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  • Your Summer Event Guide: Concerts, Trivia, and Nights at the Museum of Exploration
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Your Summer Event Guide: Concerts, Trivia, and Nights at the Museum of Exploration

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration is now open in downtown DC. From the return of Nat Geo Nights to weekly trivia and live concerts, the Museum of Exploration is the perfect spot for locals looking for weekday activities all summer long.

By Sponsored Partnership June 26, 2026 at 2:45 pm

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration has opened its doors in Washington, DC, filled with exhibitions, events, and activities for explorers of all ages. Plan your visit in July and enjoy an action-packed lineup of public programming, featuring interactive activities, live performances, and pop-up talks with National Geographic Explorers throughout the museum.

Check out What’s On to learn more about recurring series and events like weekly trivia, Coffee with an Explorer, farmstand markets, and more!

Looking for a place to get started? Don’t miss these four special, after-hours events happening in July. Space is limited — purchase tickets ahead of time to ensure your attendance.

Photo by Elman Studio

Exhibition Showcase: Red, White & Blue | July 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. 

To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, July’s special exhibition showcase event will center around the museum’s newest exhibition: Red, White & Blue. 

The night begins with a cocktail reception in Explorers Eatery, alongside talks from featured explorers and exclusive private gallery viewings. The experience will culminate with a live performance inspired by the exhibition, offering time to explore the photography gallery in a unique way. 

These celebrations end with free access to the Courtyard Nighttime Experience.

Get tickets online for this event on July 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. 

Photo by Eman Studio

Nat Geo Nights | July 23 from 7 to 10 p.m.

The Museum of Exploration transforms into a 21+, after-hours experience filled with live music, storytelling, art, cocktails, and unexpected discoveries around every corner.

Spend the evening exploring this month’s theme: National Parks. Wander through artist activations, hear stories from National Geographic Explorers and experience the museum in an entirely new way, all while enjoying themed drinks, live DJs, and after-hours access to exhibitions.

Get tickets online for this event on July 23 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Photo by Gabriela Paola Franco Pena

Book Talk: 1,000 Days in America, a Conversation with David Rubenstein | July 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, 1,000 Days in America portrays the key moments that helped define and transform the sweeping story of the United States. Surprising and unusual interactions between politics, culture, and innovation reveal not only the history of the nation, but the American people’s will to continue defining themselves 250 years on.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event. 

Get tickets online for this event on July 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Photo by Elman Studio

Concerts in the Courtyard | Summer Fridays from 6 to 7 p.m.  

Kick off your weekend with this outdoor summer concert series in downtown Washington, DC, at the Museum of Exploration. 

Enjoy live music performances in the courtyard that reflect the rhythms, sounds, and traditions of cultures from around the world. Starting July 17, the summer lineup includes local bands like La Unica, Sangat, and DuPont Brass. 

Get tickets online for these events every Friday during the summertime. 

Plan your visit to the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, which opened June 26, in Washington, DC.

Feature image courtesy The National Geographic Museum of Exploration

This is a sponsored post. If you are interested in advertising with Northern Virginia Magazine, click here.

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