It’s the dawn of fall in the nation’s capital, which means can’t-miss concerts, plays and exhibits as well as events like DC Bike Ride, WalkingTown DC, Theatre Week, Art All Night, the World Culture Festival and much more.
Make plans for unforgettable experiences in the nation's capital this September. 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.
Spend Labor Day weekend in DC
We’re taking the work out of making your Labor Day weekend plans. Close out your summer in Washington, DC with the best activities, events and things to do. Here are a number of ways to make the weekend a memorable one.
Summer Restaurant Week – Aug. 28 – Sept. 3
Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington hosts two annual celebrations of DC’s eclectic dining scene: one in January and a summer edition in August. For both seasonal editions, Restaurant Week offers diners pre-fixe menus for lunch/brunch ($25) and dinner ($40 and $55). Make sure to read our full breakdown.
DC JazzFest – Aug. 30 – Sept. 3
In what has become a beloved annual tradition, DC JazzFest brings national and local musicians to a range of venues all over the city, including The Wharf. Some concerts are free; most are ticketed. A lineup stacked with talent and free performances are just two of the many reasons why you should check out the 2023 edition.
DC Festival of Magic – Sept. 1-3
Back at the Capital Hilton for a second year, the DC Festival of Magic brings together the best magicians in the Mid-Atlantic region for three nights of Labor Day weekend entertainment that will make your head spin.
Tickets
Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Labor Day Concert – Sept. 3
The NSO’s free annual Labor Day weekend concert returns to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol the day before the holiday. The performance is free to attend and tickets are not required. Seating is first-come, first-served.
8 p.m. | Free Admission
West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Grounds
Evita – Sept. 5 – Oct. 8
Directed by one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for Hollywood & Entertainment, Sammi Cannold, Shakespeare Theatre Company hosts a can’t-miss revival of the classic rock opera from Andrew Lloyd (music) and Tim Rice (book and lyrics). The story of Eva Perón’s shocking rise to First Lady of Argentina is told in dramatic detail with songs that will leave you breathless.
Tickets
Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Corrine Bailey Rae – Sept. 6
A sensation in England who’s earned multiple Grammy Awards in the States, Corrine Bailey Rae offers a magnificent and distinctive voice through her ebullient songwriting. With a new album set for release this fall, Rae is hitting the road to play her catalogue of hits and showcase her multi-instrumentalist talents.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Bathing in Moonlight – Sept. 7 – Oct. 1
DC’s GALA Hispanic Theatre presents a stunning production of a play written by Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz. Baño de luna (which translates to “Bathing in Moonlight”) concerns a relationship between a Catholic priest and a Havana pianist from his parish, leading to riveting drama that explores sacrifice, passion and moral dilemmas.
Tickets
GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20010
Live! at the Library – Sept. 7, 14, 21 & 28
Visitors are invited to attend a kick-off to the upcoming C-SPAN series Books that Shaped America on Sept. 7, dress as their favorite literary figure for a special Literary Costume Ball on Sept. 14 and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Library with special music and dance events this month. Every Thursday evening, the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building and all exhibitions are open for extended hours from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Happy hour drinks and snacks are available for purchase in the Great Hall. You can also experience the Main Reading Room, which is usually reserved for researchers (note that due to strong interest and limited capacity, those with timed-entry passes are not guaranteed access).
5-8 p.m. | Free Registration
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
Grease With A Side of Mumbo Sauce – Sept. 8-10
DC Black Broadway and the Lincoln Theatre cook up the classic Grease with a whole new set of ingredients. See one of the greatest musicals of all-time reimagined and set in the DC of the late-1980s. Follow Candy and Disco Dan as they reunite in high school after a summer romance, all enlivened by the energy, fashion and Go-Go music of the time. The play builds to a crescendo with a dance contest where every clique and crew collides.
7 p.m. | Tickets
The Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
DC Bike Ride – Sept. 9
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.
Digable Planets – Sept. 9
One of the defining groups of ‘90s hip-hop is about to put on a very cool celebration inside 9:30 Club. Digable Planets are throwing a bash for the 30th anniversary of their debut album, Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space), which featured the iconic single, “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)”. The three original members will take the stage for a birthday party unlike any other.
6 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Adams Morgan Day – Sept. 10
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.
Free Admission
18th Street NW, Washington, DC
DC State Fair – Sept. 10
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 of the activities planned: competitions for best photographer, best mumbo sauce, the most creative use of space in a micro-garden, slime for kids and much, much more.
Begins at 10 a.m. | Free Admission
Franklin Park, 1332 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Greta Van Fleet – Sept. 11
Carrying the torch for arena-sized anthems and classic rock style in the year 2023, Greta Van Fleet have achieved megastar status, much like their forebears from the 1970s. The group is a hit-making machine and can put on one hell of a rock ‘n roll show, so DC better be ready for a lot of energy when the Starcatcher tour comes to Capital One Arena, the only venue in town big enough for GVF.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Eddie Izzard – Sept. 11-12
Whether it’s working as a comedian, actor or activist, Eddie Izzard (also known as Suzy Izzard) has always stood out. As a genderfluid performer, Izzard has crafted a distinctive persona, from dazzling on the small and big screens to showcasing a masterful pantomimed stand-up style on stage. Her latest tour will visit DC’s Warner Theatre for two nights as Izzard reflects on 35 years in the limelight.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
My Mama & The Full-Scale Invasion – Sept. 11 – Oct. 8
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and Wilma Theater collaborate to bring a timely story to the stage this fall. My Mama & The Full-Scale Invasion was inspired by playwright Sasha Denisova’s online chats with her mother, an 82-year-old Ukrainian named Olga. While stranded in her hometown of Kyiv during the Russian invasion, Olga strategizes with President Zelenskyy, strikes enemy drones with pickle jars and even debates with God. Reality and the fantastical intersect in what promises to be one of the most thought-provoking productions of the season.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
King of the Yees – Sept. 12 – Oct. 22
From the playwright of Cambodian Rock Band, a hit over at Arena Stage this year, King of the Yees is a semi-autobiographical comedy focused on culture, community and generational connections. Lauren Yee is in the middle of rehearsal for a new play when her father bursts in and interrupts her actors. Before long, he’s gone missing through the streets of San Francisco, prompting Lauren to journey into Chinatown, beyond the Dragon’s Gate, through a mess of portals and mazes in order to find her father … and rediscover her heritage along the way.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
The Walkmen – Sept. 13
One of the most influential and successful groups to emerge from the NYC art rock scene of the early 2000s features five DC natives. The Walkmen released six critically acclaimed albums before disbanding 10 years ago. Now reunited, the group will play DC’s historic Lincoln Theatre in front of what will likely be a packed house.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Duran Duran – Sept. 13
Few bands owned the MTV generation like Duran Duran, becoming a household name thanks to infectious pop hits like “Come Undone,” “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “Girls on Film,” each of which was accompanied by an unforgettable music video on frequent circulation. The group can still pack stadiums all over the world, evidenced by the Future Past tour that will hit DC in September. Niles Rodgers & Chic and Bastille will be special guests.
7 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
National Gallery Nights: Block Party – Sept. 14
The National Gallery of Art welcomes back its free and extremely popular event series, National Gallery Nights. The Sept. 14 edition will be a celebration in honor of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop in the style of a block party, complete with beatboxing, street art and dance outdoors, pop-up talks, dance parties and much, much more. A lottery for event registration will be held from Sept. 4-7.
6-9 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas – Sept. 15 – June 2, 2024
Alma Thomas, who lived in DC and worked at Howard University for many years, developed a style all her own as a painter. She took to abstract painting late in her own life and at a crucial period in the country’s history, as political turmoil dramatically impacted the mid-1960s. The Smithsonian American Art Museum, which possesses the largest public collection of Thomas’ art, will offer an intimate look at her creative evolution from 1959 to 1978 through her signature color-driven pieces.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sweat – Through Sept. 16
Keegan Theatre hosts a Pulitzer Prize-winning play from Lynn Nottage that dives deep into “picket lines and blood lines”. Sweat concerns a group of factory workers – longtime friends, confidants and drinking partners – whose lives are upended when a series of layoffs and picket lines begin to erode their trust in one another.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
H Street Festival - Sept. 16
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 14 staging areas, with dozens of businesses participating.
National Dance Day at the Kennedy Center – Sept. 16
Celebrate in the District with a variety of programming from the Kennedy Center in honor of National Dance Day. Move and groove through a range of styles in honor of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. DMV-based movement artists including Lauren DeVera, Ama Law, Chris Law and Chitra Subramanian will participate in a day that will offer live performances, lessons, DJ sets, b-boy/b-girl competitions, a paint jam and of course, a huge dance party.
Events begin at 10:30 a.m. | Free Admission
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Patti Smith and Her Band – Sept. 16
Punk rock wouldn’t exist without Patti Smith, plain and simple. In fact, Smith’s unforgettable emergence as a rock n’ roll force in the mid-1970s set the stage for a generation of icons, both male and female. Her talents aren’t just limited to songwriting or her signature voice and style; Smith is also an award-winning author, poet, photographer and painter. The Anthem will be hallowed ground when the legend brings her band into town for one night only.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
WalkingTown DC – Sept. 16-24
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.
America’s Voices Against Apartheid – Sept. 16 – Nov. 5
The Kennedy Center's Department of International Programming and the Howard University Republic of South Africa Project/ Sister States of Maryland, Inc. present a groundbreaking exhibition, on display in the United States for the first time. America's Voices Against Apartheid explores the remarkable contributions made by U.S. citizens to the international movement that tore down the apartheid system in South Africa, which persisted from 1948 to the early 1990s.
Free Admission
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Bridges of Madison County – Through Sept. 17
Signature Theatre presents a classic American tale in a new format during this special run of The Bridges of Madison County. Originally a book by Marsha Norman (which was made into a hit 1993 film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep), the story follows Francesca, who married an American soldier to escape Italy at the end of the Second World War. She builds a home and routine in Iowa before meeting photographer Robert, who changes her life forever. The musical features a Tony Award-winning score by Jason Robert Brown.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Beyond Granite: Pulling Together – Through Sept. 18
The Trust for the National Mall begins the implementation of a dynamic new series of installations that aims to create more equitable, inclusive and diverse representation on the Mall. The pilot exhibition of Beyond Granite, entitled Pulling Together, will showcase special works of art, performances and programs designed to open up imaginations. The first curated outdoor exhibition in the history of the National Mall comes from Dr. Paul Farber and Dr. Salamishah Tillet for Monument Lab.
More Information
Black Country, New Road – Sept. 20
It’s become increasingly difficult to hit upon “experimental” music in rock; nearly 70 years into its existence in the popular consciousness, groups on both sides of the pond have seemingly explored every corner of the genre. The UK’s Black Country, New Road do their damnedest to defy this notion, weaving chamber pop, klezmer and the avant-garde into guitar riffs and a chugging rhythm section. We think you should see them play live at The Howard Theatre to experience what is truly the cutting edge of alternative music in 2023.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Peter Gabriel – Sept. 20
In the midst of one of his most ambitious projects in a career full of them, Peter Gabriel visits Capital One Arena as part of the i/o Tour. Since startling the music and art world with his daring vocals and costume work as the lead singer of Genesis more than 50 years ago, Gabriel has remained at the cutting edge of pop music, pushing boundaries and engaging subjects that few other artists would even acknowledge. Now, as Gabriel releases a song from the highly anticipated i/o every full moon of 2023, he’s touring North America.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Capital Crossover: Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves – Sept. 21
Two hometown sports teams plan to celebrate each other this fall as part of Capital Crossover: Diamonds and Gridiron. Before and during the Nats' game against the rival Atlanta Braves, it will be Commanders Night at Nationals Park. The NFL team's new owner, Josh Harris, will throw the first pitch. There will also be a pregame DJ performance, an appearance by Major Tuddy (the Commanders' mascot), Commanders activations and guest appearances throughout the game, a football-themed GEICO Presidents Race and pregame tailgate from 5:30-7 p.m. The Commanders will return the favor by celebrating the Nationals during their Oct. 5, Thursday night prime-time game against the Chicago Bears.
7 p.m. | Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
The Breeders – Sept. 21
It’s been 30 years since The Breeders released Last Splash, one of the best alternative rock albums of the 1990s. Led by Kim Deal, who initially rose to prominence in the late-1980s as a bassist/singer with The Pixies, the group served as the perfect vehicle for Deal’s endearing and wholly unique writing style. Their second LP boasted a string of radio hits, including “Cannonball” and “Saints”. The band celebrates Last Splash’s anniversary with a tour that thankfully makes a stop at The Fillmore Silver Spring, located just outside of DC.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Filmore Silver Spring, 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Theatre Week - Sept. 21 - Oct. 8
Celebrate the theatre season in the Washington, DC region with a weeks-long promotion from TheatreWashington, including $20, $40 and $60 tickets to highly anticipated productions at venues all over the DMV area. There are musicals, dramas, comedies, theatre for young audiences and much more. In addition to discounted tickets, Theatre Week also includes special events designed to entertain, educate and inspire, including the free Kickoff Fest on Sept. 23.
Smithsonian American Art Museum Galleries for Modern and Contemporary Art reopen – Sept. 22
After a temporary closure, the Smithsonian American Art Museum reopens its modern and contemporary galleries with recent acquisitions of pieces by Tiffany Chung, Jeffrey Gibson, Miguel Luciano, Kay WalkingStick, Alison Saar, Hank Willis Thomas and Carrie Mae Weems. Essential works from the collection will also be on display again, including Nam June Paik’s Electronic Superhighway: Continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Frankie Cosmos – Sept. 22
Born out of a bedroom, Greta Kline’s work as Frankie Cosmos is intimate, soothing, revelatory and simple. Her endearing pop songs have led to a run of critically acclaimed albums, each one filled with songs that are prone to getting stuck in your head and refusing to leave. Along with her airtight band, Cosmos will perform at the legendary 9:30 Club.
6 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard – Sept. 22 – Oct. 15
On the 50th anniversary of the election of Maynard Jackson as Atlanta’s first Black mayor, Ford’s Theatre stages playwright Pearl Cleage’s examination of the monumental moment’s dramatic impact on the city through the recollections and reflections of its citizens. Atlanta becomes a character as the audience is immersed in one of the most historic developments of the New South. Use code "DDCSM30" for 30% off – offer is limited to four tickets per order and excludes Dress Circle seating.
Tickets
Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Land Carries Our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans – Sept. 22 – Jan. 15, 2024
Curated by artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith (Citizen of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation), the National Gallery of Art presents an unprecedented exhibition that showcases work across a variety of mediums – including sculpture, beadwork, painting, performance, drawing, video and weaving – from 50 living Native American artists practicing across the United States. Visitors can marvel at a dynamic presentation of captivating art that reflects a deep reverence and appreciation of natural landscapes.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Jonas Brothers – Sept. 23
The teen sensations that dominated the late 2000s are now grown men, but that won’t stop thousands upon thousands of fans from flocking to their show at Capital One Arena this September. The Jonas Brothers plan to play five of their classic albums in one night, a mega-show that is sure to rock one of the city’s biggest stages.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Panda Palooza: A Giant Farewell – Sept. 23 – Oct. 1
Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji are preparing for their journey to China later this year. Help the Zoo celebrate and wish them well with a nine-day extravaganza that will include hashtag-worthy photo backdrops, hands-on arts and crafts, a 'Kids Area’ in the Great Meadow, morning family stretching and yoga along with panda talks, temporary tattoos, a conservation-themed scavenger hunt, live music concerts on the Mainstage by Lion Tiger Hill and free film screenings of Kung Fu Panda and The Miracle Panda in the Visitor Center Theater. In addition, food and beverage vendors will offer panda-themed items and tasty treats will be provided courtesy of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.
Free Entry Pass
Smithsonian's National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
ExPats Theatre: Scorched – Sept. 23 – Oct. 15
Intended for ages 18 and over only, the new production from ExPats Theatre (staged at Atlas Performing Arts Center) focuses on a family trying to come to grips with its turbulent past. Lebanese-Quebecois playwright Wajdi Mouawad’s engrossing tale focuses on adult twins Simon and Janine, who are asked to find their father and brother in an unnamed Middle Eastern country immediately after their mother’s death. The duo discovers their mother got pregnant as a teenager and was forced to give up the child – then spent the rest of her life secretly searching for her lost son while enduring civil war in her home country. The dramatic conclusion of the familial epic will leave you breathless.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Through Sept. 24
Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! captivated audiences and critics upon its arrival in theaters in 2001, signifying the beginning of a new era of Hollywood musicals. Of course, Luhrmann’s creation translates well to the stage, and the Kennedy Center will host Tony Award-winning director Alex Timbers’ adaptation this coming August. Filled with glitz, glamour and plenty of grandeur, the play is sure to electrify audiences with its stirring arrangements and dance numbers.
Tickets
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Wu-Tang Clan & Nas (with special guest De La Soul) – Sept. 26
Hip-hop royalty will be among us when the NY State of Mind tour sets its sights on Capital One Arena in DC. Wu-Tang Clan, Nas and De La Soul all demand headlining status and have somehow ended up on the same bill on a worldwide voyage. The evening is sure to feature some of the most enduring rap songs ever recorded, as each act has literal decades’ worth of notable rhymes and anthems.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Atlantic Festival – Sept. 28-29
The Wharf hosts an all-star lineup of speakers and guests during The Atlantic Festival, a two-day event featuring interviews, forums, breakout sessions, screenings, book talks and networking. Cu-rated by one of the leading publications in the land, The Atlantic, the experience can be enjoyed in-person or virtually. The list of standouts of who will be in attendance is long, but here’s a sample: Nancy Pelosi, Kerry Washington, Jake Tapper, Spike Lee, Antony Blinken, Jemele Hill, Karlie Kloss and Governor Josh Shapiro. Arena Stage will serve as the anchor venue for the festival.
Passes
Tangerine Dream – Sept. 29
Responsible for some of the most distinctive film scores of the 1980s, Tangerine Dream is also one of the finest prog rock bands working today. Their live shows are pure spectacle, combining a whirlwind lightshow with the Dream’s spaced-out sounds and textures. The spectacular acoustics of the Lincoln Theatre will serve the group well.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Art All Night – Sept. 29-30
An all-night arts festival? Sign us up. Yes, DC has that with Art All Night, which will spread out over multiple neighborhoods on Sept. 29 and 30. 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.
Free Admission
World Culture Festival - Sept. 29 - Oct. 1
The National Mall welcomes the world to celebrate diversity and unity as this three-day festival debuts in America. Experience global music, dance, art and food from 180-plus countries at the historic, Olympic-scale celebration.
Free Admission
Image China: Dance Drama Mulan - Sept. 29 - Oct. 1
Experience the legendary tale of Mulan's courage and honor through mesmerizing choreography, visuals and music. The modern interpretation reimagines the classic tale of the legendary female Chinese warrior to explore themes of self-identity and empowerment.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
DC Coffee Festival – Sept. 30
Immerse yourself in one of the world's favorite beverages during the inaugural DC Coffee Festival. Enjoy creations from dozens of the city’s top coffee roasters. These special offerings will not be limited to coffee, though: you can also expect teas, bagels, mochi donuts and much more. The event will be soundtracked by some of the best bands in the city while you savor samples at the iconic Dock 5.
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live in Concert – Sept. 30
One of the greatest films of all-time will come to vivid life inside the National Theatre during this rare opportunity to experience music perfectly married with a movie. Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, the 2018 smash hit, will be screened and paired with a live orchestra and turntables featuring a DJ scratcher on-stage. The score composed by Daniel Pemberton offers original music and song contributions from Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Wayne, Jaden Smith and Post Malone. The Broadway Sinfonietta, an all-women orchestra, will serve as further musical accompaniment during the screening, which is one-night only.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
All Things Go Music Festival – Sept. 30 – Oct. 1
One of the season’s most anticipated events returns with performances from a diverse array of artists, including the likes of Maggie Rogers, Carly Rae Jepsen, Mt. Joy, Lana Del Rey and many more. 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
Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044
Capital Harvest on the Plaza – Through Oct. 25
From salsa to strings, and blues to swing, Live! Concert Series on the Plaza features hot entertainment for the downtown DC community. Head to Wilson Plaza between 12 and 1 p.m. and take in free lunchtime performances showcasing the area's most talented entertainers. Enjoy a variety of musical genres, including Brazilian Jazz, bluegrass, reggae, rock, country and pop.
12-1 p.m. | Free Admission | More Information
Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces – Through Nov. 30
All the way back to the American Revolution, Native Americans have served in the U.S. armed forces, often in extraordinary numbers. The National Museum of the American explores the phenomenon of the Indigenous commitment to the U.S. military, from being drafted to the pursuit of employment or education to tribal traditions and treaty commitments.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
All American: The Power of Sports – Through Jan. 7, 2024
The National Archives' 3,000-square-foot exhibit showcases more than 75 items including original records, artifacts and photographs that showcase how American sports unite, teach and inspire us. Highlights include original sports equipment and jerseys used by icons, early 20th-century tobacco baseball cards, rare trophies, photos, letters and much more. The exhibit is located in the Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery and is free to visit.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Archives Museum, 701 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20408
Many Wests: Artists Shape an American Idea – Through Jan. 14, 2024
The latest exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum will examine, through the perspectives of 48 artists, the history of the American West through an entirely new lens. So many of our commonly accepted narratives about U.S. history are based on myths and Euro-centric accounts. Through thought-provoking pieces across a range of media, you’ll be immersed in a more inclusive, fact-based chronology of the Western parts of America and how they’ve been transformed over hundreds of years.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Palace Life Unfolds: Conserving a Chinese Lacquer Screen – Through Jan. 28, 2024
The National Museum of Asian Art displays a Chinese lacquer screen dated to 1672 in a new exhibit that examines the piece’s meaning, use and manufacture and details the incredible efforts of museum staff to research, conserve and display the work of art. Titled Spring Morning in the Han Palace, the composition presents an ahistorical view of the lives of women in an imperial palace of the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE).
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | More Information
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Musical Thinking: New Video Art and Sonic Strategies – Through Jan. 29, 2024
The Smithsonian American Art Museum’s new exhibit explores the strong relationship between video art and popular music, a trend that has developed steadily since the dawn of the 21st century. Musical Thinking focuses on videos that marry their images and actions with pieces of music, highlighting elements that speak to personal and shared aspects of American life. Visitors will discover art that provokes introspection, insight and bedazzlement.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
1898: U.S. Imperial Visions and Revisions – Through Feb. 25, 2024
On the 125th anniversary of the Spanish-American-Cuban-Philippine War, the National Portrait Gallery will open the first exhibition to examine this pivotal period through the lens of portraiture and visual culture. In 1898, the U.S. became an empire, conquering overseas territories and dramatically altering (or destroying) cultures in the process. Portraits of U.S. expansionists sit beside portraits of gallant rebels who fought U.S. imperialism, allowing for multifaceted viewpoints. More than 90 artworks from collections in Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Guam, Spain and the United States constitute the fascinating exhibit that revisits the consequences of the Spanish-American War (1898), the Congressional Joint Resolution to annex Hawai‘i (July 1898) and the Philippine-American War (1899–1913).
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Sharing Honors and Burdens: Renwick Invitational 2023 – Through March 31, 2024
The latest exhibit at the Renwick Gallery will focus on fresh and nuanced visions from six Native American or Alaska Native artists. Across more than 50 pieces, you will notice traditions of creating that honor family, community and clan, including projects that require broad community participation. The annual Invitational allows the Gallery to highlight innovative new voices in the world of craft and design art.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
One Life: Frederick Douglass – Through April 21, 2024
Activist, writer, speaker, intellectual – Frederick Douglass was one of the most influential people of 19th century America, making him one of the most influential figures in the history of the country. The National Portrait Gallery celebrates the icon, who befriended and advised Abraham Lincoln, through a series of prints, photographs and ephemera.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Jessica Diamond: Wheel of Life – Through June 2, 2024
One of America’s greatest conceptual artists presents her largest museum installation to date at the Hirshhorn. Wheel of Life fills the museum’s second-floor, inner-circle galleries with 15 text-and-image-based works that highlight Diamond’s inventiveness. Much of the work on display reflects on Diamond’s stunning 40-year career as an artist.
10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Free admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
Robert Houle: Red is Beautiful – Through June 2, 2024
The National Museum of the American Indian presents the first major retrospective dedicated to Robert Houle (Saulteaux Anishinaabe, Sandy Bay First Nation, b. 1947), an Indigenous artist known for masterfully blending Western and ancient traditions in his contemporary works. Visitors can marvel at more than 50 years of Houle’s creativity, including paintings pierced by porcupine quills and historic scenes reimagined from an Indigenous perspective.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Duty, Honor, Country: Antebellum Portraits of West Pointers – Through June 9, 2024
In the lead up to the Civil War, the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, emerged as a training ground for men who built the nation’s infrastructure, played important roles in its military campaigns and took part in its politics. Drawn exclusively from the Gallery’s collection, the exhibition will feature early camera portraits of Ulysses S. Grant, George Armstrong Custer, John Pelham, “Stonewall” Jackson and Gouverneur Kemble Warren, among many others.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Partner Content