Key dates for the 2026 Nationals season

The Washington Nationals’ season will almost certainly feature a ton of roller coaster moments of excitement, intrigue, and emotion. Below are some parts of the schedule I think are worth circling.

• Home Opener (April 3): After the Nats play their first six games on the road, they open their season at Nationals Park against the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
• NL East matchups: Washington’s division includes the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Miami Marlins, and Atlanta Braves. May features 13 games against NL East rivals, and August includes 16 divisional matchups.
• MLB All-Star Week (July 11–14): The Nationals got one player into both the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game last season. With the 2026 game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, it’ll be fun to see who represents D.C. this year.
• MLB Trade Deadline (Aug. 3): The 2026 deadline is Monday, August 3, at 6:00 p.m. ET. Depending on how the season goes, the Nationals may be sellers or buyers, which would define the rest of their 2026.

Best Nationals Park promotional nights in 2026

Whether you’re hanging out at the National Mall or walking along the Anacostia River, a game at Nationals Park is a great addition to a day in D.C. The team even packs its promotional schedule with some compelling theme nights and giveaways to keep an eye on if you can make it to a game in person.

Early in the season, fans can celebrate Star Wars Day on May 2 with a Grogu bobblehead giveaway. A couple of weeks later, during the Beltway Series against the Baltimore Orioles on May 17, kids 12 and under will receive a Novelty Sliding Mitt. The premium giveaways continue into the late summer with James Wood Bobblehead Night on August 29.

Washington Nationals TV schedule FAQ