So, you're looking at the Washington Nationals game schedule and thinking it's just another 162-game slog. Honestly? You’re kinda wrong. 2026 isn't just a "rebuilding year" or a bunch of dates on a calendar; it’s actually a pretty historic slate for the Nats. For the first time ever, the team is starting the season earlier than they ever have—March 26.
Usually, we're still waiting for the cherry blossoms to think about peaking when the season starts, but this time, the Nats are hitting Wrigley Field in Chicago while it’s probably still freezing.
If you're planning your summer around the Navy Yard, there's a lot to dig into. We’ve got the Dodgers coming in for a marquee home opener, the Yankees closing out the first half, and a schedule that feels like it was designed by someone who really loves weekend series.
The Road Starts in the Windy City
The 2026 campaign kicks off with a six-game road trip. First stop: Chicago. The Nationals open against the Cubs on Thursday, March 26. They’ve only opened at Wrigley once before, back in 2012. After a quick three-game set there (with a built-in off-day on the 27th just in case of snow, let's be real), they head to Philadelphia to deal with the Phillies.
It’s a tough way to start. Six games away from home against two potential playoff contenders isn't exactly a "soft launch."
The Home Opener: Dodgers in the District
Mark your calendars for Friday, April 3. That’s the big one. The Washington Nationals home opener brings the Los Angeles Dodgers to D.C. for a three-game series over Easter Weekend.
Think about that for a second. You’ve got the possibility of seeing Shohei Ohtani pitching or hitting at Nationals Park for the first game of the year. It’s easily the most "marquee" home opener the team has had in years. The energy in the Navy Yard is going to be absurd.
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After the Dodgers leave town, the St. Louis Cardinals roll in for three games (April 6–8) to finish off that first homestand.
Why the Beltway Series Matters More This Year
The annual clash with the Baltimore Orioles—the Battle of the Beltways—is actually spread out across two weekends this year.
- May 15–17: Orioles at Nationals Park.
- June 26–28: Nationals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
The Orioles are good. Like, really good. For Nats fans, these games are a litmus test. Plus, the atmosphere when half the stadium is wearing orange and the other half is in curly Ws? It's intense.
Summer Highlights and the July 4th Tradition
Is there anything more "D.C." than a baseball game on the Fourth of July? I don't think so. This year, the Nats host the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 4.
That game is the anchor of a massive nine-game homestand right before the All-Star break. Check out this stretch:
- Pittsburgh Pirates: July 3–5.
- Houston Astros: July 6–8.
- New York Yankees: July 10–12.
Ending the first half of the season against the Yankees at home? That’s going to be a sellout. If you want tickets for that weekend, you basically need to buy them yesterday.
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The Dog Days of August
August is usually when the humidity in D.C. makes you want to melt into the sidewalk. The schedule doesn't offer much relief. The team has their longest road trip of the season from August 14–23, hitting the Mets, Rangers, and Marlins.
But then, they come back for a monster 10-game homestand. It starts August 24 and runs through September 2 without a single day off.
- Four games against Colorado.
- Four games against Miami.
- Two games against Atlanta.
Basically, if you’re a season ticket holder, you might as well just live at the ballpark for those two weeks.
2026 Promotional Schedule: Bobbleheads and Jerseys
Let’s be honest—half the reason we go is for the free stuff. The Washington Nationals game schedule is packed with giveaways this year. They’ve leaned hard into the "nostalgia" and "local legend" vibes.
The Big Giveaways:
- April 18: City Connect Hockey Jersey (20,000 fans).
- May 2: STAR WARS™ Grogu Bobblehead.
- May 30: CJ Abrams Baseball Card Bobblehead.
- June 16: Historic Replica Jersey for Negro Leagues Night.
- August 29: James Wood Bobblehead.
- September 12: Expos Replica Jersey (this one will be a bloodbath to get).
They also have "Signature Sundays" where two players sign autographs before every Sunday home game. You need a voucher for that, so don't just show up and expect to get a ball signed without doing the legwork.
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The Final Stretch
The season ends early. Like, really early. The final series of the regular season is at home against the New York Mets from September 25–27.
That matches 2020 for the earliest end to a season in franchise history. It feels weird to have baseball wrapped up before October even starts, but that’s the way the 2026 calendar fell.
Things to Keep in Mind
If you're looking for tickets, "Premier Plans" (full, half, or quarter season) are already moving. They guarantee you a seat for the home opener and the Yankees series, which are the two hardest tickets to get.
Also, a heads-up on the "Beltway Series" and the July 4th game: prices on the secondary market usually triple about two weeks before the game. If you're using SeatGeek or StubHub, set your alerts now.
Actionable Steps for Nats Fans
- Secure Home Opener Tickets Now: Don't wait for single-game tickets to drop if you can help it. The Dodgers series is the highest demand of the year.
- Plan for the Expos Jersey: September 12. If you want that jersey, you need to be at the Center Field Gate at least two hours before first pitch. People go crazy for the Montreal throwback gear.
- Check the Start Times: Because of the early season start on March 26, expect some weird afternoon games and potential weather delays. Keep the MLB Ballpark app updated.
- The "Value" Series: If you just want to see a game without breaking the bank, look at the midweek series against the Minnesota Twins (May 5–7) or the Kansas City Royals (June 15–17). Prices are usually way lower.
The 2026 season is a weird mix of very early starts, massive holiday homestands, and some high-profile opponents coming to D.C. Whether the Nats are in the hunt for a Wild Card spot or just playing for the future, the schedule itself is one of the more interesting ones we've seen in a decade.