Take your pick of touring shows and fall favorites in the nation's capital, from the DC State Fair and AdMo Day to Art All Night and Craft2Wear.
Whether you’re in town for a concert, game or festival, DC boasts plenty of special discounts and packages for a festive fall, from luxurious experiences to budget-friendly options.
Regardless of the season, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience in the nation's capital. After you’ve read through this list, make sure to check out our things to do for the week and weekend as well as our accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.
Fall in DC is just a train ride away
Only-in-DC events, unparalleled museums, world-class dining and neighborhood charm await in the nation's capital. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a spontaneous city adventure, Amtrak makes it easy with Flex Fares. Book now – swap later.
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Washington Nationals Baseball: 20th Anniversary Season
The Nats, who have four National League East titles, five postseason appearances and a World Series championship since coming to DC in 2005, are one of the city's main attractions throughout the spring and summer. Head to Nationals Park to experience MLB action with an exciting schedule, plenty of home runs and, of course, Racing Presidents. The team celebrates its 20th anniversary in the nation's capital with a year filled with special events. Purchase single-game tickets now and use the code VISITDC for 10% or more off!
Tickets: Use code VISITDC for 10% off
1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Five New Galleries at the National Air and Space Museum
Thousands of artifacts have gone back on display in five reopened galleries at the National Air and Space Museum. Popular items such as the Spirit of St. Louis, the North American X-15, John Glenn’s Mercury Friendship 7 capsule, the Apollo Lunar Module 2 and the touchable moon rock are available to view again. The building also welcomes several new artifacts, including the Sopwith F.1 Camel, Virgin Galactic’s RocketMotorTwo, a Blue Origin New Shepard crew capsule mockup and a Goddard 1935 A series rocket. Free timed-entry passes are required for entry.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | More Info | Free Admission
National Air and Space Museum, 6th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
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
Stiff Little Fingers – Sept. 2
Even though it was released nearly 50 years ago, Stiff Little Fingers’ first single, “Suspect Device,” still plays like it was recorded yesterday. In fact, most of the group’s music, which was inspired by the Troubles in Belfast, sounds like a call to revolution. You can answer in full when the band plays Black Cat this September.
7 p.m. | Tickets
Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Photo by Anna Tivel
The Waterboys – Sept. 4
Led by Scottish singer and guitarist Mike Scott since their formation in the early 1980s, The Waterboys are considered a premier live act. Attendees of this show at the 9:30 Club can expect to hear music from throughout the band’s illustrious career, journeying from the “big music” of their early output all the way through folk, blues, country-tinged rock and pop.
7 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Frankie Cosmos – Sept. 5
The lead singer, guitarist and songwriter of Frankie Cosmos is Greta Kline, daughter of actors Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline. She’s carved out her own distinct career with a series of albums that have established an unmistakable sound and approach: short, rhythm-driven tracks dressed in Kline’s gorgeous voice and introspective lyrics. Black Cat hosts the Cosmos for one night only.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
DC Bike Ride – Sept. 6
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.
DC State Fair – Sept. 6
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.
The Wharf
Women in Sports – Sept. 6
The Wharf hosts a free and family-friendly day of recognition of today’s female athletes. The next generation can also learn how to get in the game with some of DC’s leading tennis organizations. You can enter to win a pair of tickets to the 2025 U.S. Open and there will also be live music and ice-cold samples of Heineken for those 21 and over.
3-8 p.m. | Free Admission
Transit Pier at The Wharf, 970 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Lumineers – Sept. 6
Fresh off the success of their fifth LP, Automatic, folk-rock stars The Lumineers visit Nationals Park for a Saturday night show in one of the coolest concert settings in the District. Vance Joy and Chance Peña serve as special guest stars. The event is rain or shine.
6:30 p.m. | Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Pulp – Sept. 6
One of England’s most adored rock bands comes to The Anthem in celebration of the release of their eighth LP. Pulp, led by the imitable Jarvis Cocker, formed in 1978, but did not achieve massive success until the mid-1990s. Since then, the ever-changing and evolving group have released some of the most critically acclaimed music of the era.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
CultureFest Block Party – Sept. 7
From the Plaza Stage at Nationals Park comes an awesome end-of-summer party that will feature soca, reggae and Afrobeat music. Performers will include Lyrikal, Charly Black, Ricky Platinum, Freshy K, DJ Showtime and many more. The event offers VIP ticket options, a food court and several bars as well.
5 p.m. | Tickets
Plaza Stage at Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
PARADE – Through Sept. 7
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts stages the 2023 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical Revival. PARADE focuses on Leo and Lucille Frank, a recently married Jewish couple who are struggling to adjust to life in Georgia. Leo is then accused of a heinous crime, leading to a rigorous test of justice, devotion and humanity.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Brian Jonestown Massacre – Sept. 8
Prolific in both its output and turnover, The Brian Jonestown Massacre still packs a punch 35 years into its existence. The collective is led by Anton Newcombe, whose fiery approach has led to some tumultuous working relationships … along with some amazing guitar rock. Buckle up for this show at 9:30 Club.
7 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Superchunk – Sept. 9
Punk legends Superchunk fittingly visit Black Cat in DC, one of the city’s best spots to see a concert. Since emerging from Chapel Hill in 1989, the group has crafted an immaculate discography that consistently delivers scintillating guitar anthems. Their veteran chops will be on full display.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Sparks – Sept. 9
Lovingly known to music fans as “your favorite band’s favorite band,” Sparks consists of Russell and Ron Mael. As distinctive in look as they are in sound, the duo – along with a long list of collaborators – have been modulating rock and pop music in their image since the early 1970s. Sparks have tried on every genre and each one fit perfectly. Lincoln Theatre is lucky to have them.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Photo by Matthew Murphy
The Sound of Music – Sept. 9 – Oct. 5
The Kennedy Center stages a production of one of the great musicals with three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien as director. The Sound of Music transports the audience to the hills of Austria for unforgettable songs and a tale of resilience, love and resistance.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Damn Yankees – Sept. 9 – Nov. 9
The minds behind this new adaptation of an American classic include Lortel Award winner Will Power, Pulitzer Prize winner Doug Wright and Tony Award winners Lynn Ahrens and Sergio Trujillo. From its pure love of baseball to its femme fatale and fateful pact with the Devil, Damn Yankees promises to be a crowd-pleaser at Arena Stage.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Merry Wives – Sept. 10 – Oct. 5
Shakespeare Theatre Company hosts the regional premiere of a hilarious take on one of The Bard’s most famous farces. The infamous Falstaff is dropped into modern Harlem low on money and decides to pursue the purses of two West African wives. Schemes are launched to thwart the prospective thief and plenty of hilarity ensues.
Tickets
Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Experience Art Ave – Sept. 10 – Jan. 30, 2026
Don’t miss this free outdoor art gallery from Golden Triangle BID, featuring 13 stunning, large-scale sculptures and window artworks by acclaimed artists, just steps from the White House. Discover interactive elements during the day or visit in the evening to see the artworks colorfully illuminated.
Free to Access | More Info
800 Connecticut Avenue – 1050 Connecticut Avenue NW, including Farragut Square
National Gallery Nights – Sept. 11
One of the city's most popular museums hosts this after-hours extravaganza that uses a lottery system to handle the high demand. Expect the East Building of the National Gallery of Art to be decked out in Back to School style, with activations that bring to mind the excitement of the first day of the new school year.
6-9 p.m. | More Info
National Gallery of Art East Building, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Hunx and His Punx – Sept. 11
Back in the halcyon days of 2009, a group called Hunx and His Punx formed on the West Coast and proceeded to set the world on fire. Okay, maybe it was just the indie rock scene in select cities in the U.S., but nevertheless, lead singer Seth Bogart (he’s Hunx) and Shannon Shaw (also of Shannon & The Clams) put on epic shows packed to the brim with breezy surfpunk and promiscuity. Now, the blistering throwback act has reunited.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
The Great Privation – Sept. 11 – Oct. 12
Timelines jump and collide in this innovative production at Woolly Mammoth Theatre. The Great Privation shows a mother and daughter guarding the grave of their husband and father to prevent resurrectionists from tampering with it, circa 1832. On the same grounds in the present, another mother and daughter are summer camp counselors. The two stories intersect in fascinating ways.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
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 for a weekend with Polka on the Pier, a Stein Hosting Competition and the thrilling Dachshund Dash.
Art All Night – Sept. 13
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.
Walkingtown DC – Sept. 13-20
On September, Events DC showcases the incredible walkability of the nation’s capital during this free, week-long public tour program. 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.
Keegan Theatre
Everything is Wonderful – Sept. 13 – Oct. 5
The Keegan Theatre stages acclaimed playwright Chelsea Marcantel's stirring and thought-provoking of grief, faith and family. After a tragic accident, a young woman returns home to her Amish roots to confront the life and relationships that she left behind. Wounds will be reopened and secrets will emerge as our protagonist's boundaries between forgiveness and forgetfulness are blurred.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Adams Morgan Day – Sept. 14
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 "AdMo."
The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture – Through Sept. 14
The Smithsonian American Museum’s new exhibit examines sculpture’s role in understanding and constructing race in the United States. Across 82 sculptures created between 1792 and 2023 by 70 different artists, visitors can observe historical and modern works that inspire conversation and reflections on how power, identity and race are intertwined.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
National Portrait Gallery
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. During Hispanic Heritage Month, it's even easier to celebrate.
- Catch performances at FiestaDC's festival and parade
- Secure tickets to a heritage night game with DC United, the Nats, the Washington Spirit or the Capitals
- Attend an interactive Hispanic Heritage Month event at a Smithsonian museum
- Brush up on your history with a visit to ¡Presente! A Latino History of the U.S.
Theatre Week
Theatre Week – Sept. 18 – Oct. 5
Celebrate the theatre season in the Washington, DC region with a weeks-long promotion from TheatreWashington which includes $25, $45 and $65 tickets to highly anticipated productions at venues all over the DC 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.
BBQ & Barrels – Sept. 19
Nationals Park hosts this popular event for the third consecutive year. Held in the Centerfield Plaza of the stadium, BBQ & Barrels features exactly what its title promises: the finest in local barbecue and whiskey. Dewey Beach natives Love Seed Mama Jump will provide music as you sample delicious food and spirits.
Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Alabama Shakes – Sept. 19
It’s been eight years since audiences were treated to the sounds of Alabama Shakes, which features vocalist/guitarist Brittany Howard, guitarist Heath Fogg and bassist Zac Cockrell. The Anthem hosts the Grammy-winning and chart-topping group’s triumphant return to DC, where they’re likely to play smash hits as well as new music.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Spain and the Birth of American Democracy: A History Symposium – Sept. 19-20
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, learn the role Spain played as an ally to the U.S. during the American Revolution. The two-day symposium (presented by the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute, the Fundación Ramón Areces and the Spanish Embassy) will include presentations by historical experts and booth displays from various organizations will share upcoming plans for 2026. Photo ID is required for entry.
More info | Register
DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
Ford's Theatre
The American Five – Sept. 19 – Oct. 12
Ford’s Theatre treats audiences to a stage production that depicts five civil rights icons – including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – in the process of planning the March on Washington and crafting King’s legendary “I Have A Dream” speech. In the face of intimidation, life threats, surveillance and immense public pressure, the group forms a coalition and creates a defining moment in American history.
Tickets
Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
H Street Festival – Sept. 20
Another one of DC’s most popular neighborhoods pulls out all the stops for this annual festival that draws thousands of attendees every year. The H Street Festival will feature live music, dance performances, family-friendly activities, contests and plenty of food vendors across its many staging areas, with dozens of businesses participating.
Truth and Service Classic: Howard vs. Hampton – Sept. 20
An exciting new chapter in the historic HBCU rivalry dating back to 1908, the “Battle for the Real HU” returns for its fifth year as Howard University hosts Hampton University at Audi Field. More than a football game, this cultural celebration is a source of pride and community, bringing together alumni, students and fans from both institutions. Last year’s game drew over 16,000 spectators.
4 p.m. kickoff | Tickets
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Kennedy Center © Jati Lindsay
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
Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955-1985 – Sept. 21 – Jan. 4, 2025
The National Gallery of Art hosts a monumental tribute to the work of Black artists from around the world. Photography and the Black Arts Movement spans four decades and features roughly 150 pieces by more than 100 artists, including luminaries such as Gordon Parks, Carrie Mae Weems, Frank Stewart, Billy Abernathy, David C. Driskell, Lorna Simpson and many more.
4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW Washington, DC 20565
Tune-Yards – Sept. 22
It’s highly likely you’ve never heard music quite like what Tune-Yards produces. Masterminded by the idiosyncratically brilliant Merrill Garbus, the project is known for its eclectic sound; Garbus incorporates a range of percussion instruments along with ukulele, loop pedals and saxophone. Catch Tune-Yards at The Howard Theatre as they tour in support of their first album in four-plus years.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Signature Theatre Company
Strategic Love Play – Sept. 23 – Oct. 9
Signature Theatre Company delivers a biting new satire from Succession writer Miriam Battye that skewers the world of online dating. When a man and a woman meet for a date after matching, a first date never to be forgotten quickly ensues.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Julius X – Sept. 23 – Oct. 26
Renaissance man Al Letson reimagines one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies through the story of civil rights leader Malcolm X. Letson – an award-winning writer, journalist and podcast host – teams with director Nicole Brewer for a production that reflects the timelessness of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar and examines the fascinating life of a revolutionary.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Studio Theatre
The Heart Sellers – Sept. 24 - Oct. 26
Studio Theatre dives deep into the immigrant experience with this new play from writer Lloyd Suh and director Danilo Gambini. It’s Thanksgiving Day in 1973 when Filipino immigrant Luna meets the South Korean Jane in a near-empty grocery store. The two decide to celebrate the holiday together, eventually discussing their homesickness, their pursuit of the American dream, Soul Train and much more in this intimate production.
Tickets
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Rik Freeman: Wade in the Waters – Sept. 24 – Feb. 19, 2026
DC artist Rik Freeman’s work is showcased in-depth at this free exhibition displayed at Phillips@THEARC. For more than three decades, Freeman has engaged history, community, resilience and joy in his work. Wade in the Waters zooms in on waterways – from the beaches of Bahia to the Anacostia River – and how they connect to the diaspora over generations.
Wednesday & Thursday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
Phillips@THEARC, 1801 Mississippi Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020
Riley Green – Sept. 26
One of country music’s brightest stars visits Nationals Park for a postgame concert. After the Nationals’ game against the Chicago White Sox, Riley Green will perform his litany of hits. Your game ticket grants you access to the show, but on-field passes are available for those who want to be closer to the stage.
Game begins at 6:45 p.m. | On-field passes
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Craft2Wear | Smithsonian
Smithsonian Craft2Wear – Sept. 26-28
The Arts and Industries Building 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.
Tickets
Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building, 900 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20004
All Things Go
All Things Go Music Festival – Sept. 26-28
You'll want to plan ahead for this popular festival that has sold out the last few years. Hosted at Merriweather Post Pavilion, the event features two stages, an epic lineup of delicious local eats and art installations.
10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044
Women Artists from Antwerp to Amsterdam, 1600-1750 – Sept. 26 – Jan. 11, 2026
More than 40 Dutch and Flemish women artists are showcased in a new exhibit at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Pieces include paintings, lace, prints, paper cuttings, embroidery and sculpture, all of which deepens understanding of the Dutch and Flemish visual culture of the period. Artists displayed include Gesina ter Borch, Maria Faydherbe, Anna Maria de Koker, Judith Leyster and Magdalena van de Passe.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
An Evening with David Byrne – Sept. 27-28
One of modern art’s most important figures comes to The Anthem for a two-night stint. David Byrne, frontman for Talking Heads and world-renowned solo artist, brings Ghost Train Orchestra on tour in support of his LP made in collaboration with the collective, Who Is the Sky? Spend an evening in the company of musical genius.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Guerrilla Girls: Making Trouble – Through Sept. 28
An artist collective that continues to make its mark today, Guerrilla Girls celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2025. The National Museum of Women in the Arts honor the attention-grabbing group known for their provocative, text and graphic-based prints that denounce discrimination. Their work uses bold and eye-catching aesthetics to call out gender disparity and other important social injustices across billboards, banners, buildings and other sites. The museum’s extensive collection informs the exhibit that features an expansive and enthralling chronology of Guerrilla Girls’ vital work.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
A Radical Alteration: Women’s Studio Workshop as a Sustainable Model for Art Making – Through Sept. 28
The National Museum of Women in the Arts celebrates the Women’s Studio Workshop (WSW) with a special exhibit that examines the organization’s history as a proponent of the book arts in marginalized communities across the U.S. Founded in 1974 by four women, WSW emerged at the vanguard of second-wave feminism and has published more than 240 artists’ books thanks to its Artist-in-Residence program. The display showcases more than 40 objects, including artists’ books, zines, ephemera and archival materials.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Vivian Browne: My Kind of Protest – Through Sept. 28
The Phillips Collection uncovers previously unknown pieces and archival findings to showcase the depth of three decades of work by Vivian Browne. The exhibition features paintings, prints, works on paper and additional ephemera, highlighting Browne’s incredible career as an artist, activist, teacher and founder of one of the first women’s art cooperatives in Manhattan. Her approach to color and form continues to challenge concepts of figuration and abstraction.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Iggy Pop – Sept. 29
Progenitor of punk rock and a master of provocation, Iggy Pop has been a fixture in the music landscape since the late-1960s. Beginning with his legendary work with The Stooges and on through a captivating solo career, the singer/songwriter/storyteller has maintained cultural relevance and a swaggering attitude. The 78-year-old is likely to be shirtless at some point during his show at The Anthem.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Elvis Costello & The Imposters – Sept. 29
A musical pioneer since his initial emergence in the late-1970s as part of the New Wave movement, Elvis Costello is responsible for some of the most acclaimed and innovative pop songs of the last 50 years. Fortunately, he still puts on one hell of a show, so don’t miss an evening packed with his signature tracks at Warner Theatre.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Lightning Bolt – Sept. 30
You may be surprised to find out that one of the loudest groups in music consists of just two people. If that sounds like your thing, go to Black Cat and witness the majesty and virtuosity of Lightning Bolt. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Chippendale plays with wild abandon while bassist Brian Gibson riffs on the instrument in a way that you can’t imagine.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Natasha Bedingfield – Sept. 30
This UK sensation burst onto the charts in the early 2000s on the heels of “Unwritten,” one of the decade’s most infectious hits and the opening theme song to MTV’s The Hills. Since then, Natasha Bedingfield has built a career filled with R&B-flavored hits, leading to more than 20 million records sold worldwide.
7 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
With Passion and Purpose: Gifts from the Collection of Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson – Through Oct. 5
A collection that spans 100 years of Black creativity comes to the National Gallery of Art’s East Building Mezzanine thanks to Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson. The largest group of objects by Black artists to enter the museum’s collection at one time includes 175 works. These range from lyrical abstractions to intricate sculptures to well-known paintings. Featured artists include Jacob Lawrence, Archibald Motley, Vivian Browne, Mildred Thompson, Alison Saar and many others.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Play On! – Through Oct. 5
Does a musical based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night set to the music of Duke Ellington sound like a good time to you? Us too. Signature Theatre’s latest production follows Vy, who discovers that the doors of opportunity in 1930s Harlem are closed to her. She then disguises herself as a man to sing her songs for the Duke himself. A tale packed with intrigue, mistaken identity and incredible jazz tunes ensues.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Architecture Cruise with DC Design Tours – Through Oct. 31
An expert on architecture will guide you through this memorable experience 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.
Capital Harvest on the Plaza – Wednesdays through October
Located at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Capital Harvest on the Plaza is open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesdays from May through October. During your visit, you’ll find plenty of farm-fresh deliciousness and artisanal crafts, as well as recipes and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Check out the full list of vendors to start planning your haul.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Wednesdays | Free Admission
Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Little Beasts: Art, Wonder and the Natural World – Through Nov. 2
Art and nature lovers young and old will be delighted by this new display at the National Gallery of Art. Across more than 70 paintings, prints and drawings, visitors can see how nature has inspired art since the dawn of European natural history in the 16th and 17th centuries. Specimens and taxidermy from the National Museum of Natural History will also be showcased along with a new film by artist Dario Robleto.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Cut + Paste: Experimental Japanese Prints and Photographs – Through Nov. 20
The National Museum of Asian Art showcases 17 Japanese artists who have pushed boundaries in printmaking and photography. The exhibit features multilayered images that challenge distinctions between mediums, traditions and notions of fine art and commercial design.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Niki de Saint Phalle In Print – Through Nov. 30
The National Museum of Women in the Arts displays 20 of multimedia artist Niki de Saint Phalle’s large-scale prints. Although primarily known for performances and sculptures, Saint Phalle showcases mastery as a printmaker as well, using striking colors, a whimsical and animated drawing style and looping handwriting to stamp a style all her own.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond – Through Nov. 30
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
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
Martin E. Red Bear / National Museum of the American Indian
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
American Landscapes in Watercolor from the Corcoran Collection – Through Feb. 1, 2026
The National Gallery of Art’s new exhibit of stunning watercolors allows you to travel from the Washington Monument to Yosemite National Park and back to the waters of New England. Experience how artists took a format meant for mapping and landscaping and elevated it to transcendence.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
2025 James McLaughlin Staff Show – Through Feb. 8, 2026
Named after the gifted still-life painter who learned under the mentorship of museum founder Duncan Phillips, the James McLaughlin Staff Show proudly displays the work of The Phillips Collection’s own team. The voices behind the scenes are gorgeously brought to life in this annual tribute.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution – Through March 21, 2026
The Library of Congress brings together letters, ledgers, diaries, maps, drawings and other artifacts to illuminate the similarities and differences between two iconic figures of the Revolutionary War: George Washington and King George III. Although the two never met, visitors can envision where they would clash and where they would compromise in this stirring exhibit that features items from a wide range of collections, including the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle, London’s Science Museum and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Hours | Free Admission
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
Smithsonian Institution
Making a Statement – Through March 2026
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian displays two gowns worn by Oscar-nominated actor Lily Gladstone (Siksikaitsitapi [Blackfeet]/Nimiipuu [Nez Perce]) in a special installation. Four public programs are planned for Women's History Month as well. Both gowns were designed by Gucci and Indigenous artist Joe Big Mountain (Mohawk/Cree/Comanche) of Ironhorse Quillwork and were worn by Gladstone the evening of March 10, 2024, to the 96th Academy Awards and the Vanity Fair Oscars party. Gladstone was the first Native American nominated for best actress for her work in the film Killers of the Flower Moon.
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne – Through April 25, 2026
Four stunning art works across six centuries are in conversation in a new exhibit at the National Gallery of Art. Through a recent piece by Rozeal., Titian’s Venus with a Mirror and Ranuccio Farnese and Cezanne’s Boy in a Red Waistcoat, visitors can find unexpected connections and visual similarities that draw the 16th, 19th and 21st centuries together.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Reasons to Gather: Japanese Tea Practice Unwrapped – Through April 26, 2026
The Japanese tea practice of chanoyu revolves around the appreciation of utensils that assist in the preparation and consumption of matcha (powdered green tea). This new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art presents 11 historic tea utensils and accessories, including ceramics, hanging scrolls, boxes and wrapping cloths. All the objects tell a story of trade and exchange across Asia and reveal a vast network of tea practitioners.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Shahzia Sikander: The Last Post – Through July 12, 2026
The Smithsonian American Art Museum showcases a groundbreaking work that deeply examines the legacy of British colonialism in Asia. Shahzia Sikander’s signature approach is evident in the way The Last Post blends Indo-Persian miniature paintings with contemporary flavor: see the score by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Du Yun and the way images form and dissolve around the piece’s central figure.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Blossom Time, Willard Metcalf, 1910
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
Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art – Through Summer 2026
The National Museum of African Art has assembled a powerful showcase of works that marks the first continental and diasporic survey of its scale outside of Africa. LGBTQ+ identities and experiences are the focus of the exhibit, with many of the pieces serving as challenges to legacies of homophobia and bigotry.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
State Fairs: Growing American Craft – Through Sept. 7, 2026
After five years of research and months of preparation, the Renwick Gallery debuts this extraordinary exhibit that is the first to survey American state fairs’ unconventional crafts from the 19th century to the present. Personal stories and regional traditions will be showcased across more than 240 artworks. Highlights include a life-size butter cow made on-site, size-96 boots from the State Fair of Texas and a pyramid of 700 glass jars of preserved fruits and vegetables.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Renwick Gallery, 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen – Through Jan. 3, 2027
Known for his rigorous work in creating jaw-dropping paintings, Adam Pendleton will showcase new and recent pieces as well as single-channel video in this landmark exhibition at the Hirshhorn Museum. Pendleton’s first solo showcase will highlight his contributions to contemporary American painting and utilize the architecture of the Hirshhorn and the vast history of DC’s National Mall.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, 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
InSight: Photos and Stories from the Archives – Ongoing
Peer into Indigenous lives from across the Western hemisphere over time thanks to a new exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian. Through this special selection picked from more than 500,000 images, the museum highlights moments of everyday joy, education and familial bonding. Each photo has its own story to tell.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Justin Favela, Capilla de Maíz
Justin Favela: Capilla de Maíz – Ongoing
Multidisciplinary artist Justin Favela reimagines the Renwick Gallery’s Rubenstein Grand Salon with Capilla de Maíz, which translates to “Maize Chapel”. The site-specific installation features gold-fringed walls and piñata corncobs, with its visual effect showcasing the importance of corn to North American culture. The introduction of this piece marks the reopening of the Gallery along with the new exhibit, State Fairs: Growing American Craft.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Renwick Gallery, 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
Places to Stay
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