Sculpture Garden Happy Hours
The National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden extends its hours on Wednesday through Saturday evenings during the summer, offering a relaxed after-work or evening outing among monumental modern sculptures. From June 3 through September 5, 2026, the garden stays open until 8:00 p.m. on those select nights, and the Pavilion Café runs a happy hour from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with discounted drinks and a special food menu. Guests can wander the sculpture displays, bring a picnic, or enjoy café fare with panoramic views of the garden. Note that the extended hours do not apply on certain Fridays when Jazz in the Garden takes place; on those evenings the garden closes at the regular time.
Venue: National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, 6th and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565
When: June 3–September 5, 2026
Schedule: Sundays–Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Wednesdays–Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (except on select Fridays during Jazz in the Garden, when the garden closes at 5:00 p.m.)
Admission: Free; no ticket required
Happy Hour: Pavilion Café, 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday evenings (excluding Jazz in the Garden Fridays)
Happy Hour Drinks (5:00–7:00 p.m.): Wine by the glass (Pinot grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot noir, Malbec, sparkling rosé) $9.50; sangria glass $10, pitcher $29; beer options including Budweiser, Bud Light, seasonal craft, Goose Island IPA, Stella Artois ($8.50–$10.50); Cutwater lime margarita $10; non-alcoholic beverages such as espresso $3.75, coffee $4–$4.50, iced tea $3.50, fountain drinks $3.50, bottled water $3.50
Happy Hour Food (5:00–7:00 p.m.): Warm pretzel with beer cheese dip $6.50; charcuterie board $10.50; caprese salad $9.50; Southwest chicken flatbread $8.50; spicy chorizo pizza $9; tortilla chips with salsa, guacamole, and elote corn mix $11.50; whipped ricotta with hot honey and crostini $8; balsamic onion jam burger $17
Regular Café Menu (available all day): Salads ($12.50–$14.50), cold and hot sandwiches ($11.50–$13.50), house-made quiche ($12.50), flatbread pizzas ($10–$10.50), children's menu for ages 12 and under ($8–$9), plus a full beverage menu including wine, beer, sangria, coffee, tea, and fountain drinks. Prices do not include tax. The Pavilion Café is operated independently by Guest Services, Inc.
Pavilion Café Hours: Sunday–Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Wednesday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (happy hour 5:00–7:00 p.m.)
Accessibility: The Sculpture Garden is an outdoor space; service animals only. The café offers indoor and outdoor seating. For specific accessibility needs, consult the museum's accessibility resources.
Policies: Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages may be brought into the garden but are not permitted inside the Pavilion Café. Alcoholic beverages brought from outside are prohibited and subject to confiscation. Do not touch the artworks; keep a distance of about two feet. Bicycles, skates, skateboards, and scooters are not allowed in the garden during special events; bike racks are available near the Constitution Avenue and Madison Drive entrances.
Tours and Activities: Self-guided tour available ("Be Your Own Guide" highlights 22 monumental modern sculptures); guided Sculpture Garden tours are offered Friday through Sunday. An online article, "Your Guide to Summer at the National Gallery," provides additional tips.
Note: Extended hours and happy hour do not apply on select Fridays when Jazz in the Garden is scheduled. Check the museum's calendar for those dates.