Discover an abundance of autumn events in the District, including Snallygaster, Hispanic Heritage Month festivities, Theatre Week and all-star soccer at Audi Field.
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.
Celebrate Oktoberfest throughout 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 with Polka on the Pier, a Stein Hosting Competition and the thrilling Dachshund Dash.
Washington Spirit
Last Chance for Soccer Season in Washington, DC
Head to Audi Field to catch four-time MLS Cup winners D.C. United or 2021 NWSL Champion Washington Spirit, which fields some of the best women’s soccer players in the country. Whether you're a longtime fan or just looking for a high-energy night out, experiencing the electric atmosphere of professional soccer is easy in DC.
Spirit Tickets
D.C. United Tickets
Neko Case – Oct. 2
As versatile as any artist working today, Neko Case has been described as “One of America’s best and most ambitious singer-songwriters” by Rolling Stone and has a New York Times-bestselling memoir to her name. From her work with Canadian supergroup The New Pornographers to her groundbreaking solo albums, Case has always kept the audience on their toes.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Corazón y vida: Lowrider Culture – Opens Oct. 3
A new exhibit at the National Museum of American History reveals the 80-year history of lowriding culture and community-building through a display of photographs, posters, car club clothing, trophies, a pinstripe tool kit and much more. The unique, vibrant and bilingual exhibition dives deep into how the Lowrider tradition has become a source of pride in Mexican American communities and a way of combating discrimination.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
The Wharf
Oktoberfest at The Wharf – Oct. 4
Don a dirndi or lederhosen and make your way to The Wharf for its free annual Oktoberfest celebration. The Wiener 500 Dachschund Dash kicks off the festivities, followed by a stein-hoisting championship and Polka on the Pier, which includes a free polka dance class, live music and a best-dressed contest.
2-7 p.m. | Free Admission
The Wharf, 760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Theatre Week
Theatre Week – Through Oct. 5
Celebrate the theater 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, theater 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.
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
Photo by Nilufer Yanya
Alex G – Oct. 7
In support of his latest LP, Headlights, Alex G visits The Anthem, a show highly anticipated thanks to the singer-songwriter’s emergence from self-releasing his music to composing music for high-profile films and signing with a major record label. No one writes music quite like the Pennsylvania native, making his concerts unique experiences.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
My Morning Jacket – Oct. 8
Now 10 studio albums deep into an illustrious career noted for its relentless dedication to touring, My Morning Jacket hits the road again to play songs from their new LP, Is, along with favorites from a discography that has become breathtaking in scope. The group is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of the release of their landmark album, Z, making this a set list you will not want to miss.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Photo by Roman Novitsky
The Stuttgart Ballet: Onegin – Oct. 8-12
For the first time in decades, The Stuttgart Ballet returns to the Kennedy Center with a bold and beautiful production of Onegin. Based on an Alexander Pushkin narrative poem from 1825, the ballet deals in an unrequited love between the reserved Tatiana and the globe-trotting Onegin. Expect soaring duets, sky-high emotions and plenty of technical mastery in this timeless classic.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Fremont Ave. – Oct. 8 – Nov. 23
A daring production at Arena Stage pits three generations of Black men against each other in a game of Spades. At the center is the family’s matriarch, who’s equal parts beloved and feared. Raw and emotional, what begins as a night at the card table turns into a powerful reckoning with masculinity, identity and family secrets.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Signature Theatre Company
Strategic Love Play – Through 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
National Gallery of Art
National Gallery Nights: Strike a Pose – Oct. 9
The East Building of the National Gallery of Art hosts another edition of one of the museum’s most popular events. Strike a Pose emphasizes the Gallery’s newest exhibit, Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985, with a delirious celebration of self-expression, fashion and photography. Wear your favorite outfit inspired by looks from the ‘50s through the ‘80s, step in the photobooth, experiment with photography via on-site artmaking and take advantage of a rare opportunity to visit the West Building after-hours to check out the exhibit.
6-9 p.m. | Free Admission | Ticket Lottery: Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. – Thursday, Oct. 2 at 12 p.m.
National Gallery of Art East Building, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Race the District: Go-Karting and Louis the Child at Union Market – Oct. 9-12
Union Market District brings back its electric outdoor go-kart racetrack, this time with the backdrop of a full festival weekend of live entertainment, food and family activities daily. Races are ticketed and 15 minutes each, open to all skill levels (58" or taller) and just as fun to watch. On Oct. 11, electronic duo Louis The Child headlines a block party on 5th Street, presented by Nü Androids. Ticket holders are invited to access F1 Arcade’s sim racing for free, and all are welcome to Songbyrd’s 10th-anniversary block party on Oct. 12.
More Info | Track Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour – Oct. 10-12
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
Because They're Funny Comedy Festival – Oct. 10-12
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.
Neighborhood Restaurant Group
Snallygaster – Oct. 11
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
The Great Privation – Through 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
Ford's Theatre
The American Five – Through 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
Army Ten-Miler
Army Ten-Miler – Oct. 12
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
Photo by Robin Groulx
Oyster Wars – Oct. 12
Co-hosted by The Salt Line and Other Half Brewing, the 7th Annual Oyster Wars gathers more than 30 local chefs, breweries and oyster farms up and down the Eastern Seaboard to pack an afternoon with eating, drinking and live music. The 21-and-over event is ticketed with admission that provides access to food from every chef and oyster farm.
2-6 p.m. | Tickets
The Salt Line, 79 Potomac Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003
Destroyer – Oct. 14
Equipped with a voice unlike any other in popular music, Dan Bejar – who performs as Destroyer – has been dispensing his own special mix of piano ballads, synth epics, Bowie-esque rock-and-rollers and basically everything in-between since the 1990s. His latest album is a reinvention of sorts, but then again, Destroyer reinvents itself with nearly every release.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Yes – Oct. 14
Synonymous with the genre of prog rock, Yes redefined popular music with a string of immensely successful albums in the 1970s. Known for their epic approach to the song format, the group is ready to conquer venues yet again with a 2025 tour that includes a stop at DC’s Warner Theatre.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
National Portrait Gallery
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. 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
- Learn about Mexican American history through Corazón y vida: Lowriding Culture
Tawny Chatmon: Sanctuaries of Truth, Dissolution of Lies – Oct. 15 – March 8, 2026
The photography-based work of Tawny Chatmon receives a glorious tribute at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The exhibition will debut pieces from Chatmon’s latest series, which also incorporate audio narrative, embroidery, film and assemblage. Selections from Chatmon’s acclaimed previous work will also be on display.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Disclosure – Oct. 17
The UK dance outfit that is Disclosure consists of brothers Howard and Guy Lawrence. Since exploding into the mainstream with 2013’s Settle, the duo has headlined arenas and festival bills all over the planet. Their live shows are full-blown parties, so expect The Anthem to be at a fever pitch.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Photo by Zdenko Hanout
PlayStation in Concert – Oct. 17-18
A troupe of 15 virtuosic soloists, along with advanced LED projection, surround sound and multi-layered visuals, make this a live experience not to be missed. Take in some of the most celebrated scores in gaming history, including God of War, The Last of Us, Ghost of Tsushima and Horizon, like you never have before.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Smithsonian Associates 60th Anniversary Celebration Weekend – Oct. 17-19
The world’s largest museum-based education program celebrates its 60th anniversary across a weekend of events. In-person and online programming includes lectures, tours and workshops. Membership with Smithsonian Associates is encouraged for access to special discounts.
More Information
Modest Mouse – Oct. 18
Issaquah, Washington is the hometown of Modest Mouse, but when you listen to their idiosyncratic music, you may ask yourself if they came from another planet. Singer Isaac Brock sounds (and writes) like no one else and the band around him does its best to keep up, with a bucket of anthems created in the process. Expect plenty of singalongs during the group’s set at The Anthem.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Shakespeare Theatre Company
The Wild Duck – Oct. 18 – Nov. 16
Henrik Ibsen’s timeless drama comes to Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Klein Theatre for a special fall engagement guided by Artistic Director Simon Godwin. A wealthy businessman’s son aims to destroy his friend’s life while a young girl tries to protect an innocent creature from the ugly truth of the world.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art – Oct. 18 – March 1, 2026
North American audiences are introduced to the dazzling visual art of Indigenous Australia, made up of more than 250 distinct nations. The exhibit features over 200 works by more than 130 artists, including trailblazing pieces from Emily Kam Kngwarray, Gulumbu Yunupiŋu (known as "Star Lady”), Brook Andrew, Destiny Deacon and Betty Muffler.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
The Outwin 2025: American Portraiture Today – Oct. 18 – Aug. 30, 2026
Drawing from more than 3,300 entries and contributions from 14 states, DC and Puerto Rico, the National Portrait Gallery displays 35 portraits by 36 artists. Curated by a panel of experts, the seventh triennial Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition informs this showcase of emerging talent each year.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Photo by Anne Colliard
Cirque Du Soleil: LUIZA – Through Oct. 19
Poetically guided by light (‘luz’ in Spanish) and rain (‘lluvia’), LUZIA details the adventures of a parachuted traveler with the culture, nature and mythology of a dreamlike land inhabited by a menagerie of characters. Refreshing and unexpected, LUZIA dazzles with the incorporation of water into the acrobatic presentation – a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production.
Tickets
8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons, VA 22102
Turkish Festival
Turkish Festival – Oct. 19
The community-organized Turkish Festival fills Pennsylvania Avenue with special art and photo exhibits, folk dancers and concerts ranging from Turkish rock to folk. 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
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
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.
The American Story – Opens Oct. 23
Two permanent and interactive exhibit spaces reopen at the National Archives Museum. The American Story presents 250 years of history through documents from the Archives collection. Expect amazing artifacts as well as interactive and artificial intelligence features.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Archives Museum, 701 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20408
Big Thief – Oct. 24
Composed of songwriter Adrianne Lenker, guitarist Buck Meek and drummer James Krivchenia, Big Thief has become one of the most critically acclaimed bands of their generation. Across five albums, the group has created a sprawling sound that makes this show at The Anthem can’t-miss.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
National Theatre
Twilight In Concert – Oct. 24-25
The National Theatre hosts a live-to-film event on consecutive nights, allowing for audiences to immerse themselves in the world of Twilight in a unique experience. A 12-piece ensemble of rock and orchestral musicians navigates the soundtrack as the original film plays on a full-size cinema screen.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Washington Ballet
Moving Forces – Oct. 24-26
The Washington Ballet performs four ballets, each its own powerful look at human emotion with the intent of resonating deeply with audiences at the Kennedy Center. The compositions from Justin Peck, Christopher Wheeldon, Dwight Roden and Edward Liang use breathtaking choreography to communicate true feelings as only ballet can.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Photo by Todd Rosenberg
Aida – Oct. 24 – Nov. 2
Giuseppe Verdi’s legendary opera is staged with hieroglyphic and calligraphy-inspired sets in a new production at the Kennedy Center. Featuring Verdi’s epic music along with dynamic dance sequences, an unforgettable Triumphal Scene and a love triangle at its very center, Aida is not to be missed this fall.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Grandma Moses: A Good Day's Work – Oct. 24 – July 12, 2026
Anna Mary Robertson Moses, who was dubbed “Grandma Moses” by the press, lived through the American Civil War, two world wars and the civil rights era. In the 1940s, she emerged as a central figure thanks to her unique tapestries of American life. The Smithsonian American Art Museum introduces her essential work to new generations with an in-depth exhibit.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Water's Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe – Oct. 24 – Jan. 2027
The acclaimed Ho-Chunk artist receives his first major retrospective at the National Museum of the American Indian. Truman Lowe used willow branches, feathers and organic materials to create minimalist sculptures to evoke rivers, streams and waterfalls. The exhibit also features similarly distinctive drawings and paintings by Lowe.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
DC Really Locale Invitational
DC Brewers' Guild Real-Ly LocAle Invitational – Oct. 25
More than a dozen local breweries square off to win over the crowd at the new Bridge District. The second annual Real-ly LocAle Invitational invites craft purveyors to pour a limited-edition Real Ale brewed just for this event. You will serve as the judge, as your ticket grants you the ability to taste unlimited ales and cast your vote for the best brew. There will also be beer trivia, free coaster-crafting, games and live music.
1-5 p.m. | Tickets
Bridge District, 632 Howard Road SE, Washington, DC 20020
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon – Oct. 25
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
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Julius X – Through 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 – Through 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
Home Rule Music Festival – Oct. 26
The annual Home Rule Music Festival celebrates the rich musical and cultural scene of DC. In partnership with NoMa BID, the festival puts on a show at Alethia Tanner Park to show off locally based performers with a full day of concerts.
Tickets
Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, DC 20002
The Beta Band – Oct. 28
One of Britain’s most inventive bands reunites for the first time in more than two decades. Fortunately for fans, The Beta Band’s tour bookmarks a visit to DC. The iconic setting of 9:30 Club is perfect for the quartet’s explosive fusion of rock, hip-hop, trip-hop, soul and electronica.
7 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival – Oct. 30 - Nov. 2
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.
Jon Batiste – Oct. 31
Winner of five Grammy Awards and an Academy Award, Jon Batiste is one of the most talented musicians in the world. Capable of anything in the studio and on-stage, music fans won’t want to pass up a chance to see the genre-hopping superstar in action during this concert at The Anthem.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
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.
Reserve
Día de los Muertos at the National Museum of the American Indian
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.
Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
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
Arena Stage
Damn Yankees – Through 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
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
Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955-1985 – Through Jan. 4, 2026
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.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Women Artists from Antwerp to Amsterdam, 1600-1750 – Through 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
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
Experience Art Ave – Through 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
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
Rik Freeman: Wade in the Waters – Through 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
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
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
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
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
Hedy's Rooftop / Hotel Zena
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