5 Awesome Things To Do In The DC Area This Summer

Ready for some hot fun in the summertime?

Fun events abound this year in the D.C. area for you and your family, and we compiled a list of top five activities you can look forward to in the coming months.

Happy Summer, from Patch!

1. Visit the African-American History Museum

WHAT: The National Museum of African American History and Culture

WHERE: 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

WHEN: Open every day 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

HOW MUCH: Free.

WHY: The National Museum of African American History and Culture was the hottest ticket in town when it opened in late 2016. For a while, you couldn't get in because tickets were immediately snatched up as soon as they became available. Now, a year and a half after opening and with 3.5 million people already through its doors, things are calming down a little bit. And you can easily turn this into a multi-day experience. The museum is huge and exploring it all in one session is impossible.

While it's still tough to snag a ticket, same-day passes are available starting at 6:30 a.m. each day on the museum's website.

2. Catch a show at the Anthem on the new-look Wharf

WHAT: The Anthem theater at The Wharf DC

WHERE: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, D.C.

WHEN: Varies

HOW MUCH: Varies

WHY: The southwest waterfront looks totally different this summer than it did the same time last year, as The Wharf has been totally overhauled and reopened. One of the centerpieces is the Anthem, a theater that is booking red-hot acts. Jack White will be performing on May 29 and 30, Belle & Sebastian will be in town June 9, Courtney Barnett on July 24, and a host of other acts. It will also host the D.C. Jazzfest at the Wharf. Check the calendar for more information.

And once you're done with the show, there's plenty of hot new restaurants in the area to enjoy.

3. Check out the Smithsonian Folklife Festival

WHAT: The Smithsonian Folklife Festival takes place on the National Mall

WHERE: The National Mall near the Smithsonian Castle

WHEN: June 27-July 1 and July 4-8

HOW MUCH: Free

WHY: The Smithsonian Folklife Festival was first established back in 1967. It "honors contemporary living cultural traditions and celebrates those who practice and sustain them," according to the event's website.

The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage produces the show annually. People and acts from all 50 states and more than 100 countries participate in the show.

"It is an educational, research-based presentation that features master artisans and other tradition bearers," the website states. "We invite visitors to sing and dance along, try craft and game workshops, learn traditional recipes, ask questions, and take part in this unique cultural exchange."

4. Hamilton. Need we say more?

WHAT: Hamilton, the musical

WHERE: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C.

WHEN: June 12-Sept. 16

HOW MUCH: $300+

WHY: It is indisputably one of the most sought-after Broadway tickets of all time: Hamilton, the smash-hit musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda. And it's here in D.C. at the Kennedy Center through the entire summer.

The show opens June 12 and continues through mid-September. Not surprisingly, the show is already sold out. But if you're willing to open your checkbook, you can buy tickets on secondary markets like StubHub. Tickets start at around $300, though, so it's going to cost you.

5. Hang out on a rooftop

WHAT: Rooftop bars

WHERE: All over the area

WHEN: Whenever you want

HOW MUCH: However much you want to spend

WHY: Perhaps the most underrated activity of all this summer is one you can have at any time, as long as the weather's good. The D.C. area has a host of cool rooftop bars that allow you to soak in the summer sun and incredible views with a refreshing cocktail in your hand. The Watergate's "Top of the Gate" bar opened not long ago and offers sweeping views of Arlington, Georgetown, and the Potomac River. Or, check out the ballgame at Nats Park at the "Top of the Yard" rooftop bar. Want a wider range of options? Check out this comprehensive list from Eater.

Image via National Park Service