Fill up your fall agenda with exciting new exhibits, plays and concerts in DC along with marquee events like Smithsonian Craft2Wear, the Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival, the Capital City Africa Cup and many more.
Make plans for unforgettable experiences in the nation's capital this October. 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.
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
Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
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
Chelsea Handler – Oct. 5
A Renaissance woman in every sense of the phrase, Chelsea Handler has built a successful career and brand by always being herself. Whether she’s writing a best-selling book or starring in a Netflix special, Handler is always going to tell it like she sees it. She’s even sharper and wittier when you see her live, and you’ll have a chance to at DC’s Warner Theatre this fall.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Smithsonian Craft2Wear – Oct. 5-8
The National Building Museum hosts this curated show from 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.
Tickets
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
An Evening with Laurie Anderson – Oct. 6
Grammy Award-winning musician and artist Laurie Anderson returns to the Hirshhorn for a free, one-night-only performance with composer and jazz musician Doug Wieselman. Anderson’s immersive, site-specific installation Four Talks, currently on view at the Museum, was a highlight of her recent exhibition Laurie Anderson: The Weather and showcases the artist’s multifaceted talents. Additionally, Anderson will share insights into her recent publication of The Art of the Straight Line by Lou Reed, a compilation of Reed’s writings on Tai Chi, music, and meditation.
6:30-7:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Hirshhorn Museum, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
Young Fathers – Oct. 6
The sky is the limit for this Scottish trio that has managed to captivate music audiences all over the world, growing in stature and acclaim with each successive release. Young Fathers are reimagining pop music for turbulent times, capable of mining moments of pure darkness only to pull you back up into the light. This year’s Heavy Heavy, shortlisted for the 2023 Mercury Prize, is only further proof that this is a band not to be missed, so catch them at the 9:30 Club. You won’t be sorry.
10 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival – Oct. 6-8
Join NICE CROWD®, the producers of the American Black Film Festival, in partnership with Events DC, for the inaugural Because They're Funny Comedy Festival. Expect a fun-filled weekend showcasing BIPOC comedians at The Wharf, 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.
Tickets
The Wharf, 760 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour – Oct. 6-8
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 and chill out on the east lawn, which overlooks the Potomac River. Virginia wines will be available for sampling. Fruit and cheese boxes to accompany your wine are available for purchase in advance.
6-9 p.m. | Tickets
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
The Aces – Oct. 7
A four-piece indie pop outfit from Provo, Utah, The Aces grew up in the Mormon church, one of many experiences that has inspired their work. Unafraid to touch on mental health issues, homophobia, racism and a range of other difficult subjects, the Aces are growing in confidence with each release. This year’s I’ve Loved You For So Long has received rave reviews and landed in Billboard’s Top 100 Albums list. The 9:30 Club will barely be able to contain the all-girl group during this Saturday evening show.
6 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
tick, tick… BOOM! – Oct. 6-15
Jonathan Larson, the creator of RENT!, also penned this stripped-down, but no-less captivating musical that focuses on life, death and the necessity of art. Featuring just three actors, the musical production is a semi-autobiographical and follows the travails of Jon, a composer struggling to succeed in New York’s competitive theater scene.
Tickets
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Team Room – Oct. 7-28
The Keegan Theatre takes you through a day in the life of an Army Special Forces unit that just so happens to be the day before one of the most consequential days in American history. In this world premiere production, journey to Camp Diamond, West Virginia on Sept. 10, 2001 as Special Forces A-Team 824 embarks on what they think will be a routine week of duty and training. Little did they know that the world was about to change forever.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Shakespeare Everywhere Festival – Oct. 7 – Dec. 31
Through 12 shows across 12 weeks, the Shakespeare Everywhere Festival incorporates numerous theaters across DC to honor the work of The Bard. In addition to world-class productions, you can also enjoy debates, special events and behind-the-scenes opportunities. Participating venues include Shakespeare Theatre Company, Studio Theatre, Folger Theatre, Warner Theatre and the Kennedy Center.
More Information
African Modernism in America, 1947-67 – Oct. 7 – Jan. 7, 2024
The Phillips Collection presents the first major exhibition to examine the connections between modern African artists and American patrons, artists and organizations after World War II. The work of 50 African and African American artists, including David Driskell, Ibrahim El-Salahi, Ben Enwonwu, Jacob Lawrence, Demas Nwoko, and Uche Okeke, will be on display. African Modernism in America uncovers a network of artists, curators and scholars who challenged assumptions about African art in the U.S.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Park Chan-kyong: Gathering – Oct. 7 – Oct. 13, 2024
The Seoul-based Park Chan-kyong has gained international recognition for photography and film that has been unflinching in its examination of the history of modern Korea. The National Museum of Asian Art will showcase the first solo presentation of his work in a major U.S. museum. The exhibition features images that highlight the artists’ masterful use of the camera to capture tradition, history and disaster in a contemporary society.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Theatre Week - Through 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.
My Mama & The Full-Scale Invasion – Through 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
Evita – Through 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
Mrs. Doubtfire – Oct. 10-15
From four-time Tony Award-winning director Jerry Zaks comes this new hit musical set to have audiences rolling in the aisle at the National Theatre this fall. Based on the beloved film from 1993 starring Robin Williams, Mrs. Doubtfire depicts the character of Daniel Hillard and his downright duplicitous plan to remain close with his kids after a painful divorce from his wife. The entire family can enjoy Daniel’s antics as the titular Scottish nanny accompanied by heart-warming songs.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Macbeth In Stride – Oct. 10-28
Whitney White, Obie Award-winning artist, uses the character of Lady Macbeth to explore just what it means to be an ambitious Black woman in 2023 with this new production from Shakespeare Theatre Company. Soundtracked by a wicked blend of pop, rock, gospel and R&B music, Macbeth In Stride lets White cut loose with thoughts on femininity, rage, desire and power, all filtered through the tragic arc of Lady Macbeth’s character.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Little Simz – Oct. 11
Few independent British rappers have seen such an immediate breakthrough Stateside as Little Simz, who will grace The Fillmore Silver Spring with her presence this October during her No Thank You tour, which is named after her magnificent and groundbreaking LP released in December of 2022. Her thought-provoking lyrics, relentless flow and beautiful singing voice will all be showcased during a live performance that shouldn’t be missed.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Filmore Silver Spring, 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910
National Gallery Nights: Nightmare at the Museum – Oct. 12
Let the National Gallery of Art act as your ghost hosts for one night filled with artsy hauntings. The classic film, Ghostbusters (1984), will be screened on the Gallery’s 4th Street Plaza outdoors (free and open to all) as DJ 2-Tone shares a live, remixed soundtrack as part of Shaolin Jazz’s Can I Kick It? Series. Inside the East Building (registration required to enter), you can share your best Monster Mash on the dance floor, elevate your costume with face painting or a DIY mask station and hear scary art stories from museum staff and local experts.
6-9 p.m. | Register
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Library of Congress Fall Concert Series – Begins Oct. 13
Across nearly 100 years, a community has grown around the concerts offered at the Coolidge Auditorium inside the Library of Congress. Audiences are engaged through a wide range of musical performances, including classical chamber music, jazz, popular and traditional music. The acoustics inside the Auditorium are exceptional, making for sessions that sound pristine.
More Information
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
Arena Stage
POTUS – Oct. 13 – Nov. 12
Arena Stage invites you to reimagine the White House’s most famous occupant and his status on the world-stage in a savvy and hilarious new production. The Broadway hit POTUS concerns seven women of dramatically different backgrounds who are helping the U.S. president through daily pratfalls caused by politics and his own arrogance, making for an evening filled with searing comedy and witty social commentary.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Adams Morgan PorchFest – Oct. 14
A beloved DC neighborhood turns into a live music mecca during the annual PorchFest. More than a dozen neighborhood storefronts and porches will act as stages for a selection of local bands. Wander the streets and you’re sure to hear a genre to your liking, from classical to country, reggae, R&B, jazz, Latino and rock. Event wristbands and maps will be available at Adams Mill and Columbia Roads NW and local businesses will be offering discounts.
More Information
Snallygaster – Oct. 14
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 that also includes food trucks and plenty of live music. Greg Engert, one of the city’s leading beer connoisseurs, has selected a motley crew of roughly 350 brews from far and wide for your tasting pleasure. You must be 21 or older to attend.
Tickets
Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 6th Streets NW, Washington, DC
Capital City Africa Cup – Oct. 14
The Capital City Africa Week Festival will celebrate the diversity and richness of Africa through a series of cultural, economic and sporting events in DC. The Festival will focus on fostering economic investment in critical sectors such as health, infrastructure, energy, agribusiness and digital. The week will be anchored by the inaugural Capital City Africa Cup between the Ghanaian Men’s Premier League Team winner, Medeama SC, and DC United at Audi Field, set for Oct. 14 at 5 p.m. Tickets are available to the game now and make sure to visit the event website for details on the week's celebrations, which include an art exhibition, business forums, faith-based events and much more. Ghana is serving as the inaugural visiting country in 2023, but future years will highlight different African nations.
5 p.m. | Tickets
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Anthony Jeselnik – Oct. 14
Across stand-up specials, Comedy Central roasts and a successful podcast, Anthony Jeselnik has never been afraid to say …. anything. Known for his dark approach to comedy – lots of ironic misdirection, arrogance, insults and non sequiturs – Jeselnik is best enjoyed while laughing your butt off with a bunch of other people. You can do so at Warner Theatre and definitely do not bring the kids along.
7 p.m. | Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Devendra Banhart – Oct. 14
Entirely unique in approach, sound, wardrobe and voice, Devendra Banhart has constantly charted his own course through an astonishing sonic sojourn of music and its customs. Banhart emerged as a leader of the “freak folk” movement in American independent music in the early-2000s, but his talents and ambitions have stretched far beyond such constraints. See what Banhart is up to during what is sure to be a captivating show.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Picasso – Oct. 14-21
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picasso’s death, the GALA Hispanic Theatre presents a dizzying look at the life of one of the most famous artists to ever live. The seminal painter’s memories are wondrously translated on the stage. You’ll witness joyous time with friends and family as well as Picasso’s adventures at bullfights, in the circus and on the stage, all of which led to the composition of his beloved work.
Tickets
GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20010
Etched by Light: Photogravures from the Collection, 1840-1940 – Oct. 15 – Feb. 4, 2024
Uncover a notable (but oft-forgotten) step in the evolution of photography. Photogravure was a detailed process that involved creating identical photographic prints in ink, practiced by artists and scientists all over Europe from the 1840s-70s. Some of the most incredible photographs ever created came from this new approach, with the pieces offering lush colors and outstanding tonal range on matte surfaces. You can see marvelous work by James Craig Annan, Peter Henry Emerson, Alfred Stieglitz, Man Ray and Laure Albin-Guillot.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard – Through 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
ExPats Theatre: Scorched – Through 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
Jada Pinkett Smith: Worthy Book Tour – Oct. 19
In her new memoir, Jada Pinkett Smith invites readers to join her on an adventure to find love and self-worth. During a special event at The Howard Theatre, Jada will tell her story in an intimate conversation with the audience. From her challenging childhood in Baltimore, Md. to the pinnacle of fame in Hollywood and all its pratfalls, Smith will narrate how she’s embraced her worth through it all.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Thundercat – Oct. 19
As idiosyncratic as any artist currently working, Thundercat is a bassist by trade, but a revolutionary in his approach to music. His songs incorporate jazz, hip-hop, rock, R&B, funk and everything in-between – one of his most popular songs is a collaboration with 1980s pop stars Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. Thundercat is not afraid to go…. just about anywhere. Prepare for a dizzying concert that only this California-bred musical wizard could bring you at The Anthem.
Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Randy Rainbow for President – Oct. 20
While many may say satire is dead, Randy Rainbow is proof of the exact opposite. The American entertainer, comedian and singer has a whale of a time crafting musical parodies of current political situations, utilizing spoof interviews, costumes and much, much more. His fans will be out in full force when Rainbow brings his “campaign” to the nation’s capital.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Stadiumlinks at Nationals Park – Oct. 20-22
The iconic Nationals Park will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind, nine-hole golf course for the 2023 edition of Stadiumlinks. The course spans nearly every section of the venue and you can book a tee time to enjoy exclusive, private access to Nationals Park as you tee off from the Upper Deck. The event’s VIP package includes chef-prepared food and drinks, private access to the VIP driving range and complimentary tickets to The Chipping Challenge and The Putting Challenge.
Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Boo at the Zoo – Oct. 20-22
The family-favorite event of the season returns! No tricks here – explore the National Zoo for trick-or-treating and enjoy after-hours access for animal viewing, a dance party, fun vignettes, tasty treats and much, much more family fun.
5:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Tickets
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Forces of Nature: Voices that Shaped Environmentalism – Oct. 20 – Sept. 2, 2024
The National Portrait Gallery honors key scientists, politicians, activists, writers and artists who influenced attitudes toward the environment in the U.S. from the late-1800s to the present. Trace the environmentalist movement from turn-of-the-20th-century conservationism to mid-20th-century political actions and the backlash to them. It also addresses the current state of environmental justice, biodiversity and climate. Gaze at more than 25 portraits of figures like Rachel Carson, George Washington Carver, Maya Lin, Henry David Thoreau and Edward O. Wilson.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
The National Museum of Women in the Arts reopens – Oct. 21
The only museum solely dedicated to championing women through the arts will reopen its doors with improved interior and exterior spaces, new mechanical systems, enhanced amenities and accessibility, enlarged gallery space and additional research and education space. The reopening will also include a brand-new, groundbreaking exhibit known as The Sky’s the Limit (Oct. 21 – Feb. 25, 2024), as well as numerous other new displays.
More Information
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Rock the Park DC WKNDR 2023 – Oct. 21
The District’s largest downtown green space, Franklin Park, hosts a free and family-friendly event to celebrate the arrival of autumn in DC. Rock the Park DC WKNDR, produced by the DowntownDC BID in partnership with curators Abby O’Neill and Adrian Loving, will feature DJs Moodymann and Miguel Migs featuring Lisa Shaw as well as local performers and DJs. Expect to dance and groove to a variety of genres, including DC’s own go-go, Afrohouse, funk, hip-hop and much more. There will also be event-based swag, food trucks and more.
3-10 p.m. | Free Admission
Franklin Park, 1332 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
King of the Yees – Through 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
Depeche Mode – Oct. 23
Through punk and post-punk, new wave, industrial and power pop, hip-hop and grunge rock and boy bands and Brit-pop, there’s been Depeche Mode. And one could say the group in some way influenced all of the aforementioned movements/genres, thanks to their immaculately crafted melodies, thudding beats, unforgettable choruses and grand ballads, artfully designed and delivered for more than 40 years. Don’t miss the iconic act on their first tour in five years.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Wiz – Oct. 24-29
DC audiences will not want to miss the spectacular theatrical spin on the iconic Wizard of Oz tale, set to run for a week only at The National Theatre. The groundbreaking play changed Broadway forever when it first arrived in the late-1970s, bringing with it a diverse cast and an unbelievable score that wove together rock, gospel, funk and soul music as the backing to Dorothy’s spellbinding journey. Now, you can take in the pre-Broadway edition of the revival of The Wiz, which will hit the road for the first time in 40 years.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Winter's Tale – Oct. 24 – Dec. 3
Director Tamilla Woodard takes on one of the Bard’s most thrilling plays in a new production at Folger Theatre. The Winter’s Tale is a romance filled with all the hallmarks of classic Shakespearean comedy: complex relationships, emotions running wild, outlandish behavior. There’s also a bear running around. Expect hearty laughs and plenty of fairy-tale folly.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Ragtime – Oct. 24 – Jan. 7, 2024
The Tony-winning musical based on E.L. Doctorow’s masterpiece of a novel carries a modern-day relevance that will be crystallized when the play is staged at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va. this fall. With brilliant music as your guide, follow the lives of a Harlem musician, a Jewish immigrant and a wealthy white family as each strives for the “American Dream” in the early 20th century.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
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
Artloween Bash – Oct. 27
Artomatic, a DC-based arts organization, hosts the first edition of this new kind of Halloween celebration at Black Cat. The goal of Artloween Bash is to offer the most art-centric party in the DMV area. Festivities will include a creepy art exhibit, a raffle with an exclusive Halloween-themed painting as the winning prize, a dance party and of course, a costume contest.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Halloween Hunt at Mansion on O – Oct. 27-31
Visiting the wondrous Mansion on O & O Street Museum is quite the experience, especially when you journey through the historic venue on a scavenger hunt. View the Mansion in its finest Halloween attire as you search through its many themed rooms and secret doors for seasonal and Halloween-themed prizes. You can also bring along your own shopping bag and purchase goodies from the mansion.
Reserve
The Mansion on O Street, 2020 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Día de los Muertos Family Day – Oct. 28
Join the Smithsonian American Art Museum for a day of Día de los Muertos activities meant for the entire family to enjoy. Take in live performances from Ballet Folklorico Mi Herencia Mexicana, Mariachi Aguila DC and Sol y Rumba. Face painting, themed crafts and a scavenger hunt will also be available for all ages.
11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Free admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Art Cart: Tricky Tree Hats – Oct. 28
Hirshhorn Museum celebrates the fall season and Halloween with a special edition of its Art Cart series, which offers creative activities for kids and parents throughout the year for free. The tree-inspired event will allow you to take a close look at Hiroshi Sugimoto’s Two Circles and use nature-inspired books and materials to create your own wearable works of art.
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Free Admission
Hirshhorn Museum, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon – Oct. 28
Mount Vernon 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
Eighties Mayhem: Halloween Dance Party at Black Cat – Oct. 28
Get groovy and spooky with five hours of ‘80s beats at Black Cat, one of DC’s most popular clubs for locals. Come ready to jam out in costume for an added thrill. The Ghostbusters-themed party features two DJs spinning classics from everyone’s favorite decade. Tickets always sell fast for this annual event.
9 p.m. | Tickets
Black Cat, 1811 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Grounded – Oct. 28 – Nov. 13
The Washington National Opera presents the world premiere of Tony Award-winning composer Jeanine Tesori’s new work, Grounded, which is adapted from George Brant’s acclaimed one-woman play. For the first time on an opera stage, massive LED-screen technology will be used to immerse the audience in the psychological drama of Jess, an F-16 fighter pilot grounded by her pregnancy who then uses her elite training to target enemies via drone strikes from a trailer in Las Vegas. Grounded will unveil that virtual “war-by-proxy” can be just as toxic and damaging as war on the ground.
Tickets
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Staging the Supernatural: Ghosts and the Theater in Japanese Prints – Oct. 28 – March 10, 2024
The Japanese Edo period (1603–1868) gave credence to essential ideas about the supernatural in Japanese culture. Many of the beliefs that came to prominence during this time are still held as conventional wisdom today. This exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art will allow you to explore the roles that ghosts and spirits play in the retelling of Japanese legends as well as real events. Staging the Supernatural will feature woodblock prints and illustrated books that showcase the spooky specters that haunt the Japanese theater traditions of noh and kabuki.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Kesha – Oct. 29
A pop sensation from the moment she emerged on the scene over a decade ago, Kesha has spent her entire career as the center of attention, topping charts and subverting expectations every step of the way. This year’s Gag Order, her first new album in three years, sees her explore new territory lyrically and sonically. Expect to hear this new side of Kesha along with previous classics during her show at The Anthem.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
America’s Voices Against Apartheid – Through 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
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
The Land Carries Our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans – Through 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
Palace Life Unfolds: Conserving a Chinese Lacquer Screen – Through Jan. 28
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
From the Deep: In the Wake of Drexciya with Ayana V. Jackson – Through Jan. 29, 2024
For her first monographic exhibition, acclaimed photographer Ayana V. Jackson was inspired by the Detroit-based 1990s techno group Drexciya, whose innovative albums imagined a mythical underwater utopia populated by descendants of pregnant African women thrown (or who jumped) overboard into the Atlantic Ocean during the Middle Passage. In the National Museum of African Art’s From the Deep, Jackson adds animation, video, installations, sounds and scents to the experience and asks that we reckon with the brutal history while also envisioning a world of powerful, resilient women.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, 950 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
Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas – Through 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
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
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