Experience the best of fall in Washington, DC, from seasonal festivals and performances to can’t-miss sporting events.
September
Sept. 2-6 | Citywide, including The Wharf One of DC's signature summer traditions brings national and local jazz musicians to venues across the city, including The Wharf. A mix of free and ticketed shows makes it easy to catch a set.
Sept. 4-6 | Capital Hilton
The Capital Hilton hosts three nights of illusion and sleight of hand from top magicians in the Mid-Atlantic region, marking the festival's sixth year in DC.
Sept. 6, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Free | Anthem Row
Anthem Row celebrates the District's agricultural and creative talent with contests, homegrown food and family activities inspired by classic state fair traditions.
Sept. 9 | The Anthem
The Swedish pop icon plays a second night at The Anthem after her first show sold out quickly.
Sept. 9-Oct. 4 | Woolly Mammoth Theatre Woolly Mammoth's new artistic director Reggie D. White helms this dark comedy about a romance pushed to the brink by a mysterious antagonist.
National Gallery Nights: American Icons
Sept. 10, 6-9 p.m. | Free, registration required
The National Gallery of Art kicks off its after-hours series with art-making, a DJ and a nod to its American Icon exhibit. Registration lottery opens Aug. 31.
Sept. 10-Oct. 18 | Ford's Theatre
The Tony-winning musical returns to Ford's a decade after its DC debut, telling the true story of a Canadian town that welcomed thousands of stranded travelers after 9/11.
Sept. 10-Nov. 1 | Arena Stage
DC dance company Step Afrika! premieres a new production marking America's 250th anniversary through percussion, stepping and bold visual imagery.
Sept. 11 | Howard Theatre
The acclaimed New Zealand singer-songwriter brings her distinctive voice and catalogue to DC.
Sept. 11–12
This overnight arts festival spreads across several neighborhoods with painting, performances, music and sculpture in both public and private spaces. The companion event Dine All Night runs alongside it.
Sept. 11-Oct. 18 | Harman Hall
Brian Cox stars in this Shakespeare Theatre Company production about Bach's visit to the court of Frederick II, in its only American engagement.
Sept. 12
A family-friendly, 20-mile cycling route winds past DC's monuments and memorials, capped with a Finish Festival of food and music.
Sept. 13 The District's longest-running neighborhood festival, now more than 40 years old, fills 18th Street NW with music, food and local art.
Congressional Unleashed: Pets Guided Tour
Sept. 13, 1 p.m. | Historic Congressional Cemetery
A pet-friendly tour of Historic Congressional Cemetery highlights notable animal-loving residents and the cemetery's K9 Corps.
Sept. 15-Oct. 15
The District marks the month with performances at FiestaDC's festival and parade (Sept. 26-27), heritage nights with local sports teams and programming at Smithsonian museums.
Sept. 16 | 9:30 Club
The acclaimed band brings its sepia-toned, 1970s-inflected sound to 9:30 Club.
Sept. 18 | Black Cat
The Sonic Youth co-founder and prolific solo artist performs at Black Cat.
Mid-September through October Beer gardens across the city celebrate with German brews and live music, including Bluejacket, Wunder Garten's Pridetoberfest and The Wharf's weekend-long celebration with Polka on the Pier and the Dachshund Dash.
Sept. 19-26 | Free
Events DC's week-long program offers dozens of free guided walking tours covering neighborhood histories and hidden gems across the District.
Sept. 19
One of DC's most popular neighborhood festivals returns with live music, dance, food vendors and family activities.
Sept. 19 | Warner Theatre
The stand-up comedian and podcast host brings his latest material to Warner Theatre.
Sept. 22-Nov. 1 | Folger Theatre
Helen Hayes Award winner Psalmayene 24 directs this rare staging of Shakespeare's comedy about power and corruption.
NMAAHC 10th Anniversary Celebration
Sept. 24-27
The National Museum of African American History and Culture marks a decade since its 2016 opening with four days of special programming at The Wharf and the museum itself.
Sept. 24-Oct. 11
TheatreWashington's citywide promotion offers discounted tickets to more than 30 productions across the region. This year’s celebration will bring theatre beyond traditional venues, including pop-up performances at IAD and DCA Airports, a free concert at The Wharf, a Metro station performance and an Advocacy Day.
Sept. 25-27 | Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
This popular festival, which has sold out in recent years, features two stages, local food and art installations.
Sept. 25-27 | Arts and Industries Building
Dozens of designers from around the country showcase limited-edition clothing, jewelry and accessories.
Sept. 26 | Capital One Arena
The genre-blending musical project founded by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett brings its animated, high-concept live show to DC.
From the Louvre: Masterpieces of Islamic Art
Sept. 26-Jan. 18, 2027 | National Museum of Asian Art
In its only U.S. stop, this exhibit brings 26 works from the Louvre spanning Islamic art from Spain to India.
Sept. 28 | Capital One Arena
The pop star brings her new tour to Capital One Arena.
Sept. 29 | Capital One Arena
The four-time GRAMMY winner tours with a full band for the first time since early 2023.
Note: this is a phone-free show.
Sept. 29-Oct. 4 | National Theatre
The National transforms into Kellerman's for a limited run of the musical adaptation of the classic film.
Wednesdays through October, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Free | Woodrow Wilson Plaza at The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Farm-fresh produce and artisanal crafts fill the Ronald Reagan Building plaza every Wednesday.
October
Oct. 2 | Capital One Arena
The veteran alt-rock band plays a one-night-only show spanning three decades of hits.
Oct. 2-Nov. 29 | Arena Stage
A new production charts inventor Nikola Tesla's rise and rivalry with Thomas Edison.
LGBTQ+ Historic Congressional Cemetery Tour
Oct. 3, 11 a.m.
A guided tour explores the cemetery's dedicated LGBTQ+ section and DC's role in the gay rights movement.
Oct. 3-4 | Dock 5 at Union Market
The second annual festival brings together dozens of the District's top coffee roasters for two days of tastings and live music.
Oct. 3-4 | Capital One Arena
The pop superstar's Unraveled Tour stops in DC for two nights.
Oct. 4 | The Anthem
The GRAMMY-winning folk-rock duo performs classics from their 35-year career.
Oct. 6 | 9:30 Club
The acclaimed electro-pop duo brings its danceable sound to 9:30 Club.
National Gallery Nights: Monster Mash
Oct. 8, 6-9 p.m. | Free, registration required
A costume-friendly after-hours event features art-making, live music and a spooky theme.
Note: registration lottery opens Sept. 28.
Oct. 8-Nov. 8 | Klein Theatre Vanessa
Severo's one-woman show brings Frida Kahlo to life in her final days.
Oct. 9 | 9:30 Club
Conor Oberst's influential folk project performs with the full band for one night.
Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour
Oct. 9-11 | George Washington's Mount Vernon
Sample Virginia wines on the east lawn with Potomac views, followed by a sunset tour of the estate.
U.S. Women's National Team vs. Spain
Oct. 10, 2:30 p.m. | Audi Field
The USWNT faces the world's top-ranked team ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Oct. 10, 5 p.m. | Historic Congressional Cemetery
A costume-friendly 5K fundraiser winds through the cemetery and onto the Anacostia Trail.
Oct. 10, 12-6 p.m. | Pennsylvania Avenue NW
This craft beer festival, one of the largest on the east coast, features roughly 450 brews, two music stages and a makers' market. 21+.
Oct. 10–Nov. 15 | Keegan Theatre
A folk-punk-scored true story asks what you'd do with only 100 days left to live.
Oct. 11 | Arlington, VA
Now in its 40th year, this race and expo draws more than 35,000 runners, including military and wounded warrior athletes.
Because They're Funny Comedy Festival
October | The Wharf
NICECROWD and Events DC present a weekend of BIPOC comedy across Wharf venues, including headline shows, panels and screenings.
Queer Black Broadway Walking Tour
October | U Street Corridor
A guided tour for LGBTQ History Month traces Black and queer history from Howard Theatre to Thurst Lounge.
Oct. 13 | Capital One Arena
The GRAMMY-nominated singer brings his genre-blending live show to DC.
Oct. 18 | The Line DC | Free
Neighbors sample heirloom apples and cheer on a pie-baking contest, with proceeds supporting Sitar Arts Center.
Oct. 17 | Warner Theatre
The outspoken stand-up comedian brings a new tour to DC.
Oct. 20-Dec. 20 | Signature Theatre
A musical follows a closeted math teacher and his student as they explore Angels in America.
Oct. 24 | The Anthem
The legendary comedian brings decades of stand-up material to The Anthem.
Oct. 25 | The Anthem
The genre-hopping musician tours behind his first new album in seven years.
Oct. 30 | National Air and Space Museum | Free
A new immersive exhibit explores what it takes to live and work in low Earth orbit, part of the museum's 50th-anniversary programming.
Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden Reopens
Oct. 31
The reopened garden doubles its displayed works, adds a widened entryway and debuts a rotating west lawn exhibition space.
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
Oct. 31, 2-5 p.m. | George Washington's Mount Vernon
Family Halloween festivities include a costume parade, candy stations and 18th-century-style entertainment.
October | The Salt Line
More than 30 chefs, breweries and oyster farms gather for an afternoon of food, drink and live music. 21+.
October | Pennsylvania Avenue NW | Free
Folk dancers, art exhibits and a bazaar celebrate Turkish culture and cuisine.
Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Festival
October | George Washington's Mount Vernon Visitors can try a corn maze and see 18th-century harvest season demonstrations, from candle making to wheat treading.
October | Georgetown waterfront
An oyster and beer celebration on the Georgetown waterfront supports Chesapeake oyster population restoration.
Architecture Cruise with DC Design Tours
Through Oct. 31
A narrated Potomac cruise from Georgetown highlights DC landmarks.
November
November | Free
Nearly 100 musicians perform across porches, patios and a closed-off 18th Street in this neighborhood-wide music festival.
Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival
Nov. 5-8
100Reporters hosts this festival dedicated to investigative storytelling on film, with screenings and a professional symposium for journalists.
November | Nationals Park
This biannual craft beer festival returns with more than 80 breweries, food trucks and live music across two sessions.
Nov. 11
DC's monuments and memorials, many honoring service members, host special programming to mark Veterans Day.
Opens Nov. 11 | National Air and Space Museum | Free
A new gallery explores modern military aviation history through artifacts including an F-86 Sabre and a Huey helicopter, completing the museum’s multiyear renovation.
National Gallery Nights: Gratitude
Nov. 12, 6-9 p.m. | Free, registration required
The final fall edition of this after-hours series includes a communal mosaic, poetry writing and a DJ set. Registration lottery opens Nov. 2.
Opens Nov. 13 | Renwick Gallery | Free
A new installation from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection explores the practice and meaning of handmade craft.
Nov. 14-Nov. 7, 2027 | National Portrait Gallery | Free Marking 50 years of the museum's photography collection, this exhibit spans more than 100 works from the earliest photographic portraits to today.
National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship
Nov. 21 | Audi Field
Audi Field, home of the Washington Spirit, hosts the league's championship match with a week of programming leading up to it.
Nov. 21-Jan. 2, 2028 | National Museum of Asian Art | Free
This exhibit traces the Japanese maki-e lacquer technique through the Edo period, part of the museum's America 250 programming.
DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
Opens before Thanksgiving through mid-December | Free
More than 30 small businesses set up shop on 19th Street NW with handcrafted goods and holiday treats.
November-December | Ford's Theatre
Craig Wallace returns as Scrooge in this Victorian-style musical adaptation of the Dickens classic.
November | The Square | Free
A three-day fair spotlighting independent artists and entrepreneurs across culture, creativity and cuisine.
Nov. 13-Dec. 23 | Free
Now in its 21st year, this open-air market lights up F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW.
Nov. 27
DC restaurants offer both classic and international Thanksgiving menus, along with family-style holiday brunches around the city.
November | George Washington's Mount Vernon
A candlelit tour shares 18th-century holiday traditions, with seasonal touches like spiced cider and greenhouse dancing.
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at CityCenterDC
November | Free
CityCenterDC lights its 75-foot tree with a live performance and family activities, kicking off the season along Palmer Alley.
The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Late November-December | Warner Theatre
This 20th-anniversary production gives the holiday classic a DC twist, with a Nutcracker Prince styled after George Washington.
Ongoing Fall Exhibits
Free admission unless noted. These exhibitions run across multiple months this fall.
American Icon: The US Flag in Art
Through Dec. 6 | National Gallery of Art
More than 30 works trace the evolving symbolism of the American flag from the late 1800s to today.
Through Nov. 1 | Signature Theatre
Sondheim and Furth's musical follows a trio of friends backward through 20 years of friendship and compromise.
Saodat Ismailova: Melted Into the Sun
Through Nov. 29 | National Museum of Asian Art
The artist's first major U.S. solo presentation explores Central Asian traditions and landscapes through film and installation.
Through Jan. 3, 2027 | Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
Pendleton's first solo showcase highlights new paintings and video work throughout the museum.
Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles
Through Jan. 3, 2027 | Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens ($20 suggested donation)
Hillwood's first textile-focused exhibition draws on its rich holdings to explore fabric as art, identity and craftsmanship.
Water's Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe
Through Jan. 18, 2027 | National Museum of the American Indian
The Ho-Chunk artist's first major retrospective features sculpture, drawing and painting inspired by rivers and waterfalls.
Sept. 18-Jan. 17, 2027 | National Museum of Women in the Arts
This exhibit traces African American quilting traditions carried to California during the Second Great Migration.
Avery, Gottlieb & Rothko: By the Sea
Oct. 24-Jan. 24, 2027 | The Phillips Collection
Roughly 90 works, many never before shown publicly, trace the friendship between three towering figures of American art.
Carlotta Corpron: Light Is a Plastic Medium
Oct. 16-March 14, 2027 | Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
A survey of the American abstract photographer's innovative, light-focused work from the late 1930s through the early 1950s.
Sept. 18-April 18, 2027 | Smithsonian American Art Museum
Photography surveys document American life from the 19th century through the years around the 1976 Bicentennial.
To Hear Her Speak: Black Women and Shakespeare
Oct. 16-May 2, 2027 | Folger Shakespeare Library
Nearly 100 objects trace how Black women have engaged with Shakespeare in performance, writing and art.
Materials, Methods and Meanings: Craft in the Archives of American Art
Nov. 6-April 16, 2027 | Archives of American Art
This exhibit examines works in clay, fiber, glass, metal and wood that push beyond traditional craft.
The Spirit of Invention: Patent Office and Patentees
Through June 6, 2027 | National Portrait Gallery
Marking DC's semiquincentennial, this exhibit traces the early history of the Patent Office building itself.
Through Aug. 1, 2027 | National Gallery of Art, East Building
Twenty works explore ancestral ties, displacement and the broader histories that shape American identity.