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Things to Do January 2025 in Washington, DC

Things to Do July 2024 in Washington, DC

Check out local theater with TodayTix TodayTix is your ticket to the best live theatre, arts and culture in DC. You can save 40% or more on tickets to the hottest local shows at DC’s best theatres this spring and summer. You can also get unbeatable day-of deals with TodayTix Rush and Lottery programs. Earn rewards with every purchase on the TodayTix app. Folger Shakespeare Library’s New Galleries, Café and Shop After a multi-year renovation, there’s a myriad of new ways to explore the world's largest Shakespeare collection: investigate the First Folios, try your hand at setting type, unwind in the scenic gardens, get some reading done in the Great Hall or sip a tea at Quill & Crumb Café. Additionally, the Elizabethan Theatre will reopen its doors for shows and poetry readings, and the learning lab will present opportunities for families to connect with Shakespeare in interactive new formats. More Info Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003 Pixar Putt at The Wharf – through Sept. 1 Go to infinity and beyond this summer with whimsical, Pixar-themed mini-golf. The outdoor pop-up is open daily at The Wharf for a limited time and includes 18 interactive putt-putt holes inspired by some of Pixar’s most beloved films, from Toy Story and Monsters, Inc. to Turning Red and Inside Out. Book your tee time for a daytime outing or an 18+ after-hours activity. Tickets 580 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Placita Mágica – June 29 – Jan. 5, 2025 Set in an immersive plaza, the National Children's Museum's new exhibit explores traditional Mexican culture through playful science, technology, engineering, arts and math experiences. Washingtonians may also feel some déjà vu, as Placita Mágica is a reimagined homage to an immersive Mexico exhibit that was open in the original Capital Children's Museum from the 1970s until the 2000s, where young learners were invited to play in a space designed to feel like a Mexican village. Hours & Admission National Children's Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Pathways to Performance: Exercises in Reframing the Narrative – July 2-3 The Kennedy Center hosts consecutive evenings of Black ballet curated by Theresa Ruth Howard, founder of Memoirs of Blacks in Ballet (MoBBallet) and the Pathways to Performance Choreographic Program. These performances will feature a newly commissioned ballet as well as works by Black choreographers that showcase development within the Pathways to Performance program. 8 p.m. | Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 The Colored Museum – July 3 – Aug. 11 Acclaimed director Psalmayene 24 and designer Natsu Onoda Power, two members of the Studio Theatre Cabinet, collaborated to bring this hilarious excursion through 11 “exhibits” of toxic narratives about Black American experiences. George Wolfe’s satirical play from 1986 viciously targets stereotypes of Black culture, provocative and aspirational in equal measure. Tickets Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 Daytime Baseball at Nationals Park – July 4 The Washington Nationals annually play at home on Independence Day, holding an 11:05 a.m. game to accommodate the activities throughout the city the rest of the day. This year, the Nats will take on the rival New York Mets. 11:05 a.m. | Tickets Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 July 4th Fireworks Watching the fireworks is one of the highlights of Independence Day in Washington, DC and fortunately, the city and the surrounding area offer a plethora of scenic viewing options. July 4th is a great time to be in DC for plenty of other reasons as well. Plan a trip now. Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage – July 6 – Sept. 22 The Phillips Collection presents the first large-scale exhibition dedicated to exploring collage by contemporary Black American artists. Explore more than 50 works by 49 artists including luminaries such as Mark Bradford, Kerry James Marshall, Tschabalala Self and Kara Walker. Celebrate the broad variety and complexity of Black identity in art across a wide range of forms, including paper, photographs, fabrics and salvaged materials. Hours & Admission The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 NATO Day at Nationals Park – July 8 The first official event of the NATO Summit in DC is the Nats' matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals. Expect NATO-themed surprises during the playing of the national pastime; the Summit marks the 75th anniversary of the organization. Discounted tickets are available for the afternoon game. 4:05 p.m. | Tickets Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Capital Fringe Festival – July 11–21 During the edgy Capital Fringe Festival, you can catch out-there productions from DC’s vibrant creative community. The annual celebration of theatre and freedom of expression features entirely original productions that delve into a spectrum of human experiences. Explore the angst of a presidential election's eve, the joy of budding relationships and the contemplation of mortality. Journey through a church transformed into a dance club in the cosmos and uncover the history of Black firefighters in DC. From flamenco to modern dance and beyond, the festival promises an exhilarating exploration of creativity and diversity. Check out the festival’s website for this year's themes, programming and a full schedule. USA Rugby Men's Eagles vs. Scotland – July 12 The 2024 American Series, presented by USA Rugby and AEG Rugby, offers four action-packed, coast-to-coast, international test matches featuring the USA Rugby Men's Eagles team. In the DC edition of the series, the Eagles will take on Scotland in an epic match at Audi Field. The last time these two teams met, the USA team scored a dramatic and historic victory, marking the program's first win over a major rugby nation. The highly anticipated rematch takes place at the state-of-the-art Audi Field. 6:30 p.m. | Tickets Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024 Janet Jackson – July 12 The Queen of Pop is coming to DC this summer. The five-time GRAMMY Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee reintroduced the world to her jaw-dropping stage show last year. Now Janet hits the road again for another epic 36-date tour that will see her perform some of the greatest pop songs ever at venues across the country. Nelly will serve as the opener and special guest. 8 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 (D)rafts and (C)rafts – July 13 Dozens of artisans and local craft beverage makers will be on-hand for the second edition of (D)rafts and (C)rafts, DC’s small-scale producers’ festival. The DC Brewers’ Guild and the DC Makers’ Guild host the event at Dock 5 in the Union Market District. Your ticket grants you unlimited tastes from 20 craft beverage producers and the chance to browse products from 40 local businesses. 12-4 p.m. | Tickets Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert – July 13 Let the National Symphony Orchestra transport you to far-away planets with Star Wars: A New Hope live in concert! Attendees can sit out on the lawn or in-house to enjoy John Williams’ Oscar-winning score live alongside HD projections of the film. Do or do not – there is no try. Tickets Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, 1551 Trap Road Vienna, VA 22182 Band Bash at City Ridge Bring a blanket to the rolling green lawn at City Ridge for a summer evening of live music by local bands. Laid-back listening can also be paired with music-themed giveaways, lawn games and a stop to Tiny Vinyl's pop-up shop. You can also make it dinner and show by grabbing some grub from one of City Ridge's many on-campus spots. 4-8 p.m. | Reserve 20 Ridge Square Washington, DC 20016 Shifting Boundaries: Perspectives on American Landscapes – July 13 – July 26, 2026 Discover powerful new details and context around some of the greatest works of art in American history. The National Museum of Asian Art approaches the fascinating New England landscape portraiture of legendary artists such as Willard Metcalf, Dwight Tryon, Winslow Homer and Abbott Thayer. By empowering a variety of voices, the exhibit reveals how the landscapes depicted have shifted in the century since these works were first showcased. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Ruffled Feathers: Creating Whistler’s Peacock Room – July 13 – Jan. 31, 2027 One of the most famous rooms in the nation’s capital receives a full in-depth investigation thanks to a new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art. The Peacock Room is the museum’s calling card, and this display will be located right next door. The creation of James McNeill Whistler was originally meant for the London home of British businessman Frederick Leyland. Its origin story and tangled history is detailed through paintings, works on paper, decorative art and additional ephemera. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Gordon Parks: Camera Portraits from the Corcoran Collection – July 14 – Jan. 12, 2025 The National Gallery of Art honors one of the best set of eyes in American history with a 25-portrait exhibition. Gordon Parks revolutionized photography in post-World War II America, situating his subjects in their environment while also paying close attention to their expression, character and dress. You can see images of Muhammad Ali and Leonard Bernstein alongside shots of a Harlem gang leader and a Detroit couple in this moving tribute that features some of Parks’ most beloved photographs. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC Up Close with Paul Cézanne – Through July 14 The Phillips Collection unveils two recently conserved works by French painter Paul Cézanne in this exciting exhibit. The major paintings, Mont Sainte-Victoire (1886-87) and Self-Portrait (1878-80), are part of the museum’s world-renowned collection by the legendary artist and are displayed together for the first time in decades along with five other pieces by Cézanne. Learn about the conservation of the two works and how it reveals details previously obscured by varnishes while providing insight into the artist’s process. Hours & Admission The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence – Through July 14 Inspired by the incredible Migration Series by Jacob Lawrence (you can see all 60 panels at The Phillips Collection in DC), Step Afrika! uses its innovative style of percussive dance to tell the riveting and heroic story of millions of Black migrants who relocated from the rural South to the industrial North in the early 20th century. The award-winning dance company utilizes the imagery, colors and motifs of the paintings to create a performance filled with stunning movements and drama. Tickets Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Funny Girl – June 25 – July 14 The Kennedy Center hosts a sensational Broadway revival of Funny Girl, the story of Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreams of mega-stardom on the stage. Even though she’s told time and again she’ll never succeed, Fanny becomes an iconic Broadway star. Featuring classic songs like “Don’t Rain On My Parade” and “People,” Funny Girl is a timeless love letter to the theater. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 LIVE! Concert Series on the Plaza – July 15 – Sept. 27 From salsa to strings, and blues to swing, Live! Concert Series on the Plaza features hot entertainment for the downtown DC community. Head to Wilson Plaza between 12 and 1 p.m. and take in free lunchtime performances showcasing the area's most talented entertainers. This year’s lineup features a special focus on the official music of DC, Go-Go. The roster includes The Chuck Brown Band, DC Vybe, Heat Stroke, Junkyard Band and E.U. Featuring Sugar Bear. 12-1 p.m. | Free Admission | More Information Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 DIIV – July 16 If your record collection is riddled with albums from The Cure, My Bloody Valentine, Joy Division and any number of Krautrock jammers, DIIV is a must-see. Their debut album, Oshin, was released to great acclaim in 2012. The group and its frontman Zachary Cole Smith have since overcome turmoil to continue a fascinating career that continues to dazzle indie rock fans. 8 p.m. | Tickets Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Summer Reps 2024 – July 17-27 The Shakespeare Theatre Company Academy offers a Master of Fine Arts program that trains actors to work with classical language and embody mythic storytelling. After completing the intensive coursework, the class of 2024 performs two plays in repertory as the culmination of their training. This year marks the first time that the Academy will bring these repertory productions to the mainstage of the Company’s Klein Theatre. Tickets are just $20. Tickets Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 ha ha ha ha ha ha ha – July 17 – Aug. 3 Billed as an “award-winning clown,” Julia Masli is from Estonia and based in London. Her newest show, which was nominated for Edinburgh’s top prize for Best Comedy Show and named the no. 1 comedy show of the year by The Guardian before a sold-out, four-week engagement at London’s Soho Theatre, comes to DC’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre. Tickets Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Queens of R&B – July 19 If you’re a fan of classic R&B, there’s one show this summer that you absolutely cannot miss. XSCAPE and SWV have joined forces for a special tour that also includes support from Total and 702. See these queens come together for a night filled with gorgeous harmonies, sweet melodies and plenty of romantic radio hits. 7 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Carly Rae Jepsen – July 19 From her emergence on Canadian Idol to “Call Me Maybe” to her total dominance of the dancefloor as a synth-pop star, Carly Rae Jepsen has always had the “it” factor. Her shows are spectacles, so you won’t want to miss out on the chance to see her at Nationals Park as part of the Nationals’ Summer Concert Series. Your pass to the post-game concert is included with your ticket to the game. Game begins at 6:45 p.m. | Tickets Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Dionne Warwick – July 19 Few singers in American history – hell, in world history – have commanded your attention quite like Dionne Warwick. It would be enough to be one of the most-charted vocalists of all-time and a trailblazer for Black American artists, but Warwick has also done wonders for communities across the country and has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization. This icon comes to DC’s historic Warner Theatre for one night only. 8 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Olivia Rodrigo – July 20 One of pop music’s megastars makes a stop at Capital One Arena. Expect to hear hits from Rodrigo’s albums Guts and Sour including the high-energy “Bad Idea Right?” and ballads like “Driver’s License”. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Humor Books: ALIVE! – July 20 Four of the best humor writers currently working come to the Kennedy Center to read brand-new jokes and enliven your summer Saturday evening. Asher Perlman (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert), Evan Waite (Family Guy), JiJi Lee (The New Yorker), and Alexandra Petri (The Washington Post) have some whip-smart material to share with you, covering culture and politics along the way. Comedian Emmy Blotnick will serve as host. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 An Evening with Pretenders – July 20-21 Chrissie Hynde has led The Pretenders to the heights of rock and roll across a career that spans more than five decades. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees can still put on one hell of a show; it’s hard not to when your catalogue includes songs like “Brass In Pocket,” “My City Was Gone,” “Back on the Chain Gang,” “I’ll Stand By You” and numerous other hits. The Warner Theatre welcomes them on consecutive nights. 9:30 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Nas with the National Symphony Orchestra – July 21 Hip-hop legend Nas will join forces with the National Symphony Orchestra for a live symphonic rendition of Illmatic, his critically-acclaimed debut album. Standout tracks include “N.Y. State of Mind”, “The World Is Yours”, “Memory Lane (Sittin’ in Da Park)” and “It Ain’t Hard to Tell”, all of which will be reimagined thirty years later. 8 p.m. | Tickets Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182 Summertime: Awa Sal Secka Sings Ladies of Jazz – July 23 – Aug. 4 Outstanding vocalist Awa Sal Secka pays tribute to legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington and many more. Settle in for an evening of loving renditions of songs such as “Take The A Train,” “Summertime,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Misty” and “Guess Who I Saw Today.” The cabaret performance takes place at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va. Tickets Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206 Back to the Future: The Musical – July 23 – Aug. 11 Great Scott! A cinematic classic that is now a Broadway musical is coming to the District. Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, Back to the Future: The Musical is adapted for the stage by the film’s creators Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis and directed by the Tony Award® winner John Rando. The play features original music by GRAMMY Award winners Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard alongside hit songs from the movie including “The Power of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Earth Angel,” and “Back in Time.” Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Stanley: Toward a New Kind of War – Opens July 24 The National Museum of American History welcomes a landmark object in the form of Stanley, the self-driving winner of a historic robotic vehicle race back in 2005. The east wing of the museum’s third floor will display this modern marvel, a blue Volkswagen Touareg that competed in and won the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Grand Challenge robot race. Made by a Stanford University team of faculty and students along with Volkswagen and corporate sponsors, the vehicle revolutionized driverless car technology. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 blink-182 – July 27 Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker have reunited after more than a decade and hit the road again. Their world tour stops at Capital One Arena with special guest Pierce the Veil in tow. blink-182 will play their classics along with the two no. 1 singles off their latest album, One More Time… 7 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Beck and the National Symphony Orchestra – July 27 Eight-time Grammy winner Beck takes the stage with the National Symphony Orchestra for the first time in an experimental, cross-generic exploration of his body of work. For one night only, the singer-songwriter will let the audience in on new interpretations of classic hits as well as deep cuts. 8 p.m. | Tickets Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182 Broccoli City Festival – July 27-28 Now at Audi Field in Navy Yard, Broccoli City is a music festival focused on celebrating not just music but culture and community, with not just concerts but interactive art installations and culinary vendors. Headliners this year include Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, Concrete Family, Kaytranada, Lil Yachty and PartyNextDoor, but the experience doesn’t stop there. The event will be hosted by comedians Desi Banks and Funny Marco, and there will even be an intro by Issa Rae. Tickets Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
 Mubadala Citi DC Open – July 27 – Aug. 4 The District’s signature professional tennis tournament returns to Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Top-tier talent from all over the world will compete for a prestigious trophy, leading to action that you do not want to miss. Tickets Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, 5220 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011 Woven Histories: Textiles and Modern Abstraction – Through July 28 The National Gallery of Art dives deep on the overlap between fashion, design, arts and crafts. Through 160 works including oil paintings, weaving, basketry, knotting and knitting, you can see how textiles have influenced modern artists and movements. The exhibit also showcases moments when social and political issues activated textile production and artmaking with heightened focus and urgency. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC Green Day at Nationals Park – July 29 You know you’re a successful band when one of your tours can celebrate the anniversary of not one, but two classic albums. In honor of the 30th anniversary of the release of Dookie and the 20th anniversary of American Idiot, Green Day is hitting town across the U.S. with The Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid and The Linda Lindas in tow. Nationals Park is going to be rocking for this one. 6 p.m. | Tickets Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 The Ultimate Improv Show – July 30 – Aug. 11 Long-form improv comedy comes to the Kennedy Center thanks to The Ultimate Improv Show presented by Dan Black. The rotating cast will perform based on a unique process: an audience member suggests a prompt that is then used by a guest monologist as inspiration for a true story. The improvisers then weave all that into a hilarious experience. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024 – Through Aug. 11 Discover how recent global turmoil has impacted and inspired women artists. Works by 28 artists are featured in New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024, offering pieces that explore a range of geographies, cultural viewpoints and perspectives. The exhibit immerses visitors in the National Museum of Women in the Arts’ renewed spaces. It is the seventh and largest installment of the museum’s Women to Watch exhibition series. Hours & Admission National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 Where We Meet – Through Aug. 15 The Howard University Gallery of Art and The Phillips Collection have merged their collections for a special exhibit. Both storied DC institutions have been acquiring art for decades; many of the earliest acquisitions of each are displayed. Works of seminal artists are showcased in a presentation that highlights how the Phillips and Howard have celebrated and provided access to important art throughout the years. Hours & Admission The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 In the Library: Photography and the Book Arts from the 21st Editions Collection – Though Aug. 29 The work of photographers like Sally Mann, Josephine Sacabo, Masao Yamamoto, Adger Cowans and Arthur Tress are arrayed in exquisite form by master printers and paired with texts as diverse as William Shakespeare’s sonnets, the color theories of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and poetry by Keagan LeJeune. The National Gallery of Art’s latest library installation highlights 12 pieces in total, each culled from the last 25 years of 21st Editions publications. Weekdays, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art East Building, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565 Pattern and Paradox: The Quilts of Amish Women – Through Sept. 2 Learn about the fascinating connection between Amish Women and quilting thanks to a new exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Over time, the practice has transcended its utilitarian roots and become a form of artistic expression for Amish Women. Treat your eyes to a wondrous mix of colors and patterns as you marvel at the innovation of extraordinary quilts. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004 Mindbender Mansion – May 25 – Sept. 2 The National Children’s Museum’s Visiting Exhibit Hall is ready to puzzle the whole family this summer. Mindbender Mansion features a variety of brainteasers and interactive challenges that will test even the most experienced problem-solvers. In total, the display offers 11 individual puzzles and three group activities. Tickets National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Forces of Nature: Voices that Shaped Environmentalism - Through Sept. 2 The National Portrait Gallery honors key scientists, politicians, activists, writers and artists who influenced attitudes toward the environment in the U.S. from the late-1800s to the present. Trace the environmentalist movement from turn-of-the-20th-century conservationism to mid-20th-century political actions and the backlash to them. It also addresses the current state of environmental justice, biodiversity and climate. Gaze at more than 25 portraits of figures like Rachel Carson, George Washington Carver, Maya Lin, Henry David Thoreau and Edward O. Wilson. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds – Through Sept. 8 ARTECHOUSE welcomes visitors to its seventh annual installation dedicated to celebrating the beauty of the cherry blossoms in DC. The museum treats your eyes to an exhibit inspired by the Isekai genre of Anime, allowing for the exploration of alternate universes stacked with colors, adventures and immersive technologies. Plus, discover Gachapons hidden throughout the exhibit to win prizes from local businesses or snag a book from the 'Isekai Library'. Make sure to take advantage of tickets with a 10% discount. Tickets (10% off) ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024 Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice In the mid-1940s, William H. Johnson painted his Fighters for Freedom series to honor Black activists, scientists, teachers, performers and international heads of state working to bring peace to the world. Johnson celebrated these figures – some very famous, others unsung – while acknowledging the racism, violence and oppression each one fought against. The exhibit showcases many of these paintings, including Johnson’s portraits of Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, Mahatma Gandhi and Marian Anderson, elevating stories that are still relevant to the struggle for social justice today. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004 Reckoning with Remembrance: History, Injustice and the Murder of Emmett Till – Through Sept. 15 Fourteen-year-old Chicago native Emmett Till was brutally lynched in Mississippi in 1955; his mother insisted on an open-casket funeral in his hometown. The saga made national news and eventually led to the founding of the Emmett Till Memorial Commission in 2008, which erected nine historical markers to honor the youth. Since then, these markers have been stolen, riddled with bullets or chucked into a river. The National Museum of American History displays a desecrated marker as a reminder of the violent legacy of racism that continues to thrive in America today as part of a new exhibit. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Sewn in America: Making, Meaning, Memory – Through Dec. 31 The DAR Museum presents a groundbreaking exhibit featuring sewn items from every textile section of its collections including clothing, household items, needlework and quilts. Sewn in America examines how the activity shaped gender roles, from the homestead to professions like dressmaking, tailoring and factory work. Pieces from the 18th century to today will be juxtaposed to show how women of diverse backgrounds have used needles to express emotions and battle injustice. Hours | Free Admission DAR Museum, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006 Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women – Through Jan. 5, 2025 Encounter an alternative history of American art through 33 pieces that showcase the mastery and subversion of essential materials including cotton, wool, polyester and silk. The Renwick Gallery exhibit offers pieces as diverse as the collection of women artists who made them, also unveiling insights into their creative processes through sketches, photos, mail art and more. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Renwick Gallery, 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006 Star Power: Photographs from Hollywood’s Golden Age by George Hurrell – Through Jan. 5, 2025 Hollywood’s premiere photographer during the onset of the studio system, George Hurrell set the template for how to capture the brightest stars of the cinematic universe. As MGM’s in-house portraitist and in his own studio, Hurrell used lighting expertise and the sharpest of eyes to create glamorous images of Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy and many, many more. The National Portrait Gallery displays many of these Golden Era photographs in the new exhibit. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean – Through Jan. 5, 2025 In honor of the majesty of the ocean, Hillwood showcases a variety of marine-related art in its collection for the very first time. Originally inspired by the rediscovery of one of the largest paintings at Hillwood (once owned by Marjorie Post's father, C.W. Post), Fragile Beauty explores representations of water and art crafted by precious materials. Hours & Admission Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 Bruce Onobrakpeya: The Mask and the Cross – Through Jan. 21, 2025 In 1966, acclaimed Nigerian sculptor and printmaker Bruce Onobrakpeya was petitioned by Catholic priests to interpret the Passion of the Christ, resulting in Fourteen Stations of the Cross, one of his most beloved works. The piece began a long fascination with Christian iconography in Onobrakpeya’s work. Many of his most striking pieces can be seen in this special presentation at the National Museum of African Art. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Capital Brutalism – Through Feb. 17, 2025 The National Building Museum goes deep into what’s up with all those brutalist buildings around DC. Capital Brutalism explores the history, current state and future of seven polarizing buildings and the WMATA Metro system in the District. Check out archival documents, drawings, construction photographs, architectural models and contemporary images that provide context and shed light on the stories of these buildings and what inspired their design. Hours & Admission National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900-1939 – Through Feb. 23, 2025 Be amazed by sixty defiant women who made the courageous decision to cross the Atlantic Ocean to pursue their artistic dreams immersed in the majesty of Paris and its dynamic cultural scene. Brilliant Exiles marks the first exhibition to focus on the impact of American women on Paris – and of Paris on American women – from 1900 to the outbreak of the second World War. You can gaze at portraits of icons such as Josephine Baker, Isadora Duncan, Zelda Fitzgerald, Loïs Mailou Jones, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Anaïs Nin, Gertrude Stein, Ethel Waters and Anna May Wong. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC, 1900-2000 – Through March 2, 2025 The Anacostia Community Museum sheds light on fascinating local history with an exhibit featuring captivating original artworks, rare video footage and can't-miss artifacts including Alma Thomas’s paintbrushes and watercolor paint set, an early 20th-century lifelike marionette that William Buckner made with his local high school students, original Elizabeth Catlett prints that once hung in the halls of her DC high school and Sam Gilliam pieces from his tenure as a teacher at McKinley Technical High School. Experience the influence, power and creativity of the Black artist-educators who empowered generations of DC students. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, DC 20020 Frank Lloyd Wright’s Southwestern Pennsylvania – Through March 17, 2025 The National Building Museum exhibits both realized and unrealized projects that the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed for the region of Southwestern Pennsylvania from the 1930s through the 1950s. The display examines how Wright’s vision of the future could have impacted urban, suburban and rural landscapes. Also, animated films created by Skyline Ink Animators + Illustrators provide a first-time virtual exploration of five unrealized projects. Hours & Admission National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Bond In Motion – Through April 2025 Across more than six decades of films, James Bond has become the on-screen embodiment of spies for millions. The International Spy Museum pays homage to the fictional character, along with his allies and adversaries, with a breathtaking display of iconic vehicles from the movies. In total, visitors can fix their eyes on 17 pieces, including cars, motorcycles, submarines and even more from the Q Branch Garage. Hours & Admission International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024 Revolutions: Art from the Hirshhorn Collection, 1860-1960 – Through April 20, 2025 This year, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden brings you one exciting event after another in celebration of their 50th anniversary. The museum's latest exhibit features works from more than 120 artists, so we suggest giving yourself plenty of time to soak up all the wonder. The revolutionary installation offers well-known masterpieces alongside contemporary creations from a wide range of artists including Francis Bacon, Jean Dubuffet, Lee Krasner, Wifredo Lam, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jackson Pollock. 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Free admission Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560 This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance – Through April 20, 2025 Guest curated by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hilton Als, the National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibit focuses on one of the most important American writers of the 20th century. James Baldwin beautifully spoke out against injustice throughout his stirring career. He and other queer artists had to keep their sexuality hidden even while speaking up for civil rights. In addition to portraits of Baldwin, the exhibit also highlights many of his contemporaries including Lorraine Hansberry, Barbara Jordan, Bayard Rustin, Essex Hemphill and Marlon Riggs. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 Reclaiming My Time – Through May 2025 The National Museum of African American History and Culture will open the first exhibition space to exclusively feature Black designers. Named after a phrase uttered by Congresswoman Maxine Waters on the steps of the Capitol, Reclaiming My Time explores the intersection of rest and resistance through 15 objects from the museum’s collection, including seating, lighting, photography and graphic design. More info | Free Admission National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Forensic Science on Trial – Through June 2025 The National Museum of American History explores historic courtroom cases and how forensic science has come to be used in the pursuit of justice. Artifacts from more than 150 years of trials showcase at least 12 forensic science techniques; three items can claim to come from “the trial of the century.” 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Picturing the Presidents: Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes from the National Portrait Gallery’s Collection – Through June 28, 2025 In honor of the upcoming presidential election, the National Portrait Gallery displays daguerreotype and ambrotype portraits of eight commanders-in-chief who held the office in the 19th century. The collection includes a rare ambrotype pin from Abraham Lincoln’s first presidential campaign credited with contributing to Lincoln’s 1860 victory. Visitors can also check out a modern daguerreotype that depicts the 2009 inauguration of President Barack Obama. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 Collecting Memories – Through Dec. 2025 The Library of Congress opens its new David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery with a brand-new exhibit filled to the brim with fascinating artifacts across its 120 items. Collecting Memories includes Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, a map from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, lyrics from The Sound of Music and much more in its examination of how cultures preserve the past. Hours | Free Admission Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540 Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains – Through Jan. 20, 2026 The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates narrative art among Native nations of the Great Plains with an exciting new exhibition. You'll see historical works alongside contemporary commissions, from battle records to ledger books to pop culture takes. More info | Free Admission National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Do Ho Suh: Public Figures – Through April 29, 2029 South Korean artist Do Ho Suh has created a special edition of his work Public Figures for installation at the very front of the National Museum of Asian Art, signifying the next phase of the museum. Suh was commissioned for the project thanks to his outstanding international reputation. He was one of the earliest contemporary artists featured at the museum and this new sculpture will be the first installed outside the Freer Gallery of Art in more than 30 years. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Zen and the Open Road – Ongoing In honor of the 50th anniversary of the publication of Robert M. Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, the National Museum of American History places the writer’s 1966 Honda Super Hawk motorcycle in a temporary display within the permanent America on the Move exhibit. Encounter Pirsig’s stories related to riding, writing and sailing and check out cool artifacts such as his typewriter, a manuscript of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and a recently attributed book on the 14th century bubonic plague. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Places to Stay Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!

Things to Do June 2024 in Washington, DC

Check out local theater with TodayTix TodayTix is your ticket to the best live theatre, arts and culture in DC. You can save 40% or more on tickets to the hottest local shows at DC’s best theatres this spring and summer. You can also get unbeatable day-of deals with TodayTix Rush and Lottery programs. Earn rewards with every purchase on the TodayTix app. Capital Pride – May 31 – June 9 Each year, local nonprofit Capital Pride hosts an array of exciting events and 2024 will be no different. There will be plenty of ways to show the community love. Last year’s attractions included a Pridemobile Parade and a Taste of Pride brunch in addition to the yearly concert and festival. Make sure to read our piece covering Capital Pride events for more details. The festivities don't stop here: DC is packed with special Pride activations and events all month long. Explore Hamilton Hotel's retro pop-up bar or the Fairmont's Pride Garden, and check out DC restaurants' thoughtful, colorful creations like Colada Shop's Pride pastelitos and drink pouches or Pizzeria Paradiso's Pride pizzas and palmers. Be sure to check out our events calendar for more ways to celebrate. The countdown to World Pride 2025 in Washington, DC starts now! More info | Book Your Stay Reclaiming My Time – May 31, 2024 – May 2025 The National Museum of African American History and Culture will open the first exhibition space to exclusively feature Black designers. Named after a phrase uttered by Congresswoman Maxine Waters on the steps of the Capitol, Reclaiming My Time explores the intersection of rest and resistance through 15 objects from the museum’s collection, including seating, lighting, photography and graphic design. More info | Free Admission National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women – May 31 – Jan. 5, 2025 Encounter an alternative history of American art through 33 pieces that showcase the mastery and subversion of essential materials including cotton, wool, polyester and silk. The Renwick Gallery exhibit offers pieces as diverse as the collection of women artists who made them, also unveiling insights into their creative processes through sketches, photos, mail art and more. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Renwick Gallery, 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006 Celebrate Pride Month at the National Gallery of Art Discover LGBTQ+ artists and artworks, from Andy Warhol to Zanele Muholi, throughout the National Gallery of Art’s extensive collection. The museum also hosts an array of programming throughout June dedicated to Pride Month, including a film series, a sculpture garden talk, a gallery talk and much more. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains – June 1, 2024 – Jan. 20, 2026 The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates narrative art among Native nations of the Great Plains with an exciting new exhibition. You'll see historical works alongside contemporary commissions, from battle records to ledger books to pop culture takes. More info | Free Admission National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Fiesta Asia! – Postponed to June 1 Embrace Asian Heritage Month with a day jam-packed with culture, from the performing arts to culinary delights. The annual Fiesta Asia! takes over Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 6th streets NW with exciting performances, interactive displays, flea markets and food stalls. More info | Free Admission Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd & 6th Streets NW Daybreaker PEACE TOUR – June 1 Elliott LaRue and the Daybreaker Team host an outdoor yoga class at 8 a.m. on the REACH Upper Lawn followed by a dance party at 9 a.m. Both events will emphasize self-expression and unity with others. Participants are encouraged to dress in white to symbolize peace and giveaways will be provided. The Kennedy Center is one of 13 stops of the Peace Tour around the U.S. Note that Daybreaker plans to record the proceedings on video. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Bonnie Raitt – June 1 Get ready for rock and roll royalty at Warner Theatre. Bonnie Raitt will definitely give you something to talk about after this show at one of the most historic venues in DC. The legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist, who’s won 13 Grammy Awards (with the most recent coming in 2022) is considered one of the most accomplished musicians in American history. The night will be filled with classic songs and the relentless charm that Raitt brings to the stage every time. 8 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Capital Brutalism – Opens June 1 The National Building Museum goes deep into what’s up with all those brutalist buildings around DC. Capital Brutalism explores the history, current state and future of seven polarizing buildings and the WMATA Metro system in the District. Check out archival documents, drawings, construction photographs, architectural models and contemporary images that provide context and shed light on the stories of these buildings and what inspired their design. Hours & Admission National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout – June 1 Meant to bring social impact issues to the center stage and encourage participants to explore joy and love as forms of growth and resistance, The Gathering is billed as "a sonic melodic quest” with the American Composers Orchestra and NEWorks Voices of Inspiration. The one-night-only event is sure to leave you reflective and rejuvenated. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Armed Forces Cycling Classic – June 1-2 Now in its 26th year, the Armed Forces Cycling Classic includes two days of closed course biking open to enthusiasts of all abilities. Cyclists can keep it low-key with amateur, non-competitive events like the Challenge Ride and Kids Race or choose to challenge themselves at the Women’s and Men’s Pro/AM Races (including the famous Clarendon Cup). Everyone who completes more than one lap gets a medal. More info Register for the Challenge Ride See HAIR or Where the Mountain Meets the Sea at Signature Theatre – through July 7 Get an up-close musical experience at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va. This summer’s lineup includes the legendary rock musical HAIR (April 16 - July 7) and the new folk musical Where the Mountain Meets the Sea (May 21 - July 7). Since its founding in 1989, Signature has won 90 Helen Hayes Awards for excellence in the DC region's professional theater, so whichever you choose, it is bound to be a memorable experience. More info Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206 RAMMYs Highlight Week for 2024 Cocktail Program of the Year Finalists – June 3-9 Cocktail Program of the Year Finalists for the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) 2024 RAMMY Awards have exciting events and promotions planned for the first week of June. The region’s top cocktail programs will showcase their outstanding in-house offerings, a list that includes Amazonia, Bar Spero, Jane Jane, Silver Lyan and Mercy Me. Rose: You Are Who You Eat – June 5-23 Woolly Mammoth Theatre welcomes you to an entirely different type of feast. The tale of John Jarboe begins with his aunt sharing that he had a twin sister in the womb … whom he ate. As you can imagine, John is a bit taken aback by this, which inspires this musical ode to the consumed twin named – you guessed it – Rose. Expect lots of song, storytelling and hilarious wordplay. Tickets Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 The Washington Ballet Performs at the Plaza at City Center – June 6-8 Experience the renowned Washington Ballet al fresco for one weekend only at CityCenter DC. Programming will include excerpts from ballet classics, plus exciting contemporary works sure to dazzle ballet enthusiasts and passersby alike. Seating is first come, first served. 6:30 p.m. | Free Admission The Plaza at CityCenter, 1098 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005 The Broccoli Ball – June 7 As a precursor to the Broccoli City Festival (July 27-28), The Howard Theatre hosts The Broccoli Ball. Curated by Icon Duante Balenciaga and powered by Baller Alert, the show celebrates Capital Pride with an evening full of Black music past and present along with cash prizes. All ages are welcome. 9 p.m. | Tickets The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Summer Concert Series: Flo Rida – June 7 The Washington Nationals kick off their Summer Concert Series with one of the most popular acts in hip-hop. Flo Rida, a four-time Grammy nominee who’s been certified 42 times platinum, will take the stage at Nationals Park 30 minutes after the team concludes its 6:45 p.m. game against the rival Atlanta Braves. The postgame concert is free with your game ticket. Tickets Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Washington Mystics vs. Indiana Fever – June 7 Tickets for this game have been in high-demand since it was announced. Superstar rookie Caitlyn Clark and the Indiana Fever will come to DC and take on the Mystics. The game was moved to Capital One Arena to accommodate the capacity crowd that is expected to be on-hand. Watch as the Mystics try to contain Clark and take down the Fever in the midst of what should be a fun and raucous atmosphere. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence – June 7 – July 14 Inspired by the incredible Migration Series by Jacob Lawrence (you can see all 60 panels at The Phillips Collection in DC), Step Afrika! uses its innovative style of percussive dance to tell the riveting and heroic story of millions of Black migrants who relocated from the rural South to the industrial North in the early 20th century. The award-winning dance company utilizes the imagery, colors and motifs of the paintings to create a performance filled with stunning movements and drama. Tickets Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Pride Block Party – June 8 Expect entertainment, food and beverages from local vendors, food trucks and restaurants along 17th Street and plenty of good vibes ahead of the Pride Parade later in the day. There’s also two beverage gardens for those ages 21 and over to refresh and watch performers on the Block Party Stage. More info | Free Admission | Book Your Stay 17th Street NW, Washington, DC Capital Pride Parade – June 8 Celebrate with the LGBTQ+ community and its allies at the beloved tradition that honors LGBTQ+ history and acknowledges the evolution of the LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in DC. The event also respects the origins and importance of taking to the streets in the fight for equality. Be prepared to experience one of the largest Pride Parades to ever take place in the nation’s capital. Entry is free and open to the public. More info | Free Admission | Book Your Stay U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team vs. Colombia – June 8 This international friendly match at FedExField in Landover, Md. marks the first time the U.S. Men’s National Team has played in the DMV since 2012. Both teams will be ramping up for the 2024 Copa America, so it’s bound to be an exciting matchup between two rivals. Tickets FedExField, 1600 FedEx Way, Greater Landover, MD 20785 Patti LaBelle + Gladys Knight – June 8 Get two powerhouse vocal performers in one evening with Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Va. The “Godmother” and “Empress” of soul (and also decades-long friends) will perform classics like “Lady Marmalade,” “You Are My Friend,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” and “Every Beat of My Heart.” 8 p.m. | Tickets Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road Vienna, VA 22182 Pride Festival & Concert – June 9 America's Mainstreet, Pennsylvania Avenue, becomes Capital Pride central during the epic festival that lets DC's LGBTQ+ community truly shine. You can enjoy entertainment across three stages, food, beverages and a chance to meet with more than 300 exhibitors, including local and national advocacy groups. Entry is free and open to the public. More info | Free Admission | Book Your Stay Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC Joe Jackson – June 10 Riding the crest of the new wave in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Joe Jackson released some of the most challenging pop music of the era. Not afraid to jump the rock and roll ship altogether and try his hand at jazz, lounge and classical music, Jackson has remained as versatile as any musician in the business across a 40-plus-year career. He’ll begin this performance at the Lincoln Theatre with a solo set of songs from his catalog followed by a performance with Max Champion and a nine-piece band. 8 p.m. | Tickets Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Fresh Talk: Influence and Collecting – June 12 As part of the National Museum of Women in the Arts’ Fresh Talk series, the museum will host a panel of leading curators and collectors to discuss how art moves through the modern market, including acquisition, donation and display. Attendees can learn how women and nonbinary people in these roles can influence the representation of women artists all over the world. A Catalyst Cocktail Hour will follow the panel. 4-6 p.m. | Tickets National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 Aventura – June 12 The iconic King of Bachata, Romeo Santos, reunites with his acclaimed group Aventura for a special tour across the U.S. that fortunately makes a stop at Capital One Arena. The landmark tour will mark the final time that Santos and the group join forces on stage, offering fans a unique opportunity to relive the hits that defined an era of Latin music. 8 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 DC/DOX Film Festival – June 13-16 The new annual DC/DOX Film Festival will take place at theater venues across the District. Make sure to use the discount code DOX2DC for a 15% discount on tickets. Expect four days of visionary documentaries and conversations with the talent behind dozens of innovative and acclaimed works of non-fiction storytelling. Locations include Edlavitch Community Center, Eaton Cinema, MLK Memorial Library, the National Portrait Gallery’s Nan Tucker McEvoy Auditorium, the National Archives and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Tickets Major League Pickleball by Margaritaville – June 13-16 Get ready for four days of pickleball frenzy this June with the MLP's first-ever stop in the DC area. This exciting new addition to the DMV professional sports scene will feature 30+ matches between the world's top pickleball players (including the DC Pickleball Team), as well as festival-style food and drink, music and an amateur tournament. Tickets Washington Tennis and Education East Capitol Campus, 200 Stoddert Place SE, Washington, DC 20019 Collecting Memories – June 13 – Dec. 2025 The Library of Congress opens its new David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery with a brand-new exhibit filled to the brim with fascinating artifacts across its 120 items. Collecting Memories includes Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, a map from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, lyrics from The Sound of Music and much more in its examination of how cultures preserve the past. Hours | Free Admission Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540 Smithsonian Sleepover at the Natural History Museum – June 14 The National Museum of Natural History will provide kids with an unforgettable adventure this June with this Smithsonian Sleepover. They’ll be able to explore the Fossil Hall, learn about Earth’s past, discover aquatic wonders, visit pollinators, learn how to eat like a T-Rex, participate in games and challenges and much more. Ages 8-14 are permitted, and there must be at least one adult chaperone for every five children in any group that registers. No adults without children. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 7 p.m. – 9 a.m. | Tickets National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Argentina vs. Guatemala National Soccer Teams – June 14 Following the USA vs. Colombia match, the defending Copa America and FIFA World Cup champions Argentina will take on Guatemala in an international friendly match at FedExField in Landover, Maryland – a rare chance to see fútbol legend Lionel Messi work his magic! 7:30 p.m. | Tickets FedExField, 1600 FedEx Way, Landover, MD 20785 Don’t Tell Seth! An Evening with the Seth Meyers Writers – June 14-15 Visit the Kennedy Center for a variety show featuring members of the writing staff for Late Night with Seth Meyers, many of which are accomplished performers. Freed from the shackles of network censors, the crew is about to let loose with stand-up, sketches, improv, pre-taped videos and audience interaction. John Lutz and Peter Grosz host. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Tom Papa – June 15 Take in observational comedy of the highest order when you check out Tom Papa live at Warner Theatre. Papa serves up a well-honed act that moves from exasperation to amusement without missing a beat. With more than 25 years of experience and numerous stand-up specials to his name, expect a standout performance. Papa plans to tape the show for a new special. 7 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Pasión y Fuego: The Music of Spain – June 15 Bask in the beauty of Pasión y Fuego, a multi-hyphenate evening showcasing work by Spain's most prominent composers. The Pan American Symphony Orchestra will be joined by an enchanting flamenco interpretation by Maria Juncal and the vocals of Allegra Da Vita, a mezzo-soprano from the Washington National Opera's Cafritz Young Artist Program. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 The Capital CarCoterie car show at CityCenterDC – June 15 Curators of the world-class automotive exhibitions, CarCoterie, host some of the world’s most exciting rare and classic cars in the heart of DC just in time for Father’s Day. A carefully curated display of 25 automobiles that range from vintage to hyper will be showcased throughout CityCenterDC. Attendees will have the opportunity to view these unique automobiles and interact with fellow car enthusiasts. Register The Park at CityCenter DC, 1098 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005 The Matchbox Magic Flute – Through June 16 Shakespeare Theatre Company presents a “matchbox” approach to Mozart’s legendary opera, The Magic Flute. Mary Zimmerman conceived this fresh adaptation that features a cast of 10 and an orchestra of just five players. Audiences will be swept off their feet by the adventures of Prince Tamino and Princess Pamina as they encounter dragons, trials by fire and water, underground corridors and much more. Tickets Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 PORTRAITS by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC – June 16 Catch the world premiere of the latest show from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. The nine-movement performance explores the vibrant spectrum of sexual, gender, racial, ethnic and cultural identities through visual art, music and dance. Each piece has its own unique artist, composer and choreographer. 5 p.m. | Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Metamorphoses – Through June 16 Nominated for a Tony Award when it first launched in 2002, Metamorphoses sets the mythic and modern together to create an unforgettable night of theater. Audiences are treated to the stories of Aphrodite, Midas, Cupid and others in whimsical fashion, showcasing universal truths, both funny and serious. Visionary theater director Psalmayene 24 helms Mary Zimmerman’s masterful script for Folger Theatre. Tickets Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Comedy Bang! Bang! – June 17 Launched in 2009 as a radio show, Comedy Bang! Bang! has become one of the most successful podcasts ever. Hosted by Scott Aukerman, the show dynamically combines improvisation, skits, music and conversation with an ever-rotating cast of some of the best comedians in the world. The show’s latest tour touches down at Warner Theatre for one night only. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Arrival & Activation – June 17, 21-23 For the first time, the nation’s capital will serve as a host port and team partner for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, in which eleven teams must circumnavigate the globe under extreme conditions. Having begun their journeys last September in Portsmouth, UK, the fleet is expected to arrive in DC on June 17. Before the teams traverse the Atlantic Ocean to their next stop, there will be an exciting activation at The Wharf from June 21-23. Check out the Events DC website for more details. More info | Book your stay Ted Leo & The Pharmacists – June 20 DC’s own Ted Leo & The Pharmacists have an epic punk rock history filled to the brim with classic songs and albums. This Thursday night show will see Leo and his cohorts launch into a set that includes the entirety of Shake the Sheets, which was released to great acclaim 20 years ago this year. These hometown legends will not disappoint. 7 p.m. | Tickets 9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 The Soul Rebels with Ghostface Killah & GZA – June 20 Two iconic rappers conquer Howard Theatre with the backing one of the most powerful brass bands in the world. The Soul Rebels, who have collaborated with everyone from Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube to Metallica and Marilyn Manson, bring their awesome eight-piece ensemble to DC with Ghostface Killah and GZA in tow. The two members of Wu-Tang Clan have tag-teamed many a track over the years, so you’re in for a night of breathtaking hip-hop synergy and sound. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 The Hold Steady – June 21-22 As part of its annual Constructive Summer live multi-night weekends, The Hold Steady visit 9:30 Club for three straight nights of musical debauchery (June 20 sold out already). Thousands of shows and nine LPs into their existence, the group remains one of the best live bands around, with lead singer Craig Finn responsible for some of the most memorable one-liners in recent rock history. 7 p.m. | Tickets 9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Folger Shakespeare Library’s New Galleries, Café and Shop – Opens June 21 After a multi-year renovation, there’s a myriad of new ways to explore the world's largest Shakespeare collection: investigate the First Folios, try your hand at setting type, unwind in the scenic gardens, get some reading done in the Great Hall or sip a tea at Quill & Crumb Café. Additionally, the Elizabethan Theatre will reopen its doors for shows and poetry readings, and the learning lab will present opportunities for families to connect with Shakespeare in interactive new formats. More Info Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003 Home Rule Music Festival – June 21-22 & July 20 Now in its second year, the Home Rule Music Festival celebrates the rich music and cultural scene of DC. Events take place across three days over two weekends, with performances at venues spread across the city. Opening Night takes place at Black Cat in DC on June 21 with a day of performances at The Parks at Walter Reed on June 22. Then, on July 20 in partnership with NoMa BID, the festival puts on a show at Alethia Tanner Park. Tickets The Parks at Walter Reed, 1010 Butternut Street, NW, Washington, DC Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way, NW, Washington, DC Fête De La Musique – World Music Day – June 21 Faites la fête at Georgetown's first iteration of the free, live music festival that has been celebrated in France for over 40 years. Listeners can catch R&B, Americana, jazz, bluegrass, spoken word or rock across the fest's locations throughout Georgetown's commercial district and at the French Embassy. More info | Free Admission Bruce Onobrakpeya: The Mask and the Cross – June 21 – Jan. 21, 2025 In 1966, acclaimed Nigerian sculptor and printmaker Bruce Onobrakpeya was petitioned by Catholic priests to interpret the Passion of the Christ, resulting in Fourteen Stations of the Cross, one of his most beloved works. The piece began a long fascination with Christian iconography in Onobrakpeya’s work. Many of his most striking pieces can be seen in this special presentation at the National Museum of African Art. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance – June 21 – April 20, 2025 Guest curated by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hilton Als, the National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibit focuses on one of the most important American writers of the 20th century. James Baldwin beautifully spoke out against injustice throughout his stirring career. He and other queer artists had to keep their sexuality hidden even while speaking up for civil rights. In addition to portraits of Baldwin, the exhibit also highlights many of his contemporaries including Lorraine Hansberry, Barbara Jordan, Bayard Rustin, Essex Hemphill and Marlon Riggs. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 The Church & The Afghan Whigs – June 22 Two bands that emerged in separate decades – but stood out from their contemporaries all the same – visit the Lincoln Theatre as part of a special double-bill tour. The Church has been crafting new-wave art-rock since their inception in 1980; the Australian group released their 26th album earlier this year. The Afghan Whigs railed against the plaid-shirt grunge sound upon emerging in the 1990s, as likely to riff on Marvin Gaye as Black Sabbath. Expect riveting sets from both of these legendary groups. 7:15 p.m. | Tickets Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Out and About Festival feat. Brittany Howard – June 22 Celebrate nature, music and Pride at this year’s Out & About Festival, which highlights LGBTQ+ artists and allies who live out loud. The one-day festival, hosted in America’s only National Park for the Performing Arts, will be headlined by Grammy-winning artist Brittany Howard, beloved by fans as the lead singer and guitarist for Alabama Shakes. Tickets Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road Vienna, VA 22182 Smithsonian Solstice Saturday – June 22 Celebrate the official first Saturday of summer with the Smithsonian. Institutions like the Hirshhorn, the National Zoo, the National Museum of Asian Art and the National Museum of American History will curate special projects and programs, host exciting performances and grant the rare chance to explore the museums into the evening. Attendees can also take part in hands-on activities at the Astronomy Festival, which will take place outside of the Hirshhorn. More Info | Free Admission Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle – June 22-23 Rib roasters and sauce bosses show off their delicious wares during the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle. Dozens of pit masters, local restaurants and live music shut down Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th streets NW for a lively street party. Cooking demos and free tastings make for a delicious (and filling) experience. Tickets start at $20. Tickets Pennsylvania Avenue (between 3rd & 7th Streets NW), Washington, DC Disney in Concert: The Sound of Magic – June 22-23 Let the National Symphony Orchestra whisk you away to the worlds of Peter Pan and Encanto with Disney in Concert. The one-weekend-only, live-to-film concert celebrates the centennial of Walt Disney Animation studios and is sure to have something for every Disney fan. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Jhené Aiko – June 23 Mark your calendar for when an R&B sensation with six Grammy nominations to her name rolls into the nation’s capital. Jhené Aiko embarks on her first headlining tour in five years. She’ll be supported by Coi Leray, Tink, Umi and Kiana Lede. One of their 26 stops is Capital One Arena, which is sure to be rocking for this star-studded crew. 7 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Future Islands – June 23 Blending theatricality and synth-pop like few bands ever have, Future Islands are known for their breathtaking performances and epic songs that also manage to be danceable. Singer Samuel Herring is a show unto himself, contorting his vocals and body to create quite the spectacle on stage. Future Islands’ soaring and powerful catalogue will be well-suited to The Anthem. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Os Mutantes – June 25 It’s time to party at The Black Cat when Os Mutantes comes to town. The Brazilian group was initially founded back in 1966, playing an experimental blend of psychedelic rock, bossa nova and tropicália. After disbanding in 1978, Mutantes reunited in 2006 and have been playing shows ever since. Their influential sound and all-night party vibes can be thoroughly enjoyed at Black Cat. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 The Kite Runner – June 25-30 Khaled Hosseini’s best-selling novel has been brilliantly adapted by playwright Matthew Spangler for this special production at the Kennedy Center. Set in Afghanistan, The Kite Runner concerns two childhood friends torn apart by war, which erupts on the day of their highly anticipated kite-flying tournament. From there, the epic tale stretches across two decades and two continents, revealing the power of forgiveness and friendship. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Funny Girl – June 25 – July 14 The Kennedy Center hosts a sensational Broadway revival of Funny Girl, the story of Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreams of mega-stardom on the stage. Even though she’s told time and again she’ll never succeed, Fanny becomes an iconic Broadway star. Featuring classic songs like “Don’t Rain On My Parade” and “People,” Funny Girl is a timeless love letter to the theater. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Smithsonian Folklife Festival – June 26 – July 1 The free festival salutes different international cultures every year on the National Mall with craft exhibits, live music and cooking demos. The 2024 edition focuses on Indigenous Voices of the Americas and specifically celebrates the National Museum of the American Indian, which turns 20 this year. More info | Free Admission Ramblin’ – June 27-29 Acclaimed contemporary ballet company Chamber Dance Project, led by award-winning choreographer Diane Coburn Bruning, will present its new season at Shakespeare Theare Company's Harman Hall. Ramblin' also features music by The Red Clay Ramblers, a Tony Award-winning group that has mastered bluegrass and old-time string tunes. In total, 12 dancers and 10 musicians will take the stage to take on a stunning repertory. Tickets Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Les Savy Fav – June 28 There’s wearing your heart on your sleeve and then there’s the music of Les Savy Fav. Unabashed and loud while also capable of deep sensitivity, the group is led by titan-of-the-stage Tim Harrington. The lead singer’s performances are legendary. Expect the post-punk group to be particularly fired up as they tour in celebration of the release of their first LP in 14 years. 8 p.m. | Tickets Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Picturing the Presidents: Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes from the National Portrait Gallery’s Collection – June 28 – June 28, 2025 In honor of the upcoming presidential election, the National Portrait Gallery displays daguerreotype and ambrotype portraits of eight commanders-in-chief who held the office in the 19th century. The collection includes a rare ambrotype pin from Abraham Lincoln’s first presidential campaign credited with contributing to Lincoln’s 1860 victory. Visitors can also check out a modern daguerreotype that depicts the 2009 inauguration of President Barack Obama. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 Mike Birbiglia – June 28-30 A graduate of Georgetown University in DC, Mike Birbiglia has gone on to become one of the most intelligent and thought-provoking voices in stand-up comedy. Birbiglia has also proven himself as an improv performer, screenwriter, filmmaker and playwright, a Renaissance man who isn’t afraid to go deep in his material. In a return to his old stomping grounds in DC, Birbiglia will perform three straight nights at the illustrious Warner Theatre. 7 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Washington Mystics vs. Las Vegas Aces – June 29 See DC’s exciting WNBA team in action at the 4,200-seat Entertainment and Sports Arena in Congress Heights. The Mystics will take on Candace Parker, A’ja Wilson and the two-time defending WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces. 2 p.m. | Tickets Entertainment & Sports Arena, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001 Broadway in the Park – June 29 Visit Wolf Trap in Vienna, Va. as the performing arts hub partners with Signature Theatre for the fourth edition of Broadway in the Park. Broadway stars Laura Benanti and Jordan Fisher join Signature performers for a night of renditions of classic songs from My Fair Lady, She Loves Me, Nine, Cabaret, Pippin, In The Heights, Mamma Mia, Dear Evan Hansen and Hamilton. 8 p.m. | Tickets Filene Center at Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182 Lavender Con – June 29-30 Local all-queer independent bookstore Little District Books celebrates LGBTQIA+ authors and stories with Lavender Con, held for the first time at the National Press Club. Authors confirmed to appear include Aaron H. Aceves, Ethan M. Aldrige, Terry Bartlet, Terry Benton-Walker, Diane Billas, Andre Bradley, Ciera Burch and many others. The event will also offer a Queer + Bookish Market featuring a variety of local vendors. More Info | Tickets National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20045 Forensic Science on Trial – June 29 – June 2025 The National Museum of American History explores historic courtroom cases and how forensic science has come to be used in the pursuit of justice. Artifacts from more than 150 years of trials showcase at least 12 forensic science techniques; three items can claim to come from “the trial of the century.” 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Orville Peck – June 30 Sporting an aesthetic and sound unlike any seen before in country music, Orville Peck will be a must-see attraction when his Stampede Tour comes to The Anthem at the end of June. Peck’s signature look – a fringe mask with a cowboy hat and any number of eye-catching outfits – goes perfectly with his cavernous and mysterious take on psychedelic country music. 7 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Bernardí Roig – Through July 7 During the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020, one Spanish artist got to thinking about another, leading to 55 incredible drawings that are on display at The Phillips Collection in DC. While contemplating the difficulties of isolation, Bernardí Roig took to depicting the lost, severed head of Francisco José de Goya, one of the greatest Spanish artists to ever live whose body was discovered headless 60 years after his own death in exile. See these mind-bending creations at one of the coolest museums in the District. Hours & Admission The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Up Close with Paul Cézanne – Through July 14 The Phillips Collection unveils two recently conserved works by French painter Paul Cézanne in an exciting new exhibit. The major paintings, Mont Sainte-Victoire (1886-87) and Self-Portrait (1878-80), are part of the museum’s world-renowned collection by the legendary artist and will be displayed together for the first time in decades along with five other pieces by Cézanne. Learn about the conservation of Mont Sainte-Victoire and Self-Portrait and how it reveals details previously obscured by varnishes while providing insight into the artist’s process. Hours & Admission The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Woven Histories: Textiles and Modern Abstraction – Through July 28 The National Gallery of Art dives deep on the overlap between fashion, design, arts and crafts. Through 160 works including oil paintings, weaving, basketry, knotting and knitting, you can see how textiles have influenced modern artists and movements. The exhibit also showcases moments when social and political issues activated textile production and artmaking with heightened focus and urgency. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024 – Through Aug. 11 Discover how recent global turmoil has impacted and inspired women artists. Works by 28 artists are featured in New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024, offering pieces that explore a range of geographies, cultural viewpoints and perspectives. The exhibit immerses visitors in the National Museum of Women in the Arts’ renewed spaces. It is the seventh and largest installment of the museum’s Women to Watch exhibition series. Hours & Admission National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 Where We Meet – Through Aug. 15 The Howard University Gallery of Art and The Phillips Collection have merged their collections for a special exhibit. Both storied DC institutions have been acquiring art for decades; many of the earliest acquisitions of each are displayed. Works of seminal artists are showcased in a presentation that highlights how the Phillips and Howard have celebrated and provided access to important art throughout the years. Hours & Admission The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 In the Library: Photography and the Book Arts from the 21st Editions Collection – Though Aug. 29 The work of photographers like Sally Mann, Josephine Sacabo, Masao Yamamoto, Adger Cowans and Arthur Tress are arrayed in exquisite form by master printers and paired with texts as diverse as William Shakespeare’s sonnets, the color theories of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and poetry by Keagan LeJeune. The National Gallery of Art’s latest library installation highlights 12 pieces in total, each culled from the last 25 years of 21st Editions publications. Weekdays, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art East Building, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565 Pattern and Paradox: The Quilts of Amish Women – Through Sept. 2 Learn about the fascinating connection between Amish Women and quilting thanks to a new exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Over time, the practice has transcended its utilitarian roots and become a form of artistic expression for Amish Women. Treat your eyes to a wondrous mix of colors and patterns as you marvel at the innovation of extraordinary quilts. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004 Mindbender Mansion – Through Sept. 2 The National Children’s Museum’s Visiting Exhibit Hall is ready to puzzle the whole family this summer. Mindbender Mansion features a variety of brainteasers and interactive challenges that will test even the most experienced problem-solvers. In total, the display offers 11 individual puzzles and three group activities. Tickets National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Forces of Nature: Voices that Shaped Environmentalism – Through Sept. 2 The National Portrait Gallery honors key scientists, politicians, activists, writers and artists who influenced attitudes toward the environment in the U.S. from the late-1800s to the present. Trace the environmentalist movement from turn-of-the-20th-century conservationism to mid-20th-century political actions and the backlash to them. It also addresses the current state of environmental justice, biodiversity and climate. Gaze at more than 25 portraits of figures like Rachel Carson, George Washington Carver, Maya Lin, Henry David Thoreau and Edward O. Wilson. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds – Through Sept. 8 ARTECHOUSE welcomes visitors to its seventh annual installation dedicated to celebrating the beauty of the cherry blossoms in DC. The museum treats your eyes to an exhibit inspired by the Isekai genre of Anime, allowing for the exploration of alternate universes stacked with colors, adventures and immersive technologies. Plus, discover Gachapons hidden throughout the exhibit to win prizes from local businesses or snag a book from the 'Isekai Library'. Make sure to take advantage of tickets with a 10% discount. Tickets (10% off) ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024 Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice – Through Sept. 10 In the mid-1940s, William H. Johnson painted his Fighters for Freedom series to honor Black activists, scientists, teachers, performers and international heads of state working to bring peace to the world. Johnson celebrated these figures – some very famous, others unsung – while acknowledging the racism, violence and oppression each one fought against. The exhibit showcases many of these paintings, including Johnson’s portraits of Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, Mahatma Gandhi and Marian Anderson, elevating stories that are still relevant to the struggle for social justice today. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004 Reckoning with Remembrance: History, Injustice and the Murder of Emmett Till – Through Sept. 15 Fourteen-year-old Chicago native Emmett Till was brutally lynched in Mississippi in 1955; his mother insisted on an open-casket funeral in his hometown. The saga made national news and eventually led to the founding of the Emmett Till Memorial Commission in 2008, which erected nine historical markers to honor the youth. Since then, these markers have been stolen, riddled with bullets or chucked into a river. The National Museum of American History displays a desecrated marker as a reminder of the violent legacy of racism that continues to thrive in America today as part of a new exhibit. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Sewn in America: Making, Meaning, Memory – Through Dec. 31 The DAR Museum presents a groundbreaking exhibit featuring sewn items from every textile section of its collections including clothing, household items, needlework and quilts. Sewn in America examines how the activity shaped gender roles, from the homestead to professions like dressmaking, tailoring and factory work. Pieces from the 18th century to today will be juxtaposed to show how women of diverse backgrounds have used needles to express emotions and battle injustice. Hours | Free Admission DAR Museum, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006 Star Power: Photographs from Hollywood’s Golden Age by George Hurrell – Through Jan. 5, 2025 Hollywood’s premiere photographer during the onset of the studio system, George Hurrell set the template for how to capture the brightest stars of the cinematic universe. As MGM’s in-house portraitist and in his own studio, Hurrell used lighting expertise and the sharpest of eyes to create glamorous images of Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy and many, many more. The National Portrait Gallery displays many of these Golden Era photographs in the new exhibit. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900-1939 – Through Feb. 23, 2025 Be amazed by sixty defiant women who made the courageous decision to cross the Atlantic Ocean to pursue their artistic dreams immersed in the majesty of Paris and its dynamic cultural scene. Brilliant Exiles marks the first exhibition to focus on the impact of American women on Paris – and of Paris on American women – from 1900 to the outbreak of the second World War. You can gaze at portraits of icons such as Josephine Baker, Isadora Duncan, Zelda Fitzgerald, Loïs Mailou Jones, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Anaïs Nin, Gertrude Stein, Ethel Waters and Anna May Wong. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 Frank Lloyd Wright’s Southwestern Pennsylvania – Through March 17, 2025 The National Building Museum exhibits both realized and unrealized projects that the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed for the region of Southwestern Pennsylvania from the 1930s through the 1950s. The display examines how Wright’s vision of the future could have impacted urban, suburban and rural landscapes. Also, animated films created by Skyline Ink Animators + Illustrators provide a first-time virtual exploration of five unrealized projects. Hours & Admission National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Revolutions: Art from the Hirshhorn Collection, 1860-1960 – Through April 20, 2025 This year, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden brings you one exciting event after another in celebration of their 50th anniversary. The museum's latest exhibit features works from more than 120 artists, so we suggest giving yourself plenty of time to soak up all the wonder. The revolutionary installation offers well-known masterpieces alongside contemporary creations from a wide range of artists including Francis Bacon, Jean Dubuffet, Lee Krasner, Wifredo Lam, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jackson Pollock. 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Free admission Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560 Bond In Motion – Through April 2025 Across more than six decades of films, James Bond has become the on-screen embodiment of spies for millions. The International Spy Museum pays homage to the fictional character, along with his allies and adversaries, with a breathtaking display of iconic vehicles from the movies. In total, visitors can fix their eyes on 17 pieces, including cars, motorcycles, submarines and even more from the Q Branch Garage. Hours & Admission International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024 Do Ho Suh: Public Figures – Through April 29, 2029 South Korean artist Do Ho Suh has created a special edition of his work Public Figures for installation at the very front of the National Museum of Asian Art, signifying the next phase of the museum. Suh was commissioned for the project thanks to his outstanding international reputation. He was one of the earliest contemporary artists featured at the museum and this new sculpture will be the first installed outside the Freer Gallery of Art in more than 30 years. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Zen and the Open Road – Ongoing In honor of the 50th anniversary of the publication of Robert M. Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, the National Museum of American History places the writer’s 1966 Honda Super Hawk motorcycle in a temporary display within the permanent America on the Move exhibit. Encounter Pirsig’s stories related to riding, writing and sailing and check out cool artifacts such as his typewriter, a manuscript of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and a recently attributed book on the 14th century bubonic plague. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Places to Stay Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!

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

Things to Do October 2024 in Washington, DC

Celebrate Oktoberfest in the District Beginning in mid-September and extending into October, DC beer enthusiasts break out their lederhosen and dirndls to observe Oktoberfest with German beer, bites and live music. Locations across the city will participate, including a few annually recurring favorites: Bluejacket serves weissbiers, schwarzbiers and helles lagers from the keg, Wunder Garten hosts its Pridetoberfest LGBTQ+ party and The Wharf goes all out the weekend of October 5, with Polka on the Pier, a Stein Hosting Competition and the thrilling Dachshund Dash. Honor Hispanic Heritage Month in the District – Through Oct. 15 Washington, DC's vibrant culture is deeply rooted in its Hispanic and Latin American community and during Hispanic Heritage Month, it's even easier to celebrate, learn and immerse yourself. Sample pupusas to paellas at these Latin-owned restaurants. Take your pick of social salsa dancing, empanada-making classes and other activities at Union Market's La Cosecha. Catch performances at FiestaDC's festival and parade (Sept. 28-29). Secure tickets to a heritage night game with DC United (Sept. 16), the Nats (Sept. 28), the Washington Spirit (Oct. 13) or the Capitals (Oct. 15). Attend an interactive Hispanic Heritage Month event at a Smithsonian museum or brush up on your history with a visit to ¡Presente! A Latino History of the U.S., the first completed installation of the National Museum of the American Latino, located within the National Museum of American History. Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise The U.S. Botanic Garden invites you to see the ferocious side of flora and fauna at its special new exhibit. Many plants have evolved defenses against infection, herbivores and their plant competition. The multisensory display will showcase this evolution and also pinpoint how these plants can be both harmful and helpful to humans. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001 Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean ARTECHOUSE and the Woods Holde Oceanographic Institution have collaborated to highlight an awe-inspiring nightly migration of ocean twilight zone creatures and their intricate connections to the planet’s health, including their contributions to the regulation of the earth’s climate. The groundbreaking exhibition offers a 24-minute cinematic journey with immersive 270-degree projections that span from floor to wall, complemented by six interactive installations and six XR activations. Tickets ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20002 Clue – Through Oct. 6 See the classic Hasbro board game come to life on stage at the Kennedy Center. Based on the 1985 feature film, this unrivaled and interactive whodunit is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Mister Lincoln – Through Oct. 13 Scott Bakula (pictured above) stars as Abraham Lincoln in Ford’s Theatre’s new production, a one-man show sure to captivate audiences as they’re immersed in the life of one of America’s most iconic leaders. Learn about Lincoln’s personal life as well as his advocacy and bravery in guiding the United States through the Civil War. Tickets Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Theatre Week – Sept. 26 – Oct. 13 Celebrate the theatre season in the Washington, DC region with a weeks-long promotion from TheatreWashington which includes $20, $40 and $60 tickets to highly anticipated productions at venues all over the DMV area. There are musicals, dramas, comedies, theatre for young audiences and much more. In addition to discounted tickets, Theatre Week also includes special events (most of which are free) designed to entertain, educate and inspire, including the free Kickoff Fest. Plan your stay: Book a hotel today. Spirit & Strength: Modern Art from Haiti – Sept. 29 – March 9, 2025 The world’s first Black republic flourished with creativity in the mid-1900s thanks to seminal painters like Hector Hyppolite, Rigaud Benoît and Philomé Obin. Their images and depictions of Haitian daily life, religious traditions and history influenced generations of artists. The National Gallery of Art’s exhibit offers the first chance to see 21 works by Haitian artists as well as contemporary pieces that build on their illuminative legacy. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC OSGEMEOS: Endless Story – Sept. 29 – July 6, 2025 Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo are the identical twin brothers that comprise OSGEMEOS, which is Portuguese for “the twins.” The Hirshhorn Museum presents the first U.S. survey and the largest American exhibition of work by the duo to date. In total, the full-floor exhibit features roughly 1,000 artworks, photos and archival materials that detail OSGEMEOS’ unique artistic voice that combines heritage, urban art, graffiti and magical elements. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560 Babbitt – Oct. 1 – Nov. 3 Star of the big screen for decades and two-time Tony winner Matthew Broderick makes his Shakespeare Theatre Company debut with this momentous adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’ beloved novel. Broderick takes on the role of George F. Babbitt, a middle-class American everyman whose life suddenly turns upside down. Tickets Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Romeo and Juliet – Oct. 1 – Nov. 10 Shakespeare’s timeless story of star-crossed lovers is also a story of the politics of warring families and the violence that consumes them. When all the systems meant to protect and guide a pair of young lovers—familial, religious, and governmental—fail them, can they find a way to safeguard their future despite the chaos around them? Tickets Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Nada Surf – Oct. 2 With more than 20 years of music in their rearview and plenty more to come, Nada Surf are officially rock lifers. The New York City-based group has a decidedly Californian vibe, but their music is constantly evolving and mutating. Their 2003 album, Let Go, is a seminal indie rock LP of the early aughts, and the group has been releasing a steady stream of acclaimed music since. The Atlantis hosts the group for what will be a packed late show (an earlier show sold out). 9 p.m. | Tickets The Atlantis, 2047 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Chromeo & The Midnight – Oct. 3 Vibe out on a Thursday night at The Anthem when two of the smoothest modern pop acts perform on the same bill. Chromeo’s electro-funk and the deep, synth-heavy nostalgia of The Midnight makes for a musical evening filled with dance moves and stellar grooves. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Architecture Cruise with DC Design Tours – Oct. 4, 11, 18 & 25 An expert on architecture will guide you through this new offering from DC Design Tours. Cast off from Georgetown along with the professional crew of Capitol River Cruises and head south on the Potomac as live commentary adds to your views of architectural gems like the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Arlington Memorial Bridge, the Watergate Hotel, Arlington National Cemetery and the Kennedy Center. Lesser known landmarks like the Lyndon Baines Johnson Grove and the Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial will also be showcased. Reserve Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour – Oct. 4-6 George Washington’s Mount Vernon is at its scenic best when fall rolls around, so it’s fitting that the historic estate hosts this special celebration of wine followed by a sunset tour of the property. Bring along a blanket, chill out on the east lawn and sample Virginia wines with views of the Potomac River. Fruit and cheese boxes to accompany your wine are available for purchase in advance. Tickets George Washington's Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 2212 Oktoberfest at The Wharf – Oct. 5 One of DC’s most popular gathering places offers a day filled with Oktoberfest-themed activities free of charge. On Oct. 5, The Wharf welcomes you to don your dirndl or lederhosen and enjoy the Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash, a stein-hoisting championship and polka on the pier, which includes a free polka dance class on Transit Pier. More Information | Free Admission The Wharf, 760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024 BBQ & Barrels – Oct. 5 A popular event returns to Nationals Park for one day only. BBQ & Barrels fuses barbecue and whiskey, bourbon and rye to create an evening packed with flavor. Live music by Uncle Jesse will soundtrack your excursion through food by Rockland, DCity Smokehouse, Due South and Sons Barbecue; you can expect drink tastings from Bardstown Bourbon, Weller, Virginia Distillery, Kentucky Owl, Blue Run and many others. Tickets Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 SOFI TUKKER – The BREAD Tour – Oct. 5 Grammy-nominated duo Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern bring their infectious, energetic dance music to The Anthem. Their newest album BREAD blends house, Brazilian funk, drum and bass, bossa nova, pop and Portuguese poetry to create an entirely unique kind of fun. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC, 20024 DC Coffee Festival – Oct. 5-6 Savor the creations of dozens of the District’s top coffee roasters at the second annual DC Coffee Festival. This year, there will be two days of festivities, with coffee roasters, tea brewers and live music filling the warehouse at Dock 5. All coffee samples are included with your ticket and additional snacks are available for purchase if you need a little something extra to ward off the jitters. Tickets Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Off the Mall Tours: History of Jewish Washington Walking Tour in Honor of Rosh Hashanah – Oct. 6 Who was the first U.S. president to visit a DC synagogue while in office and why did he donate $10? Why did the first synagogue built in DC have wheels? Which historic synagogue was saved at the last minute from turning into a nightclub? Ami Greener, a talented guide who has been leading Hebrew tours of the District since 2016, will share not only the answers to these questions but many more stories of Jewish Washingtonians and their impact on the city. The tour wraps up at the Capital Jewish Museum. 10 a.m. | Tickets Literary Hill BookFest – Oct. 6 Free and open to the public, the Literary Hill BookFest at Eastern Market celebrates the exuberant literary culture of the Capitol Hill neighborhood and DC at-large. Attendees can expect to meet an array of authors and enjoy panel discussions, book signings, family-friendly activities, a Children’s Corner, poetry readings and a lot more. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Free Admission North Hall of Eastern Market, 225 7th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Johnny Marr & James – Oct. 6 Two colossal acts of the last 40 years of Brit-rock collide at DC’s Warner Theatre. As lead guitarist for The Smiths – one of England’s biggest exports of the 1980s – Johnny Marr helped create some of the most memorable rock songs in history, his jangly sound becoming a signature. James have released a string of acclaimed LPs since emerging as a popular supporting band of The Smiths on the live music circuit in Britain. Things have a way of coming full circle, don’t they? 7:30 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 The ‘70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography – Oct. 6 – April 6, 2025 Across a wondrous collection of roughly 100 works by more than 80 artists, the National Gallery of Art gives visitors a chance to explore the dramatic shift in documentary photography that played out during the turmoil-filled decade of the 1970s. As Americans faced the Watergate scandal, inflation, energy crises and a host of other developments, documentary photographers shifted their collective perspective, leading to brilliant images that depict vibrant communities, suburban sprawl, conceptual art, nature and much more. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC Aerosmith – Oct. 8 With a string of hits that stretches across decades – “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion,” “Walk This Way,” “I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing,” “Crazy” and many, many more – Aerosmith has become the best-selling American hard rock band of all-time. The legendary group’s farewell tour thankfully touches down at DC’s Capital One Arena. The Black Crowes will serve as the opener. 7 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 National Gallery Nights: Día de los Muertos Celebration – Oct. 10 Experience the cultural fusion of Mexican and Indigenous traditions in the National Gallery of Art's celebration of Día de los Muertos. The 4th Street Plaza will host a performance by East Los Angeles’s Las Cafeteras, who use Afro-Mexican rhythms to create magical and unforgettable songs. Over in the East Building, you can dance to the sounds of DJ Pedro Night and explore folk arts and craft techniques. Plus, discover works by Latinx artists in the galleries as the museum honors Hispanic Heritage month. 6-9 p.m. | Register National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC The Lemon Twigs – Oct. 10 Looking like they were transported to 2024 from 1974, The Lemon Twigs build on their distinctive look with a retro sound specific to their brotherly synergy. Michael and Brian D’Addario have been releasing music since their teens, so their chops are much more honed than you’d expect from two guys in their mid-20s. DC’s newest music venue, The Atlantis, welcomes the buzzworthy duo. 6:30 p.m. | Tickets The Atlantis, 2047 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Whitney Cummings – Oct. 11 Having recently welcomed her first child into the world, Whitney Cummings have some insights to share on her Big Baby tour, which hits the Warner Theatre for one night only. Cummings is a native of DC, so expect a lively hometown crowd for the illustrious comedian who has rocked audiences across the country with her acclaimed stand-up. Cummings also co-created and wrote the smash-hit TV show 2 Broke Girls and has seven specials to her name. 8 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – Oct. 11-20
 In this Tony Award®–winning and interactive musical comedy by Rachel Sheinkin, six mid-pubescents compete to be top speller, sharing stories that are just as hilarious as they are poignant as they go. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Snallygaster – Oct. 12 Beast out with craft brews and ciders on Pennsylvania Avenue thanks to Snallygaster. Named after a mythical creature, the festival roars with a hefty lineup of 450 brews selected by Greg Engert, one of the city’s leading beer connoisseurs, including countless new breweries and rare beers. Festivalgoers can also expect two stages with live music, a makers' market by Shop Made in DC, a kids' zone and a selection of ciders, wines and cocktails. Attendees must be 21 or older. 12-6 p.m. | Tickets Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets NW, Washington, DC Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s final tour of the U.S. – Oct. 12-17 Famed French diplomat Marquis de Lafayette arrived in Washington, DC for the first time during his year-long farewell tour of the U.S. on Oct. 12, 1824. He was greeted with parades and fireworks that honored his contributions to the founding of the nation. Now, 200 years later, many of the locations that hosted him back then are ready to celebrate him again. Off the Mall Tours' French Connections walking tour (Oct. 12) explores Lafayette Square and the surrounding area, which is steeped in French influence and history. Anderson House will host a special anniversary event for guests to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and exclusive access to their ongoing exhibit, Fete Lafayette: A French Hero’s Tour of the American Republic (Oct. 13). George Washington’s Mount Vernon hosts a lunch with historian Elizabeth Reese (Marquis de Lafayette Returns: A Tour of America's National Capital Region), a reenactment of Lafayette's historic visit to the Old Tomb and a special wreath-laying ceremony at Washington's Tomb (Oct. 17). 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 Jaja’s African Hair Braiding – Through Oct. 13 Assimilation, cultural identity and the pursuit of the American dream are all front-and-center in this fascinating production that was nominated for five Tony Awards. Set in Harlem at a bustling hair braiding salon, the play zooms in on the lives of six women (and others) to present a spellbinding portrait of the African immigrant experience in the U.S. Tickets Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Justin Timberlake: The Forget Tomorrow World Tour – Oct. 13 After an overwhelming response to the release of his first set of tour dates, ten-time Grammy-winning legend Justin Timberlake plans to perform worldwide hits like "Mirrors" and new releases like "Selfish" for even more fans – including those in the DMV. Titled the "Prince of Pop," Timberlake's staying power is often credited to his talented as not just a vocalist but as a stage performer, making this a can't-miss show. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Army Ten-Miler – Oct. 13 Now in its 40th year, the Army’s annual Army Ten-Mile Race and Expo attracts over 35,000 runners and 900 teams from around the world to celebrate the spirit of sport. Military, civilians, wheel chair athletes and wounded warrior athletes are able to participate and all are encouraged to cheer them on. Register 850 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA and 955 15th Street South, Arlington, VA The The – Oct. 14 Performing as The The since 1979, Matt Johnson has created uncompromising music across an array of genres, first emerging as part of the post-punk/new wave boom of the early 1980s. The The’s most popular release has the perfect title: Soul Mining, which dropped in 1983 to wide acclaim and featured Johnson’s most popular composition, “This Is The Day.” Over more than four decades, Johnson’s lyrics have continued to mine the soul while touching on the personal and the political. The Anthem hosts Johnson as part of The The’s tour supporting its first LP release in 25 years. 8:30 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Yard Act – Oct. 15 After their post-punk debut nearly topped the charts in Britain and received a Mercury Prize nomination, the stakes could not have been higher for Yard Act’s follow-up. The band hit it out of the park with Where’s My Utopia, building on the previous LP’s success with Afrobeat sounds and Italian disco influences. Black Cat hosts the exciting quartet. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Mean Girls – Oct. 15-20 The "plastics" are back: Broadway hit Mean Girls makes an electric return the city where it first premiered. The creative team consists of award-winning all-stars like Tina Fey, composer Jeff Richmond ("The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and original director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw (Book of Mormon). More Info | Tickets National Theatre DC, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Drive-By Truckers – Oct. 16 Road warriors since the band formed in 1996, Drive-By Truckers have carried the torch of Southern rock for three decades. The group has built a dedicated following through lineup changes and 14 studio albums, slinging their bar-band/hard rock/alt-country mix to adoring audiences all over the country. The Warner Theatre hosts these modern legends, who, as you may guess, feature a roaring live show filled with guitar solos and Southern flair. They will play their classic LP, Southern Rock Opera, in its entirety. 8 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Homeshake – Oct. 17 Once a member of Mac DeMarco’s live band, Ontario-based musician Peter Sagar began his Homeshake project in 2014. Now a decade in, Sagar’s music has become synonymous with chill-out vibes; his bedroom pop is dreamy, ethereal and asks very little of the listener. With Homeshake’s latest LP, Horsies, set to drop June 28, Sagar embarks on a North American tour that includes a stop at DC’s Black Cat. 7 p.m. | Tickets Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 The Magnetic Fields – Oct. 17-20 Led by singer/songwriter Stephin Merritt, Magnetic Fields are one of the most ambitious groups in pop history. Back in 1999, the group received critical acclaim for the expansive 69 Love Songs, a masterpiece that celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The inventive Merritt brings his band to The Lincoln Theatre for a four-night extravaganza to celebrate the classic LP. Tickets Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 William Gropper: Artist of the People – Oct. 17 – Jan. 5, 2025 The Phillips Collection presents DC’s first exhibit dedicated to William Gropper, a social realist whose art addressed mid-20th century political issues with feverish satire and brutal honesty. The son of poor immigrants from Romania and Ukraine, Gropper provided searing commentary on anarchy, labor, democracy, freedom and human rights across thousands of published illustrations, more than 30 of which will be on display at the Phillips. Hours & Admission The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Air – Oct. 18 Called “the makeout album of the decade” by Pitchfork, Air’s 1998 debut Moon Safari turned the French electronica duo into an overnight sensation. Air has been playing the LP in its entirety onstage during a seven-month world tour that visits DC during its final leg. The Anthem’s wondrous soundscapes will be ideal for the band’s space-age dance music. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 DC Wine Fest – Oct. 19 Following up the popular DC Coffee Fest at Dock5 is the DC Wine Fest – Fall Edition. 30+ premium wine tastings are included with admission, plus for-purchase options like snacks and discounted vinos, so you can take your time milling about the vendors and enjoying live music. Tickets Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 The Other Americans – Oct. 18 – Nov. 24 Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian and producer John Leguizamo is the mastermind behind this compelling drama that will make its world debut at Arena Stage. Leguizamo plays Nelson Castro, a Colombian American laundromat owner in Queens who is dealing with a failing business. When his son, Nick, returns from a mental wellness facility after a traumatic incident, Nelson must reckon with his past, protect his family and attempt to preserve the future. Tickets Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Felix Gonzalez-Torres: Always to Return – Oct. 18 – July 6, 2025 The National Portrait Gallery and the Archives of American Art present an exhibition that goes in-depth on artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres’ engagement with portraiture, identity and history. Gonzalez-Torres’ groundbreaking work revolutionized the artform, elevating the notion of what a portrait could be. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004 D.C. United vs. Charlotte FC – Oct. 19 Four-time MLS Cup winner D.C. United plays its last home game of the season. Don't miss the chance to see an action-packed game at one of DC's newest stadiums. 6 p.m. | Tickets Audi Field, 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC 2002 Fall Harvest Festival – Oct. 19-20 Experience what harvest season looked like in the 18th century with activities and demonstrations at the Farm at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Navigate the corn maze, sample fresh breads or farm products and witness centuries-old techniques for wheat treading, cooking, candle-making, spinning, textile-making and horseshoeing. Tickets George Washington's Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 2212 Turkish Festival – Oct. 20 Honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Turkish Republic, the community-organized Turkish Festival will fill Pennsylvania Avenue with special art and photo exhibits, folk dancers and concerts ranging from Turkish rock to folk (including award-winning artist Demir Demirkan). There will also be Turkish coffee and tea demos and a bazaar touting food and artisanal goods. More Info | Free Admission Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd Street and 6th Street Black the Block – Oct. 20 The vibrant festival comes to DC during Howard University's Homecoming weekend. The Nationals Park Field Plaza will become Black the Block, showcasing 100 Black-owned businesses as well as food, drinks, music, special guests, Walmart’s Black & Unlimited Shoutout, AT&T Dream in Black and many more can't-miss experiences. Tickets Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Washington Spirit vs. Chicago Red Stars – Oct. 20 Catch the Spirit's last home game of the season at Audi Field. The 2021 NWSL champion touts a talented roster, including 2023 World Cup selections Andi Sullivan, Aubrey Kingsbury and Trinity Rodman. 5 p.m. | Tickets Audi Field, 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC 20002 Primary Trust – Through Oct. 20 Winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize and a highly acclaimed New York Times Critic’s Pick, Primary Trust makes its DC-area premiere thanks to Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va. Kenneth is a frequent patron of Wally’s Tiki Bar until a job loss prompts him to re-examine the past. Funny and emotional in equal measure, Primary Trust is not to be missed this fall. Tickets Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206 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 and Día de los Muertos in the District. Dehd – Oct. 23 The Chicago trio are ready to melt some faces for this show at DC’s Howard Theatre. Dehd just released their sixth LP, which offers some of the most compelling and compulsive tracks of their career thus far. Expect it to be rowdy inside one of DC’s coolest music venues. 8 p.m. | Tickets Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 American Football – Oct. 24-25 Considered one of the great emo-rock groups, American Football emerged from the ashes of several earlier bands to become an entirely new beast upon their formation in 1997. The Midwest foursome released a self-titled debut LP in 1999 that has become one of the most revered albums of its era; it was named one of the 100 best albums of the ‘90s by Pitchfork in 2022. After splitting in 2000, American Football reunited in 2014 and haven’t looked back since, putting out two new (also self-titled) albums and touring extensively. The Howard Theatre hosts them on consecutive nights. 8 p.m. | Tickets Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 when WE take flight – Oct. 24-27 Featuring the music of Stravinsky and choreography by George Balanchine, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano and Edward Liang, when WE take flight is a stunning showcase of the dynamic range and skill of The Washington Ballet company dancers. Warner Theatre audiences will be treated to a brilliantly crafted combination of classical music, mambo rhythms, collective movement, neo-classical style and gorgeous choreography. Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 The Life and Music of George Michael – Oct. 25 Few pop stars in history have scaled the global heights of George Michael, from his emergence as part of WHAM! to a decades-long solo career packed with unforgettable songs and moments. Attendees of this epic, one-night-only show at The National Theatre are sure to be dancing in the aisles as they experience Michael’s music like never before, from “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” to “Careless Whisper” to “Freedom” to “Faith” and many, many more. 8 p.m. | Tickets The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 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 Joe Pera – Oct. 26 Entirely idiosyncratic in his approach to stand-up comedy – and comedy in general – Joe Pera is an act not to be missed when he visits Lincoln Theatre. Best known for his widely acclaimed show on Adult Swim, Joe Pera Talks With You, the performer’s mild-mannered and subdued act makes up for its lack of energy with a bevy of wit and hilarity. A first show sold out so a late show was added to accommodate demand. 10 p.m. | Tickets Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Gods & Mortals: A Celebration of Wagner – Oct. 26 The Kennedy Center hosts a collection of musical talent that will celebrate and honor one of the most iconic and innovative composers in history, Richard Wagner. A series of video projections and staged selections will highlight the evening, pointing to the ground broken by Wagner with performances of some of his most essential works. 7 p.m. | Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Home Rule Music Festival – Oct. 26 The second annual Home Rule Music Festival celebrates the rich musical and cultural scene of DC. The fun continues in late October in partnership with NoMa BID when the festival puts on a show at Alethia Tanner Park. Expect a variety of locally based performers across a full day of concerts. Tickets Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, DC 20002 Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon – Oct. 26 George Washington’s former estate welcomes the entire family to enjoy Halloween fun. Festivities include candy-collecting in special Mount Vernon treat bags, a costume parade, Halloween-themed Punch & Judy shows, an 18th-century baking demonstration, a straw bale selfie station, musical entertainment and much more. 2-6 p.m. | Tickets George Washington's Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121 Día de los Muertos at the National Museum of the American Indian – Oct. 27 With Halloween just around the corner, don’t forget about Día de los Muertos (translation: “Day of the Dead”), a Mexican tradition of honoring past ancestors that features lavish celebrations. The National Museum of the American Indian hosts a free, day-long event in observance of the holiday. Visitors can take in dance performances, enjoy artist and food demos, participate in coloring activities and mask-making, learn about fascinating Mexican traditions, leave photos and mementos to their loved ones and much more. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 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 An Epic of Kings: The Great Mongol Shahnama – Sept. 21 – Jan. 5, 2025 One of the most celebrated medieval Persian manuscripts – considered the national epic of Iran as it covers the beginning of time through the 7th century – informs a new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art. The Great Mongol Shahnama (now dismantled) includes stories and illustrations; the exhibit offers a rare opportunity to view 25 folios from the manuscript alongside contemporaneous works from China, the Mediterranean and the Latin West. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women – Through Jan. 5, 2025 Encounter an alternative history of American art through 33 pieces that showcase the mastery and subversion of essential materials including cotton, wool, polyester and silk. The Renwick Gallery exhibit offers pieces as diverse as the collection of women artists who made them, also unveiling insights into their creative processes through sketches, photos, mail art and more. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Renwick Gallery, 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006 Imprints in Time – Through Jan. 5, 2025 The recently renovated and reopened Folger Shakespeare Library offers a special exhibition filled with objects rarely displayed to the public. Visitors can go on a journey through time and space, from the tombs of ancient Egypt all the way to the surface of the Moon. Stuart and Mimi Rose’s collection of manuscripts and books informs a momentous survey of human history, knowledge and creativity. Hours | Free Admission Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Suchitra Mattai: Myth from Matter – Through Jan. 12, 2025 The National Museum of Women in the Arts hosts the first solo exhibition in DC dedicated to the work of Suchitra Mattai, who explores themes of history, heritage and identity across her multidisciplinary work. The Indo-Caribbean artist examines mythology, personal narratives and colonial history through the lens of women and people of color, especially those from Southeast Asia. Visitors will see large-scale textile installations, paintings, collages and sculptures, as well as related pieces from Europe and Southeast Asia. The exhibit will be celebrated during the museum's NMWA Night on Oct. 16. Hours & Admission National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 Gordon Parks: Camera Portraits from the Corcoran Collection – Through Jan. 12, 2025 The National Gallery of Art honors one of the best set of eyes in American history with a 25-portrait exhibition. Gordon Parks revolutionized photography in post-World War II America, situating his subjects in their environment while also paying close attention to their expression, character and dress. You can see images of Muhammad Ali and Leonard Bernstein alongside shots of a Harlem gang leader and a Detroit couple in this moving tribute that features some of Parks’ most beloved photographs. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment – Through Jan. 19, 2025 Discover the origins of one of the most important art movements in history thanks to a new exhibit at the National Gallery of Art. The museum is replicating a legendary exhibit from Paris in 1874 that helped bring about the dawn of Impressionism. In the display, you will be able to view beloved paintings by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissaro and many more. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC In the Library: Life in the Impressionists’ Paris – Through Jan. 20, 2025 A companion piece to Paris 1874, the National Gallery of Art displays dozens of photographs and prints in its Library Atrium. The exhibit provides insight and context for the great late 19th-century Impressionist works as the images illuminate a society changing rapidly thanks to industrialization, widespread military clashes, new technologies and the redefinition of urban spaces. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC, 1900-2000 – Through March 2, 2025 The Anacostia Community Museum sheds light on fascinating local history with an exhibit featuring captivating original artworks, rare video footage and can't-miss artifacts including Alma Thomas’s paintbrushes and watercolor paint set, an early 20th-century lifelike marionette that William Buckner made with his local high school students, original Elizabeth Catlett prints that once hung in the halls of her DC high school and Sam Gilliam pieces from his tenure as a teacher at McKinley Technical High School. Experience the influence, power and creativity of the Black artist-educators who empowered generations of DC students. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, DC 20020 This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance – Through April 20, 2025 Guest curated by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hilton Als, the National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibit focuses on one of the most important American writers of the 20th century. James Baldwin beautifully spoke out against injustice throughout his stirring career. He and other queer artists had to keep their sexuality hidden even while speaking up for civil rights. In addition to portraits of Baldwin, the exhibit also highlights many of his contemporaries including Lorraine Hansberry, Barbara Jordan, Bayard Rustin, Essex Hemphill and Marlon Riggs. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 Bond In Motion – Through April 2025 Across more than six decades of films, James Bond has become the on-screen embodiment of spies for millions. The International Spy Museum pays homage to the fictional character, along with his allies and adversaries, with a breathtaking display of iconic vehicles from the movies. In total, visitors can fix their eyes on 17 pieces, including cars, motorcycles, submarines and even more from the Q Branch Garage. Hours & Admission International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024 Tuan Andrew Nguyen: The Island – Through May 4, 2025 In his DC debut, Tuan Andrew Nguyen presents his video work The Island (2017) alongside the sculpted headdress Bidong Spirit I, which was created specifically for the film. Both works were inspired by and reference the Malaysian island of Pulau Bidong, a landing place for Vietnamese escaping by boat after South Vietnam’s collapse in 1975. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004 Sublime Light: Tapestry Art of DY Begay – Through Summer 2025 In honor of one of the great fiber artists, the National Museum of the American Indian showcases 48 works by DY Begay. Across these dozens of tapestries, Begay explores her homeland and heritage through a divine sense of color, stirring innovation and sharp eye for design. Her pieces effectively illustrate a non-Western way of being to contemporary audiences. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Collecting Memories – Through Dec. 2025 The Library of Congress opens its new David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery with a brand-new exhibit filled to the brim with fascinating artifacts across its 120 items. Collecting Memories includes Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, a map from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, lyrics from The Sound of Music and much more in its examination of how cultures preserve the past. Hours | Free Admission Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540 Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains – Through Jan. 20, 2026 The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates narrative art among Native nations of the Great Plains with an exciting new exhibition. You'll see historical works alongside contemporary commissions, from battle records to ledger books to pop culture takes. More info | Free Admission National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Ruffled Feathers: Creating Whistler’s Peacock Room – Through Jan. 31, 2027 One of the most famous rooms in the nation’s capital receives a full in-depth investigation thanks to a new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art. The Peacock Room is the museum’s calling card, and this display will be located right next door. The creation of James McNeill Whistler was originally meant for the London home of British businessman Frederick Leyland. Its origin story and tangled history is detailed through paintings, works on paper, decorative art and additional ephemera. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Forces for Change: Mary McLeod Bethune and Black Women’s Activism – Ongoing Explore the powerful societal impact of local hero, educator and reformer Mary McLeod Bethune at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The exhibit space focuses on Bethune’s incredible work with the National Council of Negro Women as well as the contributions of other women who have fought for social change. In total, the display includes 75 images, 35 artifacts, a multimedia film, an eight-foot-tall plaster sculpture of Bethune and an interactive engagement. More info | Free Admission National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Immerse yourself in history at The People’s House A state-of-the-art White House Visitors Center opens to the public this fall. In partnership with the White House Historical Association, The People's House is free to access, with timed-entry passes and optional guided tours. Through cutting-edge, interactive models and full-scale replicas of iconic rooms like the Oval Office, visitors can learn about the history of the nation's most famous house, its inhabitants and those who have dedicated their careers to it. The National Park Service's current visitor center will remain open. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily | Reserve 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20006 Places to Stay Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you're looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today.

Things to Do September 2024 in Washington, DC

LIVE! Concert Series on the Plaza – Through Sept. 27 From salsa to strings, and blues to swing, Live! Concert Series on the Plaza features hot entertainment for the downtown DC community. Head to Wilson Plaza between 12 and 1 p.m. and take in free lunchtime performances showcasing the area's most talented entertainers. This year’s lineup features a special focus on the official music of DC, Go-Go. The roster includes The Chuck Brown Band, DC Vybe, Heat Stroke, Junkyard Band and E.U. Featuring Sugar Bear. 12-1 p.m. | Free Admission | More Information Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 National Symphony Orchestra's Free Labor Day Concert – Sept. 1 The National Symphony Orchestra's free annual Labor Day weekend concert returns to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The performance is free to attend and tickets are not required. Seating is first-come, first-served. More info | Free Admission An Evening with the Washington Ballet – Sept. 5 Enjoy an unforgettable night with The Washington Ballet and George Balanchine’s classic Stravinsky Violin Concerto. Set to the music of Ezio Bosso, choreography takes inspiration from starling flight patterns, and the show will highlight a combination of classical and contemporary dance, celebrating Balanchine’s enduring influence. 8 p.m. | Tickets Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182 Redefining Afrofuturism Expo – Sept. 6 Hosted by UNIFI and The Fresh Food Factory Market at Sycamore & Oak, the first trade expo east of the Anacostia River will educate attendees on how to increase their purchasing power and buy directly from Africa and the diaspora. Embassies, government agencies, artists, thought leaders and speakers – along with 50 exhibitors – will be present at this free showcase for new technologies, textiles, unique foods and much more. 5-8:30 p.m. | More Information | Free Admission 1110 Oak Drive SE, Washington, DC 20032 Amen Dunes – Sept. 6 After a six-year hiatus, Amen Dunes has returned with Death Jokes, a new LP painfully crafted over multiple years. As the musical project of one Damon McMahon, Amen Dunes has evolved from softer soundscapes to full-fledged indie pop that sounds like it could have come from just one person. Expect to hear songs from the new record as well as past favorites by the unique artist. 8 p.m. | Tickets Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Oh My Heart, Oh My Home. – Opens Sept. 6 Studio Theatre presents “An intimate story about sanctuary, belonging and loneliness” from Fringe First winner Casey Jay Andrews. The magnificent storyteller will gather around a doll’s house and weave a stunning fable about the strike of a meteorite, its impact on a neighborhood and the way it challenges a place’s capacity to contain a feeling. Tickets Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 Jaja’s African Hair Braiding – Sept. 6 – Oct. 13 Assimilation, cultural identity and the pursuit of the American dream are all front-and-center in this fascinating production that was nominated for five Tony Awards. Set in Harlem at a bustling hair braiding salon, the play zooms in on the lives of six women (and others) to present a spellbinding portrait of the African immigrant experience in the U.S. Tickets Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 DC Bike Ride – Sept. 7 If you’re looking for fun activities in the District this fall, you’ve found a gem with DC Bike Ride. With a family-friendly course, the event is one of the biggest celebrations of cycling in DC and offers a unique experience to its participants, winding riders through city streets and by monuments and memorials. The 20-mile excursion welcomes riders over the age of three and includes a Finish Festival with food, music and fun activities. Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – Sept. 7 In the history of American music, Bruce Springsteen stands alone. For more than 50 years, the songwriting legend known as The Boss has conquered stages all over the world with his famous E Street Band by his side, playing songs that are etched into the fabric and psyche of Americana. “Born to Run.” “Thunder Road.” “Born in the USA.” All of these and more will echo through Nationals Park at one of DC’s most anticipated events of the year. 7:30 p.m. | Tickets Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC DC State Fair – Sept. 7 Enjoy a free showcase of the District’s agricultural, culinary and creative talents with a daylong celebration of all things homegrown. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions, growing and gardening, contests and delicious foods, the DC State Fair honors what makes the nation's capital one of a kind. Some past activities have included: competitions for best photographer, best mumbo sauce, the most creative use of space in a micro-garden, slime for kids and much, much more. Legends & Legacy Celebration on The Wharf – Sept. 7 Join Events DC, CitySwing, TOGETHXR and LPGA*USGA Girls Golf for Legends & Legacy: a celebration of women’s sports. Cap off an incredible summer of athletics with a free event in the lead-up to LPGA’s Solheim Cup. The celebration features a full day of free, family-friendly fun at The Wharf, including two panel discussions hosted by legendary sports journalist Jemele Hill. Hear from high-profile women and men working in women’s sports who are changing the legacy of golf culture. Activities will include mini-golf, power putt, an arcade, arts and crafts, music and a U.S. Open Women’s Championship watch party. 12-8 p.m. | Free Admission | Register District Pier at The Wharf, 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024 Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond – Sept. 7 – Nov. 30, 2025 A new exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, presented by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, will showcase the imprint of Asian Americans on the physical and cultural terrain of the nation's capital. Installed in a gallery that overlooks DC's Chinatown, the exhibition features examples of cultural products that feature Chinese, Korean and Japanese heritage and/or express coalitional Asian American and BIPOC identities. These include displays of artwork, material culture, images and other graphic material drawn from Smithsonian collections and shared by local lenders, including community members and repositories such as the DC History Center and the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University. A free celebration on Sept. 7 marks the exhibit's opening. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004 Adams Morgan Day – Sept. 8 The longest-running neighborhood festival in the District has been around for more than 40 years. The lively 18th Street buzzes with music, food vendors, for-sale artwork and family-friendly activities. Celebrate one of DC’s liveliest, most diverse neighborhoods with this day-long extravaganza that is led by volunteers and showcases the businesses, artists and organizations that make up Adams Morgan. MJ – Through Sept. 8 Winner of multiple Tony Awards, this breathtaking musical centers on Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous Tour, providing a rare look into the creative process behind one of the most dynamic entertainers of all-time. Created by Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, the acclaimed production makes its DC debut at The National Theatre. Tickets The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds – Through Sept. 8 ARTECHOUSE welcomes visitors to its seventh annual installation dedicated to celebrating the beauty of the cherry blossoms in DC. The museum treats your eyes to an exhibit inspired by the Isekai genre of Anime, allowing for the exploration of alternate universes stacked with colors, adventures and immersive technologies. Plus, discover Gachapons hidden throughout the exhibit to win prizes from local businesses or snag a book from the 'Isekai Library'. Make sure to take advantage of tickets with a 10% discount. Tickets (10% off) ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024 Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment – Sept. 8 – Jan. 19, 2025 Discover the origins of one of the most important art movements in history thanks to a new exhibit at the National Gallery of Art. The museum is replicating a legendary exhibit from Paris in 1874 that helped bring about the dawn of Impressionism. In the display, you will be able to view beloved paintings by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissaro and many more. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC The Comeuppance – Sept. 8 – Oct. 6 Set in nearby Prince George’s County, Md., The Comeuppance concerns the self-proclaimed “Multi-Ethnic Reject Group” on the night of their 20th high school reunion. A mystical force makes these friends face the past head-on and reckon with an uncertain future. Penned by MacArthur Genius Award winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, the play garnered a New York Times Critic’s Pick. Tickets Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Built to Spill – Sept. 9 As the rare indie band to make great use of the guitar solo and offer a catalogue filled with singalong anthems, Built to Spill has built a career that spans three decades, amassing both critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following. One of their finest and most beloved long players, There’s Nothing Wrong with Love, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, so cue a tour on which Built To Spill will play the classic in its entirety. Throw on your comfiest jacket and jeans, idle up to one of 9:30 Club’s two bars, order a beer and savor some of the best songs in indie rock history. 7 p.m. | Tickets 9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 In the Library: Life in the Impressionists’ Paris – Sept. 9 – Jan. 20, 2025 A companion piece to Paris 1874, the National Gallery of Art displays dozens of photographs and prints in its Library Atrium. The exhibit provides insight and context for the great late 19th-century Impressionist works as the images illuminate a society changing rapidly thanks to industrialization, widespread military clashes, new technologies and the redefinition of urban spaces. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC Comedy of Errors – Sept. 10 – Oct. 6 One of Shakespeare’s earliest plays shows that The Bard knew how to make audiences chuckle as well as he knew how to make them cry. Hilarity ensues in a case of mistaken identities as Artistic Director Simon Godwin directs an uproarious affair that will add some rock ‘n’ roll to a humorously topsy-turvy family saga. Tickets Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Primary Trust – Sept. 10 – Oct. 20 Winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize and a highly acclaimed New York Times Critic’s Pick, Primary Trust makes its DC-area premiere thanks to Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va. Kenneth is a frequent patron of Wally’s Tiki Bar until a job loss prompts him to re-examine the past. Funny and emotional in equal measure, Primary Trust is not to be missed this fall. Tickets Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206 National Symphony Orchestra's DC ORIGINALITY – Sept. 10-11
 Through vibrant musical selections of U Street jazz to native Go-go, the NSO collaborates with remarkable local artists to celebrate the "Cultural Beat of Capital City". Featuring tunes from homegrown heroes such as Marvin Gaye, Chuck Brown, Duke Ellington, John Philip Sousa and more, this event is a can't-miss, only-in-DC experience. 8 p.m. | Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Cirque du Soleil's OVO – Sept. 11-15 The newest spectacle from French-Canadian phenomenon Cirque du Soleil comes to DC for five days only. OVO follows the unlikely love story between a clumsy insect and an elegant ladybug, featuring all of the circus arts that have made the franchise so beloved: mind-bending costumes, magical music and high-flying acrobatics. Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 An Evening with PJ Harvey – Sept. 11 One of the most acclaimed and adventurous rock stars to emerge over the last 30 years visits The Anthem in DC. PJ Harvey redefined alternative rock upon the release of her debut LP in 1992, crafting hard-biting songs from a woman’s perspective featuring relentless guitars, unapologetic lyrics and her sky-searing voice. Her influence is immeasurable. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 KYGO WORLD TOUR* – Sept. 12 Record-breaking EDM artist KYGO will visit the Merriweather Post Pavilion for one night this September. The Norwegian superstar is sure to keep crowds on their feet with electronic hits like “It Ain’t Me” (feat. Selena Gomez) and remixes of popular tracks like "Higher Love." 7p.m. | Tickets Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044 National Gallery Nights: A Night in Paris – Sept. 12 Returning this fall season, National Gallery Nights is a popular (and free) way to spend an evening immersed in art in the nation’s capital. The September edition leans all the way into the museum’s latest exhibit, Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment, by showcasing paintings by Monet, Renoir, Degas and other famous Impressionists. You can also enjoy French music, film, art and food as well as cabaret performances. Activity on the 4th Street Plaza is open to all; registration is required to enter the East Building. 6-9 p.m. | Free Admission | Register National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC James Taylor & His All-Star Band – Sept. 12, 14-15 For five decades, James Taylor has set the standard for American singer-songwriters. Celebrate the beauty of soft rock with the six-time Grammy Award-winner and his lauded band, who are sure to entertain with hits like “Fire and Rain,” “How Sweet It Is,” “Carolina In My Mind" and “You’ve Got A Friend." 8 p.m. | Tickets Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182 Bridge to Bridge Fun Run & Concert – Sept. 13 Bid farewell to the summer season at Capitol Riverfront's Yards Park with this free evening activity. Grab some swag and join in a casual 5K run led by Pacers Running beginning at 6 p.m. You can take in views of the Anacostia River as you journey from the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge to the 11th Street Bridge, culminating in a free concert back at Yards Park. Glitter tattoos, an outdoor bar, food available for purchase from Agua 301 and a free ice cream scoop from Ice Cream Jubilee (check-in by 6:10 p.m. to grab this reward). 6-8:30 p.m. | Free Admission | Reserve The Yards Park, 355 Water Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Kevin Hart: Acting My Age – Sept. 13 Emmy and Grammy-nominated comedian Kevin Hart comes to the historic DAR Constitution Hall. Hart has shown box office clout with successful movies such as the Think Like A Man films, The Wedding Ringer, Get Hard and Ride Along, and his previous two shows were the highest-grossing comedy tours of their respective years, so be sure to get your tickets ASAP. 7:30-11:30 p.m. | Tickets DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC St. Vincent – Sept. 13 Equally capable of writing a heart-wrenching ballad, a pulsing rock song or a beautiful pop melody, St. Vincent (the stage name of Annie Clark) is an artist that demands to be heard. Her bold songs and albums, catapulted by her incredible guitar heroics, translate into searing live performances. Find out for yourself when she takes the stage at The Anthem. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming – Sept. 13 Tony Award-winning Broadway duo Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming have shared the stage and screen over the years, and now they headline together at Wolf Trap. Each star will perform independently, but if we’re lucky, they may finish out the night with a duet or two. 8 p.m. | Tickets Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182 Architecture Cruise with DC Design Tours – Begin Sept. 13 An expert on architecture will guide you through this new offering from DC Design Tours. Cast off from Georgetown along with the professional crew of Capitol River Cruises and head south on the Potomac as live commentary adds to your views of architectural gems like the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Arlington Memorial Bridge, the Watergate Hotel, Arlington National Cemetery and the Kennedy Center. Lesser known landmarks like the Lyndon Baines Johnson Grove and the Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial will also be showcased. Reserve American Masters: Eugene Rogers conducts Carlos Simon/Dan Harder, Aaron Copland & Jessie Montgomery – Sept. 14 Grammy-winner Morris Robinson and The Washington Chorus join the National Symphony Orchestra for a performance of Aaron Copland’s Suite from Billy the Kid – plus, selections from his Old American Songs, Jessie Montgomery’s Banner and Here I Stand. 8 p.m. | Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Nationals Blowout Weekend: 1924 World Series championship celebration (100-year anniversary) – Sept. 13-15 Did you know that the Washington Senators won the World Series 100 years ago? Join the Nats organization as it celebrates the 1924 World Series Championship during a weekend series against the division rival Miami Marlins. There will be fireworks and fun fan giveaways all weekend. Tickets 1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003 DeVotchKa – Sept. 14 Based in Denver but rooted in cabaret, spaghetti Westerns, punk rock and European dance music, DeVotchKa (Russian for “girl”) are a quartet with nearly 25 years of touring and recording experience. In fact, this year marks the 20th anniversary of one of their most celebrated releases, How It Ends, an LP whose music informed and inspired the soundtrack of 2006’s Little Miss Sunshine (DeVotchKa also wrote and performed the score to the legendary film). Witness the group play the record in its entirety during this show at Black Cat. 8 p.m. | Tickets Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Walkingtown DC – Sept. 14-22 On September, Events DC showcases the incredible walkability of the nation’s capital during this free, week-long public tour program. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Walkingtown DC, so it'll be bigger than ever, with a slogan of "Explore DC: Eight Days, Eight Wards, One City." In total, dozens of guided walking tours will be held throughout the District, including neighborhood showcases, themed excursions, historical journeys and many more. Historians, licensed tour guides, community leaders and business owners, among others, host these adventures that will take you to both well-known and hidden gems across DC. The anniversary celebration will be capped off by a closing reception on Sept. 22. Celebrate Oktoberfest in the District Beginning in mid-September and extending into October, DC beer enthusiasts break out their lederhosen and dirndls to observe Oktoberfest with German beer, bites and live music. Locations across the city will participate, including a few annually recurring favorites: Bluejacket serves weissbiers, schwarzbiers and helles lagers from the keg, Wunder Garten hosts its Pridetoberfest LGBTQ+ party and The Wharf goes all out the weekend of October 5, with Polka on the Pier, a Stein Hosting Competition and the thrilling Dachshund Dash. Soft Power – Through Sept. 15 Billed as a “visionary musical fantasia,” Soft Power details the story of a Chinese American playwright attacked by an unknown assailant soon after the 2016 election. The playwright then imagines a Golden Age musical comedy featuring a Chinese theater producer and Hillary Clinton. The new political satire from Tony Award winners David Henry Hwang and Jeanine Tesori debuts at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va. Tickets Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206 Honor Hispanic Heritage Month in the District – Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 Washington, DC's vibrant culture is deeply rooted in its Hispanic and Latin American community and during Hispanic Heritage Month, it's even easier to celebrate, learn and immerse yourself. Sample pupusas to paellas at these Latin-owned restaurants. Take your pick of social salsa dancing, empanada-making classes and other activities at Union Market's La Cosecha. Catch performances at FiestaDC's festival and parade (Sept. 28-29). Secure tickets to a heritage night game with DC United (Sept. 16), the Nats (Sept. 28), the Washington Spirit (Oct. 13) or the Capitals (Oct. 15). Attend an interactive Hispanic Heritage Month event at a Smithsonian museum or brush up on your history with a visit to ¡Presente! A Latino History of the U.S., the first completed installation of the National Museum of the American Latino, located within the National Museum of American History. Weezer, The Flaming Lips & Dinosaur, Jr. – Sept. 15 Three iconic rock groups visit The Anthem on the same night, presenting an opportunity that music fans will not want to miss. Weezer honors the 30th anniversary of their essential self-titled debut LP (commonly known as “The Blue Album” because of its iconic cover) with The Flaming Lips and Dinosaur, Jr. in tow. Each of these two bands also possess legendary catalogues. Talk about a triple-bill. A first show sold out so grab tickets to the second show ASAP. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024 Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band – Sept. 17 The international rock legend and famed drummer for the Beatles comes to DC with his iconic band, which has toured for over three decades. Don't miss the chance to see this group of tried-and-true superstars. The roster includes Edgar Winter, Warren Ham, Colin Hay and other world-class musicians. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024 Clue – Sept. 17 – Oct. 6 See the classic Hasbro board game come to life on stage at the Kennedy Center. Based on the 1985 feature film, this unrivaled and interactive whodunit is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Tickets The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 Take 5: Jazz at SAAM with Stephen Arnold and Sea Change – Sept. 19 Visit the Kogod Courtyard – one of DC’s coolest indoor spots – to celebrate an original American art form with the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Take 5 series. The free, live concert program showcases Stephen Arnold and his group Sea Change, a quintet featuring bass, saxophone, piano, guitar and drums. Refreshments can be purchased from the Courtyard Café and board games will be available for borrowing and playing during the show. 5 p.m. & 7 p.m. | Register | Free Admission Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004 Old 97’s – Sept. 19 At the forefront of the alt-country movement in the mid-1990s, Old 97’s made a name around the venerable Austin, Tx. music scene before becoming nationally renowned. Led by singer/songwriter Rhett Miller, the group showcased plenty of down-home chops before expanding their sound to include power-pop muscle across more than a dozen LPs. Hear the group’s signature sound inside DC’s legendary 9:30 Club. 7 p.m. | Tickets 9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 The Atlantic Festival – Sept. 19-20 Convene with "great minds who don't think alike" at this year's The Atlantic Festival, a two-day event featuring speakers, in-depth interviews, screenings, book talks and happy hours, all aimed at discussing today's most pressing topics. Put on by The Atlantic right beside its headquarters at The Wharf, this year's lineup includes Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, actor and playwright Anna Deavere Smith, CNN's Chief Washington Correspondent Jake Tapper and many more. In-person and virtual passes are on sale now. Tickets Maine Avenue and Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Go-Karts at Union Market – Sept. 19-22 Union Market and Events DC have partnered to bring an adrenaline-fueled weekend to the nation’s capital. Union Market will host a unique go-kart racing experience powered by K1 Speed in its parking lot, with 15-minute races featuring six drivers (both seasoned riders and beginners are welcome; minimum required height is 58”) as well as live music, food, beverages and additional live entertainment. Tickets become available in late August. More Information Union Market, 1275 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Historic Change: An Evening Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Celia Cruz – Sept. 20 The National Museum of American History hosts a dance party with the queen of salsa. A night featuring music, culture, a panel conversation, salsa lessons and a beautiful program that will celebrate Cruz’s significant contributions as well as the 2024 Celia Cruz Quarter (the 14th coin in the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program) culminates in an epic dance party. 7-10:30 p.m. | Register | Free Admission National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Mister Lincoln – Sept. 20 – Oct. 13 Scott Bakula (pictured above) comes to the stage at Ford's Theatre to portray one of the most iconic men in history. Written by Herbert Mitgang and directed by José Carrasquillo, Mister Lincoln unpacks the sixteenth president's life and tenure in a witty one-man show. Learn about one of the most revered figures in U.S. history inside the theatre where he was fatally shot in 1865. More info Ford's Theatre, 511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 Suchitra Mattai: Myth from Matter – Sept. 20 – Jan. 12, 2025 The National Museum of Women in the Arts hosts the first solo exhibition in DC dedicated to the work of Suchitra Mattai, who explores themes of history, heritage and identity across her multidisciplinary work. The Indo-Caribbean artist examines mythology, personal narratives and colonial history through the lens of women and people of color, especially those from Southeast Asia. Visitors will see large-scale textile installations, paintings, collages and sculptures, as well as related pieces from Europe and Southeast Asia. Hours & Admission National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 Sublime Light: Tapestry Art of DY Begay – Sept. 20 – Summer 2025 In honor of one of the great fiber artists, the National Museum of the American Indian showcases 48 works by DY Begay. Across these dozens of tapestries, Begay explores her homeland and heritage through a divine sense of color, stirring innovation and sharp eye for design. Her pieces effectively illustrate a non-Western way of being to contemporary audiences. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 National Dance Day – Sept. 21 Cut a rug at this year's National Dance Day at the Kennedy Center! Free classes, performances and parties provide a wealth of ways to celebrate creativity and community. 10a.m. | Free Admission The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 HFStival at Nationals Park – Sept. 21 Get ready for ‘90s- and 2000s-era nostalgia – and maybe some moshing – with the revival of the HFStival (pronounced H-F-estival). Thanks to the Washington Nationals and I.M.P, the legendary independent concert producer behind the Merriweather Post Pavilion, Lincoln Theatre and The Anthem, the rockin' DC-area festival returns for one day only to Nationals Park. The lineup includes The Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie, Incubus, Bush, Garbage, Jimmy Eat World, Girl Talk, Violent Femmes, Tonic, Filter and Lit. Tickets 1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003 The Try Guys: Eat The Menu Tour – Sept. 21 These world-famous YouTubers will try just about anything... and now, they'll try it live at the Warner Theatre! Loosely following the format of their popular series (in which Keith eats every item on a fast food menu), the Guys will work their way through a selection of DC's culinary concoctions. Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 An Epic of Kings: The Great Mongol Shahnama – Sept. 21 – Jan. 5, 2025 One of the most celebrated medieval Persian manuscripts – considered the national epic of Iran as it covers the beginning of time through the 7th century – informs a new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art. The Great Mongol Shahnama (now dismantled) includes stories and illustrations; the exhibit offers a rare opportunity to view 25 folios from the manuscript alongside contemporaneous works from China, the Mediterranean and the Latin West. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Comedy Shows Near Me – Sept. 22 Inject some laughs into your Sunday evening with Comedy Shows Near Me, which hosts stand-up events at restaurants and bars across the District. For just $20, you can enjoy an evening full of comedy as well as plenty of food and drink. The comedy-club style show occurs each Sunday. Tickets Hard Rock Cafe, 999 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage – Through Sept. 22 The Phillips Collection presents the first large-scale exhibition dedicated to exploring collage by contemporary Black American artists. Explore more than 50 works by 49 artists including luminaries such as Mark Bradford, Kerry James Marshall, Tschabalala Self and Kara Walker. Celebrate the broad variety and complexity of Black identity in art across a wide range of forms, including paper, photographs, fabrics and salvaged materials. Hours & Admission The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Kings of Leon – Sept. 22 The Brothers Followill along with their cousin, Matthew, compose Kings of Leon, who’ve been touring and playing music together since boyhood. The brothers’ father was a preacher, traveling all over the South, so one could say life on the road suits the group. Kings of Leon were initially a garage-rock success story. That quickly blossomed into international superstardom. The quartet has lost none of their zest, so expect The Wharf to rock out. 8 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024 Immerse Yourself in History at The People’s House – Opens Sept. 23 A state-of-the-art White House Visitors Center opens to the public this fall. In partnership with the White House Historical Association, The People's House is free to access, with timed-entry passes and optional guided tours. Through cutting-edge, interactive models and full-scale replicas of iconic rooms like the Oval Office, visitors can learn about the history of the nation's most famous house, its inhabitants and those who have dedicated their careers to it. The National Park Service's current visitor center will remain open. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily | Reserve 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20006 Jeff Lynne’s ELO – Sept. 25 Commonly known as Electric Light Orchestra, Jeff Lynne’s ELO remains one of rock music’s most beloved and boundary-pushing groups. Beginning in the early 1970s, ELO released a string of successful albums and singles that blended Beatles-like melodies with prog, classical, doo wop and even opera elements. Lynne’s crew of talented musicians can still rock on stage, as they will at Capital One Arena. 8 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Sigur Rós – Sept. 25 Hailing from Iceland, Sigur Rós creates soundscapes and musical reveries that resemble floating off into space, staring into the Grand Canyon or floating softly down river. Although they’re considered a “post-rock” group, Sigur Rós is more like a mood unto itself, incorporating classical elements and singer Jonsi’s falsetto vocals to create songs unlike any other. The Anthem will give their all-encompassing sound plenty of space to stretch out. 8:30 p.m. | Tickets The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 Rapsody – Sept. 26 One of the most acclaimed and successful hip-hop artists of the last decade, Rapsody has transcended the “female rapper” label to make some of the best music in the genre, period. The Roc Nation star just released her fourth LP, Please Don’t Cry, which contains some of her most inspiring and introspective work yet. Howard Theatre hosts the Grammy-nominated performer along with Niko Brim. 8 p.m. | Tickets Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Theatre Week – Sept. 26 – Oct. 13 Celebrate the theatre season in the Washington, DC region with a weeks-long promotion from TheatreWashington which includes $20, $40 and $60 tickets to highly anticipated productions at venues all over the DMV area. There are musicals, dramas, comedies, theatre for young audiences and much more. In addition to discounted tickets, Theatre Week also includes special events (most of which are free) designed to entertain, educate and inspire, including the free Kickoff Fest. Plan your stay: Book a hotel today. Herbie Hancock – Sept. 27 It’s rare that an artist comes to symbolize an entire genre of music, but Herbie Hancock’s seminal work in jazz across more than 60 years has brought him to rarefied air. The words “master” and “icon” barely do Hancock justice; he’s constantly pushed jazz to places it’s never gone before, incorporating elements of rock, funk, hip-hop and dance along the way. 8 p.m. | Tickets Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Summer Concert Series at Nationals Park: Lady A – Sept. 27 For the first time in a decade, the Nats brought back their postgame Summer Concert Series, with Lady A closing out the epic lineup in September. With the purchase of a ticket, fans can enjoy the full concert after the game. On-field passes will be available as an upgrade a few weeks before each concert, so get your tickets now so you can stay in the loop. Tickets 1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003 Avatar: The Last Airbender In Concert – Sept. 27-28 Known as one of the most groundbreaking animated series ever, Avatar: The Last Airbender features a powerful and iconic score that will be played by a live orchestra during this two-hour show at The National Theatre. Memorable scenes will be on-screen as the show’s incredible scope is brought to life. Original compositions have been expanded for this exclusive presentation. Tickets The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 Art All Night – Sept. 27-28 An all-night arts festival? Sign us up. Yes, DC has that with Art All Night, which will spread out over multiple neighborhoods. Art experiences don’t get much more lavish or expansive than this: Everything from painting to performing arts to music to sculpture will be showcased in both public and private spaces, indoors and outdoors. Be sure to check out the companion event Dine All Night, too. Because They're Funny Comedy Festival – Sept. 27-29 Join NICECROWD®, the producers of the American Black Film Festival, in partnership with Events DC, for the Because They're Funny Comedy Festival. Expect a fun-filled weekend showcasing BIPOC comedians throughout the Wharf, including the Anthem, one of the most vibrant destinations in the nation's capital. Curated for anyone who likes to laugh, the lineup includes headline shows, new comic showcases, comedy classes, panels, podcasts, screenings and live music. Smithsonian Craft2Wear – Sept. 27-29 The National Building Museum hosts this curated show from the Smithsonian. Limited edition clothing, jewelry and accessories will be on display, as dozens of designers from all over the country will be represented. The wearable art extravaganza kicks off with a preview benefit. The National Building Museum, 401 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001 Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies – Sept. 27-29 Don't miss one of the last chances to see the Nats play at home for the 2024 season! Enjoy a fall day of baseball as the team takes on their regional rival the Phillies. Tickets 1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003 DC Black Food & Wine Festival – Sept. 28 Spend a day celebrating black-owned food and wine enterprises with the DC Black Food & Wine Festival hosted by MVEMNT. The event promises not only delicious fare and quality sips, but DJs, live performances and overall good vibes, channeling R&B energy from the ‘90s and early 2000s. More info Gateway DC, 2700 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20032 Death From Above 1979 – Sept. 28 Unique name, unique set-up. Death From Above 1979 consists of just two dudes…but the noise they create lines up perfectly with their unforgettable moniker. Electric bass and thudding drums form the backbone of the duo’s pulsating sound. The band will play its debut LP, You’re A Woman, I’m A Machine, in its entirety during this Howard Theatre show. 8 p.m. | Tickets Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 All Things Go Music Festival – Sept. 28-29 The All Things Go Music Festival returns for its 10th year with headliners like Laufey, Bleachers, Janelle Monáe, Hozier and Reneé Rapp. The festival will be hosted at Merriweather Post Pavilion and will feature two stages, an epic lineup of delicious local eats and art installations. Tickets 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044 Sebastian Maniscalco – Sept. 28 Thanks to a signature delivery, a charismatic personality and loads of observational wit, Sebastian Maniscalco has gone from stand-up comedy success to full-fledged star of films and TV shows. However, the brilliant performer stays true to his roots with a 47-city tour of North American, including a one-night stop at Capital One Arena. 7 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Kirk Franklin – Sept. 29 The legendary Kirk Franklin, who’s been nominated for a whopping 19 GRAMMYs across his work as a producer, songwriter and performer, brings the 2024 leg of The Reunion Tour to Washington, DC. His co-headliners include gospel music legends such as Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, The Clark Sisters and Kierra Sheard-Kelly. 7 p.m. | Tickets Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Spirit & Strength: Modern Art from Haiti – Sept. 29 – March 9, 2025 The world’s first Black republic flourished with creativity in the mid-1900s thanks to seminal painters like Hector Hyppolite, Rigaud Benoît and Philomé Obin. Their images and depictions of Haitian daily life, religious traditions and history influenced generations of artists. The National Gallery of Art’s exhibit offers the first chance to see 21 works by Haitian artists as well as contemporary pieces that build on their illuminative legacy. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC OSGEMEOS: Endless Story – Sept. 29 – July 6, 2025 Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo are the identical twin brothers that comprise OSGEMEOS, which is Portuguese for “the twins.” The Hirshhorn Museum presents the first U.S. survey and the largest American exhibition of work by the duo to date. In total, the full-floor exhibit features roughly 1,000 artworks, photos and archival materials that detail OSGEMEOS’ unique artistic voice that combines heritage, urban art, graffiti and magical elements. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560 The Ford/Hill Project – Sept. 30 In a special presentation to benefit the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, The Ford/Hill Project is a new play that examines the historic testimonies of Anita Hill and Christine Blasey Ford. An ensemble of four actors speak verbatim from the transcripts of hearings that saw these two women, 30 years apart, share stories from private moments in their lives. Tickets Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Staging the Supernatural: Ghosts and the Theater in Japanese Prints – Through Oct. 6 The Japanese Edo period (1603–1868) gave credence to essential ideas about the supernatural in Japanese culture. Many of the beliefs that came to prominence during this time are still held as conventional wisdom today. This exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art allows you to explore the roles that ghosts and spirits play in the retelling of Japanese legends as well as real events. Staging the Supernatural features woodblock prints and illustrated books that showcase the spooky specters that haunt the Japanese theater traditions of noh and kabuki. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Sewn in America: Making, Meaning, Memory – Through Dec. 31 The DAR Museum presents a groundbreaking exhibit featuring sewn items from every textile section of its collections including clothing, household items, needlework and quilts. Sewn in America examines how the activity shaped gender roles, from the homestead to professions like dressmaking, tailoring and factory work. Pieces from the 18th century to today will be juxtaposed to show how women of diverse backgrounds have used needles to express emotions and battle injustice. Hours | Free Admission DAR Museum, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006 Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women – Through Jan. 5, 2025 Encounter an alternative history of American art through 33 pieces that showcase the mastery and subversion of essential materials including cotton, wool, polyester and silk. The Renwick Gallery exhibit offers pieces as diverse as the collection of women artists who made them, also unveiling insights into their creative processes through sketches, photos, mail art and more. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Renwick Gallery, 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006 Star Power: Photographs from Hollywood’s Golden Age by George Hurrell – Through Jan. 5, 2025 Hollywood’s premiere photographer during the onset of the studio system, George Hurrell set the template for how to capture the brightest stars of the cinematic universe. As MGM’s in-house portraitist and in his own studio, Hurrell used lighting expertise and the sharpest of eyes to create glamorous images of Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy and many, many more. The National Portrait Gallery displays many of these Golden Era photographs in the new exhibit. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 Imprints in Time – Through Jan. 5, 2025 The recently renovated and reopened Folger Shakespeare Library offers a special exhibition filled with objects rarely displayed to the public. Visitors can go on a journey through time and space, from the tombs of ancient Egypt all the way to the surface of the Moon. Stuart and Mimi Rose’s collection of manuscripts and books informs a momentous survey of human history, knowledge and creativity. Hours | Free Admission Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean – Through Jan. 5, 2025 In honor of the majesty of the ocean, Hillwood showcases a variety of marine-related art in its collection for the very first time. Originally inspired by the rediscovery of one of the largest paintings at Hillwood (once owned by Marjorie Post's father, C.W. Post), Fragile Beauty explores representations of water and art crafted by precious materials. Hours & Admission Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 Gordon Parks: Camera Portraits from the Corcoran Collection – Through Jan. 12, 2025 The National Gallery of Art honors one of the best set of eyes in American history with a 25-portrait exhibition. Gordon Parks revolutionized photography in post-World War II America, situating his subjects in their environment while also paying close attention to their expression, character and dress. You can see images of Muhammad Ali and Leonard Bernstein alongside shots of a Harlem gang leader and a Detroit couple in this moving tribute that features some of Parks’ most beloved photographs. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC Bruce Onobrakpeya: The Mask and the Cross – Through Jan. 21, 2025 In 1966, acclaimed Nigerian sculptor and printmaker Bruce Onobrakpeya was petitioned by Catholic priests to interpret the Passion of the Christ, resulting in Fourteen Stations of the Cross, one of his most beloved works. The piece began a long fascination with Christian iconography in Onobrakpeya’s work. Many of his most striking pieces can be seen in this special presentation at the National Museum of African Art. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900-1939 – Through Feb. 23, 2025 Be amazed by sixty defiant women who made the courageous decision to cross the Atlantic Ocean to pursue their artistic dreams immersed in the majesty of Paris and its dynamic cultural scene. Brilliant Exiles marks the first exhibition to focus on the impact of American women on Paris – and of Paris on American women – from 1900 to the outbreak of the second World War. You can gaze at portraits of icons such as Josephine Baker, Isadora Duncan, Zelda Fitzgerald, Loïs Mailou Jones, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Anaïs Nin, Gertrude Stein, Ethel Waters and Anna May Wong. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC, 1900-2000 – Through March 2, 2025 The Anacostia Community Museum sheds light on fascinating local history with an exhibit featuring captivating original artworks, rare video footage and can't-miss artifacts including Alma Thomas’s paintbrushes and watercolor paint set, an early 20th-century lifelike marionette that William Buckner made with his local high school students, original Elizabeth Catlett prints that once hung in the halls of her DC high school and Sam Gilliam pieces from his tenure as a teacher at McKinley Technical High School. Experience the influence, power and creativity of the Black artist-educators who empowered generations of DC students. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, DC 20020 This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance – Through April 20, 2025 Guest curated by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hilton Als, the National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibit focuses on one of the most important American writers of the 20th century. James Baldwin beautifully spoke out against injustice throughout his stirring career. He and other queer artists had to keep their sexuality hidden even while speaking up for civil rights. In addition to portraits of Baldwin, the exhibit also highlights many of his contemporaries including Lorraine Hansberry, Barbara Jordan, Bayard Rustin, Essex Hemphill and Marlon Riggs. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 Revolutions: Art from the Hirshhorn Collection, 1860-1960 – Through April 20, 2025 This year, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden brings you one exciting event after another in celebration of their 50th anniversary. The museum's latest exhibit features works from more than 120 artists, so we suggest giving yourself plenty of time to soak up all the wonder. The revolutionary installation offers well-known masterpieces alongside contemporary creations from a wide range of artists including Francis Bacon, Jean Dubuffet, Lee Krasner, Wifredo Lam, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jackson Pollock. 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Free admission Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560 Bond In Motion – Through April 2025 Across more than six decades of films, James Bond has become the on-screen embodiment of spies for millions. The International Spy Museum pays homage to the fictional character, along with his allies and adversaries, with a breathtaking display of iconic vehicles from the movies. In total, visitors can fix their eyes on 17 pieces, including cars, motorcycles, submarines and even more from the Q Branch Garage. Hours & Admission International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024 Tuan Andrew Nguyen: The Island – Through May 4, 2025 In his DC debut, Tuan Andrew Nguyen presents his video work The Island (2017) alongside the sculpted headdress Bidong Spirit I, which was created specifically for the film. Both works were inspired by and reference the Malaysian island of Pulau Bidong, a landing place for Vietnamese escaping by boat after South Vietnam’s collapse in 1975. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004 Collecting Memories – Through Dec. 2025 The Library of Congress opens its new David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery with a brand-new exhibit filled to the brim with fascinating artifacts across its 120 items. Collecting Memories includes Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, a map from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, lyrics from The Sound of Music and much more in its examination of how cultures preserve the past. Hours | Free Admission Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540 Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains – Through Jan. 20, 2026 The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates narrative art among Native nations of the Great Plains with an exciting new exhibition. You'll see historical works alongside contemporary commissions, from battle records to ledger books to pop culture takes. More info | Free Admission National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Shifting Boundaries: Perspectives on American Landscapes – Through July 26, 2026 Discover powerful new details and context around some of the greatest works of art in American history. The National Museum of Asian Art approaches the fascinating New England landscape portraiture of legendary artists such as Willard Metcalf, Dwight Tryon, Winslow Homer and Abbott Thayer. By empowering a variety of voices, the exhibit reveals how the landscapes depicted have shifted in the century since these works were first showcased. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Ruffled Feathers: Creating Whistler’s Peacock Room – Through Jan. 31, 2027 One of the most famous rooms in the nation’s capital receives a full in-depth investigation thanks to a new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art. The Peacock Room is the museum’s calling card, and this display will be located right next door. The creation of James McNeill Whistler was originally meant for the London home of British businessman Frederick Leyland. Its origin story and tangled history is detailed through paintings, works on paper, decorative art and additional ephemera. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Glen Kaino: Bridge – Ongoing This jaw-dropping aerial sculpture is comprised of 200 golden arms hanging from the ceiling of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Luce Foundation Center. Each piece is a casting of the outstretched right arm of Tommie Smith, the American winner of the men’s 200-meter race at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. During the medal ceremony, Smith bowed his head and raised his Black-gloved fist in an act of protest. Decades later, Glen Kaino collaborated with Smith on the grand statement of an installation. 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004 Forces for Change: Mary McLeod Bethune and Black Women’s Activism – Ongoing Explore the powerful societal impact of local hero, educator and reformer Mary McLeod Bethune at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The exhibit space focuses on Bethune’s incredible work with the National Council of Negro Women as well as the contributions of other women who have fought for social change. In total, the display includes 75 images, 35 artifacts, a multimedia film, an eight-foot-tall plaster sculpture of Bethune and an interactive engagement. More info | Free Admission National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Places to Stay Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? 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