Destination DC has relaunched its "DC is Open" campaign to counter perceptions that the city shuts down when the federal government does.
"We acknowledge the false perception that when the federal government shuts down, DC does too," said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC. "We want visitors to know most of DC's attractions and experiences actually remain open."
Tourism generated $11.4 billion in spending from a record 27.2 million visitors to Washington, D.C., in 2024, supporting 111,500 jobs and producing $2.3 billion in tax revenue.
Open-air parks and memorials on the National Mall remain accessible. All free Smithsonian museums, including the National Zoo, will remain open through at least Oct. 6. The National Gallery of Art will remain open through at least Oct. 4.
Other open attractions include the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, National Building Museum, Folger Shakespeare Library, National Museum of Women in the Arts, Phillips Collection, International Spy Museum and Museum of the Bible.
Hotels and restaurants remain operational. The Washington Capitals open their season Oct. 8, the Washington Wizards' home opener is Oct. 26, and the Washington Commanders continue their season.
Theatre Week runs through Oct. 5 with discounted tickets to over 20 productions. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is hosting the Association of the United States Army's annual meeting Oct. 13-15 and the American Dental Association's SmileCon Oct. 23-25.
Visitors can find updates at washington.org/dcisopen or call 1-800-422-8644.
Destination DC first launched the campaign during the October 2013 government shutdown and revived it in December 2018-January 2019.
Editor's Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Destination DC. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
