Washington Nationals 2026 Home Games Schedule: Complete Guide
The Washington Nationals kick off their 2026 home season at Nationals Park on Friday, April 3, 2026, with an exciting matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Whether you’re a season ticket holder or planning to catch a few games this summer, this comprehensive guide breaks down every home game, month by month, with verified dates, opponent matchups, ticket information, game times, and downloadable resources to help you plan your trip to the ballpark.
April 2026 Home Games – Opening Day Excitement
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Apr 3 Fri | Dodgers |
| Apr 4 Sat | Dodgers |
| Apr 5 Sun | Dodgers |
| Apr 6 Mon | Cardinals |
| Apr 7 Tue | Cardinals |
| Apr 8 Wed | Cardinals |
| Apr 17 Fri | Giants |
| Apr 18 Sat | Giants |
| Apr 19 Sun | Giants |
| Apr 20 Mon | Braves |
| Apr 21 Tue | Braves |
| Apr 22 Wed | Braves |
| Apr 23 Thu | Braves |
April Highlight: The 2026 season begins with a bang as the Nationals host their home opener against the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers on April 3. This three-game series promises to be one of the most anticipated of the early season, with fans eager to see how the Nats match up against one of baseball’s elite teams.
The month continues with quality opponents, including a three-game set against the St. Louis Cardinals and visits from the San Francisco Giants and Atlanta Braves. The four-game series against the Braves (April 20-23) represents an early litmus test for Washington in the NL East division race. Opening Day at Nationals Park always delivers a special atmosphere, with pregame ceremonies, giveaways, and the energy of a fresh season.
Read more: Washington Nationals 2026 Season Schedule: Printable PDF Download
May 2026 Home Games – Beltway Rivalry Returns
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| May 1 Fri | Brewers |
| May 2 Sat | Brewers |
| May 3 Sun | Brewers |
| May 5 Tue | Twins |
| May 6 Wed | Twins |
| May 7 Thu | Twins |
| May 15 Fri | Orioles |
| May 16 Sat | Orioles |
| May 17 Sun | Orioles |
| May 18 Mon | Mets |
| May 19 Tue | Mets |
| May 20 Wed | Mets |
| May 21 Thu | Mets |
| May 29 Fri | Padres |
| May 30 Sat | Padres |
| May 31 Sun | Padres |
May Highlight: May delivers one of the most anticipated weekends of the season: the Beltway Series against the Baltimore Orioles (May 15-17). This regional rivalry consistently draws massive crowds and creates an electric atmosphere as fans from both sides of the DMV fill Nationals Park. The energy is unmatched, making it a must-attend series for baseball fans in the region. Immediately following, the Nationals welcome the New York Mets for a crucial four-game set (May 18-21) that could have significant implications for the division standings. Additionally, the month features interleague action with the Minnesota Twins and wraps up with the San Diego Padres visiting over Memorial Day weekend.
For those looking to download a printable schedule or purchase Washington Nationals 2026 home schedule tickets, May represents prime baseball weather and highly competitive matchups.
June 2026 Home Games – Lou Gehrig Day & Division Battles
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Jun 1 Mon | Marlins |
| Jun 2 Tue | Marlins |
| Jun 3 Wed | Marlins |
| Jun 12 Fri | Mariners |
| Jun 13 Sat | Mariners |
| Jun 14 Sun | Mariners |
| Jun 15 Mon | Royals |
| Jun 16 Tue | Royals |
| Jun 17 Wed | Royals |
| Jun 22 Mon | Phillies |
| Jun 23 Tue | Phillies |
| Jun 24 Wed | Phillies |
| Jun 25 Thu | Phillies |
June Highlight: June opens with an important three-game homestand against the Miami Marlins, highlighted by Lou Gehrig Day on June 2. This MLB-wide commemoration honors the legacy of the Iron Horse, with special ceremonies, uniform patches, and tributes to ALS awareness. The Nationals organization typically hosts moving pregame activities, making this a meaningful game to attend. Mid-month brings interleague matchups with the Seattle Mariners and Kansas City Royals, offering fans a chance to see American League stars they wouldn’t otherwise watch at Nationals Park.
The month concludes with a massive four-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies (June 22-25), one of the most heated rivalries in the NL East. These divisional games often feature sold-out crowds and intense competition. When planning your Washington Nationals home games attendance, circle this Phillies series as a can’t-miss event.
July 2026 Home Games – Summer Stars & Holiday Baseball
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Jul 3 Fri | Pirates |
| Jul 4 Sat | Pirates |
| Jul 5 Sun | Pirates |
| Jul 6 Mon | Astros |
| Jul 7 Tue | Astros |
| Jul 8 Wed | Astros |
| Jul 10 Fri | Yankees |
| Jul 11 Sat | Yankees |
| Jul 12 Sun | Yankees |
| Jul 24 Fri | D-backs |
| Jul 25 Sat | D-backs |
| Jul 26 Sun | D-backs |
| Jul 27 Mon | Blue Jays |
| Jul 28 Tue | Blue Jays |
| Jul 29 Wed | Blue Jays |
July Highlight: July brings some of the year’s most exciting baseball to Washington. The month starts with a Fourth of July weekend series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Nationals Park on Independence Day is truly special—think fireworks, patriotic ceremonies, and a festive atmosphere perfect for families. Following the holiday, the Houston Astros arrive for a three-game set (July 6-8), bringing star power and championship pedigree.
Then comes the crown jewel: a weekend series against the New York Yankees (July 10-12). Yankees games at Nationals Park consistently draw huge crowds and national attention, with Bronx Bombers fans traveling in large numbers. Late July features the Arizona Diamondbacks and Toronto Blue Jays. For the best Washington Nationals 2026 home schedule time information, note that July weekday games typically start around 6:45 p.m., while weekend games vary between afternoon and evening starts. Check the official schedule for specific first-pitch times, especially for the July 4 game.
August 2026 Home Games – Pennant Race Heating Up
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Aug 7 Fri | Reds |
| Aug 8 Sat | Reds |
| Aug 9 Sun | Reds |
| Aug 11 Tue | Cubs |
| Aug 12 Wed | Cubs |
| Aug 13 Thu | Cubs |
| Aug 24 Mon | Rockies |
| Aug 25 Tue | Rockies |
| Aug 26 Wed | Rockies |
| Aug 27 Thu | Rockies |
| Aug 28 Fri | Marlins |
| Aug 29 Sat | Marlins |
| Aug 30 Sun | Marlins |
| Aug 31 Mon | Marlins |
August Highlight: August features an extended homestand that’s perfect for fans looking to catch multiple games. The month begins with series against National League Central opponents—the Cincinnati Reds (August 7-9) and Chicago Cubs (August 11-13). Late August brings an extended stretch at home, starting with a four-game set against the Colorado Rockies (August 24-27), followed immediately by four more games against the Miami Marlins to close out the month. This eight-game homestand from August 24-31 represents an ideal time for out-of-town fans to visit Washington, allowing them to see multiple games while exploring the nation’s capital.
For those wanting to print or download the schedule, this month-long block is easy to plan around. If you’re searching for a Washington Nationals 2026 printable PDF schedule, make sure to grab one that highlights this crucial late-summer stretch when playoff positioning becomes clearer.
September 2026 Home Games – Playoff Push & Roberto Clemente Day
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Sep 1 Tue | Braves |
| Sep 2 Wed | Braves |
| Sep 11 Fri | Angels |
| Sep 12 Sat | Angels |
| Sep 13 Sun | Angels |
| Sep 15 Tue | Phillies |
| Sep 16 Wed | Phillies |
| Sep 25 Fri | Mets |
| Sep 26 Sat | Mets |
| Sep 27 Sun | Mets |
September Highlight: September is when every game matters. The month begins with the Atlanta Braves in town for a crucial two-game series (September 1-2) that could have significant playoff implications. Mid-month features the Los Angeles Angels (September 11-13) before a special midweek series against the Philadelphia Phillies that includes Roberto Clemente Day on September 15. This MLB-wide celebration honors the humanitarian legacy of the Hall of Fame outfielder, with special ceremonies and uniform tributes throughout the league.
The Nationals typically hold meaningful pregame activities on this day. The season’s final homestand comes September 25-27 against the New York Mets—a weekend series that could determine playoff fates. These late-season divisional games carry enormous weight, and the atmosphere at Nationals Park during meaningful September baseball is unlike anything else. If you’re planning to attend Washington Nationals home games in 2026, prioritize these September matchups when the stakes are highest.
Washington Nationals 2026 Home Schedule Tickets – Where to Buy
Securing your seat at Nationals Park for the 2026 season is easier than ever. The Washington Nationals offer multiple ticket options through their official channels:
Single-Game Tickets: Individual game tickets for all 81 home games go on sale through the Nationals’ official website at MLB.com/nationals. You can select specific games, seating sections, and price points that fit your budget.
Season Ticket Packages: For the most dedicated fans, full and partial season ticket packages offer the best value per game, along with exclusive benefits like priority access to playoff tickets, special events, and discounts on concessions and merchandise.
Group Tickets: Planning a corporate outing, birthday party, or youth league event? The Nationals offer group ticket packages (typically 20+ people) with discounted pricing and added perks like on-field experiences or private suite areas.
Important Safety Tip: Always purchase Washington Nationals 2026 home schedule tickets through official sources—the team’s website, MLB.com, or verified partners like Ticketmaster. Avoid third-party resellers or social media sellers, as fraudulent tickets and scams are common. Buying from official sources ensures your tickets are legitimate and protects you from disappointment at the gate.
For the most current pricing, availability, and special promotions, visit the Nationals’ official ticketing page at MLB.com/nationals/tickets.
Washington Nationals 2026 Home Schedule Time – When Games Start
Planning your day around a Nationals game requires knowing the first-pitch time. While exact start times for every game are released closer to the season, the Nationals follow consistent patterns:
Weekday Evening Games: Most Monday through Thursday games start around 6:45 p.m. or 7:05 p.m. ET, perfect for after-work attendance.
Friday Night Games: Typically begin at 6:45 p.m. ET, kicking off the weekend with primetime baseball.
Saturday Games: Usually scheduled for afternoon starts around 4:05 p.m. ET, though some may be evening games at 7:05 p.m. ET depending on broadcast schedules.
Sunday Games: Traditionally start at 1:35 p.m. ET, making them perfect for family outings before the work week begins.
Weekday Day Games: Select Wednesday and Thursday games may feature daytime first pitches around 12:05 p.m. or 1:05 p.m. ET, especially for getaway days before road trips.
Special Considerations: Holiday games (like July 4), nationally televised games, and doubleheaders may have adjusted start times. Always verify the Washington Nationals 2026 home schedule time for your specific game by checking MLB.com/nationals/schedule or the MLB app the day before you attend. First-pitch times can occasionally shift due to broadcast requirements or weather makeup games.
Printable PDF & Downloadable Schedule Options
In today’s digital world, having the schedule at your fingertips—whether on your phone or printed and stuck to your fridge—makes planning easy. The Washington Nationals provide several convenient options:
Printable PDF Schedule: Visit the Nationals’ official schedule page and look for the “Printable Schedule” link. This generates a clean, printer-friendly PDF showing all home and away games organized by month. You can print the full season or just home games. Search for “Washington Nationals 2026 printable schedule PDF” to find the official download page.
Downloadable CSV Format: For tech-savvy fans, MLB offers downloadable schedule files in CSV (comma-separated values) format. This file can be imported directly into Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Outlook, or any calendar application, automatically adding all 81 home games to your personal schedule with dates, opponents, and times.
How to Import to Your Calendar:
- Visit MLB.com/nationals/schedule
- Look for the “Download Schedule” or “Add to Calendar” option
- Select “Home Games Only” if you prefer
- Choose CSV format
- Import the file into your calendar app
- All games appear automatically with reminders
Mobile App: Download the official MLB app or Washington Nationals app for iOS or Android. The schedule syncs automatically, provides game-day reminders, and updates in real-time if start times change.
Having a printable or digital copy of the schedule helps you plan vacation days, coordinate group outings, and never miss a game. Use keywords like “download Washington Nationals schedule 2026” or “Nationals home game calendar” to quickly find these resources on the team’s official website.
Making the Most of Your Nationals Park Experience
Attending a game at Nationals Park is about more than just baseball—it’s a full entertainment experience. Here are some tips to maximize your visit:
Arrive Early: Gates typically open 1.5 to 2 hours before first pitch. Early arrival lets you watch batting practice, explore the ballpark, grab food without long lines, and participate in pregame activities.
Special Theme Days: Throughout the season, the Nationals host promotional events—bobblehead giveaways, jersey nights, fireworks shows, and commemorative days like Lou Gehrig Day (June 2) and Roberto Clemente Day (September 15). These games often draw larger crowds, so arrive extra early and expect increased security wait times.
Parking and Transit: Nationals Park is accessible via the Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro station (Green Line). Metro is often the easiest and most affordable option. If driving, book parking in advance through the Nationals’ website or nearby lots—prices increase on game day.
Food and Drink: Nationals Park offers diverse dining options, from classic ballpark fare (hot dogs, nachos, peanuts) to local favorites like Ben’s Chili Bowl, Shake Shack, and craft beer selections. Many concession stands now offer mobile ordering through the MLB Ballpark app to skip lines.
Weather Preparedness: Washington summers can be hot and humid, while April and September nights can be cool. Check the forecast and dress accordingly. The ballpark has some covered seating, but most seats are exposed to the elements.
Family-Friendly Features: The Kids Play Area behind center field offers playground equipment and activities for young fans. Family restrooms and nursing rooms are available throughout the park.
Conclusion: Your 2026 Season Awaits at Nationals Park
The Washington Nationals’ 2026 home schedule delivers 81 opportunities to experience the excitement of Major League Baseball in the nation’s capital. From the opening series against the Dodgers on April 3 to the season-ending showdown with the Mets in late September, Nationals Park will host compelling matchups, division rivals, interleague stars, and meaningful games throughout the summer.
Mark your calendar for key dates: the Beltway Series against Baltimore in May, Fourth of July fireworks baseball, the Yankees visiting in July, Lou Gehrig Day on June 2, Roberto Clemente Day on September 15, and those critical September games when playoff hopes hang in the balance.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan planning to attend 20+ games or a casual observer looking for a fun summer outing, having the schedule handy—via printable PDF, downloaded CSV, or digital app—ensures you never miss the action. Purchase your Washington Nationals 2026 home schedule tickets through official channels, double-check game times before you head to the ballpark, and prepare for a memorable season of baseball in D.C.
The verified schedule information above was confirmed against official MLB and Washington Nationals sources. For the most current updates, ticket availability, promotional schedules, and any date or time changes, always refer to MLB.com/nationals or the team’s official mobile app.
Play ball, and we’ll see you at Nationals Park in 2026!
FAQs
1. Where can I buy Washington Nationals 2026 home schedule tickets?
Purchase tickets through the Washington Nationals’ official website at MLB.com/nationals/tickets or via the MLB Ballpark app. The team also partners with verified sellers like Ticketmaster for single-game, season, and group tickets. Always buy from official sources to avoid counterfeit tickets and scams. Season ticket packages typically offer the best per-game value, while single-game tickets provide flexibility for casual fans. Group rates (usually 20+ people) include special perks and discounts for corporate outings, birthday parties, and youth sports teams.
2. How do I download or print the Washington Nationals 2026 home schedule?
Visit the official Nationals schedule page at MLB.com/nationals/schedule and click on “Printable Schedule” for a PDF version you can print or save. For digital planning, download the schedule in CSV format and import it directly into Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or Outlook—all games will automatically appear with dates, times, and opponents. You can also access the schedule through the MLB Ballpark app, which provides real-time updates if game times change. Search terms like “Washington Nationals printable PDF schedule 2026” will take you directly to the download page.
3. What time do Washington Nationals home games usually start?
Typical start times follow these patterns: weekday evening games at 6:45 or 7:05 p.m. ET, Friday nights at 6:45 p.m., Saturday afternoons at 4:05 p.m. (some evenings at 7:05 p.m.), and Sunday day games at 1:35 p.m. Select weekday day games start around 12:05 or 1:05 p.m. However, nationally televised games, holidays, and special events may have adjusted times. Always verify the specific Washington Nationals 2026 home schedule time for your game by checking MLB.com/nationals/schedule or the team’s mobile app the day before you attend, as first-pitch times can shift.
4. Are there special theme days or commemorative games at Nationals Park in 2026?
Yes, several significant dates are on the calendar. Lou Gehrig Day on June 2 features MLB-wide tributes to the Hall of Famer with special uniform patches and ALS awareness activities—the Nationals vs. Marlins game will include moving pregame ceremonies. Roberto Clemente Day on September 15 honors the humanitarian legacy of the legendary outfielder with league-wide recognition during the Nationals-Phillies game. Additionally, the July 4 game against the Pirates includes Independence Day celebrations and post-game fireworks. The Nationals also host numerous promotional nights throughout the season—bobbleheads, jersey giveaways, and themed events—which are announced on their promotional schedule closer to the season.
5. Can I add the Nationals 2026 home schedule to my phone or digital calendar?
Absolutely. The Washington Nationals and MLB provide downloadable schedule files that integrate with all major calendar platforms. Visit MLB.com/nationals/schedule and select “Download Schedule” or “Add to Calendar.” Choose the CSV format for Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Outlook, or other apps—you can filter for home games only if preferred. Once imported, all 81 home games automatically populate your calendar with opponents, dates, and times. The schedule syncs and updates if game times change. You can also use the MLB Ballpark app, which offers schedule access, push notifications for game reminders, and real-time updates. This makes planning your Nationals Park visits effortless throughout the 2026 season.
