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City Cast DC

Find the best that Washington, D.C., has to offer.

Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

Ashe Durban

D.C. may have lost its bid to host FIFA World Cup matches this year but the city’s soccer culture and international communities aren’t letting it pass unobserved. Games kick off on June 11 with endless watch parties, pickup matches, deals, and parties around the DMV.

Here are the ones we’re most excited for.

The People’s Pitch: Black Arrow FC at Hi-Lawn

Soccer and Black culture group Black Arrow is transforming the Hi-Lawn at Union Market’s rooftop into a free 

four-day celebration of soccer, culture and ~ vibes ~.

 They will be showing live match screenings on the big screen, and the venue will include DJs, food and drinks, photo ops, and a rooftop turf field.

Official FIFA Fan Zone on the National Mall

The fan zone between 3rd and 4th Streets is 

 on a giant screen, plus every knockout round game from July 4 onward. There will also be food and drinks, interactive exhibits, youth programming, and cultural showcases — open as late as 1 a.m. for some games.

 on a 14-foot jumbotron screen with patio seating and direct screen views. There will also be special Team USA watch parties on June 12 and June 19 with sip-and-stroll zones, giveaways, games and fan activations.

Local soccer fashion brand and community group 

 is bringing pickup soccer, watch parties, and fashion across the Union Market neighborhood. Events kick off June 13 (1-4 p.m.) with rotating small-sided pickup games and DJs at The Yard, followed by a Brazil vs. Morocco watch party at La Cosecha (5 p.m.) for one of the tournament’s marquee opening weekend matches.

Volo Sports is transforming NoMa’s favorite outdoor beer garden into a 

 with watch parties, cultural celebrations, embassy collaborations, food pop-up, competitions, and international specialty brews.

 — the first from June 12-14 at Franklin Park and a second from June 19-21 at Tingey Plaza. They will include youth soccer activities, chats with the team, local food vendors, music, and family-friendly programming.

Speed Dating at Astro Beer Hall in Shirlington

For when you want to watch the game but are on that dating grind. Meet other singles and enjoy themed drinks 

 face down Paraguay in their first World Cup match on home soil in 32 years.

World Cup Watch Party and Beer Garden at National Harbor

 on the outdoor big screen at National Harbor including Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina at 3 p.m., followed by USA vs. Paraguay at 9 p.m. There will be giveaways and prizes throughout the night as well as a beer garden and “most team spirit” competition.


If you’re looking to stan a specific country with other fans and expats, these spots are showing their home team games throughout the tournament. Grab some authentic food from that country, drink foreign beer, and cheer them on in their native language.

 with free pot of tea for the table (Falls Church)


Throughout June and July, D.C. restaurants are going all out on World Cup specials. From $1 wings to free shots of mezcal, 

Gordon Ramsay Street Burger and Street Pizza

Get $1 wings and $4 pints of beer when the game is on.

Guests wearing a soccer jersey get a free quarter chicken meal with chips and Saka Sauce — a collab with football star 

$6 for any local draft beers during all World Cup matches.

For every goal Mexico scores, guests get a free shot of Amaras mezcal or a draft Monopolio lager. Plus, $4 Modelo, $8 margs, and $4 Carnitas Taco all game long.

Free paella during halftime of every Spain match. Plus, drink specials inspired by the countries on the pitch.

Get $10 liters of Bluejacket beer or $10 beer and shot combos whenever the game is on.

All U.S. or Belgium games. Starts June 12.

$6 De Halve Maan Brugse Zot Blonde Ale and half-price mussels during every U.S. and/or Belgium match.

June 15 at 12:00 p.m. and June 26 · 7:00 p.m.

$4 Estrella Galicia cans, $40 sangria pitchers and a free glass of cava after every Spanish victory.

An ultimate guide to World Cup viewing and partying in D.C., including the best bars by country. 

The Best World Cup 2026 Watch Parties and Deals in DC

The Best World Cup Parties and Deals in DC

Find the best of everything that DC has to offer.

DC’s Best

DC's Best

Celebrations for America's 250th anniversary are about to begin in D.C. President Donald Trump has ordered a slew of events, from a UFC fight on the South Lawn and an IndyCar Grand Prix to the Great American State Fair (which is 

). But there are plenty of ways to celebrate the anniversary, far from the shadow of the White House.

We rounded up the best events, many of them hosted by local institutions, that celebrate D.C.’s contributions to American history. Whether you go for a historic bike tour or drop by one of the many chef collaborations, there is something for every type of Washingtonian.

Events begin June 3 and run through the end of July.

Block Party at the National Gallery of Art

Celebrate 250 years of American art and creativity at the 

. There will be interactive public art projects, local music, zine-making, sound baths, artist talks, food vendors, an outdoor chalk mural and more spread across the museum's campus.

Ice Cream Social and Art Workshop at the Anacostia Community Museum

Stop by this social on the way to your Fourth of July cookout. Get your fill of ice cream then join a 

 making legacy-inspired artworks that explore the roots and values that shape D.C.’s community.

USA at 250 Art Exhibit at Del Ray Artisans

See how local artists capture their view of 

“USA at 250” at this exhibit in Alexandria

. Artwork highlights the local landscapes, people, history, creativity, and resilience that shaped America. You can meet the curators and artists at an 

Colonial Coffeehouse Experience at Tudor Place

 is inspired by the colonial coffeehouses where gossip and revolutionary ideas brewed. Explore Tudor Place’s exhibits and learn how these institutions shaped and changed communities across the United States before heading to Dower House for coffee and a slice of pizza.

Doyle Bar is marking America’s birthday with a 

 that it’s calling a “liquid narrative of D.C.” Each cocktail is inspired by local cultural figures like Lady Bird Johnson, Duke Ellington, and Josephine Baker. Try the GoGo Swing, a bourbon and prosecco cocktail inspired by Chuck Brown.

D.C.’s restaurant association is kicking off 

 this month called EAT250 with more than 100 restaurants participating. Expect chef collab dinners, public talks, special menus, and interactive events that explore the traditions and cultural exchanges that define American cooking.

America 250 Music Performance Series in Eastern Market

Pack the picnic blankets! Every Friday in July there will be a 

 in Eastern Market Metro Park. Check out 

 on July 10, a local ensemble that plays video game and anime soundtracks or the DMV Music Academy steel pan ensemble on July 3.

Fashion and Jazz Celebration at the Library of Congress

Throughout June, the Library of Congress is 

 that pay tribute to 250 years of American fashion and jazz. Dance at a fashion-themed costume ball on June 11, listen to legendary jazz bassist Stanley Clarke on June 18, or slip on your favorite trainers for the sneaker party on June 25. Guests are encouraged to arrive dressed in clothes from their favorite era — think powdered wigs, hoop skirts, and streetwear.

District Vibes / American Pride Exhibit at MLK Library

Next time you’re at MLK Library, head to the main hall 

for this exhibit on how D.C. changed American culture

 from the football huddle to Marvin Gaye songs. Along with the main exhibit, neighborhood libraries will host their own exhibits, talks, readings, and films that all celebrate Washingtonian contributions to U.S. history.

 on their statewide tour. Expect two days of music, family activities, exhibits, tours, public art, educational programs, and more.

American Aspirations Exhibit at the Smithsonian Castle

 that explore how different generations have interpreted the Declaration of Independence. It celebrates the American experience while acknowledging we're still striving to live up to the ideals set forth during the country's founding 250 years ago.

America 250 Bike Ride on the Mount Vernon Trail

 along the Mount Vernon Trail. You’ll stop and visit five historical points along the Mount Vernon Trail including the Navy and Marine Memorial, Gravelly Point, and Daingerfield Island before looping back to the Columbia Island Marina. Pro tip: Grab an orange crush at Island Time, a marina-side dive bar, after your ride.

July Fourth Women's History Walk in Alexandria

this tour highlighting Alexandria’s heroines

 of the past. The tour will begin at the Alexandria Visitor Center, swing by a variety of historic sites in Old Town and end at the city’s historic Waterfront.

From exploring historic ships to dancing to local tunes, celebrate America’s birthday like a real Washingtonian. 

A Local’s Guide To America 250 in Washington D.C.

Madeline Weinfield

Cherry blossom peak bloom may be behind us, but D.C.’s most colorful season is just getting started. The city is filled with flowering trees and bushes that get overlooked thanks to the spotlight-stealing cherries. Here are the other best blooms to look out for.

Marjorie Merriweather Post – cereal heiress and mid-century D.C. hostess extraordinaire – is known today for her palatial Forest Hills home and her lifelong love affair with orchids. The vast grounds contain over 1,200 different species of orchids. March was “Orchid Month” but you can find varieties blooming year-round, including in Post’s greenhouse. Staff at the visitors center will even loan you a picnic blanket and map if you ask nicely.

, it’s well worth a trip to these gardens at the far edges of the D.C. diamond. Go in late July when the blooms are at their peak, but don’t wear your best shoes, since it 

a marsh after all. Besides the blooms, don’t miss the marsh boardwalk at the far back corner of the park. The natural wetland is home to over 250 species of birds.

 are an instant serotonin boost and essential part of D.C. spring. The estate was once owned by Mildred Dumbarton (a laxative heiress) but is now open for all. The grounds feature incredible flowering plum trees, an orangery, and voluminous forsythia bushes. For me, the highlight is the hanging Wisteria that blooms in April at the pebble garden. Get tickets ahead of time as service there is spotty. Food and drinks aren’t allowed, so finish your coffee beforehand.

The Arboretum’s 446 acres are full of flowering trees. Come for the magnolias (mid-March to June), dogwoods (mid April to early June), and the crab apple trees (early April to May). But the most magical time (IMHO) is when the azaleas bloom in April, covering the hills with swaths of red and pink. The Arboretum’s 

Situated between the Smithsonian Castle and Independence Avenue, this garden is flanked by rows of old magnolia trees, especially around the Moongate Garden. It's the perfect spot to get away from the National Mall crowds and steal some photo ops away from tourists. For something more local, try Oak Hill Cemetery in Georgetown, which has rows and rows of magnolias lining its paths.

DC Blooms Better Than the Cherry Blossoms

If you know us, you know we love nothing more than discovering D.C.’s lesser-known gems. These podcast episodes dig into D.C.’s most underrated spots that fly under the radar, from cafes to happy hours.

Underrated Dates in DC — For $15 Or Less

Everything is expensive! But that doesn’t mean you can’t still find love on the cheap. Jade Womack, also known as 

, tells us her best D.C. date spots for $15 or less. Because, let’s be real, we’ve all been on enough $fancy$ cocktail dates.

We’re starting a series about dating in D.C. off the apps — 

check out the first installment on speed dating

Raman Santra, creator of the viral account 

D.C. bars — and lucky for us, he doesn’t gatekeep. He talked with us about D.C.’s best bars that don’t get enough hype, from dives to speakeasies.

, is on a mission to visit every single cafe in D.C. Like seriously, she estimates she tried over 

 last year. She’s on the pod to talk about her absolute favorites so far.

. Perfect for curling up in this dreary weather.

The Best (and Most Underrated) Happy Hours in DC

D.C. is the land of happy hours, but many of them aren’t as “happy” as they used to be. Ann Limpert, food editor for the Washingtonian, is here with some 

great D.C. bar deals where you can knock back a few (responsibly, of course 👀).

Sunday brunch doesn't have to mean powdered eggs and watered down mimosas. These brunches might be a little off the beaten path, but your friend group will thank you. Cornelia Poku of 

 shares her pick of D.C.’s best brunches.

You might not think of D.C. as a city with a thriving literary scene, but we’re pumping out great authors like nobody's business. Local writer 

 tells us all the best book and poetry recommendations from local authors you’ve never heard of.

, author of “Best Offer Wins,” a juicy D.C. real-estate thriller. It may even become a Hulu series starring Greta Lee!

Podcast Playlist: Underrated DC Gems

 — Harper’s Bazaar said so, and I agree. As a current singleton and life-long yearner (I blame one too many Wuthering Heights read-throughs as a kid) it’s my time to shine.

This Valentines Day, if you’re going to ache, pine, or stare into the abyss wondering what could’ve been, you might as well do it right. Here are a few tried-and-true spots I recommend to indulge in romantic self-delusion and whimsy.

A window seat and headphones hate to see me coming (a girl who hasn’t gotten over anything, 

). I could sit there all day listening to Mazzy Star and daydreaming. Especially the moment when the train comes out of the tunnel and goes over the Potomac? C’mon!

You’ll be in good company here amongst the works of OG yearner Shakespeare. Settle in the 

 cafe and write a sonnet to your crush (my mailbox is open 😉), or walk around the neighborhood and yearn after the townhomes.

Order a sexy-looking old fashioned that you don’t really want. Bring a book you won’t read. Yearn about that one situationship from 2019, then quickly realize you got off easy when the couple next to you starts fighting.

There’s a specific kind of yearning that only happens on the bus. Lock eyes with a stranger for half a second and imagine an entire life together before the light turns green, you realize it’s kinda creepy, and the moment dies forever.

During the day? A tourist's nightmare. At sunrise? A daydreamer’s paradise. Yearn in an “I could move to another country” way. You’ll leave convinced you’re meant for more, even if “more” is just moving out of your English basement.

Oh the yearning I have done while leaning on these romantic stones! Stare at the Potomac and yearn for days filled with long hikes, no screens, and a sunny nap (or two).

Best Places To Yearn In DC

Baby, it’s cold outside — but don’t let that stop the adventures! To beat the winter blues, we talked with City Cast DC contributor Tim Ebner about 

the best trips you can take this winter on a budget

Just a short hop from D.C., Harpers Ferry offers a great way to enjoy the slopes and other winter sports this season. Check out 

, a popular place in West Virginia that just debuted a snowtubing option. Lift tickets are $39. On weekends, check out their disco-themed tubing for a fun twist. Train access from Harpers Ferry station is $15.

Listen: nobody’s saying our mountains have anything on Colorado’s, but there is actually great skiing to be had around here, especially if you love a good deal. Head three hours northwest to 

, Maryland’s only ski resort, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary with “platinum deals.” From $19.55 ski lift tickets, $70 beginner ski or snowboard packages, plus hotel stays around $169 per night, there are tons of ways to have fun and save money.

New York City may be cold this time of year — but it’s also a cold hard bargain. 

, book 25% of hotel stays in the city that never sleeps, including stays at several big hotel chains like the Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, and more. While you’re in town, grab two-for-one ticket deals during 

, and book a reservation at one of New York City’s incredible restaurants during 

, both taking place from Jan. 20 to Feb. 12.

➕ More Winter Getaways Under $150

City Cast DC contributor Tim Ebner shares the best trips you can take this winter on a budget.

The Best Winter Trips from Washington, DC Under $150

The Best Winter Trips Under $150

City Cast DC staff

Nobody understands a city’s pulse quite like a City Cast host — their knack for spotting what matters proved them to be a reliable voice for 2025’s biggest local stories. Now, we’re turning to them to forecast what’s in store for 2026. From political shifts to data centers, their perspectives offer a candid preview of the issues and surprises that could shape our hometowns.

Curious what’s around the corner? Catch their unique insights on 

, where all 13 hosts predicted this year’s biggest stories. Here’s a preview of that conversation:

Zohran Mamdani’s election in New York has energized Democratic Socialists across the U.S. 

 with the election of Katie Wilson, but it’s yet to be seen if she has the same star power or sway inside City Hall.

City Cast Seattle host Jane C. Hu says the linchpin of Wilson’s election is likely to come with this summer’s FIFA World Cup, as advocates for the city’s unhoused population watch whether Wilson will sweep encampments as previous mayors have.

“It’s going to be interesting to see what she decides there, because there's going to be tension between what people elected her for and what action she’s actually able to take,” Hu says.

Many City Cast cities are seeing a surge in data center development. “It’s going to be a doozy” of a conversation in 2026, as our CEO David Plotz pointed out.

In Madison, the mayor and much of the City Council last year proposed a 

one-year moratorium on zoning certificates

 for new data centers while they try to better understand how data centers could impact the electric grid and energy bills. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin says Madisonians are “up in arms.”

“Folks are concerned that this might be a bubble, that this could be another dot-com bubble where Silicon Valley folks rush in, move to scale, and then they’re like, let’s abandon ship,” Martin says.

But aren’t data centers great for the economy? Plotz 

, suggesting that data centers contributed to the tech economy in Washington, D.C. Well, that got the group fired up.

“We’re also talking about doing it in really beautiful green spaces that we don’t want to be cluttered with this kind of nonsense,” says City Cast Pittsburgh host, Megan Harris.

And the conversation didn’t end there. From an affordability crisis to massive infrastructure changes, here’s what each of our hosts predicted for this year’s biggest news.

 gives Democrats a safe congressional seat — and candidates are chomping at the bit to announce their bids. But now that they don’t have to court Republican voters, Salt Lake is wondering: Could Democrats explore Mamdani-level progressivism?

. There’s a housing crisis, a stagnant population, and a nearly 50-year-old reputation for economic gloom they can’t seem to outrun. Tax increases may help, but Pittsburgh’s got to figure out how to attract more people if the city ever wants to really evolve.

? With rising homelessness, controversial city spending, and Austin voters overwhelmingly rejecting Prop Q, which would have raised property taxes, Austinites will be focused on what the city is spending on and why it’s not being spent more equitably.

. With real estate investment lagging, downtown Portland will likely see an increase in unique, temporary, and creative storefronts as property managers and the city will shift toward a “punk rock mall” model.

, which could open the door to a competitive primary and potentially transform a new generation of Democratic leadership.

The Twin Cities, a longtime hub for legal immigration, is facing rising tension as 

ICE continues to target the Somali community

. One Republican state representative has already spoken out against Trump’s rhetoric, but there are also voices supporting the president’s language. Which way will things shift in 2026?

Elon Musk’s The Boring Company is building twin 9.5-mile 

 between downtown Nashville and the airport, with future extensions proposed. Is this the right move for Nashvillians? In 2026, locals will continue to question safety, oversight, and a lack of geological testing, especially considering the city’s limestone terrain is vulnerable to sinkholes.

Denver wants to help build new stadiums for the Broncos

 and its first National Women's Soccer League team, sparking debates over public funding, community benefits, and transparency. Pushback includes concerns about backroom deals and threats from NWSL owners to leave if demands aren’t met. The teams are promising huge economic impacts for the whole city. We expect Denver to look very different in the years to come.

 is uncertain amid mass firings, agencies possibly relocating, and a Supreme Court case threatening civil service rules. The city’s economy, housing market, and politics all hinge on whether the federal workforce remains.

 in our lifetime. Driven by increased marketing efforts and major events, including an NCAA tournament, MLB All-Star Game, FIFA World Cup, and the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, Philly is determined to expose the world to the city.

Nevada’s new crime bill, which goes into effect this year, will allow judges to “order out” anyone with a criminal charge from the 

. What are the implications for the city’s tourist corridor when individual rights are sacrificed for the goal of encouraging tourism? And how could similar bills affect tourism nationwide?

Nobody understands a city’s pulse quite like a City Cast host. So we’re turning to all 13 of our hosts, including Washington, D.C.’s Michael Schaffer, who are sharing the biggest stories shaping their hometowns in 2026. 

2026 Predictions for DC and Across the City Cast Network

2026's Biggest National Stories, According to City Cast's Hosts

New Year’s events in D.C. can get out-of-hand expensive, and on top of that, they’re often underwhelming. There’s 

DC's Best

The Best World Cup Parties and Deals in DC

A Local’s Guide To America 250 in Washington D.C.

DC Blooms Better Than the Cherry Blossoms

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Podcast Playlist: Underrated DC Gems

Best Places To Yearn In DC

The Best Winter Trips Under $150

2026's Biggest National Stories, According to City Cast's Hosts

2026 New Year's Eve Parties For Every Budget and Bedtime

Where To Ice Skate In the DMV This Winter

Best Hanukkah Treats and Specials Across the DMV