Things to Do This Weekend in Washington, DC

Friday

Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival
Join 100Reporters, an investigative news organization, for a virtual edition of the Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival (DX), the first and only festival dedicated to investigative storytelling on film in the U.S. This event celebrates the finest new films inspired by the investigative instinct and advocates for the rights of reporters and filmmakers to pursue investigations that are in the public interest. In addition to screenings, DX offers a professional symposium and programming for journalists and visual storytellers.
 

Folger Shakespeare Library

To Hear Her Speak: Black Women and Shakespeare
For centuries, Black women have claimed Shakespeare, reshaping his words to assert their humanity, creativity and power.  To Hear Her Speak brings these voices into focus for the first time. Curated by Dr. Patricia Akhimie, Director of the Folger Institute, this landmark exhibition of nearly 100 objects highlights the ways in which Black women have engaged Shakespeare in performance and in writing and art. “Summer’s lease hath all too short a date,” but when fall rolls around, don’t miss this powerful exhibit.
Hours |  Free Admission
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
 

Run It Back Live Presents: An Evening with David Falk
This live conversation with legendary sports agent David Falk will explore the business of sports through the lens of one of the industry’s most influential dealmakers. Don’t miss the exclusive discussion at Lisner Auditorium in the nation’s Sports Capital. Best known for having represented Michael Jordan across his entire career, Falk can definitely offer some (three-) pointers on success – of those he’s worked with and of his own.
Tickets
Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20052
 

Photo by Sonya Pencheva

Asia After Dark: Diwali Festival
Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, illuminates the Smithsonian after hours on a Friday night. Visitors are welcome inside the museum to explore family-friendly arts and crafts, talks and tours on South Asian art and a variety of music and dance performances. At 7:30 p.m., the museum’s plaza will transform into a dance floor, with vibrant projected lights and music and beats by DJ MAIYA.
5-9 p.m. |  Free Admission | Register
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Shakespeare Theatre Company

Frida…A Self Portrait – Final Weekend
The Brazilian writer and performer Vanessa Severo plays Frida Kahlo on the eve of her death as her pain and passion are laid bare. Expect incredible physicality in Severo's one-woman performance, bringing the famous Mexican painter to vivid life in a play that illuminates a fascinating journey.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Saturday

Adams Morgan BID

Adams Morgan Fall PorchFest
One of the District’s most popular neighborhoods showcases some of DC’s best musical talent. Adams Morgan Fall PorchFest will feature nearly 100 artists playing an array of genres, including classic rock, funk, go-go, rap, reggae, blue grass, classical and pop. Twenty porches, business patios and parks, as well as the closed 18th Street, will become stages for the day, drawing music-lovers from around the region into the tree-lined streets and small businesses of Adams Morgan.
Free Admission
 

Czech Christmas Market
’Tis the season to be jolly! The Embassy of the Czech Republic brings the magic of the season to its annual Czech Christmas Market. Discover handcrafted ornaments, glassware, Bohemian garnet, crystal and beaded jewelry and unique gifts while savoring Czech pastries, traditional cuisine, mulled wine and fine Moravian wines. Enjoy children’s Czech Christmas carols, take selfies with live animals and explore the wonders of The Christmas Star with astrophysicist Václav Pavlík through astronomy, live science demonstrations and children’s workshops.
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. |  Free Admission |  Registration Required
The Embassy of the Czech Republic, 3900 Spring of Freedom Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
 

Washington Nationals

DC Beer Fest
Nationals Park will be packed with more than 80 craft breweries in attendance as well as local food trucks, live music and much more. Two sessions are available (one from 12-3 p.m., the other from 5-8 p.m.) to give all the beer aficionados out there a couple of options. VIP tickets can also be purchased.
Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
 

ARTECHOUSE

SUBMERGE 
ARTECHOUSE DC resumes programming with SUBMERGE, which presents innovative digital art that utilizes technology for a wholly immersive experience. The exhibition is anchored by Beyond the Render, a 45-minute large-scale show created in collaboration with Render Network that brings together 13 artist teams — including Emmy winners Emily Yang and Maciej Kuciara — to transform the venue. A floor-to-ceiling projection canvas showcases a 280-degree, 18K-resolution digital world, a total reimagination of the possibilities of spatial storytelling.
Tickets (10% off most bookings)
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
 

The Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden Reopens
Art lovers, rejoice. The Hirshhorn's sculpture garden returns with double the amount of works on display, a widened entryway from the National Mall and an underground passageway from the museum, a new feature that adds a whole new element to the experience. No longer will visitors have to cross Jefferson Drive to take in the 60 monumental sculptures showcased in the garden. The west lawn will now serve as a rotating exhibition space, with three works by Yoshitomo Nara serving as the inaugural display.
More Information
 

D.C. United

D.C. United vs New York City FC
D.C. United celebrates the supporters who bring Audi Field to life when the Black-and-Red face New York City FC on Fan Appreciation Night. Cheer on the home team while enjoying a matchday dedicated to the fans, complete with giveaways, games and other special touches throughout the evening. Use code VISITDC for 10% off.
4 p.m. |  Tickets
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
 

Signature Theatre

All the World’s A Stage
The story of a closeted math teacher and his mentorship of a student as they explore the classic play Angels in America is a humanistic tale sure to strike your soul at Signature Theatre. The two outsiders turn their small town on its head as a powerful score soundtracks this tribute to the power of teaching and expressing yourself.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
 

Sunday

National Gallery of Art

Remember Me: Picturing African Americans in Early Photography
Featuring approximately 70 works from the National Gallery’s collection (many on view for the first time), this remarkable exhibition reveals how Black Americans embraced photography to define themselves, celebrate their communities and challenge stereotypes during the 19th and early 20th centuries (before, during and after the Civil War).
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, West Building, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
 

Capital Showcase: University of Virginia vs. University of Arkansas
The Virginia Cavaliers and the Arkansas Razorbacks will face off on the basketball court during the Skyscanner Capital Showcase presented by Events DC. These teams last met in 1998, with Arkansas triumphant – though Virginia has the lead 4-3 across their seven-game history. It’s sure to be electric, all the way down to the buzzer.
Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Archives of American Art

Materials, Methods and Meanings: Craft in the Archives of American Art
Art made from traditionally working material carries a special kind of meaning. Come and think about what it means to be a maker, a craftsman and an artist as you examine works across clay, fiber, glass, metal and wood (among others) that push beyond tradition and expand the possibilities of how we engage with the world around us.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Archives of American Art, 750 9th Street NW, Victor Building, Suite 2200, Washington, DC 20001
 

The Phillips Collection

Avery, Gottlieb & Rothko: By the Sea
For three months this fall and winter, you can savor a lovely moment of summer. This exhibition will tell the story of the lifelong friendship between three towering figures in American art: Milton Avery (1885–1965), Adolph Gottlieb (1903–1974) and Mark Rothko (1903–1970). Approximately 90 works of art will highlight the inspiration they derived from summers in Gloucester, Massachusetts, on Cape Ann, and from each other. Many have never been on public view.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
 

Arena Stage

Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?
A new docudrama that comes straight from off-Broadway immerses audiences in the fear and paranoia caused by McCarthyism. Tony Award-winning director Anna D. Shapiro drops you into the tension of the hearings held by the House Committee on Un-American Activities in the 1940s. Only original transcripts inform the play’s dialogue, which features the words of Arthur Miller, Lillian Helman, Paul Robeson and many other artists.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
 

Places to Stay

Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all.

Find Your Stay

Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to award-winning hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.