Washington, DC, launches ‘DC is Open’ tourism campaign to boost visits during government shutdown
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While the federal government is still closed since October 1, 2025, Washington’s official tourism bureau is reminding Americans to visit the city through the “DC Open” campaign.
The campaign says the nation’s capital is “open and ready to welcome visitors with plenty to see, do, eat and experience.”
“The goal is to reinforce the message that despite the federal government shutdown, the city is open and continues to welcome business and leisure travelers,” Destination DC (DDC) said in a recent press release.
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Elliott L. Ferguson II, DCC’s president and CEO, said visitors should know that many of the city’s attractions and experiences are open.
“We know that when the federal government shuts down some visitors may assume that D.C. shuts down as well, but that is far from the truth,” he said in a statement.
Washington, D.C.’s official tourism bureau is running an ongoing “DC Open” campaign to encourage visits to the nation’s capital during the federal government shutdown. (Mehmet Eser/Anadolu via Getty Images)
“Fall is busy season for convention and leisure travel, so we’re spreading the word that visitors can still enjoy iconic attractions, stay in our incredible hotels, dine at our acclaimed restaurants, and experience theatre, sports, nightlife, arts and cultural events,” he added.
The “DC Open” campaign was first launched in October 2013 during the government shutdown. It was recently launched in 2021 during the city’s post-pandemic recovery period.
Private museums will not be affected by the government shutdown.
The statement reminds tourists that all outdoor parks and monuments on the National Mall remain open, but some visitor centers and ranger-led services are limited.
None of the private museums, including the Museum of the Bible, Cultivating the American Dream, and the National Building Museum, will be affected by the closure.
However, the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are closed, according to the DDC.
All outdoor parks and monuments on the National Mall will remain open during the government shutdown, but some visitor centers and ranger-led services will be limited. (STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Last year, 27.2 million people visited D.C. and spent $11.4 billion, according to the DDC.
The tourism board also reminds visitors of various sporting events going on, including events by the Washington Commanders and Washington Capitals.
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Subways and public transportation are operating normally, and D.C. government services, including sanitation, schools, parks, and ancillary services, continue.
DCC notes that “the National Mall is not closed, just quieter.”
It suggests ways for visitors to enjoy the city during this time.
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“Walk from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial at sunrise when the marble shines golden. Circle the Tidal Basin to see the MLK and FDR Monuments reflected in the still water,” the website reads.
“Join a private guide for a night tour when the monuments are illuminated, or map your own route with a coffee in hand from Compass or Bluestone Lane.”
Sunset recently lit up the sky in Washington, D.C. with surprising reds and oranges. (Chad Pergram/Fox News)
The establishment also says on its site: “Closures won’t stop the brunch crowd. Sip a Rickey at POV atop the W Hotel, order cacio e pepe at L’Ardente, or find a casual patio like All-Purpose at Shaw. For something classic, try oysters at Hank’s or a sit-down dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill. The best part? DC restaurants are staying open right now and loving the local support.”
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The government shutdown is entering its fourth week, with the GOP’s federal funding plan stalled in the Senate, Fox News Digital reports.
The House GOP passed the federal funding plan on Sept. 19, a seven-week extension of fiscal year (FY) 2025 government spending levels, called a continuing resolution (CR).
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It was intended to give congressional negotiators more time to reach a longer-term agreement on fiscal year 2026 spending. But Democrats wanted any deal to include an extension of COVID-19 pandemic-era Obamacare subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of December.
Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind contributed reporting.
