Featured Events in Washington D.C. in September 2025 (June Updated)

Artificial lights have become such a common nighttime fixture that we take them for granted. But what do brighter nights mean for people and wildlife? The effects of light pollution extend beyond our reduced view of the stars, but solutions can have an immediate impact. Through more than 100 photographs, nearly 250 objects, interactive experiences, tactile models, and a theater program, discover why the dark night matters, rekindle your connection to the night sky, and consider how much light at night is enough—for whom, for what purpose, and who gets to decide?

Celebrate the 100th Birthday of Barro Colorado Island Research Station by immersing yourself in a Panamanian jungle! From monkeys to microbes, research on the “most studied piece of tropical real estate in the world” gave rise to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, which now hosts 1200 scientists from 50 countries at 12 tropical research facilities, trains young biologists, and contributes new knowledge vital to the future of tropical forests and reefs.

Experience the wonders of nature through the eyes of an artist. Look closely at works of art that depict insects and other animals, as well as real specimens. Art played a key role at the dawn of natural history in 16th and 17th century Europe. Advances in science and technology, trade, and colonial expansion enabled naturalists to study previously unknown and overlooked insects, animals, and other beestjes, or "little beasts." Artists such as Joris Hoefnagel and Jan van Kessel helped deepen and spread knowledge of these creatures through highly detailed and playful works that inspired generations of printmakers, painters, decorative artists, and naturalists. A delight for all ages, this exhibition uniquely showcases nearly 75 of these paintings, prints, and drawings, as well as specimens and taxidermy from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Learn about the rich exchanges between artists and naturalists that have fueled our fascination with creatures big and small on Earth. Watch a new film by artist Dario Robleto to see how the intersection of art and science continues to inspire us.

A diverse selection of watercolors dating from 1800 to 1991 will reflect the medium’s journey from practical use to recognized fine art in America. Spanning two centuries and diverse artistic styles, this installation will be organized into four groupings: sights associated with the Washington, DC, area; the rivers, waterfalls, and ocean views of New England; Western views of Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the California coast; and studies of plants and the natural world.

Join us for an in-depth workshop featuring a series of discussions focused on supply chain security. Following the PDA/FDA Joint Regulatory Conference, this event will provide actionable insights and proven strategies to safeguard pharmaceutical distribution and enhance the resilience of your supply chains. Whether you choose to attend in person in Washington, DC, or join us online, you’ll dive into key discussions on supply chain security with industry leaders and experts. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage and learn from the best on the field. Information Source: Rx-360 APEC Center of Excellence | eventbrite

The first exhibition to consider photography’s impact on a cultural and aesthetic movement that celebrated Black history, identity, and beauty. As Black Americans continued their struggle for political liberation and self-determination in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, a group of artists, poets, musicians, playwrights, and filmmakers united around a new approach—art. Using creative mediums to express messages of Black empowerment and advance social justice, their efforts became known as the Black Arts Movement, often considered the cultural arm of the Black Power Movement. Photography was central to the movement, attracting all kinds of artists—from street photographers and photojournalists to painters and graphic designers. This expansive exhibition presents 150 examples by over 100 artists. Explore the radical vision shaped by generations of artists including Billy Abernathy, Romare Bearden, Kwame Brathwaite, Roy DeCarava, Doris Derby, Emory Douglas, Barkley Hendricks, Barbara McCullough, Betye Saar, and Ming Smith. See how they both shaped and documented the Black Arts Movement.

The International Spy Museum is proud to host this official exhibition of iconic vehicles, all of which have been used on screen by 007 and his many allies and adversaries. Although James Bond is a fictional character, he embodies the spirit of many real spies in this museum. These men and women from around the world have been inspired by more than six decades of the Bond film franchise and its enduring cultural impact. Bond In Motion is a celebration of 60 years of 007 vehicles. The exhibition features 17 iconic pieces from the EON Productions Archive and the Ian Fleming Foundation. Props, scale models and clips from the films are also on display along with cars, motorcycles, submarines and more from the Q Branch garage.