The Washington Ballet
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.
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
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.
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.
National Symphony Orchestra
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
AdMo 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.
Cirque du Soleil
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
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
James Taylor / Wolf Trap
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
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 / Wolf Trap
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
The Kennedy Center
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
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.
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
The Kennedy Center
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
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
Mister Lincoln – Sept. 20 – Oct. 13
Written by Herbert Mitgang and directed by José Carrasquillo, Mister Lincoln unpacks the sixteenth president's life and tenure in this 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
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
Try Guys / Live Nation
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
513 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
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
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
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.
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.
Craft2Wear | Smithsonian
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.
1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003
All Things Go
All Things Go Music Festival – Sept. 28-29
The All Things Go Music Festival returns this September with headliners like Lauren, 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
Places to Stay
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