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One of the many incredible joys of Washington DC is the many diverse neighborhoods here to explore and enjoy. The Wink is located in the midst of one of the most popular areas of DC – Dupont Circle. Here are our top five suggestions for fabulous things to do during your stay in and around Dupont Circle.​

​1. Brewmaster Tour at the Heurich House Museum: Learn what it takes to be a brewmaster at this fascinating museum housed in Christian Heurich’s mansion, also known as the Brewmaster’s Castle, dating back to 1892. Known as DC’s most successful brewery, the Chr. Heurich Brewing Co. operated from 1872 until 1956. This event includes an hour-long mansion and museum tour along with a local craft beer tasting. Each guest enjoys one beer flight featuring 4 oz pours of three local beers, gets to explore the Brewmaster’s Castle, and then can mix and mingle in the Conservatory where there are full beers on sale.

​2. Events at The Phillips Collection of Modern Art: America’s first museum of modern art, The Phillips Collection proudly provides new perspectives on a broad selection of modern artists, with a permanent collection of over 4,000 impressive artworks ranging from French impressionists like Renoir to American innovators like Rothko. You’ll always find works from the permanent collection on display along with rotating exhibitions and special programming including Sunday Phillips Music concerts at 4:00 p.m. and Phillips After 5 held on the first Thursday of the month, offering an exciting combination of entertainment and art with live music, specialty cuisine including classic food trucks, and a full cash bar.

​3. Walking Tour of Embassy Row: Start at The Embassy of Australia to follow a two-mile walk along Massachusetts Avenue starting at Scott Circle and extending to the north side of the United States Naval Observatory. Embassy Row offers a unique view of dozens of embassies, diplomatic missions, and impressive sights including the Nelson Mandela statue outside of the Embassy of South Africa and the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in front of the Embassy of India.

​4. Tours and Treasures at The Mansion on O & O Street Museum: Engage in a fabulous treasure hunt at this unique, historic venue featuring period details including original Tiffany stained glass windows and architectural features along with themed rooms and suites filled with antiques, unique art, and authentic furnishings. Take a food and beverage tour or try a thrilling treasure hunt within at least 60 of the more than 100 rooms, passing through at least 32 of the 70 secret doors. It’s fun for all ages!

5. Laughs at DC Improv: Washing DC’s most popular live comedy club for decades, the DC Improv offers side-splitting local and national comic acts nearby at incredibly reasonable prices. With both a 285-seat main showroom and a 60-seat lounge, you’ll find stand-up, comedy roasts, improv acts, and much more almost every night of the week. They also have a fun souvenir store, group events – and even a comedy school. Buy your tickets early, as many of their hilarious acts sell out!



​For an exceptional experience every time you visit Washington DC, stay with us at The Wink. We want you to get the most out of every moment you’re here, and we place you within easy reach of all these unique things to do in Dupont Circle – and many more throughout our Nation’s Capital.

​We love to help Washington visitors to find the very best activities and most unique things to do in DC. Of course, everyone has different interests and preferences, so we suggest you browse through this list of our top suggestions and choose one or more of these sunny summer events to enjoy during your stay with us in Washington DC.


Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle

Instead of simply having a cookout, come to the greatest competition in the capital: The Giant National Barbeque Battle. Benefiting USO-Metro and the Capital Area Food Bank, this delicious two-day event also features 30 bands performing live on three stages – along with lots of free food samples as well as fabulous plates of freshly made food from area restaurants. The competition itself has marked the start of summer for tens of thousands of folks who’ve flocked to DC to experience the perfect BBQ for themselves. And don’t worry – there are plenty of wines and micro-brews to sample as well, along with classic Anheuser-Bush beverages and non-alcoholic options. 

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​Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Since 1967, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival has honored today’s living cultural traditions and celebrates all those who practice and sustain them. Produced each year by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, the Festival brings together participants from all 50 US states and over 100 countries for a two-week, free celebration that overlaps the 4th of July. Chock full of educational presentations, master artisan demonstrations, traditional foods, cultural song and dance, craft workshops, and games, you’ll find plenty of things to enjoy. The large market features pottery, textiles, clothing, toys, sculptures, books and more – all ready to take home as lasting souvenirs of this incredible cultural exchange.


Citi Open

​Washington DC’s own signature professional tennis tournament is coming back for its 50th year at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. The Citi Open is one of just 13 prestigious ATP World Tour 500 tournaments, and it features top-tier tennis talent from all over the world competing for the prestigious trophy. This year, a special charitable option has been introduced, with 25% off of specially discounted tickets going to support the American Experience Foundation, which works to improve the lives of low-income students through inspirational travel and educational opportunities. 


​Capital Fringe Festival

Held along the scenic Washington DC waterfront in SW, the edgy Capital Fringe Festival offers exceptional, out-there performances from local creatives, featuring plays, improvisational performances, punk rock shows, and colorful artwork. Focused on expanding audience interest in independent theater, music, art, dance, and other unclassified forms of live performance and visual art, the Capital Fringe Festival is truly one of the most unique modern cultural experiences in the city. 

Comcast Xfinity Outdoor Film Festival

​Benefiting children’s charities for NIH, this year the 22nd outdoor film festival returns to Strathmore for four nights under the stars. With a lineup that is sure to please all ages, the free event opens with concessions at 7:30 p.m. and the film begins at dusk – around 8:30 p.m. each night. The inspiring and entertaining films this year include Coco, Black Panther, The Lion King, and Wonder Woman. Moviegoers should bring blankets or low beach chairs and plan to take advantage of the concessions for delicious food, wine, and beer in order to donate to the worthy causes while enjoying the summer nights in DC.  



​Whatever exciting Washington DC events bring you to the area, we invite you to relax and settle in to our restful, relaxing accommodations close to all the action at The Wink. We’re sure you’re going to have a fabulous stay!