Join the lottery and reserve free passes.

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 October, there are outdoor activities that do not require registration.

Dress up!

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.

Read the program brochure.

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.

Take a culinary tour.

Pop-up bars are near the entrance. Our Cascade Café and our Espresso & Gelato Bar on the Concourse have a larger menu. In September and October, there will be a pop-up bar outside on 4th Street Plaza near the glass crystals; finish all beverages in the plaza, please.