25 Things to Do in DC This Week: Fiesta Asia, West Side Story and More

Washingtonian published its weekly events roundup for May 11–17, 2026, offering 25 suggestions for things to do across the District. Two of the week’s standouts are Passport DC’s Fiesta Asia — returning as a large pan-Asian cultural festival and parade — and the Washington National Opera’s production of West Side Story. The list collects arts, cultural festivals, performances, and neighborhood activities happening across the city.

Passport DC’s Fiesta Asia is back on the seasonal calendar as a city-centered celebration of pan-Asian heritage. The Washingtonian roundup flags it as a major festival and parade drawing neighborhoods together for multi-site programming. Organizers frame Fiesta Asia as an opportunity to showcase Asian and Asian American cultures through public events staged across the District.

Passport DC: Fiesta Asia returns

Fiesta Asia is part of the broader Passport DC initiative, which traditionally highlights international cultures in the District through festivals and embassy-hosted events. This year’s edition returns after previous seasons that have included public performances and street-level processions. The Washingtonian notes the festival and its parade as one of the week’s most visible civic celebrations.

That visibility matters for neighborhoods that host festival programming: parades and street events bring visitors into commercial corridors and create opportunities for local restaurants, shops, and cultural venues to reach new audiences. City agencies and event organizers typically publish schedules and safety guidance for large outdoor events; attendees should consult official event pages before heading out.

Washington National Opera stages West Side Story

The Washington National Opera appears among the week’s cultural picks with a staging of West Side Story, the classic romance widely known for its score and choreography. The company is a central arts institution in the District, and its season programming regularly anchors evenings at local theaters while drawing regional audiences.

Including the opera in a weekly roundup underlines how performing arts remain a steady draw for DC’s cultural calendar even as festivals and outdoor events return in force for the warmer months. Local arts organizations often pair major productions with community outreach and co-programming; check the company’s schedule and ticketing pages for availability and ancillary events.

Beyond those two highlights, the Washingtonian’s list spans museums, neighborhood festivals, theater openings, and outdoor activities suited to different neighborhoods across the city. The roundup is a planning tool for residents and visitors looking to map a week of culture, dining, and outdoor time in the District.

Look for event updates and official schedules ahead of the weekend; larger festivals and theatrical runs can adjust timing and ticketing as they finalize logistics. For the latest details, consult the Washingtonian story and the event hosts’ official pages.