips: From the Everglades to the Great Smoky Mountains
Resident Associate Program
Embark on a virtual journey with interpretive naturalist Keith Tomlinson, traveling through some of the United States' most biodiverse regions from the subtropical wilderness of Florida’s Everglades to the towering peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains. Along the way, Tomlinson explores topics including landscape ecology, wildlife, geology, and climate, all while learning about the myriad recreational opportunities these exceptional natural areas offer.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264508?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264508?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
The Art of Floral Design
Resident Associate Program
Learn the fundamentals of floral arranging as this class covers essential base mechanics, sourcing flowers, working with seasonal blooms, and photographing your work.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264170?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264170?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
A Night at The Museum: Celebrating 58 years of ACM!
One-Time Events
Join us to celebrate 58 years of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. Embracing our legacy of preserving the community stories of Washington DC, this year we are celebrating, Under the Stars in the Plaza of the museum. Guests can enjoy melodies sung by Joi Carter and band. Experience ACM’s current exhibition: A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education In Washington, D.C. 1900 -2000. Small bites by Flavor Hive Food Truck!
Registration Highly Recommended. This will be a sold-out event!
This event is 21+ and will be an indoor/outdoor event.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: Anacostia Community Museum. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-night-at-the-museum-celebrating-58-years-of-acm-tickets-1553239895339?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
DC | CLOSED: Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe and Espresso Bar
One-Time Events
From Monday, Sept. 15–Friday, Sept. 19 the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe and Espresso Bar on Level 1 will be CLOSED for required maintenance.
No food or beverages will be available for purchase. Water fountains and water bottle filling stations are available.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Both dining locations will reopen on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Mitsitam: 11 AM-4 PM
Espresso Bar: 10 AM-5 PM
Image courtesy of Restaurant Associates.
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 1. Cost: n/a.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
Spark!Lab
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with art, history and creativity.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Spark!Lab, First Floor, West Wing. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Related Exhibition: Places of Invention, Inventive Minds, Landmark Object: Ralph Baer's Workshop, Inventing in America.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
For more info visit invention.si.edu. Wonderplace
Ongoing Tours & Activities
This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians.
Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At busy times, we may use FREE, timed tickets to minimize wait time if needed. Tickets are available for 30-minute visits on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are required for the first session from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. To visit during a later half-hour session, visitors may pick up a ticket at Wonderplace in 1 West. The last entry using timed tickets is at 3:30 p.m.
Hours are subject to change.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Wonderplace, 1 West. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Arlington National Cemetery
Resident Associate Program
Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of over 400, 000 American veterans and family members. Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, leads a visit to the 640-acre cemetery—the largest military cemetery in the world—that includes stops at the graves of President John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert F. Kennedy, Arlington House, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Event Location: Tour meets outside the Arlington National Cemetery Visitor's Center (West side). Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264509?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
Art & Memory: Telling Your Story Through Creativity
One-Time Events
Celebrate the power of storytelling through artistic expression. In A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, D.C. 1900–2000, discover how DC’s most influential artists and educators wove their family, community, and personal experiences into their work. Then, create your own meaningful piece incorporating portraits or photos from your life, connecting your story to the legacy of Black arts education.
Recommended Audience: Lifelong Learners
Time and Schedule: 10:15 a.m. on July 24, August 21, and September 18, 2025
Duration: About 75 minutes
For all guided experiences, advanced registration for groups of 10 or more is required at least one week prior to your visit. When registering for groups of 10 more, groups may request free bus transportation. Bus transportation is available on a first come, first served basis. Please fill out the guided student tour form available here at least one week prior to your group's arrival.
Questions? Email the ACM Education team at ACMTour…
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: 1901 Fort Place SE. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-memory-telling-your-story-through-creativity-tickets-1397015664459?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM.
Interactive Programs
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Docents offer interactive programming throughout the museum, in the form of Highlights tours of the museum, gallery spotlight talks, and hands-on cart programs.
Tours of the museum’s highlights generally take place daily at 10:15 AM and 1 PM. Additional tours may be offered on the hour between 11 AM and 3 PM as docents are available. Please check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Gallery spotlight talks take place throughout the day. Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object. Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Carts are located throughout the museum, and you can check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Year-Round:
Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Notes:
Programs are subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Multiple floors. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 10:15 AM – 3:15 PM.
Continued Watercolor
Resident Associate Program
If you have some watercolor experience, go beyond the basics of paint application and learn how to construct strong, vibrant, personality-filled painting while still receiving guidance on foundational components.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264171?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264171?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:45 PM.
¡Carritos! A Learning Activity Cart Program
American Latino Museum
Sept. 11–Oct. 11 only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays • 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
The National Museum of the American Latino will present a series of mobile-cart activities and experiences in front of the Molina Family Latino Gallery in the American History Museum, as part of the Latino Museum’s learning program during Hispanic Heritage Month.
These 10-minute hands-on mobile-cart activity experiences will allow visitors of all ages to create and connect with items in the Latino Museum collection and themes from past and future exhibitions, as well as items from other Smithsonian collections or content.
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Del 11 de septiembre al 11 de octubre, solo los jueves, viernes y sábados • 11 a. m. a 3 p. m.
El Museo Nacional del Latino Estadounidense presentará una serie de actividades y experiencias con carritos móviles frente a la Galería Latina de la Familia Molina, en el Museo de Historia Americana, como parte de su programa de aprendizaje durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana.
Estas actividades prácticas de…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Molina Family Latino Gallery, National Museum of American History American History Museum. Cost: Free. No registration required.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 11:00 AM.
A Twist on Ancient Technology: Fiber, String, and More
One-Time Events
The early archaeological record consists primarily of two things- stones and bones. And yet, we know that the material culture of the past had to be predominantly organic in nature. Plants, particularly those that produce long thin fibers, would have been invaluable. And once our ancestors figured out that a twisted fiber was even better, a revolutionary technology was born. But when did this occur? And how do we find evidence for a technology that is made from perishable materials?
Bruce Hardy, Professor of Anthropology at Kenyon College, will examine the evidence, direct and indirect, for the emergence of fiber technology in the Paleolithic and explore the implications of this often neglected but transformative skill.
Moderator: Briana Pobiner, paleoanthropologist and educator at Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
This program is part of the ongoing HOT (Human Origins Today) Topic series and will be presented as a Zoom video webinar. A link will be emailed to all registrants.
Photo…
Event Location: Online; Internet connection required. Cost: Free; Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/72885666/a-twist-on-ancient-technologyfiberstringand-more-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Accessibility: Captioning.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
For more info visit www.etix.com. Exploring Abstraction
Resident Associate Program
Explore the basis of abstraction by studying color, line, and shape as they relate to composition. Learn to create exciting, innovative works of art, using a series of drawing and painting exercises designed to examine nontraditional ways of handling traditional materials and subject matter.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264172?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264172?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Exploring Ancient Egypt: Culture, Commerce, and Daily Life
Resident Associate Program
Discover the fascinating world of ancient Egypt in a 4-session series that explores the daily life, culture, and innovations of one of the world’s most influential civilizations. Scholar Shelby Justl of the Penn Museum in Philadelphia draws on the discoveries of ongoing archaeological explorations and experimental archaeology to bring to life the rich history of Egypt and its expanding role on the global stage. This session explores ancient Egyptian women.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264025?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264025?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM.
Express Yourself: Art & Identity in Your Community
One-Time Events
Unleash your creativity and explore the impact of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC! In A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, D.C. 1900–2000, see how local artists and educators reflected their identity, community, and experiences in their work. Then, express yourself by creating a unique artwork using portraits or photos from your own life, connecting your story to the legacy of Black artistic expression.
Recommended Audience: Teens 13+
Time and Schedule: 1:00 p.m. on July 24, August 21, and September 18, 2025
Duration: About 75 minutes
For all guided experiences, advanced registration for groups of 10 or more is required at least one week prior to your visit. When registering for groups of 10 more, groups may request free bus transportation. Bus transportation is available on a first come, first served basis. Please fill out the guided student tour form available here at least one week prior to your group's arrival.
Questions? Email the ACM Education team at A…
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: 1901 Fort Place SE. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/express-yourself-art-identity-in-your-community-tickets-1397043517769?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM.
Color Theory and Chroma-psychology
Resident Associate Program
Learn how to make color choices in your art to bring out a reaction from the viewer. Create combinations with colored pencils that illustrate how color theory works.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264136?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264136?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Virtual America InSight: Verbal Description Tours
One-Time Events
Join the Smithsonian American Art Museum for a docent-led virtual tour designed for participants who are blind or have low vision. Discover highlights from the collection through rich verbal descriptions that invoke a multisensory experience.
Image credit: Photo by Mary Tait.
Event Location: Online. Cost: Free | Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://events.blackthorn.io/5f4ZMUx7/5a2bVR1zDkX.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 5:30 PM.
Introduction to Beading
Resident Associate Program
In this class, learn to create handcrafted jewelry. This experience is perfect for students new to jewelry making and those with experience who want to refresh their skills.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264173?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264173?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:15 PM.
Drawing Techniques: Line, Shape, and Shading
Resident Associate Program
Learn how to create power and emotion in your drawings by manipulating line, shape, and value. These basic building-blocks of art can change the meaning, mood, and tone of your work.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264137?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264137?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 7:15 PM – 9:15 PM.
SAAM After Hours: State Fairs at the Renwick
One-Time Events
Step right up! Gather round! Experience the great tradition of state fairs at an after-hours party to celebrate the opening of the newest exhibition at SAAM’s Renwick Gallery, State Fairs: Growing American Craft. The ticket price includes after-hours access to the exhibition, savory and sweet treats, open bar, entertainment, and a live performance from jazz ensemble, Ranky Tanky.
Explore two floors of ribbon-winning artworks and engaging craft — from art exhibits and heritage villages to the parades, dairy barns, and rodeo — with more than 240 works by artists from nearly all 50 states. Discover show-stopping spectacles like the iconic size 96 boots of Big Tex® from the State Fair of Texas® a life-size hand-carved butter cow, and a display featuring a pyramid of 700 glass jars of preserved fruits and vegetables, then party surrounded by the shimmering gold-fringed walls and 30-foot piñata corn stalks of artist Justin Favela’s Capilla de Maíz.
“State Fair chic” encouraged. Think bedazzled gingham,…
Venue: Renwick Gallery. Event Location: Check in at lobby. Cost: $125 | Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://events.blackthorn.io/5f4ZMUx7/5a2bVR1miiv. Related Exhibition: State Fairs: Growing American Craft.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM.
Experience Lancaster: Amish, Farms, and Food
Resident Associate Program
Nestled in the countryside of Pennsylvania, Lancaster County is home to one of the oldest and largest Amish communities in the United States. Known for its picturesque farmlands, traditional way of life, and rich history, this region offers a rare glimpse into a culture that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. An immersive 2-day journey explores the traditions, hospitality, and craftsmanship that make Lancaster a unique destination.
Event Location: Detailed information for overnight tours is emailed approximately FOUR WEEKS. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/263967?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Friday, September 19, 2025, 8:00 AM – Saturday, September 20, 2025, 7:30 PM.
DC | CLOSED: Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe and Espresso Bar
One-Time Events
From Monday, Sept. 15–Friday, Sept. 19 the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe and Espresso Bar on Level 1 will be CLOSED for required maintenance.
No food or beverages will be available for purchase. Water fountains and water bottle filling stations are available.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Both dining locations will reopen on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Mitsitam: 11 AM-4 PM
Espresso Bar: 10 AM-5 PM
Image courtesy of Restaurant Associates.
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 1. Cost: n/a.
Friday, September 19, 2025, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
Story Time
One-Time Events
Stamp your calendar for Story Time! Join us every week for a fresh story, a stroll through the Museum, hands-on postal play, and more. Together, we’ll explore mail and all the ways it connects us to people, places, and big ideas.
Stop by anytime—whether you stay for one activity or the whole session, this program will get everyone’s “stamp of approval”.
Meet in the Museum Lobby.
If there are services or accommodations that can improve your experience (e.g. ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact NPMprograms@si.edu; 1–2 week’s advance notice is recommended but not required.
Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Meet in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free ; no registration required.
Friday, September 19, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.
Spark!Lab
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with art, history and creativity.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Spark!Lab, First Floor, West Wing. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Related Exhibition: Places of Invention, Inventive Minds, Landmark Object: Ralph Baer's Workshop, Inventing in America.
Friday, September 19, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
For more info visit invention.si.edu. Wonderplace
Ongoing Tours & Activities
This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians.
Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At busy times, we may use FREE, timed tickets to minimize wait time if needed. Tickets are available for 30-minute visits on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are required for the first session from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. To visit during a later half-hour session, visitors may pick up a ticket at Wonderplace in 1 West. The last entry using timed tickets is at 3:30 p.m.
Hours are subject to change.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Wonderplace, 1 West. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 19, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Arlington National Cemetery
Resident Associate Program
Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of over 400, 000 American veterans and family members. Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, leads a visit to the 640-acre cemetery—the largest military cemetery in the world—that includes stops at the graves of President John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert F. Kennedy, Arlington House, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Event Location: Tour meets outside the Arlington National Cemetery Visitor's Center (West side). Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264510?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Friday, September 19, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
New Deal Projects, Part 2
Resident Associate Program
President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal left a tangible mark on the United States, with over 500 public works projects in Washington, D.C. alone. Join author David Taylor for a walking tour in Washington that focuses on landmarks, art, and other still-visible signs from the New Deal period not seen on the previous tour. Stops include the Library of Congress, old Social Security Administration building, and Jefferson Memorial.
Event Location: Tour meets at the main entrance of John Adams Building, Library of Congress. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264502?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Friday, September 19, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Enid A. Haupt Garden Tour
Smithsonian Gardens
Free weekly tours of the Enid A. Haupt Garden are offered every Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. from April 30 through September 26, 2025, weather permitting.
Meet one of our knowledgeable volunteers by the tour sign near the northwest entrance to the Enid A. Haupt Garden on Jefferson Drive, SW. No reservation is required.
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: Enid A. Haupt Garden, Meet at the northwest entrance to the garden on Jefferson Drive, SW. Cost: Free
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 19, 2025, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM.
For more info visit gardens.si.edu. Interactive Programs
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Docents offer interactive programming throughout the museum, in the form of Highlights tours of the museum, gallery spotlight talks, and hands-on cart programs.
Tours of the museum’s highlights generally take place daily at 10:15 AM and 1 PM. Additional tours may be offered on the hour between 11 AM and 3 PM as docents are available. Please check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Gallery spotlight talks take place throughout the day. Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object. Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Carts are located throughout the museum, and you can check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Year-Round:
Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Notes:
Programs are subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Multiple floors. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 19, 2025, 10:15 AM – 3:15 PM.
State Fairs: Growing American Craft Open House
One-Time Events
SOLD OUT
Celebrate the groundbreaking new exhibition State Fairs: Growing American Craft at an open house featuring craft artists from across the country. Learn about bowl hewing from Keith Ruble of Indiana, straw and tin applique from Martha Ewing of New Mexico, and custom sweater knitting from Samuel Barsky of Maryland. Exhibition curator, Mary Savig, the Fleur and Charles Bresler Curator-in-Charge for the Renwick Gallery, will be available to chat about her favorite state fairs and the ideas that inspired the exhibition. Explore the exhibition further with a scavenger hunt for all ages.
Image credit: Linda Nez, Carnival, 1992, commercial yarn, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson.
Venue: Renwick Gallery. Event Location: Renwick Gallery. Cost: SOLD OUT. Related Exhibition: State Fairs: Growing American Craft.
Friday, September 19, 2025, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
¡Carritos! A Learning Activity Cart Program
American Latino Museum
Sept. 11–Oct. 11 only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays • 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
The National Museum of the American Latino will present a series of mobile-cart activities and experiences in front of the Molina Family Latino Gallery in the American History Museum, as part of the Latino Museum’s learning program during Hispanic Heritage Month.
These 10-minute hands-on mobile-cart activity experiences will allow visitors of all ages to create and connect with items in the Latino Museum collection and themes from past and future exhibitions, as well as items from other Smithsonian collections or content.
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Del 11 de septiembre al 11 de octubre, solo los jueves, viernes y sábados • 11 a. m. a 3 p. m.
El Museo Nacional del Latino Estadounidense presentará una serie de actividades y experiencias con carritos móviles frente a la Galería Latina de la Familia Molina, en el Museo de Historia Americana, como parte de su programa de aprendizaje durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana.
Estas actividades prácticas de…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Molina Family Latino Gallery, National Museum of American History American History Museum. Cost: Free. No registration required.
Friday, September 19, 2025, 11:00 AM.
Curator’s Tour: Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen
One time events
FREE
Meet at the Information Desk in the Lobby
Hirshhorn head curator Evelyn Hankins will walk visitors through the exhibition Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen, which highlights the artist’s unique contributions to contemporary American abstract painting and makes use of both the unique architecture of the Museum and the history of the National Mall.
If you have questions or a request for access services or accommodations that can make your experience more inclusive, please contact hirshhornexperience@si.edu. One to two weeks’ advance notice is recommended but not required.
Venue: Hirshhorn Museum. Event Location: Second Level. Cost: Free. Related Exhibition: Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 19, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
For more info visit hirshhorn.si.edu. Paradise Found: Nature in North America at the Time of European Discovery
Resident Associate Program
Countless historical reports, books, paintings, and documents describe first hand the natural abundance that greeted European explorers, settlers, and pioneers in North America. Wildlife filmmaker Steve Nicholls draws on these historical sources to portray the spectacular environment found in an unknown America, recreating what it would have been like to stand on the continent five centuries ago and marvel at the sheer force of nature.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264513?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264513?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Friday, September 19, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM.
The Renaissance Court of Urbino
Resident Associate Program
During the Renaissance, Italian courts competed to become centers of artistic patronage, scholarship, and learning. In Umbria, Federico da Montefeltro—nicknamed “The Light of Italy”—and his wife Battista Sforza made Urbino a model of culture. Artists including della Francesca, Raphael, and Titian flourished there, helping shape the court. Art historian Elaine Ruffolo examines how Federico’s court of Urbino came to reflect the virtues of the Renaissance in art, intellect, justice, and governance. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit).
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264514?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264514?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Friday, September 19, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM.
Art Bites Gallery Talk
One-Time Events
Join SAAM’s research fellows for this lunchtime series of gallery talks as they share new discoveries about artworks on view. Learn the stories behind these objects and what each one tells us about an ever-changing culture in the United States. Mathew Bowman, Wyeth Foundation Predoctoral Fellow, discusses Walter Ufer's After Them.
Image credit: Walter Ufer, After Them, 1928, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Arvin Gottlieb.
Venue: American Art Museum. Event Location: In-person | Smithsonian American Art Museum. Cost: Free | Meet in G Street Lobby.
Friday, September 19, 2025, 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM.
CANCELLED - Wetlands: Why Do They Matter?
One-Time Events
This program has been cancelled for September 19th.
Our water gets cleaned for free, and floods are stopped in their tracks? Discover the magic of wetlands, our planet's unsung heroes! These amazing spaces are like nature's sponges, but they're disappearing. Learn how communities can work together to bring them back to life and keep our areas safe and healthy.
Presented by: Everett Craddock - Coastal Policy Specialist, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Sea Grant , Dr. Isabel Butler-Viruet - Biogeochemist and Wetland Scientist, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Knauss Marine Policy Fellows, Photo Credit: DebMurphy, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 19, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
NY | Native Knowledge 360° Teach-In
One-Time Events
The ninth annual Native Knowledge 360° Teach-In, hosted by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in collaboration with Teaching for Change, is an opportunity for educators to convene in person and strategize ways to uplift and bring Native voices directly into the classroom. $20 fee, registration required
Teachers play a crucial role in advancing the museum’s work to transform popular understandings of Native histories, cultures, and contemporary lives. Participants will select two workshop breakout sessions. Each session includes resource-rich experiences, such as classroom lessons about Native peoples and topics; resources from Teaching for Change and the National Museum of the American Indian; and strategies for effectively incorporating the museum’s exhibitions in New York City into classroom curricula. The goal of the Teach-In is to increase awareness of the museum’s Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°) national education initiative, which promotes improved teaching about Native American…
Event Location: Levels 1 and 2. Cost: $20 fee, registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.teachingforchange.org/nyc-native-knowledge-teach-in.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM.
FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand
One-Time Events
The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand returns for another farm stand season in 2025. It is the only direct-to-consumer farm stand of its kind East of the River in Ward 8.
The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand takes place on the outdoor plaza of the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Place, SE Washington, DC 20020) every Saturday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) from April 19 - November 22, 2025.*
The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand is generously supported by The Hillside Foundation - Allan and Shelley Holt.
*Weather permitting. Be sure to follow the Anacostia Community Museum for updated information.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: 1901 Fort Place SE. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/freshfarm-acm-farm-stand-tickets-1307850759829?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Growing Community: Herbalism Workshop
One-Time Events
Infuse Your Life: Everyday Herbalism with Dr. Madea Allen, Join us for a vibrant, hands-on herbal infusion workshop led by Dr. Madea Allen, who specializes in helping women reclaim energy naturally through everyday rituals of nourishment and healing. In this 1-hour “Growing Community” garden class, you’ll discover how to bring the ancient wisdom of herbalism into your everyday life through simple infusions that nourish body, mind, and spirit. We’ll explore the benefits of fresh culinary and medicinal herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, sage, and mint—harvested straight from the Anacostia Community Museum’s own demonstration garden. You’ll learn how to: • Identify and select herbs for their energetic and healing properties, • Make a no-heat infused olive oil and vinegar at home, • Incorporate herbal infusions into meals, self-care rituals, and more, Each participant will make and take home their own herb-infused olive oil and vinegar blend to continue infusing and enjoy when it’s ready. …
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: 1901 Fort Pl SE. Cost: Fre. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1248537833269?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Open Studio: Swirling Portraits
One time events
Start the fall with crisp opportunities for artistic expression every weekend in September at Open Studio. Discover how you can use art to explore your identity, find your power, and change the world! Collaborate or craft your own artwork to take home. Each week will introduce new ideas and creative challenges.
This Saturday, we’ll take inspiration from artist Amoako Boafo’s painting Cobalt Blue Dress (2020). Be prepared to get messy while we fingerpaint portraits of our own!
Meet in Art School on the Museum’s Lower Level. ABOUT OPEN STUDIO
Let your creativity run wild at Open Studio! Drop in to explore modern and contemporary art through interactive hands-on activities inspired by the Hirshhorn collection and artworks on view. Open Studio helps you transform your ideas into reality.
Every session introduces a new theme and a fresh perspective on art-making. Activities are designed to captivate everyone—from budding young artists to seasoned creators—and allow them to craft, create, and learn.
No…
Venue: Hirshhorn Museum. Event Location: Meet in the Art School on the Lower Level. Cost: Free. Related Events: Open Studio, Hirshhorn Art School, Art School Everywhere, Art Project: Draw with Your Face. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
For more info visit hirshhorn.si.edu. Spark!Lab
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with art, history and creativity.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Spark!Lab, First Floor, West Wing. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Related Exhibition: Places of Invention, Inventive Minds, Landmark Object: Ralph Baer's Workshop, Inventing in America.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
For more info visit invention.si.edu. Wonderplace
Ongoing Tours & Activities
This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians.
Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At busy times, we may use FREE, timed tickets to minimize wait time if needed. Tickets are available for 30-minute visits on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are required for the first session from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. To visit during a later half-hour session, visitors may pick up a ticket at Wonderplace in 1 West. The last entry using timed tickets is at 3:30 p.m.
Hours are subject to change.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Wonderplace, 1 West. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
An Armchair Tour of Oxford and Cambridge
Resident Associate Program
The two greatest academic centers of England—Oxford and Cambridge—are steeped in history that reaches back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Scholar and historian Gary Rendsburg of Rutgers University, who has resided and conducted academic research in both cities, brings the verve and culture of these great university towns to life, sharing history flavored with a pleasant dose of Anglophilia.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264005?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264005?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Arlington National Cemetery
Resident Associate Program
Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of over 400, 000 American veterans and family members. Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, leads a visit to the 640-acre cemetery—the largest military cemetery in the world—that includes stops at the graves of President John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert F. Kennedy, Arlington House, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Event Location: Tour meets outside the Arlington National Cemetery Visitor's Center (West side). Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264511?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
Interactive Programs
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Docents offer interactive programming throughout the museum, in the form of Highlights tours of the museum, gallery spotlight talks, and hands-on cart programs.
Tours of the museum’s highlights generally take place daily at 10:15 AM and 1 PM. Additional tours may be offered on the hour between 11 AM and 3 PM as docents are available. Please check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Gallery spotlight talks take place throughout the day. Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object. Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Carts are located throughout the museum, and you can check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Year-Round:
Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Notes:
Programs are subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Multiple floors. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 10:15 AM – 3:15 PM.
Story Time: Layla's Happiness
One-Time Events
NMAAHC Kids Story Time: Layla’s Happiness Designed for ages 4-8 and adult caregivers
What makes YOU happy? Share with us during this story time program at NMAAHC! Together we’ll read Layla’s Happiness by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and make self-portraits to celebrate our favorite things. Families can also enjoy hands-on activities and exhibit exploration inspired by this joyful story.
Program Schedule:
10:30 am - 12:45 pm: Ongoing Create & Explore Time
10:45 am & 11:45 am: Read Alouds
11:30 am & 12:30 pm: Children’s Gallery Tours.
Venue: African American History and Culture Museum. Event Location: 2nd Floor Classroom. Cost: FREE! Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/82934956/nmaahc-kids-story-timelaylas-happiness-washington-national-museum-of-african-american-history-culture-early-childhood-education.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
NY | Pacific Island Film Festival
One-Time Events
Celebrate the 3rd Annual Pacific Island Film Festival! Enjoy films from across the Pacific Islands and join us for a conversation about the deep tradition of storytelling and the state of film development and production today.
11 AM–12:30 PM | Screening: The Mountain, Sam, a fearless young girl raised outside of her Māori culture, is determined to fulfill her mission of connecting with her mountain in the hope they can heal her from the cancer she battles. Along the way she meets some misfits and new kids in town: Mallory, who is hoping to find friends, any kind of friends, and Bronco, who claims to be a runaway from his dad who is too busy to notice him. As they make their way through the difficult “off the beaten track” route, they learn the true spirit of adventure and the magic of friendship. Director: Rachel House (Māori), New Zealand, 2024, 89 min.
*Please be advised: this film contains themes of terminal illness, death, and estrangement. It is recommended for viewers ages 10+. 1–2 PM | Panel:…
Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Event Location: Lower Level: Auditorium. Cost: FREE.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Yoga Workshop
One-Time Events
Sessions are suitable for all levels, welcoming beginners, and experienced yogis alike. Ideal for those who enjoy the fusion of music and movement. Participants should wear clothing that allows for the ease of movement and expression. Bring a yoga mat and optionally, water or a towel to stay hydrated and comfortable throughout the class. Session facilitated by Khepera Wellness.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: 1901 Fort Place SE. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yoga-workshop-tickets-1376712196239?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
¡Carritos! A Learning Activity Cart Program
American Latino Museum
Sept. 11–Oct. 11 only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays • 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
The National Museum of the American Latino will present a series of mobile-cart activities and experiences in front of the Molina Family Latino Gallery in the American History Museum, as part of the Latino Museum’s learning program during Hispanic Heritage Month.
These 10-minute hands-on mobile-cart activity experiences will allow visitors of all ages to create and connect with items in the Latino Museum collection and themes from past and future exhibitions, as well as items from other Smithsonian collections or content.
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Del 11 de septiembre al 11 de octubre, solo los jueves, viernes y sábados • 11 a. m. a 3 p. m.
El Museo Nacional del Latino Estadounidense presentará una serie de actividades y experiencias con carritos móviles frente a la Galería Latina de la Familia Molina, en el Museo de Historia Americana, como parte de su programa de aprendizaje durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana.
Estas actividades prácticas de…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Molina Family Latino Gallery, National Museum of American History American History Museum. Cost: Free. No registration required.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 11:00 AM.
DC | Marimba Melodies
One-Time Events
A symbol of Guatemalan national identity, the marimba is a large instrument played by striking rows of wooden bars with mallets. The marimba is recognized by the Organization of American States as part of the Cultural Heritage of the Americas. Traditional marimba music serves as a link to Guatemalan culture for young Guatemalans living in the United States.
Marimba rhythms will be courtesy of Marimba Maya AWAL, based in the Washington, DC area. In the Indigenous Maya Mam language, "awal" translates to "the sower." Founded in 2005 by Julia Sanchez and Luisa Lopez, the group aims to sow the knowledge of their Maya ancestors from the mountainous west of Guatemala for future generations.
Have a seat and enjoy the music, or feel free to dance solo or with friends. Performances begin at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM.
This program is part of the museum's Hispanic Heritage Month events.
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 1, Potomac Atrium. Cost: FREE.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.
Cyanotype Photography with the Sun
Resident Associate Program
Delve into the history of cyanotypes, a photographic printing process that produces a stunning blue, and create your own cyanotype shirt or print using chemistry to harness the transformative power of sunlight. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit).
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264138?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264138?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Paper Frenzy - In Person
Resident Associate Program
Investigate new techniques as you have fun creating papers for collage and other art projects. Take home a glorious collection of one-of-a-kind papers accented by acrylic, inks, stamps, and other printmaking materials.
Venue: S. Dillon Ripley Center. Event Location: S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Dr SW. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264174?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
The Science of Mixing Paint
Resident Associate Program
Learn how pigment properties influence the way paints mix and get a map for navigating, planning, and predicting paint mixtures. This is a good introduction to science-based color theory for artists.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264565?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264565?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM.
DC | Marimba Melodies
One-Time Events
A symbol of Guatemalan national identity, the marimba is a large instrument played by striking rows of wooden bars with mallets. The marimba is recognized by the Organization of American States as part of the Cultural Heritage of the Americas. Traditional marimba music serves as a link to Guatemalan culture for young Guatemalans living in the United States.
Marimba rhythms will be courtesy of Marimba Maya AWAL, based in the Washington, DC area. In the Indigenous Maya Mam language, "awal" translates to "the sower." Founded in 2005 by Julia Sanchez and Luisa Lopez, the group aims to sow the knowledge of their Maya ancestors from the mountainous west of Guatemala for future generations.
Have a seat and enjoy the music, or feel free to dance solo or with friends. Performances begin at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM.
This program is part of the museum's Hispanic Heritage Month events.
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 1, Potomac Atrium. Cost: FREE.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.
Introduction to Foundational Hand Calligraphy
Resident Associate Program
The elegance of hand-lettered calligraphy is unmatched by machine. This class gives students a chance to learn the basics of this graceful and stylish art in a relaxed and supportive setting.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264176?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264176?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM.
Wool Embroidery from the Andes - In Person
Resident Associate Program
Discover the joy of this craft characterized by colorful floral designs embroidered in wool, a style that originated in the Andean mountains of Peru. The course offers one-on-one teaching.
Venue: S. Dillon Ripley Center. Event Location: S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Dr SW. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264175?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM.
DC | Marimba Melodies
One-Time Events
A symbol of Guatemalan national identity, the marimba is a large instrument played by striking rows of wooden bars with mallets. The marimba is recognized by the Organization of American States as part of the Cultural Heritage of the Americas. Traditional marimba music serves as a link to Guatemalan culture for young Guatemalans living in the United States.
Marimba rhythms will be courtesy of Marimba Maya AWAL, based in the Washington, DC area. In the Indigenous Maya Mam language, "awal" translates to "the sower." Founded in 2005 by Julia Sanchez and Luisa Lopez, the group aims to sow the knowledge of their Maya ancestors from the mountainous west of Guatemala for future generations.
Have a seat and enjoy the music, or feel free to dance solo or with friends. Performances begin at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM.
This program is part of the museum's Hispanic Heritage Month events.
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 1, Potomac Atrium. Cost: FREE.
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM.
Historic Chestertown with a Cruise on the Schooner Sultana
Resident Associate Program
Spend an unforgettable day exploring the rich history of the Chesapeake Bay with regional historian Hayden Mathews, who weaves together the geological, environmental, maritime, cultural, and architectural threads that have shaped the region. This legacy comes to life as you explore historic Chestertown, Maryland, and embark on a 2.5-hour sail aboard the Sultana, a replica 1768 topsail schooner.
Event Location: Departs from Holiday Inn Capitol, 550 C St SW (corner of 6th & C Sts) Fringe stop: New. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264515?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Sunday, September 21, 2025, 7:45 AM – 6:30 PM.
Spark!Lab
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with art, history and creativity.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Spark!Lab, First Floor, West Wing. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Related Exhibition: Places of Invention, Inventive Minds, Landmark Object: Ralph Baer's Workshop, Inventing in America.
Sunday, September 21, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
For more info visit invention.si.edu. Wonderplace
Ongoing Tours & Activities
This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians.
Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At busy times, we may use FREE, timed tickets to minimize wait time if needed. Tickets are available for 30-minute visits on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are required for the first session from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. To visit during a later half-hour session, visitors may pick up a ticket at Wonderplace in 1 West. The last entry using timed tickets is at 3:30 p.m.
Hours are subject to change.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Wonderplace, 1 West. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Sunday, September 21, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Interactive Programs
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Docents offer interactive programming throughout the museum, in the form of Highlights tours of the museum, gallery spotlight talks, and hands-on cart programs.
Tours of the museum’s highlights generally take place daily at 10:15 AM and 1 PM. Additional tours may be offered on the hour between 11 AM and 3 PM as docents are available. Please check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Gallery spotlight talks take place throughout the day. Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object. Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Carts are located throughout the museum, and you can check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Year-Round:
Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Notes:
Programs are subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Multiple floors. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Sunday, September 21, 2025, 10:15 AM – 3:15 PM.
Beginning Drawing
Resident Associate Program
This introductory course teaches the basic skills needed for drawing. Working with a variety of materials and techniques, including charcoal and pencils, students explore the rendering of geometric forms, volume, and perspective, with an emphasis on personal gesture marks.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264177?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264177?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Sunday, September 21, 2025, 10:15 AM – 12:45 PM.
DC | Marimba Melodies
One-Time Events
A symbol of Guatemalan national identity, the marimba is a large instrument played by striking rows of wooden bars with mallets. The marimba is recognized by the Organization of American States as part of the Cultural Heritage of the Americas. Traditional marimba music serves as a link to Guatemalan culture for young Guatemalans living in the United States.
Marimba rhythms will be courtesy of Marimba Maya AWAL, based in the Washington, DC area. In the Indigenous Maya Mam language, "awal" translates to "the sower." Founded in 2005 by Julia Sanchez and Luisa Lopez, the group aims to sow the knowledge of their Maya ancestors from the mountainous west of Guatemala for future generations.
Have a seat and enjoy the music, or feel free to dance solo or with friends. Performances begin at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM.
This program is part of the museum's Hispanic Heritage Month events.
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 1, Potomac Atrium. Cost: FREE.
Sunday, September 21, 2025, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM.
Art Studio
One-Time Events
Calling all artists! Join the Portrait Gallery for a free, drop-in art program where creativity knows no bounds. Every weekend, visitors of all ages are invited to explore a different artistic medium while drawing inspiration from the Portrait Gallery's collections and exhibitions. On select weekends, learn from a featured guest artist, who will lead specialized workshops and share their expertise. To stay informed about upcoming guest artist workshops, please check the Portrait Gallery's Eventbrite page.
Event Location: Education Center, E151. Cost: Free. No Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-gallery-art-studio-tickets-1112707681629?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile.
Sunday, September 21, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.com. DC | Marimba Melodies
One-Time Events
A symbol of Guatemalan national identity, the marimba is a large instrument played by striking rows of wooden bars with mallets. The marimba is recognized by the Organization of American States as part of the Cultural Heritage of the Americas. Traditional marimba music serves as a link to Guatemalan culture for young Guatemalans living in the United States.
Marimba rhythms will be courtesy of Marimba Maya AWAL, based in the Washington, DC area. In the Indigenous Maya Mam language, "awal" translates to "the sower." Founded in 2005 by Julia Sanchez and Luisa Lopez, the group aims to sow the knowledge of their Maya ancestors from the mountainous west of Guatemala for future generations.
Have a seat and enjoy the music, or feel free to dance solo or with friends. Performances begin at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM.
This program is part of the museum's Hispanic Heritage Month events.
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 1, Potomac Atrium. Cost: FREE.
Sunday, September 21, 2025, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.
Hues in Harmony: Maximizing Your Palette
Resident Associate Program
Refamiliarize yourself with the fundamentals of color theory while learning an approach to mixing color that relies on color harmonies. Gain a deeper understanding of complementary color relationships to more intuitively mix colors and harness color harmonies to better express depth as well as the contrast between light and shadow.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264178?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264178?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Sunday, September 21, 2025, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM.
Spanish-Language Walk-In Tours
One-Time Events
Join a volunteer docent on select Sundays for a lively tour of the National Portrait Gallery in Spanish.
Event Location: F Street Lobby. Cost: Free. Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-gallery-spanish-language-docent-tours-tickets-1530971289339?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile. Accessibility: Spanish-interpreted program.
Sunday, September 21, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.com. DC | Marimba Melodies
One-Time Events
A symbol of Guatemalan national identity, the marimba is a large instrument played by striking rows of wooden bars with mallets. The marimba is recognized by the Organization of American States as part of the Cultural Heritage of the Americas. Traditional marimba music serves as a link to Guatemalan culture for young Guatemalans living in the United States.
Marimba rhythms will be courtesy of Marimba Maya AWAL, based in the Washington, DC area. In the Indigenous Maya Mam language, "awal" translates to "the sower." Founded in 2005 by Julia Sanchez and Luisa Lopez, the group aims to sow the knowledge of their Maya ancestors from the mountainous west of Guatemala for future generations.
Have a seat and enjoy the music, or feel free to dance solo or with friends. Performances begin at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM.
This program is part of the museum's Hispanic Heritage Month events.
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 1, Potomac Atrium. Cost: FREE.
Sunday, September 21, 2025, 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM.
Interactive Programs
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Docents offer interactive programming throughout the museum, in the form of Highlights tours of the museum, gallery spotlight talks, and hands-on cart programs.
Tours of the museum’s highlights generally take place daily at 10:15 AM and 1 PM. Additional tours may be offered on the hour between 11 AM and 3 PM as docents are available. Please check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Gallery spotlight talks take place throughout the day. Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object. Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Carts are located throughout the museum, and you can check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Year-Round:
Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Notes:
Programs are subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Multiple floors. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Monday, September 22, 2025, 10:15 AM – 3:15 PM.
Sneak Peek Presentation: “¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa”
American Latino Museum
Sept. 15–Oct. 15 only on Mondays and Wednesdays • 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The National Museum of the American Latino is offering preview presentations of its upcoming exhibition, "¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa," ahead of its spring 2026 opening. Participants will gain insight into the themes and concepts that will be explored in the exhibition. Preview presentations are available for a limited time and on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are required. Stay tuned for sign-up information at latino.si.edu.
Event Location: Virtual. Cost: Free. Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1669561857459?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Monday, September 22, 2025, 10:30 AM.
Portrait Gallery Kids
One-Time Events
Children and families are invited to learn, play and create at the Portrait Gallery! Join educators every Monday as we explore a variety of topics and artistic materials. Participants will get a closer look at art with hands-on activities, music and story times. Portrait Gallery Kids is a fun way to engage with art and each other.
Event Location: Education Center, E151. Cost: Free. No Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-gallery-portrait-gallery-kids-tickets-654254040447?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile.
Monday, September 22, 2025, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.com. Sneak Peek Presentation: “¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa”
American Latino Museum
Sept. 15–Oct. 15 only on Mondays and Wednesdays • 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The National Museum of the American Latino is offering preview presentations of its upcoming exhibition, "¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa," ahead of its spring 2026 opening. Participants will gain insight into the themes and concepts that will be explored in the exhibition. Preview presentations are available for a limited time and on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are required. Stay tuned for sign-up information at latino.si.edu.
Event Location: Virtual. Cost: Free. Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1669760722269?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Monday, September 22, 2025, 1:30 PM.
The Makings of Curtis Mayfield
One-Time Events
The Makings of Curtis Mayfield is a documentary film directed by Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist H.E.R. This film explores the legacy and enduring influence of singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer, and entrepreneur Curtis Mayfield. The film showcases Mayfield's artistry, highlighting his civil rights anthems, heartfelt love songs, unique guitar style, and pioneering soundtrack contributions. After the screening, there will be a discussion with producers Peter Afterman, Mari Keiko Gonzalez, Cheaa Mayfield, and Jimmy Jam. They will reflect on Mayfield’s artistry, his lasting influence across generations, and how his music continues to inspire new artists. Runtime: 1h 37m (97 min)
Film Rating: NR—No Rating, Suggested for ages 16 and older. Parents are urged to be cautious; Strong language.
Venue: African American History and Culture Museum. Event Location: Oprah Winfrey Theater. Cost: Free, Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/mvc/legacyOnlineSale/performance/sale/selectPerformance?performance_id=36027532&country=US&language=en.
Monday, September 22, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Art in the A.M.
One-Time Events
Inspire early childhood creativity with SAAM during Art in the A.M. Children ages up to 5 years and their caregivers are invited to the museum before hours to learn, connect, and create in the galleries. During this program, participants will explore the prize-winning artworks in the exhibition State Fairs: Growing American Craft, on view at the Renwick Gallery, then craft their own blue ribbon felt pies.
Image credit: Margarita Cabrera, Arbol de la Vida – John Deere Tractor Model #790, 2007, clay, slip paint, latex acrylic and metal hardware, Courtesy of Margarita Cabrera.
Venue: Renwick Gallery. Event Location: Renwick Gallery, Enter via 17th Street ramp. Cost: Free | Registration required
Tickets available beginning August 23. Get Tickets/Register: https://events.blackthorn.io/5f4ZMUx7/5a2bVR1zYyf. Related Exhibition: State Fairs: Growing American Craft.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 9:00 AM.
Little Artists, Big Stories
One-Time Events
Discover the magic of creativity with our storybook reading program for early learners! Through engaging stories, vibrant exhibits, and hands-on art activities, children will explore the legacy of Black arts education in Washington, D.C. building curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for artistic expression.
Recommended Audience: 18 months – 7 years
Time and Schedule: 10: 15 a.m. Select Tuesdays and Thursdays through September 25, 2025
Duration: About 1 hour
For all guided experiences, advanced registration for groups of 10 or more is required at least one week prior to your visit. When registering for groups of 10 more, groups may request free bus transportation. Bus transportation is available on a first come, first served basis. Please fill out the guided student tour form available here at least one week prior to your group's arrival.
Questions? Email the ACM Education team at ACMTours@si.edu.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: 1901 Fort Place SE. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-artists-big-stories-tickets-1396883820109?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM.
Interactive Programs
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Docents offer interactive programming throughout the museum, in the form of Highlights tours of the museum, gallery spotlight talks, and hands-on cart programs.
Tours of the museum’s highlights generally take place daily at 10:15 AM and 1 PM. Additional tours may be offered on the hour between 11 AM and 3 PM as docents are available. Please check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Gallery spotlight talks take place throughout the day. Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object. Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Carts are located throughout the museum, and you can check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Year-Round:
Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Notes:
Programs are subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Multiple floors. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 10:15 AM – 3:15 PM.
Play Date at NMNH: Colorful Corals
One-Time Events
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
This Tuesday is all about exploring coral reefs! Families will learn about coral polyps (the tiny animals that help to build-up the reef), create their own artwork inspired by coral reefs, and look up close at coral specimens from the museum’s collection.
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5), their caregivers, and families.
Location: This program is held in the Explorer Theater in the Sant Ocean Hall on the 1st floor of the museum. Please note that space is dependent on the location of that week's event. Some locations have less capacity than others. It is possible that the program might be at capacity when you arrive. If this happens, please enjoy other areas of the museum and try again later in the program.
Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or audio-description are…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, Explorer Theater in Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
DC | Cradleboards and Crawlers
One-Time Events
Designed for early learners (ages 0-2), their caregivers, and families, this drop-in program offers young visitors the opportunity to enjoy a book by a Native author or illustrator read by a Museum Educator, engage in free play and sensory enrichment, and participate in other hands-on learning.
*Due to limited capacity in our spaces, tickets may be needed to enter the Activity Center and therefore the Story room (limited to 25 persons max). Please see staff at the entrance desk of the imagiNATIONS Activity Center on Level 3.
**Recommended for visitors ages 0-2 years old accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 3, imagiNATIONS Activity Center. Cost: FREE.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.
Visionaries in Art: Exploring Black Creativity & Expression
One-Time Events
Explore the rich legacy of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC through an immersive experience designed for youth audiences. Engage in close-looking activities featuring works by influential local artists and art educators, then bring your own creativity to life through hands-on artmaking. Through inquiry-based discussions and artistic exploration, young learners will deepen their understanding of self-expression and connect their observations to their own creative process.
Recommended Audience: Youth 8+
Time and Schedule: 1:00 p.m. Select Tuesdays and Thursdays through September 25, 2025
Duration: About 75 minutes
For all guided experiences, advanced registration for groups of 10 or more is required at least one week prior to your visit. When registering for groups of 10 more, groups may request free bus transportation. Bus transportation is available on a first come, first served basis. Please fill out the guided student tour form available here at least one week prior to your group's arrival.…
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: 1901 Fort Place SE. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/visionaries-in-art-exploring-black-creativity-expression-tickets-1396981753029?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM.
Storytime Studio: Express Yourself
One time events
ABOUT STORYTIME STUDIO
Storytime Studio is a captivating blend of play, educator-led read-alouds, and art exploration designed for kids from birth to age 6 and their caregivers. Every Wednesday morning at 10 and 11 AM, visitors are welcomed into our studio to enjoy a special Storytime adventure.
Storytime Studio has limited capacity. Entry is first-come, first-served.
THIS WEEK
Find self-confidence at Storytime! We’ll learn about artist Genesis Tramaine’s (b. 1983) abstract portraits and read I Am Enough by Grace Byers before celebrating our unique personalities through self-portraiture.
Featured Book: I Am Enough by Grace Byers
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Storytime Studio is a one-hour experience
There are two Storytime sessions each Wednesday, with entry times at 10 and 11 AM. Participation for each adult and child is limited to one hour.
No pre-registration required
Entry to Storytime Studio is first-come, first-served. Once the 10 AM session reaches capacity, you’ll be given the option to return…
Venue: Hirshhorn Museum. Event Location: Lower Level/ Art School. Cost: Free. Related Events: Storytime Studio, About Hirshhorn Kids, Visiting with Kids, Art Project: Naturally You! Art Project: Draw with Your Face. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
For more info visit hirshhorn.si.edu. Spark!Lab
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with art, history and creativity.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Spark!Lab, First Floor, West Wing. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Related Exhibition: Places of Invention, Inventive Minds, Landmark Object: Ralph Baer's Workshop, Inventing in America.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
For more info visit invention.si.edu. Wonderplace
Ongoing Tours & Activities
This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians.
Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At busy times, we may use FREE, timed tickets to minimize wait time if needed. Tickets are available for 30-minute visits on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are required for the first session from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. To visit during a later half-hour session, visitors may pick up a ticket at Wonderplace in 1 West. The last entry using timed tickets is at 3:30 p.m.
Hours are subject to change.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Wonderplace, 1 West. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Enid A. Haupt Garden Tour
Smithsonian Gardens
Free weekly tours of the Enid A. Haupt Garden are offered every Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. from April 30 through September 26, 2025, weather permitting.
Meet one of our knowledgeable volunteers by the tour sign near the northwest entrance to the Enid A. Haupt Garden on Jefferson Drive, SW. No reservation is required.
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: Enid A. Haupt Garden, Meet at the northwest entrance to the garden on Jefferson Drive, SW. Cost: Free
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM.
For more info visit gardens.si.edu. Interactive Programs
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Docents offer interactive programming throughout the museum, in the form of Highlights tours of the museum, gallery spotlight talks, and hands-on cart programs.
Tours of the museum’s highlights generally take place daily at 10:15 AM and 1 PM. Additional tours may be offered on the hour between 11 AM and 3 PM as docents are available. Please check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Gallery spotlight talks take place throughout the day. Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object. Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Carts are located throughout the museum, and you can check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Year-Round:
Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Notes:
Programs are subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Multiple floors. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 10:15 AM – 3:15 PM.
Ship to Shore: Live from the Science Vessel Point Sur
One-Time Events
Travel with us to the Gulf far off the coast of Alabama as we chat - live- with scientists and experts onboard the ship Point Sur who are working to restore and learn more about deep seafloor habitats. Join us for a chance to ask these experts questions about these exciting restoration efforts taking place in the Gulf!
Photo Credit: Michael Viveiros URI Inner Space Center, NOAA.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, Explorer Theater in the Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM.
Sneak Peek Presentation: “¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa”
American Latino Museum
Sept. 15–Oct. 15 only on Mondays and Wednesdays • 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The National Museum of the American Latino is offering preview presentations of its upcoming exhibition, "¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa," ahead of its spring 2026 opening. Participants will gain insight into the themes and concepts that will be explored in the exhibition. Preview presentations are available for a limited time and on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are required. Stay tuned for sign-up information at latino.si.edu.
Event Location: Virtual. Cost: Free. Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1669561857459?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 10:30 AM.
NY | Native Plants: Look, Learn, and Draw
One-Time Events
While the Cooper Hewitt's galleries are closed for installation, join free drop-in design activities in the Garden.
Native Plants: Look, Learn, and Draw, Explore Cooper Hewitt’s garden with museum educators from the National Museum of the American Indian. Choose a plant card, find your match among the native plants, and take time to sketch its unique colors, shapes, and patterns.
Drop-In Sketching in the Garden
Experience Cooper Hewitt’s Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden through drawing! Participants will explore the Gilded Age architecture of the Carnegie Mansion and garden. Draw on your own or get inspired by prompts, from considering patterns, focusing on botanical studies, diving deep into architectural fragments to reimagining the mansion at a different time.
* During inclement weather activities will move indoors. LOCATION: Cooper Hewitt Design Museum Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden, 90th Street between Fifth and Madison Avenues
ACCESSIBILITY AND WHAT TO EXPECT
Format: Drawing prompts and…
Event Location: Cooper Hewitt Design Museum Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden, 90th Street between Fifth and Madison Avenues. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
For more info visit www.cooperhewitt.org. Storytime Studio: Express Yourself
One time events
ABOUT STORYTIME STUDIO
Storytime Studio is a captivating blend of play, educator-led read-alouds, and art exploration designed for kids from birth to age 6 and their caregivers. Every Wednesday morning at 10 and 11 AM, visitors are welcomed into our studio to enjoy a special Storytime adventure.
Storytime Studio has limited capacity. Entry is first-come, first-served.
THIS WEEK
Find self-confidence at Storytime! We’ll learn about artist Genesis Tramaine’s (b. 1983) abstract portraits and read I Am Enough by Grace Byers before celebrating our unique personalities through self-portraiture.
Featured Book: I Am Enough by Grace Byers
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Storytime Studio is a one-hour experience
There are two Storytime sessions each Wednesday, with entry times at 10 and 11 AM. Participation for each adult and child is limited to one hour.
No pre-registration required
Entry to Storytime Studio is first-come, first-served. Once the 10 AM session reaches capacity, you’ll be given the option to return for…
Venue: Hirshhorn Museum. Event Location: Lower Level/ Art School. Cost: Free. Related Events: Storytime Studio, About Hirshhorn Kids, Visiting with Kids, Art Project: Naturally You! Art Project: Draw with Your Face.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
For more info visit hirshhorn.si.edu. Paint, Scoop and Preserve: Make Sweet Memories
One-Time Events
Join us for Paint, Preserve, and Scoop at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Creating memories is as easy as 1, 2 ,3! Choose a canvas curated by Charlecia Joy of Stapledon Arts celebrating family heirlooms, traditions, and storytelling. (Multiple designs will be available), Dive into a guided painted journey designed to help you create treasured family memories. Enjoy a scoop (or two) of ice cream from Goodies Frozen Custard and Treats while you create a masterpiece. Perfect for all skill levels – 7 years old and up.
No experience necessary.
Don’t miss this sweet opportunity to celebrate NMAAHC's 9th Anniversary.
All supplies will be provided.
* Two 2-hour sessions will be offered (11:00AM and 2:00PM)
** Space is limited
.
Venue: African American History and Culture Museum. Event Location: 2nd Floor Classrooms. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://tickets.si.edu/nmaahc/events/a74f69c3-250d-371a-2a2c-0b9bc5965217. Related Events: NMAAHC Anniversary.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
DC | Cradleboards and Crawlers
One-Time Events
Designed for early learners (ages 0-2), their caregivers, and families, this drop-in program offers young visitors the opportunity to enjoy a book by a Native author or illustrator read by a Museum Educator, engage in free play and sensory enrichment, and participate in other hands-on learning.
*Due to limited capacity in our spaces, tickets may be needed to enter the Activity Center and therefore the Story room (limited to 25 persons max). Please see staff at the entrance desk of the imagiNATIONS Activity Center on Level 3.
**Recommended for visitors ages 0-2 years old accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 3, imagiNATIONS Activity Center. Cost: FREE.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.
Ship to Shore: Live from the Science Vessel Point Sur
One-Time Events
Travel with us to the Gulf far off the coast of Alabama as we chat - live- with scientists and experts onboard the ship Point Sur who are working to restore and learn more about deep seafloor habitats. Join us for a chance to ask these experts questions about these exciting restoration efforts taking place in the Gulf!
Photo Credit: Michael Viveiros URI Inner Space Center, NOAA.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, Explorer Theater in the Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Sneak Peek Presentation: “¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa”
American Latino Museum
Sept. 15–Oct. 15 only on Mondays and Wednesdays • 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The National Museum of the American Latino is offering preview presentations of its upcoming exhibition, "¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa," ahead of its spring 2026 opening. Participants will gain insight into the themes and concepts that will be explored in the exhibition. Preview presentations are available for a limited time and on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are required. Stay tuned for sign-up information at latino.si.edu.
Event Location: Virtual. Cost: Free. Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1669760722269?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 1:30 PM.
Paint, Scoop and Preserve: Make Sweet Memories
One-Time Events
Join us for Paint, Preserve, and Scoop at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Creating memories is as easy as 1, 2 ,3! Choose a canvas curated by Charlecia Joy of Stapledon Arts celebrating family heirlooms, traditions, and storytelling. (Multiple designs will be available), Dive into a guided painted journey designed to help you create treasured family memories. Enjoy a scoop (or two) of ice cream from Goodies Frozen Custard and Treats while you create a masterpiece. Perfect for all skill levels – 7 years old and up.
No experience necessary.
Don’t miss this sweet opportunity to celebrate NMAAHC's 9th Anniversary.
All supplies will be provided.
* Two 2-hour sessions will be offered (11:00AM and 2:00PM)
** Space is limited
.
Venue: African American History and Culture Museum. Event Location: 2nd Floor Classrooms. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://tickets.si.edu/nmaahc/events/a74f69c3-250d-371a-2a2c-0b9bc5965217. Related Events: NMAAHC Anniversary.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Q?rius After Hours - September
One-Time Events
Join us for another evening of Q?rius After Hours in the Coralyn W. Whitney Q?rius Science Education Center stocked with science and joy, crafts, puzzles, and games. Come explore NMNH collections and meet these NMNH experts: The Art of Preserving Plants featuring hands-on botany specimen preparation with museum specialist Erika Gardner , The Evolution of Domestication (crops and dogs!) with curator of archaeogenomics and archaeobotany Logan Kistler , Mass Extinctions in Ancient Oceans with paleobiology postdoctoral fellow Sarah Leventhal , Ocean Biology with ocean educator Bayley McKeon , The Dynamic Mangrove Forests Through the Eyes of Satellites with post doctoral research scientist Suvarna Punalekar , Deep-Sea Habitats with Peter Buck postdoctoral fellow Melissa Betters, Register Here
About the series:
If you think back to a time when you were having fun as a kid, what were you doing that made you so happy? Odds are it included some of the universal elements of play – a concept we know is critical…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History (Ground Floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/76665037/qrius-after-hours-september-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
For more info visit www.etix.com. William Franklin: Divided Loyalty
Resident Associate Program
William Franklin, son of Benjamin Franklin yet loyal servant of the British king during the American Revolution, moved from familial devotion to political defiance. Historian Richard Bell explores the stark contrast between Benjamin’s ideals of liberty and William’s unwavering belief in the monarchy, creating a portrait of personal and political estrangement that underscores the sacrifices within families that often accompany great historical upheavals.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264414?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264414?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
Spark!Lab
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with art, history and creativity.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Spark!Lab, First Floor, West Wing. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Related Exhibition: Places of Invention, Inventive Minds, Landmark Object: Ralph Baer's Workshop, Inventing in America.
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
For more info visit invention.si.edu. Wonderplace
Ongoing Tours & Activities
This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians.
Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At busy times, we may use FREE, timed tickets to minimize wait time if needed. Tickets are available for 30-minute visits on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are required for the first session from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. To visit during a later half-hour session, visitors may pick up a ticket at Wonderplace in 1 West. The last entry using timed tickets is at 3:30 p.m.
Hours are subject to change.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Wonderplace, 1 West. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
The Smithsonian Greenhouses and How They Grow
Resident Associate Program
Discover what it takes to keep the Smithsonian’s many gardens and interior plant displays looking their best all year round. Smithsonian horticulturist Vickie DiBella takes you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Smithsonian Gardens Greenhouse Facility in Suitland, Maryland, whose greenhouses provide plants for the institution’s gardens and horticultural exhibits.
Event Location: Tour meets onsite at SI Greenhouses Facility 4222 Silver Hill Rd, Suitland, MD. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264516?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Little Artists, Big Stories
One-Time Events
Discover the magic of creativity with our storybook reading program for early learners! Through engaging stories, vibrant exhibits, and hands-on art activities, children will explore the legacy of Black arts education in Washington, D.C. building curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for artistic expression.
Recommended Audience: 18 months – 7 years
Time and Schedule: 10: 15 a.m. Select Tuesdays and Thursdays through September 25, 2025
Duration: About 1 hour
For all guided experiences, advanced registration for groups of 10 or more is required at least one week prior to your visit. When registering for groups of 10 more, groups may request free bus transportation. Bus transportation is available on a first come, first served basis. Please fill out the guided student tour form available here at least one week prior to your group's arrival.
Questions? Email the ACM Education team at ACMTours@si.edu.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: 1901 Fort Place SE. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-artists-big-stories-tickets-1396883820109?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM.
Interactive Programs
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Docents offer interactive programming throughout the museum, in the form of Highlights tours of the museum, gallery spotlight talks, and hands-on cart programs.
Tours of the museum’s highlights generally take place daily at 10:15 AM and 1 PM. Additional tours may be offered on the hour between 11 AM and 3 PM as docents are available. Please check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Gallery spotlight talks take place throughout the day. Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object. Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Carts are located throughout the museum, and you can check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Year-Round:
Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Notes:
Programs are subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Multiple floors. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 10:15 AM – 3:15 PM.
¡Carritos! A Learning Activity Cart Program
American Latino Museum
Sept. 11–Oct. 11 only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays • 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
The National Museum of the American Latino will present a series of mobile-cart activities and experiences in front of the Molina Family Latino Gallery in the American History Museum, as part of the Latino Museum’s learning program during Hispanic Heritage Month.
These 10-minute hands-on mobile-cart activity experiences will allow visitors of all ages to create and connect with items in the Latino Museum collection and themes from past and future exhibitions, as well as items from other Smithsonian collections or content.
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Del 11 de septiembre al 11 de octubre, solo los jueves, viernes y sábados • 11 a. m. a 3 p. m.
El Museo Nacional del Latino Estadounidense presentará una serie de actividades y experiencias con carritos móviles frente a la Galería Latina de la Familia Molina, en el Museo de Historia Americana, como parte de su programa de aprendizaje durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana.
Estas actividades prácticas de…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Molina Family Latino Gallery, National Museum of American History American History Museum. Cost: Free. No registration required.
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 11:00 AM.
1st Amendment
One-Time Events
Join us on Thursday, September 25, at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History as we explore the five freedoms outlined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution of the United States—Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition—with the Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan foundation that works to foster First Amendment freedoms for all.
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Acompáñanos el jueves 25 de septiembre en el Museo Nacional de Historia Estadounidense para explorar las cinco libertades descritas en la Primera Enmienda de la Constitución de los Estados Unidos: libertad de religión, de expresión, de prensa, de reunión y de petición, con el Freedom Forum, una fundación no partidista que trabaja para promover las libertades de la Primera Enmienda para todos. Ubicación: la entrada a La democracia estadounidense: un gran salto de fe es por 2 West, Horario: mediodía a 2:00 p.m. EST.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith exhibition entrance, 2 West. Cost: Free. Related Exhibition: American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
Exploring Role Identity Across Learning Environments: New Perspectives
One-Time Events
Since 1995, the Lemelson Center’s annual symposium series, New Perspectives on Invention and Innovation, has brought together scholars, educators, and practitioners for cross‑disciplinary dialogue at the intersection of history, innovation, and social change.
The 2025 symposium focuses on role identity — how individuals construct, evolve, and express who they are across different life domains — and examines the narratives, contexts, and forces that shape identity exploration in classrooms, museums, and cultural institutions.
In this online symposium, a distinguished group of historians, educators, psychologists, and museum professionals will: Connect theoretical models, like the Dynamic Systems Model of Role Identity (DSMRI), to practical applications in educational and cultural settings. , Highlight case studies where identity work fosters belonging, agency, and community engagement. , Provide attendees with tools, frameworks, and strategies to apply in their own learning environments. All are invited…
Event Location: Online via Zoom. Online Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/exploring-role-identity-across-learning-environments-new-perspectives-tickets-1623414007999. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/exploring-role-identity-across-learning-environments-new-perspectives-tickets-1623414007999. Accessibility: Captioning.
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM.
For more info visit americanhistory.si.edu. Exploring Ancient Egypt: Culture, Commerce, and Daily Life
Resident Associate Program
Discover the fascinating world of ancient Egypt in a 4-session series that explores the daily life, culture, and innovations of one of the world’s most influential civilizations. Scholar Shelby Justl of the Penn Museum in Philadelphia draws on the discoveries of ongoing archaeological explorations and experimental archaeology to bring to life the rich history of Egypt and its expanding role on the global stage. This session explores ancient Egyptian trade.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264026?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264026?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM.
Visionaries in Art: Exploring Black Creativity & Expression
One-Time Events
Explore the rich legacy of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC through an immersive experience designed for youth audiences. Engage in close-looking activities featuring works by influential local artists and art educators, then bring your own creativity to life through hands-on artmaking. Through inquiry-based discussions and artistic exploration, young learners will deepen their understanding of self-expression and connect their observations to their own creative process.
Recommended Audience: Youth 8+
Time and Schedule: 1:00 p.m. Select Tuesdays and Thursdays through September 25, 2025
Duration: About 75 minutes
For all guided experiences, advanced registration for groups of 10 or more is required at least one week prior to your visit. When registering for groups of 10 more, groups may request free bus transportation. Bus transportation is available on a first come, first served basis. Please fill out the guided student tour form available here at least one week prior to your group's arrival.…
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: 1901 Fort Place SE. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/visionaries-in-art-exploring-black-creativity-expression-tickets-1396981753029?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM.
Jews vs. Rome: Resilience and Resistance
Resident Associate Program
One of the most momentous eras in human history was the 200 years of ancient Israel’s battles against Rome that reshaped Judaism and gave rise to Christianity. Historian Barry Strauss, author of Jews vs. Rome, focuses on three major uprisings to examine the geopolitical clash between the empires of Rome and Persia, the internal conflicts among Jews, and the ethnic conflict between Jews and Gentiles in Judea.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264518?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264518?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM.
Louis XIV: The Sun King and His Legacy
Resident Associate Program
The reign of Louis XIV, spanning from 1643 to 1715, defined an era of absolute monarchy, cultural splendor, and military ambition. Historian Alexander Mikaberidze explores the ruler’s life from his early years as a boy king under the guidance of Cardinal Mazarin to his transformation into the embodiment of royal authority—famously declaring "L'État, c'est moi.” Mikaberidze surveys his successes and failures and considers how the legacy of Louis XIV continued to influence France and the world long after his death.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264415?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264415?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
Mutiny on the Black Prince
Resident Associate Program
History professor James H. Sweet unravels the dramatic story of the events onboard the British slave ship Black Prince, whose crew mutinied in 1768, and the merchant owners' efforts to capture the rebels. The owners mobilized the power of the British government to seek justice and restitution, Sweet says, foreshadowing forms of corporate-state capture that persist to this day.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264517?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264517?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM.
Story Time
One-Time Events
Stamp your calendar for Story Time! Join us every week for a fresh story, a stroll through the Museum, hands-on postal play, and more. Together, we’ll explore mail and all the ways it connects us to people, places, and big ideas.
Stop by anytime—whether you stay for one activity or the whole session, this program will get everyone’s “stamp of approval”.
Meet in the Museum Lobby.
If there are services or accommodations that can improve your experience (e.g. ASL interpretation, etc.), please contact NPMprograms@si.edu; 1–2 week’s advance notice is recommended but not required.
Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Meet in the Historic Lobby. Cost: Free ; no registration required.
Friday, September 26, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.
Spark!Lab
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with art, history and creativity.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Spark!Lab, First Floor, West Wing. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Related Exhibition: Places of Invention, Inventive Minds, Landmark Object: Ralph Baer's Workshop, Inventing in America.
Friday, September 26, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
For more info visit invention.si.edu. Wonderplace
Ongoing Tours & Activities
This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians.
Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At busy times, we may use FREE, timed tickets to minimize wait time if needed. Tickets are available for 30-minute visits on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are required for the first session from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. To visit during a later half-hour session, visitors may pick up a ticket at Wonderplace in 1 West. The last entry using timed tickets is at 3:30 p.m.
Hours are subject to change.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Wonderplace, 1 West. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 26, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
New Deal Projects, Part 2
Resident Associate Program
President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal left a tangible mark on the United States, with over 500 public works projects in Washington, D.C. alone. Join author David Taylor for a walking tour in Washington that focuses on landmarks, art, and other still-visible signs from the New Deal period not seen on the previous tour. Stops include the Library of Congress, old Social Security Administration building, and Jefferson Memorial.
Event Location: Tour meets at the main entrance of John Adams Building, Library of Congress. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264503?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Friday, September 26, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
The Glorious Waltz: Music, Dance, and Society in Three-Quarter Time
Resident Associate Program
Blossoming in Vienna and spreading like a mania through Europe, the waltz proclaimed a new freedom of sexual expression and individual liberties in the early 19th century. Classical music and opera expert Saul Lilienstein traces the development of a musical form and a dance that changed history.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264416?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264416?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Friday, September 26, 2025, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM.
Enid A. Haupt Garden Tour
Smithsonian Gardens
Free weekly tours of the Enid A. Haupt Garden are offered every Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. from April 30 through September 26, 2025, weather permitting.
Meet one of our knowledgeable volunteers by the tour sign near the northwest entrance to the Enid A. Haupt Garden on Jefferson Drive, SW. No reservation is required.
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: Enid A. Haupt Garden, Meet at the northwest entrance to the garden on Jefferson Drive, SW. Cost: Free
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 26, 2025, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM.
For more info visit gardens.si.edu. Interactive Programs
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Docents offer interactive programming throughout the museum, in the form of Highlights tours of the museum, gallery spotlight talks, and hands-on cart programs.
Tours of the museum’s highlights generally take place daily at 10:15 AM and 1 PM. Additional tours may be offered on the hour between 11 AM and 3 PM as docents are available. Please check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Gallery spotlight talks take place throughout the day. Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object. Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Carts are located throughout the museum, and you can check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Year-Round:
Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Notes:
Programs are subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Multiple floors. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 26, 2025, 10:15 AM – 3:15 PM.
¡Carritos! A Learning Activity Cart Program
American Latino Museum
Sept. 11–Oct. 11 only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays • 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
The National Museum of the American Latino will present a series of mobile-cart activities and experiences in front of the Molina Family Latino Gallery in the American History Museum, as part of the Latino Museum’s learning program during Hispanic Heritage Month.
These 10-minute hands-on mobile-cart activity experiences will allow visitors of all ages to create and connect with items in the Latino Museum collection and themes from past and future exhibitions, as well as items from other Smithsonian collections or content.
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Del 11 de septiembre al 11 de octubre, solo los jueves, viernes y sábados • 11 a. m. a 3 p. m.
El Museo Nacional del Latino Estadounidense presentará una serie de actividades y experiencias con carritos móviles frente a la Galería Latina de la Familia Molina, en el Museo de Historia Americana, como parte de su programa de aprendizaje durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana.
Estas actividades prácticas de…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Molina Family Latino Gallery, National Museum of American History American History Museum. Cost: Free. No registration required.
Friday, September 26, 2025, 11:00 AM.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Resident Associate Program
With its magic spells, soaring lyricism, and playful plot, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of the most beloved and frequently performed of Shakespeare’s comedies. Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, explores its poetic forms and central themes as he situates the play within both the broader arc of Shakespeare’s career and his evolving understanding of the comic genre.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264512?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264512?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Friday, September 26, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM.
DC | Curator Tour: "Unbound"
One-Time Events
Curated by Emil Her Many Horses (Oglala Lakota), this exhibition juxtaposes historical hides, muslins, and ledger books with more than 50 contemporary works commissioned by the museum. Illustrating everything from war deeds and ceremonial events to family life, Native identity, and pop culture, the artworks are as diverse as the individuals who created them. Join the curator for a guided tour of an exhibition that celebrates the full expression of narrative art among Native nations of the Great Plains.
Image: Hunkpapa Lakota dress (back), ca. 1880. North Dakota or South Dakota. Muslin, wool cloth, silk ribbon, thread, paint; 141.5 x 128.4 cm. (21/3665).
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 4, exhibition gallery. Cost: FREE. Related Exhibition: Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains.
Friday, September 26, 2025, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM.
Setan Jawa
Films
Live musical accompaniment by singer Peni Candra Rini and her ensemble
Followed by a conversation with director Garin Nugroho.
Kick off our celebration of Indonesian cinema with a multimedia work by its most celebrated director, Garin Nugroho. Setan Jawa is inspired as much by Javanese mythology and shadow puppetry as it is by the German Expressionist silent film masterpieces Nosferatu and Metropolis.
The film follows a poor man from the countryside who falls in love with an aristocratic young woman and makes a deal with the devil so he can marry her. But when she learns of the pact, she sets out to negotiate for her husband’s soul.
Director: Garin Nugroho (Indonesia). Released: 2017. Length: 73 min. Format: DCP. Silent.
Peni Candra Rini is a renowned Javanese singer, composer, and faculty member at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts. The Kronos Quartet has described her as “one of the world’s greatest singers.” She is a master of several traditional forms and is regarded as one of Indonesia’s most…
Venue: Freer Gallery of Art. Building: West Building. Event Location: Meyer Auditorium. Cost: Free. Register in advance (recommended). Get Tickets/Register: https://indonesia2025.eventive.org/films. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Captioning. Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 26, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM.
DC | Worldwide Day of Play
One-Time Events
Bring your family to enjoy Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play. Multiple Smithsonian museums will offer interactive activities and experiences that encourage the importance of play for all ages. Adults must accompany children at all times. No registration required.
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 1: Potomac Atrium. Cost: FREE.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand
One-Time Events
The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand returns for another farm stand season in 2025. It is the only direct-to-consumer farm stand of its kind East of the River in Ward 8.
The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand takes place on the outdoor plaza of the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Place, SE Washington, DC 20020) every Saturday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) from April 19 - November 22, 2025.*
The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand is generously supported by The Hillside Foundation - Allan and Shelley Holt.
*Weather permitting. Be sure to follow the Anacostia Community Museum for updated information.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: 1901 Fort Place SE. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/freshfarm-acm-farm-stand-tickets-1307850759829?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Open Studio: Show Your True Colors
One time events
Start the fall with crisp opportunities for artistic expression every weekend in September at Open Studio. Discover how you can use art to explore your identity, find your power, and change the world! Collaborate or craft your own artwork to take home. Each week will introduce new ideas and creative challenges.
At this Saturday’s Open Studio, we’ll explore how artist Genesis Tramaine uses striking colors and abstract forms to create unique expressionist portraits. Then we’ll use oil pastels, paint, and vibrant colors to create our own self-portraits!
Meet in Art School on the Museum’s Lower Level.
ABOUT OPEN STUDIO
Let your creativity run wild at Open Studio! Drop in to explore modern and contemporary art through interactive hands-on activities inspired by the Hirshhorn collection and artworks on view. Open Studio helps you transform your ideas into reality.
Every session introduces a new theme and a fresh perspective on art-making. Activities are designed to captivate everyone—from budding young…
Venue: Hirshhorn Museum. Event Location: Lower Level/ Art School. Cost: Free. Related Events: Open Studio, Hirshhorn Art School, Art School Everywhere, Art Project: Mixed-Up Portraits.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
For more info visit hirshhorn.si.edu. Spark!Lab
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with art, history and creativity.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Spark!Lab, First Floor, West Wing. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Related Exhibition: Places of Invention, Inventive Minds, Landmark Object: Ralph Baer's Workshop, Inventing in America.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
For more info visit invention.si.edu. Wonderplace
Ongoing Tours & Activities
This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians.
Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At busy times, we may use FREE, timed tickets to minimize wait time if needed. Tickets are available for 30-minute visits on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are required for the first session from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. To visit during a later half-hour session, visitors may pick up a ticket at Wonderplace in 1 West. The last entry using timed tickets is at 3:30 p.m.
Hours are subject to change.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Wonderplace, 1 West. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
The Splendors of the English Country House
Resident Associate Program
The country houses of England are among the country’s greatest treasures. In a day-long program, art historian Bonita Billman surveys a selection of these grand estates, known for their architectural magnificence, spectacular decorative art and art collections, and glorious gardens. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1 credit).
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264417?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264417?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:15 PM.
Interactive Programs
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Docents offer interactive programming throughout the museum, in the form of Highlights tours of the museum, gallery spotlight talks, and hands-on cart programs.
Tours of the museum’s highlights generally take place daily at 10:15 AM and 1 PM. Additional tours may be offered on the hour between 11 AM and 3 PM as docents are available. Please check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Gallery spotlight talks take place throughout the day. Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object. Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Carts are located throughout the museum, and you can check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Year-Round:
Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Notes:
Programs are subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Multiple floors. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10:15 AM – 3:15 PM.
Lowriding Family Festival
One-Time Events
The Corazón y vida: Lowriding Family Festival celebrates the opening of the new exhibition Corazón y vida: Lowriding Culture, a showcase of the artistic expression, technological innovations, and storytelling of lowriders.
Featuring activities for all ages, the festival includes local clubs with lowrider cars and bikes, live music performances and DJs of different genres, an expert panel offering insight into the intersection of lowrider culture and music, hands-on activities, a screening of related documentaries, and more.
The family festival is held in partnership with the National Museum of the American Latino.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Outdoors: Constitution Ave and Madison Drive (National Mall) Museum Entrance. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lowriding-family-festival-tickets-1588173282039?aff=oddtdtcreator. Related Events: DCPL Storytime , History Film Forum. Related Exhibition: Corazón y vida: Lowriding Culture
Marcia and Frank Carlucci Hall of Culture and the Arts
Third Floor West, North Gallery
Opens Sept. 26, 2025 through Oct. 3, 2027. Accessibility: ASL-interpreted program. Captioning. Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Story Time with DCPL: My Papi Has a Motorcycle Book by Isabel Quintero
One-Time Events
Join us for a special vehicle-themed Story Time in collaboration with the DC Public Library! Story Time is a fun way to introduce your child to language and literacy skills through an interactive experience.
This session is part of the Corazón y vida: Lowriding Family Festival, celebrating the opening of the exhibition Corazón y vida: Lowriding Culture.
For questions about this event, please email us at: HistoryTeachers@si.edu.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: 1 West. Cost: Free. Related Events: Lowriding Family Festival.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM.
NY | Celebrate the Equinox with Sisa Pakari
One-Time Events
Andean culture bearers Sisa Pakari join us to celebrate the start of fall by marking the equinox. Equinoxes occur twice a year when the sun appears to be directly above the Earth's equator, marking the start of spring and autumn. Sisa Pakari will share their culture through performances of traditional Indigenous dances and music from the Ecuadorean Andes. Performances begin at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM.
Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Event Location: Level 2, Rotunda. Cost: FREE.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM.
Art & Me | Family Workshop: Silver Tells a Story
Kids and Family
Explore how silver objects from ancient Iran were made and preserved in this hands-on family workshop for children ages 3–8 and their caregivers. After a guided look at the exhibition Feast Your Eyes: A Taste for Luxury in Ancient Iran, participants will experiment with real silver and learn simple techniques inspired by the science of conservation. Image credit: Department of Conservation and Scientific Research.
Venue: Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. Building: East Building. Event Location: ImaginAsia Studio, Gallery 21. Cost: Free. Register in advance (recommended). Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1587828280129?aff=oddtdtcreator. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
¡Carritos! A Learning Activity Cart Program
American Latino Museum
Sept. 11–Oct. 11 only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays • 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
The National Museum of the American Latino will present a series of mobile-cart activities and experiences in front of the Molina Family Latino Gallery in the American History Museum, as part of the Latino Museum’s learning program during Hispanic Heritage Month.
These 10-minute hands-on mobile-cart activity experiences will allow visitors of all ages to create and connect with items in the Latino Museum collection and themes from past and future exhibitions, as well as items from other Smithsonian collections or content.
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Del 11 de septiembre al 11 de octubre, solo los jueves, viernes y sábados • 11 a. m. a 3 p. m.
El Museo Nacional del Latino Estadounidense presentará una serie de actividades y experiencias con carritos móviles frente a la Galería Latina de la Familia Molina, en el Museo de Historia Americana, como parte de su programa de aprendizaje durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana.
Estas actividades prácticas de…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Molina Family Latino Gallery, National Museum of American History American History Museum. Cost: Free. No registration required.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 11:00 AM.
Story Time with DCPL: The ABC's of Lowriding by R. Cortez
One-Time Events
Join us for a special vehicle-themed Story Time in collaboration with the DC Public Library! Story Time is a fun way to introduce your child to language and literacy skills through an interactive experience.
This session is part of the Corazón y vida: Lowriding Family Festival, celebrating the opening of the exhibition Corazón y vida: Lowriding Culture.
For questions about this event, please email us at: HistoryTeachers@si.edu.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: 1 West. Cost: Free. Related Events: Lowriding Family Festival.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Fotos y Recuerdos Festival
One-Time Events
Join the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum for a festival in the Kogod Courtyard. Our friends from Lil’ Libros are returning with more books, activities and fun at this bilingual event for all ages. Learn about figures and artists from both museums and celebrate art, history and culture with a day of art making, dancing, museum tours, story times, book signings and more!
Schedule:
11:30 a.m. Program begins
11:45 to 12:15 Performance by Fraternidad Alma Boliviana, followed by a dance workshop
12:20 p.m. story time with Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein, followed by book signing
12:50 p.m. National Portrait Gallery tour with curator Taína Caragol
1 p.m. Lotería
1:30 p.m. Performance by Fraternidad Alma Boliviana, followed by a dance workshop
2 p.m. The Life of/La Vida de story time with Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein, followed by book signing
2:30 p.m. Smithsonian American Art Museum tour
2:45 p.m. Lotería
3 p.m. Program concludes.
Event Location: Kogod Courtyard. Cost: Free. Registration Encouraged. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fotos-y-recuerdos-festival-tickets-1544733342009?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.com. Community Day
One-Time Events
Celebrate Community Day at the National Museum of African Art with a full day of programming!
Each September, the museum opens its doors to visitors of all ages to inspire them to learn more about the peoples and cultures of Africa and its diaspora through exhibitions, art-making, live performances, tours, and more!
Venue: African Art Museum. Event Location: Throughout the Museum and Haupt Garden. Cost: FREE. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-day-tickets-1657420392009?aff=oddtdtcreator. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
For more info visit africa.si.edu. Kitchen Chemistry with Rain Young
One-Time Events
Join artist Rain Young in a fun workshop bridging science with art. Unleash your inner scientist in the kitchen! This hands-on class combines the art of ingredients with the science of chemistry, offering a fun and interactive way to learn about the fascinating reactions behind everyday recipes. Perfect for curious minds of all ages, this class will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the science that makes your meals delicious. No prior experience required—just bring your curiosity and taste buds! Supplies provided. Participants will experiment with ingredients to explore concepts like emulsification, fermentation, and leavening, turning ordinary pantry staples into extraordinary creations.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: 1901 Fort Place SE. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kitchen-chemistry-with-rain-young-tickets-1376730310419?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
In-Gallery Portrait Signs
One-Time Events
Portrait Signs is a Deaf-led tour in American Sign Language. Tours explore portraiture, history and biography through the lens of our special exhibitions and permanent collection. Dates and topics are continually updated.
Event Location: G Street Lobby. Cost: Free. Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-gallery-portrait-signs-a-tour-in-asl-tickets-713964475967?aff=oddtdtcreator. Accessibility: ASL-interpreted program.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.com. Inspired by the Collections: Cold Connections and Alternative Materials
Resident Associate Program
The jewelry in the Cooper Hewitt’s Susan Grant Lewin Collection embodies the ingenious use of alternative materials. With an emphasis on upcycled materials, students learn to refine readily available trash items into unique works of contemporary jewelry.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264179?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264179?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
NY | Celebrate the Equinox with Sisa Pakari
One-Time Events
Andean culture bearers Sisa Pakari join us to celebrate the start of fall by marking the equinox. Equinoxes occur twice a year when the sun appears to be directly above the Earth's equator, marking the start of spring and autumn. Sisa Pakari will share their culture through performances of traditional Indigenous dances and music from the Ecuadorean Andes. Performances begin at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM.
Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Event Location: Level 2, Rotunda. Cost: FREE.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM.
Visual Journaling: Creativity Workout
Resident Associate Program
In an afternoon of artistic experimentation designed to strengthen creative muscles and deepen skills in visual expression, explore five modes of visual thinking: working from memory, observation, imagination, narrative, and experimental approaches.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264139?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264139?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Art & Me | Family Workshop: Silver Tells a Story
Kids and Family
Explore how silver objects from ancient Iran were made and preserved in this hands-on family workshop for children ages 3–8 and their caregivers. After a guided look at the exhibition Feast Your Eyes: A Taste for Luxury in Ancient Iran, participants will experiment with real silver and learn simple techniques inspired by the science of conservation. Image credit: Department of Conservation and Scientific Research.
Venue: Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. Building: East Building. Event Location: ImaginAsia Studio, Gallery 21. Cost: Free. Register in advance (recommended). Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1587828280129?aff=oddtdtcreator. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM.
Summer Teen Studio: Main Character Energy
One time events
Teens: Ready to level up your art? Join us for Teen Studio, a free art-making program exclusively for teens ages 13–18. Push your artistic boundaries using materials and techniques inspired by artists whose work is on view at the Hirshhorn.
We’ll kick off the school year with some major main-character energy—this week, we’ll explore portraiture. Take inspiration from artist Genesis Tramaine, who uses bold colors and distorted forms to create unique portraits in an Abstract Expressionist style. Use oil pastels, paint, and vibrant colors to create portraits that represent the deep personality and emotions of your subject.
Drop in to Teen Studio every Saturday between 2:30 and 4 PM. Register for the entire school year by emailing HMSGeducation@si.edu (one-time registration covers all sessions). Join one or join them all! Meet in Art School on the Museum’s Lower Level.
Looking for more? Explore Art School Everywhere, wherever you are, to learn about artists at the Hirshhorn and get creative any time.
Do…
Venue: Hirshhorn Museum. Event Location: Lower Level/ Art School. Cost: Free. Related Events: Teen Studio, Hirshhorn Art School Art School Everywhere, Hirshhorn Artist Diaries: Aliza Nisenbaum.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM.
For more info visit hirshhorn.si.edu. NY | Celebrate the Equinox with Sisa Pakari
One-Time Events
Andean culture bearers Sisa Pakari join us to celebrate the start of fall by marking the equinox. Equinoxes occur twice a year when the sun appears to be directly above the Earth's equator, marking the start of spring and autumn. Sisa Pakari will share their culture through performances of traditional Indigenous dances and music from the Ecuadorean Andes. Performances begin at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM.
Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Event Location: Level 2, Rotunda. Cost: FREE.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM.
History Film Forum: Lowriding from the 80s to Today
One-Time Events
Finishing off the Corazón y vida: Lowriding Family Festival, the History Film Forum presents a set of screenings exploring how Lowrider culture has evolved in the last 40 years. We begin with Rick Tejada-Flores's 1983 PBS documentary Low ‘N Slow, the Art of Lowriding, which presents a contemporary account of the early 80s lowriding scene. Then we move to the late 2010s with clips from Estevan Oriol's Lowriders, showcasing the community’s growth and change. Afterwards we’ll discuss the films, the history of lowriding culture, and the creation of the new exhibit Corazón y vida: Lowriding Culture with museum curator L. Stephen Velazquez and 1970s lowrider poster artist Rudy O. Cuellar.
Before the film, visitors can see special objects out of storage from the museum’s collections related to—but not featured in—Corazón y vida: Lowriding Culture.
This event received federal support from the Smithsonian Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the National Museum of the American Latino.
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Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Warner Bros. Theater, 1 Center. Cost: Free, registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/history-film-forum-lowriding-from-the-80s-to-today-tickets-1660938765559?aff=trumba. Related Events: Lowriding Family Festival. Related Exhibition: Corazón y vida: Lowriding Culture
Marcia and Frank Carlucci Hall of Culture and the Arts
Third Floor West, North Gallery
Opens Sept. 26, 2025 through Oct. 3, 2027. Accessibility: ASL-interpreted program. Assisted listening devices. Captioning. Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.com. Gettysburg: The Battlefield and Beyond
Resident Associate Program
Some 160, 000 soldiers, both Union and Confederate, fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Historian Christopher Hamner leads a journey across the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg, delving into soldiers’ personal stories, which include moments of extraordinary courage, unbreakable camaraderie, and heart-wrenching loss. Explore sites like Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, and East Cemetery Hill while discussing the psychological toll of combat and living in the trenches.
Event Location: Departs from the Holiday Inn Capitol at 550 C St SW (corner of 6th & C Sts). Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264519?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Sunday, September 28, 2025, 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM.
Spark!Lab
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with art, history and creativity.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Spark!Lab, First Floor, West Wing. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Related Exhibition: Places of Invention, Inventive Minds, Landmark Object: Ralph Baer's Workshop, Inventing in America.
Sunday, September 28, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
For more info visit invention.si.edu. Wonderplace
Ongoing Tours & Activities
This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians.
Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At busy times, we may use FREE, timed tickets to minimize wait time if needed. Tickets are available for 30-minute visits on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are required for the first session from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. To visit during a later half-hour session, visitors may pick up a ticket at Wonderplace in 1 West. The last entry using timed tickets is at 3:30 p.m.
Hours are subject to change.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Wonderplace, 1 West. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Sunday, September 28, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Interactive Programs
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Docents offer interactive programming throughout the museum, in the form of Highlights tours of the museum, gallery spotlight talks, and hands-on cart programs.
Tours of the museum’s highlights generally take place daily at 10:15 AM and 1 PM. Additional tours may be offered on the hour between 11 AM and 3 PM as docents are available. Please check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Gallery spotlight talks take place throughout the day. Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object. Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Carts are located throughout the museum, and you can check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Year-Round:
Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Notes:
Programs are subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Multiple floors. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Sunday, September 28, 2025, 10:15 AM – 3:15 PM.
Art Studio
One-Time Events
Calling all artists! Join the Portrait Gallery for a free, drop-in art program where creativity knows no bounds. Every weekend, visitors of all ages are invited to explore a different artistic medium while drawing inspiration from the Portrait Gallery's collections and exhibitions. On select weekends, learn from a featured guest artist, who will lead specialized workshops and share their expertise. To stay informed about upcoming guest artist workshops, please check the Portrait Gallery's Eventbrite page.
Event Location: Education Center, E151. Cost: Free. No Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-gallery-art-studio-tickets-1112707681629?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile.
Sunday, September 28, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.com. Performance: Balinese Wayang Kulit Shadow Play
Performances
Performed by I Gusti Putu Sudarta, accompanied by live gamelan and kroncong music performed by members of Gamelan Raga Kusuma.
This is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a master of the Wayang Kulit shadow puppet genre perform live! Wayang (“shadow”) Kulit (“skin”) are flat leather puppets made from carved and painted rawhide. The Javanese and Balinese shadow play tradition is at least 1000 years old. It is both a sacred genre and a mass entertainment for local communities. Besides philosophical and religious instruction, performances include a healthy dose of bawdy humor and manic fight scenes.
Sudarta will perform Sutasoma. In this shadow play, the only child of a royal family rejects the throne and escapes to the forest for a life of Buddhist contemplation. But first he must conquer various ogres in the forest, including an elephant-headed beast and a giant snake.
The performance lasts approximately 75 minutes. Afterwards, you can meet Sudarta and learn about his puppets.
I Gusti Putu Sudarta is…
Venue: Freer Gallery of Art. Building: West Building. Event Location: Meyer Auditorium. Cost: Free. Register in advance (recommended). Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/performance-balinese-wayang-kulit-shadow-play-tickets-1567769533879?aff=oddtdtcreator. Accessibility: ASL-interpreted program. Wheelchair accessible.
Sunday, September 28, 2025, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM.
Opera Jawa
Films
Watch the trailer
In Person: Garin Nugroho, director
Followed by a reception courtesy of the Embassy of Indonesia!
This grand musical film boasts dazzling sets designed by contemporary visual artists, choreography by famed Indonesian dancer Eko Supriyanto, hypnotic gamelan music, and a story based on the abduction of Sita from the Hindu epic The Ramayana. Opera Jawa earned praise from no less a luminary than opera and theater director Peter Sellars, who commended its director, Garin Nugroho, for “creating a new language for film.”
Set in lush forests and pristine beaches, this film tells the story of a potter’s wife who, in a moment of weakness, is seduced by a flirtatious butcher, which sets off an epic battle for her affections. Nathan Lee of The Village Voice calls it “a radiant folk fantasia, at once sophisticated and elemental, freewheeling and composed.”
Director: Garin Nugroho (Indonesia, Austria). Released: 2010. Length: 120 min. Format: 35mm. Language: Bahasa Indonesia. Image courtesy of…
Venue: Freer Gallery of Art. Building: West Building. Event Location: Meyer Auditorium. Cost: Free. Register in advance (recommended). Get Tickets/Register: https://indonesia2025.eventive.org/films. Accessibility: ASL-interpreted program. Captioning. Wheelchair accessible.
Sunday, September 28, 2025, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Blue Star Welcome Week for Military Families
One-Time Events
Join us Monday, September 29, through Sunday, October 5, at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History as we celebrate, honor, and welcome military families to the museum through the Blue Star Families program. Throughout the week, visitors can enjoy docent-led programming in our Price of Freedom military history galleries. As a proud Blue Star Museum, the National Museum of American History welcomes active-duty military members and their families.
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Acompáñanos del lunes, 29 de septiembre al domingo, 5 de octubre en el Museo Nacional de Historia Estadounidense para celebrar, honrar y dar la bienvenida a las familias de militares a través del programa Familias Estrella Azul. Durante toda la semana, los visitantes podrán disfrutar de una programación guiada por docentes en nuestras galerías de historia militar en El Precio de la Libertad. Como orgulloso Museo Estrella Azul, el Museo Nacional de Historia Estadounidense da la bienvenida a los militares en servicio activo y a sus familias. …
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Price of Freedom: Americans at War exhibition entrance, 3 East. Cost: Free. Related Exhibition: The Price of Freedom: Americans at War. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Monday, September 29, 2025, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Interactive Programs
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Docents offer interactive programming throughout the museum, in the form of Highlights tours of the museum, gallery spotlight talks, and hands-on cart programs.
Tours of the museum’s highlights generally take place daily at 10:15 AM and 1 PM. Additional tours may be offered on the hour between 11 AM and 3 PM as docents are available. Please check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Gallery spotlight talks take place throughout the day. Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object. Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Carts are located throughout the museum, and you can check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Year-Round:
Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Notes:
Programs are subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Multiple floors. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Monday, September 29, 2025, 10:15 AM – 3:15 PM.
Developing Your Creative Practice
Resident Associate Program
Drop the burden of a finished product and focus on developing your ideas. Begin to deal with procrastination, creative blocks, flow, problem solving, and finishing with the support of a stress-free environment. Build confidence alongside other creatives on the same journey.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264180?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264180?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Monday, September 29, 2025, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM.
Sneak Peek Presentation: “¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa”
American Latino Museum
Sept. 15–Oct. 15 only on Mondays and Wednesdays • 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The National Museum of the American Latino is offering preview presentations of its upcoming exhibition, "¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa," ahead of its spring 2026 opening. Participants will gain insight into the themes and concepts that will be explored in the exhibition. Preview presentations are available for a limited time and on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are required. Stay tuned for sign-up information at latino.si.edu.
Event Location: Virtual. Cost: Free. Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1669561857459?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Monday, September 29, 2025, 10:30 AM.
Portrait Gallery Kids
One-Time Events
Children and families are invited to learn, play and create at the Portrait Gallery! Join educators every Monday as we explore a variety of topics and artistic materials. Participants will get a closer look at art with hands-on activities, music and story times. Portrait Gallery Kids is a fun way to engage with art and each other.
Event Location: Education Center, E151. Cost: Free. No Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-gallery-portrait-gallery-kids-tickets-654254040447?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile.
Monday, September 29, 2025, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.com. Artful Mind, Tranquil Mind
Resident Associate Program
In a series designed to provide a tranquil midday break, create small but satisfying works of art as a way to hit “pause” and incorporate a bit of creativity into your at-home routines.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264181?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264181?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Monday, September 29, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
Sneak Peek Presentation: “¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa”
American Latino Museum
Sept. 15–Oct. 15 only on Mondays and Wednesdays • 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The National Museum of the American Latino is offering preview presentations of its upcoming exhibition, "¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa," ahead of its spring 2026 opening. Participants will gain insight into the themes and concepts that will be explored in the exhibition. Preview presentations are available for a limited time and on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are required. Stay tuned for sign-up information at latino.si.edu.
Event Location: Virtual. Cost: Free. Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1669760722269?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Monday, September 29, 2025, 1:30 PM.
The Book of Kells: The Flowering of Celtic Art
Resident Associate Program
The Book of Kells, housed at Trinity College in Dublin, is one of the most spectacular works of art in history. Manuscripts like this grew out of an artistic tradition that embraced other art forms, including metalwork, sculpture, and embroidery. Historian Jennifer Paxton looks at the diverse strands that influenced the Book of Kells, from indigenous Irish elements to motifs imported from other cultures, and discusses its influence on the revival of Celtic art from the 19th century to the present. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit).
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264418?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264418?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Monday, September 29, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM.
The Age of World's Fairs: Spectacles of Innovation
Resident Associate Program
World’s fairs have long served as global showcases for innovation, culture, and progress. These international expositions brought together nations to display a myriad of advancements, often reflecting the aspirations and challenges of their times. Art historian Jennie Hirsh delves into three pivotal exhibitions examining how these landmark events showcased each era’s groundbreaking achievements in technology, culture, science, art, and architecture. This session highlights the Paris World's Fair of 1900.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/263981?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/263981?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Monday, September 29, 2025, 6:45 PM – 8:15 PM.
The Martians
Resident Associate Program
A mere century ago, Martians were thought to be real, not fictional, creatures. Journalist David Baron draws on his new book, The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze that Captured Turn-of-the-Century America, to examine this strange case of mass delusion. Although the Martians never were real, says Baron, the excitement about them was genuine and world-changing, since it sparked a new genre called science fiction and helped launch us into space—toward Mars.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264520?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264520?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Monday, September 29, 2025, 6:45 PM – 8:00 PM.
Blue Star Welcome Week for Military Families
One-Time Events
Join us Monday, September 29, through Sunday, October 5, at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History as we celebrate, honor, and welcome military families to the museum through the Blue Star Families program. Throughout the week, visitors can enjoy docent-led programming in our Price of Freedom military history galleries. As a proud Blue Star Museum, the National Museum of American History welcomes active-duty military members and their families.
///Acompáñanos del lunes, 29 de septiembre al domingo, 5 de octubre en el Museo Nacional de Historia Estadounidense para celebrar, honrar y dar la bienvenida a las familias de militares a través del programa Familias Estrella Azul. Durante toda la semana, los visitantes podrán disfrutar de una programación guiada por docentes en nuestras galerías de historia militar en El Precio de la Libertad. Como orgulloso Museo Estrella Azul, el Museo Nacional de Historia Estadounidense da la bienvenida a los militares en servicio activo y a sus familias. …
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Price of Freedom: Americans at War exhibition entrance, 3 East. Cost: Free. Related Exhibition: The Price of Freedom: Americans at War. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Landscape Elements in Watercolor
Resident Associate Program
Gain confidence in your ability to paint important natural elements in watercolor. Demonstrations and exercises introduce techniques for creating flowing landscapes.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264182?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264182?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Interactive Programs
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Docents offer interactive programming throughout the museum, in the form of Highlights tours of the museum, gallery spotlight talks, and hands-on cart programs.
Tours of the museum’s highlights generally take place daily at 10:15 AM and 1 PM. Additional tours may be offered on the hour between 11 AM and 3 PM as docents are available. Please check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Gallery spotlight talks take place throughout the day. Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object. Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Carts are located throughout the museum, and you can check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Year-Round:
Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Notes:
Programs are subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Multiple floors. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 10:15 AM – 3:15 PM.
Play Date at NMNH: Mighty Megalodon!
One-Time Events
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
This Tuesday we will learn about the mighty Megalodon! While Megalodons, an ancient shark that lived 23 – 3.5 million years ago, are no longer swimming in our ocean, people of all ages are fascinated by its size and large teeth! Together we will learn about this ancient shark that used to roam the ocean, make our own wearable artwork inspired by Megalodon teeth, and have the chance to hold a real Megalodon tooth!
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5) and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome.
Location: This program is held in the Explorer Theater in the Sant Ocean Hall. Ocean Hall is on the 1st floor.
Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or audio-description are available with advanced notice. However,…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, Explorer Theater in the Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
DC | Cradleboards and Crawlers
One-Time Events
Designed for early learners (ages 0-2), their caregivers, and families, this drop-in program offers young visitors the opportunity to enjoy a book by a Native author or illustrator read by a Museum Educator, engage in free play and sensory enrichment, and participate in other hands-on learning.
*Due to limited capacity in our spaces, tickets may be needed to enter the Activity Center and therefore the Story room (limited to 25 persons max). Please see staff at the entrance desk of the imagiNATIONS Activity Center on Level 3.
**Recommended for visitors ages 0-2 years old accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 3, imagiNATIONS Activity Center. Cost: FREE.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM.
How Things Are Made: The Hidden World of Manufacturing
Resident Associate Program
We live in a manufactured world. Unless you're completely disconnected from modern society, you're likely surrounded by a multitude of manufactured products—furniture, technology, clothing, even food. Yet the processes behind how these things come into our lives remain largely invisible. Tim Minshall, a professor at the University of Cambridge, traces the surprising paths everyday items travel from design and creation to delivery—and how they shape nearly every aspect of our daily lives.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264521?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264521?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM.
Exploring Color in Watercolor
Resident Associate Program
Enhance your knowledge and understanding of color theory in watercolor. Learn practical skills such as identifying and mixing colors correctly to create your own cohesive palette.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264183?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264183?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Rigid Heddle Loom Weaving Continued: Make a Table Runner
Resident Associate Program
Level up your beginning weaving skills and create a distinctively textured, colorful table runner on your rigid heddle loom. Build on the plain weave structure with striking warp and weft float techniques.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264184?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264184?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Cephalopod Life Cycles: From Alien Larvae to World's Most Patient Moms
Resident Associate Program
When it comes to finding a partner, cephalopods pull out all the stops. Pygmy squid squirt inky backdrops to highlight their dazzling courtship displays. Cuttlefish multitask, decorating one half of their bodies to seduce a mate while the other half flashes a warning to rivals. After fertilization, the situation gets even more incredible. Market squid carpet the seafloor with ghostly egg fingers that repel predators even as the parents are devoured. Deep-sea octopuses set a world record: The mothers guard their eggs for over four years. Biologist Danna Staaf leads a journey through the bizarre beauty of cephalopod life cycles.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264522?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264522?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 6:45 PM – 8:15 PM.
The Golden Age of Vienna: The Art of Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele
Resident Associate Program
At the turn of the 20th century, Vienna was a center of political power as well as avant-garde culture, home to some of the world’s greatest composers, architects, writers, and artists. Two who helped define this age of glamour, elegance, and decadence were artists Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. Art critic Judy Pomeranz examines how they were influenced by their time and place and illustrates how powerfully they reflected them in works both beautiful and shocking. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit).
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264523?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264523?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 6:45 PM – 8:15 PM.
Screening and Discussion: May All the Little Girls Win
Films
Enjoy a screening of artist Charmaine Poh’s short films and a post-screening discussion in this special event organized with the Goethe-Institut Washington.
Working across film, photography, media, and performance, Charmaine Poh examines ideas of agency, repair, and the body across worlds. Her work is also influenced by Eastern philosophy, media criticism, and cyberfeminism.
Order of Screenings Kin (2021, digital film, 2:54 min.) , What’s softest in the world rushes and runs over what’s hardest in the world (2024, 4K digital film, 14:30 min.) , public solitude (2022, 2-channel digital video, synthetic media, 4:00 min.) , GOOD MORNING YOUNG BODY (2023, performance-lecture digital video, synthetic media, 6:23 min.) , in the shadow of the cosmic (2023, performance-lecture, 30:00 min.), Register in advance to get the best experience.
About Charmaine Poh
Charmaine Poh (b. 1990) is an artist from Singapore working across media, moving image, and performance to peel apart, interrogate, and hold ideas of agency,…
Venue: Freer Gallery of Art. Building: West Building. Event Location: Meyer Auditorium. Cost: Free. Register in advance (recommended). Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1596572233529?aff=oddtdtcreator. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Famous Orchids in History
Resident Associate Program
Humans and orchids have a long and storied history. Learn about highlights, including the Vanilla orchid, Darwin’s orchid, ghost orchid, and the first ladies Cattleya orchids.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264140?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264140?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Blue Star Welcome Week for Military Families
One-Time Events
Join us Monday, September 29, through Sunday, October 5, at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History as we celebrate, honor, and welcome military families to the museum through the Blue Star Families program. Throughout the week, visitors can enjoy docent-led programming in our Price of Freedom military history galleries. As a proud Blue Star Museum, the National Museum of American History welcomes active-duty military members and their families.
///Acompáñanos del lunes, 29 de septiembre al domingo, 5 de octubre en el Museo Nacional de Historia Estadounidense para celebrar, honrar y dar la bienvenida a las familias de militares a través del programa Familias Estrella Azul. Durante toda la semana, los visitantes podrán disfrutar de una programación guiada por docentes en nuestras galerías de historia militar en El Precio de la Libertad. Como orgulloso Museo Estrella Azul, el Museo Nacional de Historia Estadounidense da la bienvenida a los militares en servicio activo y a sus familias. …
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Price of Freedom: Americans at War exhibition entrance, 3 East. Cost: Free. Related Exhibition: The Price of Freedom: Americans at War. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Storytime Studio: Shadow Play
One time events
ABOUT STORYTIME STUDIO
Storytime Studio is a captivating blend of play, educator-led read-alouds, and art exploration designed for kids from birth to age 6 and their caregivers. Every Wednesday morning at 10 and 11 AM, visitors are welcomed into our studio to enjoy a special Storytime adventure.
Storytime Studio has limited capacity. Entry is first-come, first-served. THIS WEEK
Kick off the spooky season by playing with shadows at Storytime. We’ll get inspired by artist Alberto Giacometti’s (1901–1966) long, thin sculptures and read Moonbear’s Shadow by Frank Asch.
Featured book: Moonbear’s Shadow by Frank Asch, KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Storytime Studio is a one-hour experience
There are two Storytime sessions each Wednesday, with entry times at 10 and 11 AM. Participation for each adult and child is limited to one hour.
No pre-registration required
Entry to Storytime Studio is first-come, first-served. When the 10 AM session reaches capacity, you’ll be given the option to return for entry to the 11 AM…
Venue: Hirshhorn Museum. Event Location: Art School on the Lower Level. Cost: Free. Related Events: Open Studio, Hirshhorn Art School, Art School Everywhere, Art Project: Avant-Garde Aluminum.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
For more info visit hirshhorn.si.edu. Spark!Lab
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with art, history and creativity.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Spark!Lab, First Floor, West Wing. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Related Exhibition: Places of Invention, Inventive Minds, Landmark Object: Ralph Baer's Workshop, Inventing in America.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
For more info visit invention.si.edu. Wonderplace
Ongoing Tours & Activities
This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians.
Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At busy times, we may use FREE, timed tickets to minimize wait time if needed. Tickets are available for 30-minute visits on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are required for the first session from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. To visit during a later half-hour session, visitors may pick up a ticket at Wonderplace in 1 West. The last entry using timed tickets is at 3:30 p.m.
Hours are subject to change.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Wonderplace, 1 West. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Interactive Programs
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Docents offer interactive programming throughout the museum, in the form of Highlights tours of the museum, gallery spotlight talks, and hands-on cart programs.
Tours of the museum’s highlights generally take place daily at 10:15 AM and 1 PM. Additional tours may be offered on the hour between 11 AM and 3 PM as docents are available. Please check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Gallery spotlight talks take place throughout the day. Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object. Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Carts are located throughout the museum, and you can check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Year-Round:
Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Notes:
Programs are subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Multiple floors. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 10:15 AM – 3:15 PM.
Sneak Peek Presentation: “¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa”
American Latino Museum
Sept. 15–Oct. 15 only on Mondays and Wednesdays • 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The National Museum of the American Latino is offering preview presentations of its upcoming exhibition, "¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa," ahead of its spring 2026 opening. Participants will gain insight into the themes and concepts that will be explored in the exhibition. Preview presentations are available for a limited time and on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are required. Stay tuned for sign-up information at latino.si.edu.
Event Location: Virtual. Cost: Free. Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1669561857459?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 10:30 AM.
Storytime Studio: Shadow Play
One time events
ABOUT STORYTIME STUDIO
Storytime Studio is a captivating blend of play, educator-led read-alouds, and art exploration designed for kids from birth to age 6 and their caregivers. Every Wednesday morning at 10 and 11 AM, visitors are welcomed into our studio to enjoy a special Storytime adventure.
Storytime Studio has limited capacity. Entry is first-come, first-served. THIS WEEK
Kick off the spooky season by playing with shadows at Storytime. We’ll get inspired by artist Alberto Giacometti’s (1901–1966) long, thin sculptures and read Moonbear’s Shadow by Frank Asch.
Featured book: Moonbear’s Shadow by Frank Asch, KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Storytime Studio is a one-hour experience
There are two Storytime sessions each Wednesday, with entry times at 10 and 11 AM. Participation for each adult and child is limited to one hour.
No pre-registration required
Entry to Storytime Studio is first-come, first-served. When the 10 AM session reaches capacity, you’ll be given the option to return for entry to the 11 AM…
Venue: Hirshhorn Museum. Event Location: Art School on the Lower Level. Cost: Free. Related Events: Open Studio, Hirshhorn Art School, Art School Everywhere, Art Project: Avant-Garde Aluminum.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
For more info visit hirshhorn.si.edu. Sneak Peek Presentation: “¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa”
American Latino Museum
Sept. 15–Oct. 15 only on Mondays and Wednesdays • 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The National Museum of the American Latino is offering preview presentations of its upcoming exhibition, "¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa," ahead of its spring 2026 opening. Participants will gain insight into the themes and concepts that will be explored in the exhibition. Preview presentations are available for a limited time and on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are required. Stay tuned for sign-up information at latino.si.edu.
Event Location: Virtual. Cost: Free. Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1669760722269?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 1:30 PM.
Blue Star Welcome Week for Military Families
One-Time Events
Join us Monday, September 29, through Sunday, October 5, at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History as we celebrate, honor, and welcome military families to the museum through the Blue Star Families program. Throughout the week, visitors can enjoy docent-led programming in our Price of Freedom military history galleries. As a proud Blue Star Museum, the National Museum of American History welcomes active-duty military members and their families.
///Acompáñanos del lunes, 29 de septiembre al domingo, 5 de octubre en el Museo Nacional de Historia Estadounidense para celebrar, honrar y dar la bienvenida a las familias de militares a través del programa Familias Estrella Azul. Durante toda la semana, los visitantes podrán disfrutar de una programación guiada por docentes en nuestras galerías de historia militar en El Precio de la Libertad. Como orgulloso Museo Estrella Azul, el Museo Nacional de Historia Estadounidense da la bienvenida a los militares en servicio activo y a sus familias. …
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Price of Freedom: Americans at War exhibition entrance, 3 East. Cost: Free. Related Exhibition: The Price of Freedom: Americans at War. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, October 2, 2025, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Spark!Lab
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with art, history and creativity.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Spark!Lab, First Floor, West Wing. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Related Exhibition: Places of Invention, Inventive Minds, Landmark Object: Ralph Baer's Workshop, Inventing in America.
Thursday, October 2, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
For more info visit invention.si.edu. Wonderplace
Ongoing Tours & Activities
This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians.
Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At busy times, we may use FREE, timed tickets to minimize wait time if needed. Tickets are available for 30-minute visits on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets are required for the first session from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. To visit during a later half-hour session, visitors may pick up a ticket at Wonderplace in 1 West. The last entry using timed tickets is at 3:30 p.m.
Hours are subject to change.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Wonderplace, 1 West. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, October 2, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Interactive Programs
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Docents offer interactive programming throughout the museum, in the form of Highlights tours of the museum, gallery spotlight talks, and hands-on cart programs.
Tours of the museum’s highlights generally take place daily at 10:15 AM and 1 PM. Additional tours may be offered on the hour between 11 AM and 3 PM as docents are available. Please check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Gallery spotlight talks take place throughout the day. Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object. Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances.
Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Carts are located throughout the museum, and you can check either Welcome Desk for today’s schedule.
Year-Round:
Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.
Notes:
Programs are subject to docent availability; last-minute cancellations may occur.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Multiple floors. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, October 2, 2025, 10:15 AM – 3:15 PM.
¡Carritos! A Learning Activity Cart Program
American Latino Museum
Sept. 11–Oct. 11 only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays • 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
The National Museum of the American Latino will present a series of mobile-cart activities and experiences in front of the Molina Family Latino Gallery in the American History Museum, as part of the Latino Museum’s learning program during Hispanic Heritage Month.
These 10-minute hands-on mobile-cart activity experiences will allow visitors of all ages to create and connect with items in the Latino Museum collection and themes from past and future exhibitions, as well as items from other Smithsonian collections or content.
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Del 11 de septiembre al 11 de octubre, solo los jueves, viernes y sábados • 11 a. m. a 3 p. m.
El Museo Nacional del Latino Estadounidense presentará una serie de actividades y experiencias con carritos móviles frente a la Galería Latina de la Familia Molina, en el Museo de Historia Americana, como parte de su programa de aprendizaje durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana.
Estas actividades prácticas de…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Molina Family Latino Gallery, National Museum of American History American History Museum. Cost: Free. No registration required.
Thursday, October 2, 2025, 11:00 AM.
First Thursdays: Come Look with Us
One-Time Events
Wind down after work with the National Portrait Gallery's educators as they share their favorite portraits with you. Participants will be able to slow down, get a closer look and engage in conversations about artworks in the galleries.
Event Location: G Street Lobby. Cost: Free. Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-thursdays-come-look-with-us-tickets-1233093649299?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile.
Thursday, October 2, 2025, 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.com. Postal pARTy
One-Time Events
Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Historic lobby, first floor. Cost: Welcome to the Postal pARTy at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum! Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of art and postage. Come dressed as your favorite work of art on October 2 at 6:00 pm for a creative evening of exhibit exploration, hands-on activities, and a cash bar.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the fascinating intersection of art and mail. Whether you're a seasoned philatelist or simply curious about the artistic side of postage, this event is perfect for everyone. Gra… Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/postal-party-tickets-1657578274239?aff=oddtdtcreator. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, October 2, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Drawing Techniques: Perspective
Resident Associate Program
One of the most exciting, and sometimes challenging, things about learning how to draw is recreating what you see in three-dimensional space on two-dimensional paper. Using lines that recede to the horizon, explore basic linear perspective and create objects that visually jump off the page.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264185?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264185?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Thursday, October 2, 2025, 7:15 PM – 9:15 PM.
The Ultimate Celebratory Bakes with Paul Hollywood
Resident Associate Program
Host of “The Great British Baking Show” Paul Hollywood comes from a long line of bakers, started baking as a teenager, and now can be seen on screens around the world, judging amateur bakers’ creations. Drawing on his new book, Celebrate: Joyful Baking All Year Round, and decades of baking experience, Hollywood talks with Washington Post food and dining editor Joe Yonan about his career and recipes for every holiday and occasion.
Event Location: University of the District of Columbia Theater of the Arts Auditorium. Cost: Click here to view prices. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/264678?utm_source=SI-Trumba-Calendar&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=2025FY-Trumba-SA-ev&utm_content=SA-Trumba-event&promo=276223.
Thursday, October 2, 2025, 7:30 PM – 8:45 PM.