Follow these tips to make the most of your National Gallery Nights experience:
Free registration is required to get into the East Building. Join the lottery for registration the week before the event; we’ll let you know the Friday before if you’re selected to register. You can reserve up to two passes.
Don’t have a pass? Get to the East Building by 5:30 p.m. to claim a limited number of walk-up passes available first-come, first-served. And in April and May, there are outdoor activities that do not require registration.
There's no dress code for National Gallery Nights, but visitors have fun interpreting the evening’s theme. If you’re dressing in costume, please leave any large accessories (greater than 17" x 26") and full-cover facemasks at home; these are not allowed inside our buildings.
When you arrive, grab a printed brochure and see where pop-up activities, bars, and other experiences are located throughout the East Building. There’s so much to see and do—and be sure to note special performance times if that’s on your list.
Pop-up bars are near the entrance and one floor up from the entrance. Our Terrace Café on the Upper Level and our Espresso & Gelato Bar on the Concourse have a larger menu. In April and May, there will be a pop-up bar outside on 4th Street Plaza near the glass crystals; finish all beverages in the plaza, please.
Pop-Up Bars (East Building Ground Floor, Mezzanine)
Snacks
Chicken skewers $14.00
Cucumber salmon cups $16.00
Mojito melon skewers $11.00
Panko breaded bacon mac 'n' cheese bites $10.00
Assorted cookies $6.00
Drinks
La Croix (lime or berry) $4.50
Bottled water $4.50
Sprite $4.50
Corona $8.50
Heineken $8.50
High Noon (peach) $11.50
Jose Cuervo lime margarita $11.50
Mango Mule $11.50
Yes Way Rosé $11.50
BV Sauvignon Blanc $11.50
Complimentary water is available on the Ground Floor, near the Library entrance.
Terrace Café (Upper Level)
All of the above plus grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, and pastries.
Espresso & Gelato Bar (Concourse Level)
All of the above plus gelato, grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, and pastries. Gelato single/double scoop $6/ $8