Things to Do November 2024 in Washington, DC
Celebrate Spooky Season in DC The nation's capital has a frightful amount of options for spook-tacular festivities. Themed parties, specialty cocktails, family arts and crafts and ghost tours are just a few of the ways to have spirited Halloween (Oct. 31) and Día de los Muertos (Nov. 1-2) in the District. Attend a Capitals, Wizards or Go-Go game With the winter season comes incredible indoor sports action in the District. The NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards play their exciting games inside Capital One Arena, while the Capital City Go-Go, part of the NBA’s developmental G-League, take to the court inside Entertainment & Sports Arena. Discounted tickets to select games for each team are available below. Washington Capitals Discounted Tickets Washington Wizards Discounted Tickets Capital City Go-Go Discounted Tickets Fidelio – Oct. 25 – Nov. 4 The Washington National Opera (WNO) presents Beethoven’s story of resistance, freedom and dissent at one of DC’s most illustrious venues. The Kennedy Center hosts the new production that launches the WNO’s 2024-25 season. Beethoven’s only opera, which was last performed by the WNO more than 30 years ago, is an inspiring tale of how love can conquer tyranny. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum – Oct. 29 – Jan. 12, 2025 Sondheim takes ancient Rome in one of the greatest musical comedies ever. This Tony Award-winning play zeroes in on three neighboring households who notice, just outside their front doors, the exploits of a rowdy gang which includes a Roman slave, a soldier, a lovesick man and a gorgeous courtesan. You’re in for some retro Broadway brilliance at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va. Tickets Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206 Data – Oct. 31 – Dec. 15 Go behind the locked doors of Silicon Valley in this intriguing, suspense-laden play from Matthew Libby. Maneesh is an entry-level programmer at Athena Technologies, a data-mining firm. His brilliance prompts a transfer over to Data Analytics, where Maneesh sees what Athena is actually up to. Torn between idealism and success, the protagonist must come to terms with his identity. Tickets Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 David Cross – Nov. 1 You may know him as Tobias on Arrested Development, or as the co-lead of Mr. Show, or for his brilliant stand-up comedy. And if you don’t know him, this show at the Warner Theatre is the perfect time to get acquainted with David Cross. Dive deep into the mind of one of America’s greatest comedic minds inside one of the city’s most historic theaters. 8 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 The Light House – Nov. 1 Dazzle and delight your kids with an interactive storytelling experience. While it is recommended for children from 3-8 years old, The Light House, a show about friendship and finding your light, is an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy imaginative shadow puppetry. Tickets Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 The Go! Team – Nov. 3 Still as exhilarating as when they first burst through speakers with 2004’s Thunder, Lightning, Strike, The Go! Team will have you bouncing off the walls with this set at Black Cat. The group plans to play their debut LP from start to finish in honor of the album’s 20th anniversary. The multicultural band, led by energetic frontwoman Ninja, plays a boisterous mix of old-school hip-hop, dance music, funk and soul. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 The Second City’s Dance Like There’s Black People Watching – Nov. 6 – Dec. 22 From the creators of Black Side of the Moon and She the People comes a highly anticipated new production at Woolly Mammoth Theatre. The Second City returns with an exclusive new show created just for Woolly Mammoth filled with rising stars, hilarious songs and sketches and razor-sharp satire, all together in a perfect improv package. Tickets Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival & Symposium – Nov. 7-10 Join 100Reporters, an investigative news organization, for a virtual edition of the Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival (DX), the first and only festival dedicated to investigative storytelling on film in the U.S. This event celebrates the finest new films inspired by the investigative instinct and advocates for the rights of reporters and filmmakers to pursue investigations that are in the public interest. In addition to screenings, DX offers a professional symposium and programming for journalists and visual storytellers. Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse – Nov. 8-9 After shows featuring the music from the first animated Spider-Verse film sold out worldwide, the spectacle returns after a smash-hit sequel debuted in 2023. The movie will be screened on a colossal HD video screen as an ensemble of instrumentalists perform the score and soundtrack live, including a full orchestra, a skilled scratch DJ and percussion. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Dorado Schmitt & Sons: Jazz Manouche – Nov. 10 Don't miss a chance to see one of the greatest guitar players of all time perform live at the Strathmore. Celebrating and modernizing the traditions of French jazz manouche, this show will honor Django Reinhardt's distinctive style of jazz, which debuted in the 1930s and ‘40s. In addition to Schmitt and Sons, cousins Fancko Mehrstein and Gino Roman will compose the rhythm section. Tickets The Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852 Honor those who served this Veterans Day – Nov. 11 Many of the monuments and memorials in the nation’s capital honor service members, shedding light on the immense sacrifices that the U.S. Armed Forces have made to protect this country. Any time of year, but especially on Veterans Day, choose from a collection of monuments, memorials and special programming to celebrate and honor those who served. SIX – Nov. 12 – Dec. 1 The National Theatre welcomes back a Broadway smash for three weeks only this fall. SIX is a her-story of the six wives of Henry VIII – each tossed brutally aside by the psychotic ruler – filled with euphoric music in a remix of 500 years of historical heartbreak. Critically acclaimed and adored all over the world, DC is privileged to yet again host this magnificent stage spectacle. Tickets The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Julie Kim – Nov. 15-17 Following her North American tour with Ronny Chieng, Julie Kim has solidified her spot as one of Canada’s top stand-up comedians and comedy writers. Kim has contributed to shows like "Kim’s Convenience" and written for talent like Simu Liu, who got his break as Marvel’s Shang-Chi. Her infectious positivity and hilarious takes make Julie Kim don't miss show on DC Improv's fall roster. Tickets DC Improv Comedy Club & Restaurant, 1140 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 The Woman in Black – Through Nov. 17 Keegan Theatre stages a thrilling adaptation of Susan Hill's classic ghost story just in time for spooky season. The Woman in Black follows young solicitor Arthur Kipps, who is sent to Eel Marsh House to settle an estate only to discover a malevolent spirit. As he recounts his experience with the help of an Actor, the audience is drawn deeper into a story that blurs the lines between reality and nightmare. Tickets Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 DowntownDC Holiday Market – Nov. 22 – Dec. 23 The free-to-frequent downtown bazaar is centrally located in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, the beloved market stretches across two blocks of F Street between 7th and 9th streets. Scope out eclectic wares and delicious food from dozens of businesses. This year, the market's 20th anniversary, expect a whole new vibe with a greater variety of vendors, exciting community and family activations, a more extensive food and beverage program and additional can't-miss activities. 12-8 p.m. daily | Free admission F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC Washington Capitals vs. New Jersey Devils – Nov. 23 DC's beloved hockey team takes another regional rival in what is sure to be an electric Saturday night for sports fans. The arena is considered one of the loudest and most boisterous stadiums in the NHL, and no wonder – roughly 19,000 red-clad fans pack the arena for each Caps game. Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 ZooLights – Nov. 24 – Dec. 30 Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. The event includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform the Smithsonian's National Zoo into a winter wonderland. Note that timed passes are required. Admission is just $6. Hours & Admission Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 Celebrate Thanksgiving in the Nation's Capital – Nov. 28 Give thanks and savor the flavors of the season at DC restaurants this Thanksgiving. In previous years, Gatsby, Mi Vida and Succotash have served up all-American classics, while Officina, Illia and Estuary have offered more international takes on tradition. For a family brunch, spots like Fairmont, Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City and the Salamander are known for lavish brunches perfect for when you just don't feel like cooking any more. Season's Greenings – Nov. 28 – Jan. 5, 2025 Trade in your dreams of a white Christmas for something even better – a green Christmas. At this year's Season's Greenings exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Gardens, displays will feature not only holiday lights, but thousands of poinsettias, unbelievable plant-based sculptures of DC landmarks, a circuit of model trains and pollinators galore. Tickets are not required. Free Admission U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001 Elf™ in Concert: Film with Live Orchestra – Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 Even if you watched a hundred times over, there's a new way to enjoy the beloved Christmas classic Elf this holiday season. At the Kennedy Center, you can see the film's timeless score come to life with live performance by the National Symphony Orchestra. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Mount Vernon Winter Glow – Nov. 29-30, Dec. 15-19 & 23 See the estate illuminated with brilliant lights and patterns set to holiday music. Visit an 18th-century winter encampment, purchase gifts from the Mount Vernon shops and enjoy holiday drinks and treats from the Mount Vernon Food Truck, Executive Orders. Tickets George Washington's Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121 The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker – Nov. 30 – Dec. 29 DC's favorite ballet company pulls out all the stops for this classic Christmas tale that features a special DC twist. The Russian ballet goes local thanks to a Nutcracker Prince in the likeness of George Washington and cherry blossom set designs. Set in historical 1882 Georgetown, you will be dazzled by an impressive roster of dancers and the beautiful Tchaikovsky score. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this quintessential program that is a highlight of every holiday season in the District. Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004