Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Take your pick of touring shows and fall favorites in the nation's capital, from the DC State Fair and AdMo Day to Art All Night and Craft2Wear.
Whether you’re in town for a concert, game or festival, DC boasts plenty of special discounts and packages for a festive fall, from luxurious experiences to budget-friendly options.
Regardless of the season, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience in the nation's capital. After you’ve read through this list, make sure to check out our things to do for the week and weekend as well as our accessibility guides to monuments and museums on the National Mall.
LIVE! Concert Series on the Plaza – Through Sept. 27
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. This year’s lineup features a special focus on the official music of DC, Go-Go. The roster includes The Chuck Brown Band, DC Vybe, Heat Stroke, Junkyard Band and E.U. Featuring Sugar Bear.
12-1 p.m. | Free Admission | More Information
Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
National Symphony Orchestra's Free Labor Day Concert – Sept. 1
The National Symphony Orchestra's free annual Labor Day weekend concert returns to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The performance is free to attend and tickets are not required. Seating is first-come, first-served.
More info | Free Admission
The Washington Ballet
An Evening with the Washington Ballet – Sept. 5
Enjoy an unforgettable night with The Washington Ballet and George Balanchine’s classic Stravinsky Violin Concerto. Set to the music of Ezio Bosso, choreography takes inspiration from starling flight patterns, and the show will highlight a combination of classical and contemporary dance, celebrating Balanchine’s enduring influence.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Redefining Afrofuturism Expo – Sept. 6
Hosted by UNIFI and The Fresh Food Factory Market at Sycamore & Oak, the first trade expo east of the Anacostia River will educate attendees on how to increase their purchasing power and buy directly from Africa and the diaspora. Embassies, government agencies, artists, thought leaders and speakers – along with 50 exhibitors – will be present at this free showcase for new technologies, textiles, unique foods and much more.
5-8:30 p.m. | More Information | Free Admission
1110 Oak Drive SE, Washington, DC 20032
Amen Dunes – Sept. 6
After a six-year hiatus, Amen Dunes has returned with Death Jokes, a new LP painfully crafted over multiple years. As the musical project of one Damon McMahon, Amen Dunes has evolved from softer soundscapes to full-fledged indie pop that sounds like it could have come from just one person. Expect to hear songs from the new record as well as past favorites by the unique artist.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Oh My Heart, Oh My Home. – Opens Sept. 6
Studio Theatre presents “An intimate story about sanctuary, belonging and loneliness” from Fringe First winner Casey Jay Andrews. The magnificent storyteller will gather around a doll’s house and weave a stunning fable about the strike of a meteorite, its impact on a neighborhood and the way it challenges a place’s capacity to contain a feeling.
Tickets
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding – Sept. 6 – Oct. 13
Assimilation, cultural identity and the pursuit of the American dream are all front-and-center in this fascinating production that was nominated for five Tony Awards. Set in Harlem at a bustling hair braiding salon, the play zooms in on the lives of six women (and others) to present a spellbinding portrait of the African immigrant experience in the U.S.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
DC Bike Ride – Sept. 7
If you’re looking for fun activities in the District this fall, you’ve found a gem with DC Bike Ride. With a family-friendly course, the event is one of the biggest celebrations of cycling in DC and offers a unique experience to its participants, winding riders through city streets and by monuments and memorials. The 20-mile excursion welcomes riders over the age of three and includes a Finish Festival with food, music and fun activities.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – Sept. 7
In the history of American music, Bruce Springsteen stands alone. For more than 50 years, the songwriting legend known as The Boss has conquered stages all over the world with his famous E Street Band by his side, playing songs that are etched into the fabric and psyche of Americana. “Born to Run.” “Thunder Road.” “Born in the USA.” All of these and more will echo through Nationals Park at one of DC’s most anticipated events of the year.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC
DC State Fair – Sept. 7
Enjoy a free showcase of the District’s agricultural, culinary and creative talents with a daylong celebration of all things homegrown. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions, growing and gardening, contests and delicious foods, the DC State Fair honors what makes the nation's capital one of a kind. Some past activities have included: competitions for best photographer, best mumbo sauce, the most creative use of space in a micro-garden, slime for kids and much, much more.
Legends & Legacy
Legends & Legacy Celebration on The Wharf – Sept. 7
Join Events DC, CitySwing, TOGETHXR and LPGA*USGA Girls Golf for Legends & Legacy: a celebration of women’s sports. Cap off an incredible summer of athletics with a free event in the lead-up to LPGA’s Solheim Cup. The celebration features a full day of free, family-friendly fun at The Wharf, including two panel discussions hosted by legendary sports journalist Jemele Hill. Hear from high-profile women and men working in women’s sports who are changing the legacy of golf culture. Activities will include mini-golf, power putt, an arcade, arts and crafts, music and a U.S. Open Women’s Championship watch party.
12-8 p.m. | Free Admission | Register
District Pier at The Wharf, 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond – Sept. 7 – Nov. 30, 2025
A new exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, presented by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, will showcase the imprint of Asian Americans on the physical and cultural terrain of the nation's capital. Installed in a gallery that overlooks DC's Chinatown, the exhibition features examples of cultural products that feature Chinese, Korean and Japanese heritage and/or express coalitional Asian American and BIPOC identities. These include displays of artwork, material culture, images and other graphic material drawn from Smithsonian collections and shared by local lenders, including community members and repositories such as the DC History Center and the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University. A free celebration on Sept. 7 marks the exhibit's opening.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Adams Morgan Day – Sept. 8
The longest-running neighborhood festival in the District has been around for more than 40 years. The lively 18th Street buzzes with music, food vendors, for-sale artwork and family-friendly activities. Celebrate one of DC’s liveliest, most diverse neighborhoods with this day-long extravaganza that is led by volunteers and showcases the businesses, artists and organizations that make up Adams Morgan.
MJ – Through Sept. 8
Winner of multiple Tony Awards, this breathtaking musical centers on Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous Tour, providing a rare look into the creative process behind one of the most dynamic entertainers of all-time. Created by Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, the acclaimed production makes its DC debut at The National Theatre.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds – Through Sept. 8
ARTECHOUSE welcomes visitors to its seventh annual installation dedicated to celebrating the beauty of the cherry blossoms in DC. The museum treats your eyes to an exhibit inspired by the Isekai genre of Anime, allowing for the exploration of alternate universes stacked with colors, adventures and immersive technologies. Plus, discover Gachapons hidden throughout the exhibit to win prizes from local businesses or snag a book from the 'Isekai Library'. Make sure to take advantage of tickets with a 10% discount.
Tickets (10% off)
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment – Sept. 8 – Jan. 19, 2025
Discover the origins of one of the most important art movements in history thanks to a new exhibit at the National Gallery of Art. The museum is replicating a legendary exhibit from Paris in 1874 that helped bring about the dawn of Impressionism. In the display, you will be able to view beloved paintings by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissaro and many more.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
The Comeuppance – Sept. 8 – Oct. 6
Set in nearby Prince George’s County, Md., The Comeuppance concerns the self-proclaimed “Multi-Ethnic Reject Group” on the night of their 20th high school reunion. A mystical force makes these friends face the past head-on and reckon with an uncertain future. Penned by MacArthur Genius Award winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, the play garnered a New York Times Critic’s Pick.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Built to Spill – Sept. 9
As the rare indie band to make great use of the guitar solo and offer a catalogue filled with singalong anthems, Built to Spill has built a career that spans three decades, amassing both critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following. One of their finest and most beloved long players, There’s Nothing Wrong with Love, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, so cue a tour on which Built To Spill will play the classic in its entirety. Throw on your comfiest jacket and jeans, idle up to one of 9:30 Club’s two bars, order a beer and savor some of the best songs in indie rock history.
7 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
In the Library: Life in the Impressionists’ Paris – Sept. 9 – Jan. 20, 2025
A companion piece to Paris 1874, the National Gallery of Art displays dozens of photographs and prints in its Library Atrium. The exhibit provides insight and context for the great late 19th-century Impressionist works as the images illuminate a society changing rapidly thanks to industrialization, widespread military clashes, new technologies and the redefinition of urban spaces.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Comedy of Errors – Sept. 10 – Oct. 6
One of Shakespeare’s earliest plays shows that The Bard knew how to make audiences chuckle as well as he knew how to make them cry. Hilarity ensues in a case of mistaken identities as Artistic Director Simon Godwin directs an uproarious affair that will add some rock ‘n’ roll to a humorously topsy-turvy family saga.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Primary Trust – Sept. 10 – Oct. 20
Winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize and a highly acclaimed New York Times Critic’s Pick, Primary Trust makes its DC-area premiere thanks to Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va. Kenneth is a frequent patron of Wally’s Tiki Bar until a job loss prompts him to re-examine the past. Funny and emotional in equal measure, Primary Trust is not to be missed this fall.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
National Symphony Orchestra
National Symphony Orchestra's DC ORIGINALITY – Sept. 10-11
Through vibrant musical selections of U Street jazz to native Go-go, the NSO collaborates with remarkable local artists to celebrate the "Cultural Beat of Capital City". Featuring tunes from homegrown heroes such as Marvin Gaye, Chuck Brown, Duke Ellington, John Philip Sousa and more, this event is a can't-miss, only-in-DC experience.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil's OVO – Sept. 11-15
The newest spectacle from French-Canadian phenomenon Cirque du Soleil comes to DC for five days only. OVO follows the unlikely love story between a clumsy insect and an elegant ladybug, featuring all of the circus arts that have made the franchise so beloved: mind-bending costumes, magical music and high-flying acrobatics.
Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
An Evening with PJ Harvey – Sept. 11
One of the most acclaimed and adventurous rock stars to emerge over the last 30 years visits The Anthem in DC. PJ Harvey redefined alternative rock upon the release of her debut LP in 1992, crafting hard-biting songs from a woman’s perspective featuring relentless guitars, unapologetic lyrics and her sky-searing voice. Her influence is immeasurable.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
KYGO WORLD TOUR* – Sept. 12
Record-breaking EDM artist KYGO will visit the Merriweather Post Pavilion for one night this September. The Norwegian superstar is sure to keep crowds on their feet with electronic hits like “It Ain’t Me” (feat. Selena Gomez) and remixes of popular tracks like "Higher Love."
7p.m. | Tickets
Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044
National Gallery Nights: A Night in Paris – Sept. 12
Returning this fall season, National Gallery Nights is a popular (and free) way to spend an evening immersed in art in the nation’s capital. The September edition leans all the way into the museum’s latest exhibit, Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment, by showcasing paintings by Monet, Renoir, Degas and other famous Impressionists. You can also enjoy French music, film, art and food as well as cabaret performances. Activity on the 4th Street Plaza is open to all; registration is required to enter the East Building.
6-9 p.m. | Free Admission | Register
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
James Taylor / Wolf Trap
James Taylor & His All-Star Band – Sept. 12, 14-15
For five decades, James Taylor has set the standard for American singer-songwriters. Celebrate the beauty of soft rock with the six-time Grammy Award-winner and his lauded band, who are sure to entertain with hits like “Fire and Rain,” “How Sweet It Is,” “Carolina In My Mind" and “You’ve Got A Friend."
8 p.m. | Tickets
Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Capitol Riverfront BID
Bridge to Bridge Fun Run & Concert – Sept. 13
Bid farewell to the summer season at Capitol Riverfront's Yards Park with this free evening activity. Grab some swag and join in a casual 5K run led by Pacers Running beginning at 6 p.m. You can take in views of the Anacostia River as you journey from the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge to the 11th Street Bridge, culminating in a free concert back at Yards Park. Glitter tattoos, an outdoor bar, food available for purchase from Agua 301 and a free ice cream scoop from Ice Cream Jubilee (check-in by 6:10 p.m. to grab this reward).
6-8:30 p.m. | Free Admission | Reserve
The Yards Park, 355 Water Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Kevin Hart: Acting My Age – Sept. 13
Emmy and Grammy-nominated comedian Kevin Hart comes to the historic DAR Constitution Hall. Hart has shown box office clout with successful movies such as the Think Like A Man films, The Wedding Ringer, Get Hard and Ride Along, and his previous two shows were the highest-grossing comedy tours of their respective years, so be sure to get your tickets ASAP.
7:30-11:30 p.m. | Tickets
DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC
St. Vincent – Sept. 13
Equally capable of writing a heart-wrenching ballad, a pulsing rock song or a beautiful pop melody, St. Vincent (the stage name of Annie Clark) is an artist that demands to be heard. Her bold songs and albums, catapulted by her incredible guitar heroics, translate into searing live performances. Find out for yourself when she takes the stage at The Anthem.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Kristin Chenoweth / Wolf Trap
Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming – Sept. 13
Tony Award-winning Broadway duo Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming have shared the stage and screen over the years, and now they headline together at Wolf Trap. Each star will perform independently, but if we’re lucky, they may finish out the night with a duet or two.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Architecture Cruise with DC Design Tours – Begin Sept. 13
An expert on architecture will guide you through this new offering from DC Design Tours. Cast off from Georgetown along with the professional crew of Capitol River Cruises and head south on the Potomac as live commentary adds to your views of architectural gems like the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Arlington Memorial Bridge, the Watergate Hotel, Arlington National Cemetery and the Kennedy Center. Lesser known landmarks like the Lyndon Baines Johnson Grove and the Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial will also be showcased.
Reserve
The Kennedy Center
American Masters: Eugene Rogers conducts Carlos Simon/Dan Harder, Aaron Copland & Jessie Montgomery – Sept. 14
Grammy-winner Morris Robinson and The Washington Chorus join the National Symphony Orchestra for a performance of Aaron Copland’s Suite from Billy the Kid – plus, selections from his Old American Songs, Jessie Montgomery’s Banner and Here I Stand.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Nationals Blowout Weekend: 1924 World Series championship celebration (100-year anniversary) – Sept. 13-15
Did you know that the Washington Senators won the World Series 100 years ago? Join the Nats organization as it celebrates the 1924 World Series Championship during a weekend series against the division rival Miami Marlins. There will be fireworks and fun fan giveaways all weekend.
Tickets
1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003
DeVotchKa – Sept. 14
Based in Denver but rooted in cabaret, spaghetti Westerns, punk rock and European dance music, DeVotchKa (Russian for “girl”) are a quartet with nearly 25 years of touring and recording experience. In fact, this year marks the 20th anniversary of one of their most celebrated releases, How It Ends, an LP whose music informed and inspired the soundtrack of 2006’s Little Miss Sunshine (DeVotchKa also wrote and performed the score to the legendary film). Witness the group play the record in its entirety during this show at Black Cat.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Walkingtown DC – Sept. 14-22
On September, Events DC showcases the incredible walkability of the nation’s capital during this free, week-long public tour program. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Walkingtown DC, so it'll be bigger than ever, with a slogan of "Explore DC: Eight Days, Eight Wards, One City." 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. The anniversary celebration will be capped off by a closing reception on Sept. 22.
Celebrate Oktoberfest in the District
Beginning in mid-September and extending into October, DC beer enthusiasts break out their lederhosen and dirndls to observe Oktoberfest with German beer, bites and live music. Locations across the city will participate, including a few annually recurring favorites: Bluejacket serves weissbiers, schwarzbiers and helles lagers from the keg, Wunder Garten hosts its Pridetoberfest LGBTQ+ party and The Wharf goes all out the weekend of October 5, with Polka on the Pier, a Stein Hosting Competition and the thrilling Dachshund Dash.
Soft Power – Through Sept. 15
Billed as a “visionary musical fantasia,” Soft Power details the story of a Chinese American playwright attacked by an unknown assailant soon after the 2016 election. The playwright then imagines a Golden Age musical comedy featuring a Chinese theater producer and Hillary Clinton. The new political satire from Tony Award winners David Henry Hwang and Jeanine Tesori debuts at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
National Portrait Gallery
Honor Hispanic Heritage Month in the District – Sept. 15 – Oct. 15
Washington, DC's vibrant culture is deeply rooted in its Hispanic and Latin American community and during Hispanic Heritage Month, it's even easier to celebrate, learn and immerse yourself. Sample pupusas to paellas at these Latin-owned restaurants. Take your pick of social salsa dancing, empanada-making classes and other activities at Union Market's La Cosecha. Catch performances at FiestaDC's festival and parade (Sept. 28-29). Secure tickets to a heritage night game with DC United (Sept. 16), the Nats (Sept. 28), the Washington Spirit (Oct. 13) or the Capitals (Oct. 15). Attend an interactive Hispanic Heritage Month event at a Smithsonian museum or brush up on your history with a visit to ¡Presente! A Latino History of the U.S., the first completed installation of the National Museum of the American Latino, located within the National Museum of American History.
Weezer, The Flaming Lips & Dinosaur, Jr. – Sept. 15
Three iconic rock groups visit The Anthem on the same night, presenting an opportunity that music fans will not want to miss. Weezer honors the 30th anniversary of their essential self-titled debut LP (commonly known as “The Blue Album” because of its iconic cover) with The Flaming Lips and Dinosaur, Jr. in tow. Each of these two bands also possess legendary catalogues. Talk about a triple-bill. A first show sold out so grab tickets to the second show ASAP.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band – Sept. 17
The international rock legend and famed drummer for the Beatles comes to DC with his iconic band, which has toured for over three decades. Don't miss the chance to see this group of tried-and-true superstars. The roster includes Edgar Winter, Warren Ham, Colin Hay and other world-class musicians.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Kennedy Center
Clue – Sept. 17 – Oct. 6
See the classic Hasbro board game come to life on stage at the Kennedy Center. Based on the 1985 feature film, this unrivaled and interactive whodunit is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Take 5: Jazz at SAAM with Stephen Arnold and Sea Change – Sept. 19
Visit the Kogod Courtyard – one of DC’s coolest indoor spots – to celebrate an original American art form with the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Take 5 series. The free, live concert program showcases Stephen Arnold and his group Sea Change, a quintet featuring bass, saxophone, piano, guitar and drums. Refreshments can be purchased from the Courtyard Café and board games will be available for borrowing and playing during the show.
5 p.m. & 7 p.m. | Register | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Old 97’s – Sept. 19
At the forefront of the alt-country movement in the mid-1990s, Old 97’s made a name around the venerable Austin, Tx. music scene before becoming nationally renowned. Led by singer/songwriter Rhett Miller, the group showcased plenty of down-home chops before expanding their sound to include power-pop muscle across more than a dozen LPs. Hear the group’s signature sound inside DC’s legendary 9:30 Club.
7 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
The Atlantic Festival – Sept. 19-20
Convene with "great minds who don't think alike" at this year's The Atlantic Festival, a two-day event featuring speakers, in-depth interviews, screenings, book talks and happy hours, all aimed at discussing today's most pressing topics. Put on by The Atlantic right beside its headquarters at The Wharf, this year's lineup includes Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, actor and playwright Anna Deavere Smith, CNN's Chief Washington Correspondent Jake Tapper and many more. In-person and virtual passes are on sale now.
Tickets
Maine Avenue and Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Go-Karts at Union Market – Sept. 19-22
Union Market and Events DC have partnered to bring an adrenaline-fueled weekend to the nation’s capital. Union Market will host a unique go-kart racing experience powered by K1 Speed in its parking lot, with 15-minute races featuring six drivers (both seasoned riders and beginners are welcome; minimum required height is 58”) as well as live music, food, beverages and additional live entertainment. Tickets become available in late August.
More Information
Union Market, 1275 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Historic Change: An Evening Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Celia Cruz – Sept. 20
The National Museum of American History hosts a dance party with the queen of salsa. A night featuring music, culture, a panel conversation, salsa lessons and a beautiful program that will celebrate Cruz’s significant contributions as well as the 2024 Celia Cruz Quarter (the 14th coin in the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program) culminates in an epic dance party.
7-10:30 p.m. | Register | Free Admission
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Mister Lincoln – Sept. 20 – Oct. 13
Scott Bakula (pictured above) comes to the stage at Ford's Theatre to portray one of the most iconic men in history. Written by Herbert Mitgang and directed by José Carrasquillo, Mister Lincoln unpacks the sixteenth president's life and tenure in a witty one-man show. Learn about one of the most revered figures in U.S. history inside the theatre where he was fatally shot in 1865.
More info
Ford's Theatre, 511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Suchitra Mattai: Myth from Matter – Sept. 20 – Jan. 12, 2025
The National Museum of Women in the Arts hosts the first solo exhibition in DC dedicated to the work of Suchitra Mattai, who explores themes of history, heritage and identity across her multidisciplinary work. The Indo-Caribbean artist examines mythology, personal narratives and colonial history through the lens of women and people of color, especially those from Southeast Asia. Visitors will see large-scale textile installations, paintings, collages and sculptures, as well as related pieces from Europe and Southeast Asia.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Sublime Light: Tapestry Art of DY Begay – Sept. 20 – Summer 2025
In honor of one of the great fiber artists, the National Museum of the American Indian showcases 48 works by DY Begay. Across these dozens of tapestries, Begay explores her homeland and heritage through a divine sense of color, stirring innovation and sharp eye for design. Her pieces effectively illustrate a non-Western way of being to contemporary audiences.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
The Kennedy Center © Jati Lindsay
National Dance Day – Sept. 21
Cut a rug at this year's National Dance Day at the Kennedy Center! Free classes, performances and parties provide a wealth of ways to celebrate creativity and community.
10a.m. | Free Admission
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
HFStival at Nationals Park – Sept. 21
Get ready for ‘90s- and 2000s-era nostalgia – and maybe some moshing – with the revival of the HFStival (pronounced H-F-estival). Thanks to the Washington Nationals and I.M.P, the legendary independent concert producer behind the Merriweather Post Pavilion, Lincoln Theatre and The Anthem, the rockin' DC-area festival returns for one day only to Nationals Park. The lineup includes The Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie, Incubus, Bush, Garbage, Jimmy Eat World, Girl Talk, Violent Femmes, Tonic, Filter and Lit.
Tickets
1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Try Guys / Live Nation
The Try Guys: Eat The Menu Tour – Sept. 21
These world-famous YouTubers will try just about anything... and now, they'll try it live at the Warner Theatre! Loosely following the format of their popular series (in which Keith eats every item on a fast food menu), the Guys will work their way through a selection of DC's culinary concoctions.
Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
An Epic of Kings: The Great Mongol Shahnama – Sept. 21 – Jan. 5, 2025
One of the most celebrated medieval Persian manuscripts – considered the national epic of Iran as it covers the beginning of time through the 7th century – informs a new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art. The Great Mongol Shahnama (now dismantled) includes stories and illustrations; the exhibit offers a rare opportunity to view 25 folios from the manuscript alongside contemporaneous works from China, the Mediterranean and the Latin West.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Comedy Shows Near Me – Sept. 22
Inject some laughs into your Sunday evening with Comedy Shows Near Me, which hosts stand-up events at restaurants and bars across the District. For just $20, you can enjoy an evening full of comedy as well as plenty of food and drink. The comedy-club style show occurs each Sunday.
Tickets
Hard Rock Cafe, 999 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Derek Fordjour, Airborne Double, 2022
Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage – Through Sept. 22
The Phillips Collection presents the first large-scale exhibition dedicated to exploring collage by contemporary Black American artists. Explore more than 50 works by 49 artists including luminaries such as Mark Bradford, Kerry James Marshall, Tschabalala Self and Kara Walker. Celebrate the broad variety and complexity of Black identity in art across a wide range of forms, including paper, photographs, fabrics and salvaged materials.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Kings of Leon – Sept. 22
The Brothers Followill along with their cousin, Matthew, compose Kings of Leon, who’ve been touring and playing music together since boyhood. The brothers’ father was a preacher, traveling all over the South, so one could say life on the road suits the group. Kings of Leon were initially a garage-rock success story. That quickly blossomed into international superstardom. The quartet has lost none of their zest, so expect The Wharf to rock out.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Immerse Yourself in History at The People’s House – Opens Sept. 23
A state-of-the-art White House Visitors Center opens to the public this fall. In partnership with the White House Historical Association, The People's House is free to access, with timed-entry passes and optional guided tours. Through cutting-edge, interactive models and full-scale replicas of iconic rooms like the Oval Office, visitors can learn about the history of the nation's most famous house, its inhabitants and those who have dedicated their careers to it. The National Park Service's current visitor center will remain open.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily | Reserve
1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20006
Jeff Lynne’s ELO – Sept. 25
Commonly known as Electric Light Orchestra, Jeff Lynne’s ELO remains one of rock music’s most beloved and boundary-pushing groups. Beginning in the early 1970s, ELO released a string of successful albums and singles that blended Beatles-like melodies with prog, classical, doo wop and even opera elements. Lynne’s crew of talented musicians can still rock on stage, as they will at Capital One Arena.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sigur Rós – Sept. 25
Hailing from Iceland, Sigur Rós creates soundscapes and musical reveries that resemble floating off into space, staring into the Grand Canyon or floating softly down river. Although they’re considered a “post-rock” group, Sigur Rós is more like a mood unto itself, incorporating classical elements and singer Jonsi’s falsetto vocals to create songs unlike any other. The Anthem will give their all-encompassing sound plenty of space to stretch out.
8:30 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Rapsody – Sept. 26
One of the most acclaimed and successful hip-hop artists of the last decade, Rapsody has transcended the “female rapper” label to make some of the best music in the genre, period. The Roc Nation star just released her fourth LP, Please Don’t Cry, which contains some of her most inspiring and introspective work yet. Howard Theatre hosts the Grammy-nominated performer along with Niko Brim.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Theatre Week
Theatre Week – Sept. 26 – Oct. 13
Celebrate the theatre season in the Washington, DC region with a weeks-long promotion from TheatreWashington which includes $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 (most of which are free) designed to entertain, educate and inspire, including the free Kickoff Fest. Plan your stay: Book a hotel today.
Herbie Hancock – Sept. 27
It’s rare that an artist comes to symbolize an entire genre of music, but Herbie Hancock’s seminal work in jazz across more than 60 years has brought him to rarefied air. The words “master” and “icon” barely do Hancock justice; he’s constantly pushed jazz to places it’s never gone before, incorporating elements of rock, funk, hip-hop and dance along the way.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Summer Concert Series at Nationals Park: Lady A – Sept. 27
For the first time in a decade, the Nats brought back their postgame Summer Concert Series, with Lady A closing out the epic lineup in September. With the purchase of a ticket, fans can enjoy the full concert after the game. On-field passes will be available as an upgrade a few weeks before each concert, so get your tickets now so you can stay in the loop.
Tickets
1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Avatar: The Last Airbender In Concert – Sept. 27-28
Known as one of the most groundbreaking animated series ever, Avatar: The Last Airbender features a powerful and iconic score that will be played by a live orchestra during this two-hour show at The National Theatre. Memorable scenes will be on-screen as the show’s incredible scope is brought to life. Original compositions have been expanded for this exclusive presentation.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Art All Night – Sept. 27-28
An all-night arts festival? Sign us up. Yes, DC has that with Art All Night, which will spread out over multiple neighborhoods. Art experiences don’t get much more lavish or expansive than this: Everything from painting to performing arts to music to sculpture will be showcased in both public and private spaces, indoors and outdoors. Be sure to check out the companion event Dine All Night, too.
Because They're Funny Comedy Festival – Sept. 27-29
Join NICECROWD®, the producers of the American Black Film Festival, in partnership with Events DC, for the Because They're Funny Comedy Festival. Expect a fun-filled weekend showcasing BIPOC comedians throughout the Wharf, including the Anthem, one of the most vibrant destinations in the nation's capital. Curated for anyone who likes to laugh, the lineup includes headline shows, new comic showcases, comedy classes, panels, podcasts, screenings and live music.
Craft2Wear | Smithsonian
Smithsonian Craft2Wear – Sept. 27-29
The National Building Museum hosts this curated show from the Smithsonian. Limited edition clothing, jewelry and accessories will be on display, as dozens of designers from all over the country will be represented. The wearable art extravaganza kicks off with a preview benefit.
The National Building Museum, 401 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies – Sept. 27-29
Don't miss one of the last chances to see the Nats play at home for the 2024 season! Enjoy a fall day of baseball as the team takes on their regional rival the Phillies.
Tickets
1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003
DC Black Food & Wine Festival – Sept. 28
Spend a day celebrating black-owned food and wine enterprises with the DC Black Food & Wine Festival hosted by MVEMNT. The event promises not only delicious fare and quality sips, but DJs, live performances and overall good vibes, channeling R&B energy from the ‘90s and early 2000s.
More info
Gateway DC, 2700 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20032
Death From Above 1979 – Sept. 28
Unique name, unique set-up. Death From Above 1979 consists of just two dudes…but the noise they create lines up perfectly with their unforgettable moniker. Electric bass and thudding drums form the backbone of the duo’s pulsating sound. The band will play its debut LP, You’re A Woman, I’m A Machine, in its entirety during this Howard Theatre show.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
All Things Go
All Things Go Music Festival – Sept. 28-29
The All Things Go Music Festival returns for its 10th year with headliners like Laufey, Bleachers, Janelle Monáe, Hozier and Reneé Rapp. The festival will be hosted at Merriweather Post Pavilion and will feature two stages, an epic lineup of delicious local eats and art installations.
Tickets
10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044
Sebastian Maniscalco – Sept. 28
Thanks to a signature delivery, a charismatic personality and loads of observational wit, Sebastian Maniscalco has gone from stand-up comedy success to full-fledged star of films and TV shows. However, the brilliant performer stays true to his roots with a 47-city tour of North American, including a one-night stop at Capital One Arena.
7 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Kirk Franklin – Sept. 29
The legendary Kirk Franklin, who’s been nominated for a whopping 19 GRAMMYs across his work as a producer, songwriter and performer, brings the 2024 leg of The Reunion Tour to Washington, DC. His co-headliners include gospel music legends such as Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, The Clark Sisters and Kierra Sheard-Kelly.
7 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Spirit & Strength: Modern Art from Haiti – Sept. 29 – March 9, 2025
The world’s first Black republic flourished with creativity in the mid-1900s thanks to seminal painters like Hector Hyppolite, Rigaud Benoît and Philomé Obin. Their images and depictions of Haitian daily life, religious traditions and history influenced generations of artists. The National Gallery of Art’s exhibit offers the first chance to see 21 works by Haitian artists as well as contemporary pieces that build on their illuminative legacy.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
OSGEMEOS: Endless Story – Sept. 29 – July 6, 2025
Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo are the identical twin brothers that comprise OSGEMEOS, which is Portuguese for “the twins.” The Hirshhorn Museum presents the first U.S. survey and the largest American exhibition of work by the duo to date. In total, the full-floor exhibit features roughly 1,000 artworks, photos and archival materials that detail OSGEMEOS’ unique artistic voice that combines heritage, urban art, graffiti and magical elements.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
The Ford/Hill Project – Sept. 30
In a special presentation to benefit the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, The Ford/Hill Project is a new play that examines the historic testimonies of Anita Hill and Christine Blasey Ford. An ensemble of four actors speak verbatim from the transcripts of hearings that saw these two women, 30 years apart, share stories from private moments in their lives.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Staging the Supernatural: Ghosts and the Theater in Japanese Prints – Through Oct. 6
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 allows you to explore the roles that ghosts and spirits play in the retelling of Japanese legends as well as real events. Staging the Supernatural features 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
Sewn in America: Making, Meaning, Memory – Through Dec. 31
The DAR Museum presents a groundbreaking exhibit featuring sewn items from every textile section of its collections including clothing, household items, needlework and quilts. Sewn in America examines how the activity shaped gender roles, from the homestead to professions like dressmaking, tailoring and factory work. Pieces from the 18th century to today will be juxtaposed to show how women of diverse backgrounds have used needles to express emotions and battle injustice.
Hours | Free Admission
DAR Museum, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women – Through Jan. 5, 2025
Encounter an alternative history of American art through 33 pieces that showcase the mastery and subversion of essential materials including cotton, wool, polyester and silk. The Renwick Gallery exhibit offers pieces as diverse as the collection of women artists who made them, also unveiling insights into their creative processes through sketches, photos, mail art and more.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Renwick Gallery, 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
Star Power: Photographs from Hollywood’s Golden Age by George Hurrell – Through Jan. 5, 2025
Hollywood’s premiere photographer during the onset of the studio system, George Hurrell set the template for how to capture the brightest stars of the cinematic universe. As MGM’s in-house portraitist and in his own studio, Hurrell used lighting expertise and the sharpest of eyes to create glamorous images of Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy and many, many more. The National Portrait Gallery displays many of these Golden Era photographs in the new exhibit.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Imprints in Time – Through Jan. 5, 2025
The recently renovated and reopened Folger Shakespeare Library offers a special exhibition filled with objects rarely displayed to the public. Visitors can go on a journey through time and space, from the tombs of ancient Egypt all the way to the surface of the Moon. Stuart and Mimi Rose’s collection of manuscripts and books informs a momentous survey of human history, knowledge and creativity.
Hours | Free Admission
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean – Through Jan. 5, 2025
In honor of the majesty of the ocean, Hillwood showcases a variety of marine-related art in its collection for the very first time. Originally inspired by the rediscovery of one of the largest paintings at Hillwood (once owned by Marjorie Post's father, C.W. Post), Fragile Beauty explores representations of water and art crafted by precious materials.
Hours & Admission
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Gordon Parks, Husband and Wife, Sunday Morning, Detroit, Michigan (Bert Collins and Pauline Terry), 1950
Gordon Parks: Camera Portraits from the Corcoran Collection – Through Jan. 12, 2025
The National Gallery of Art honors one of the best set of eyes in American history with a 25-portrait exhibition. Gordon Parks revolutionized photography in post-World War II America, situating his subjects in their environment while also paying close attention to their expression, character and dress. You can see images of Muhammad Ali and Leonard Bernstein alongside shots of a Harlem gang leader and a Detroit couple in this moving tribute that features some of Parks’ most beloved photographs.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Bruce Onobrakpeya: The Mask and the Cross – Through Jan. 21, 2025
In 1966, acclaimed Nigerian sculptor and printmaker Bruce Onobrakpeya was petitioned by Catholic priests to interpret the Passion of the Christ, resulting in Fourteen Stations of the Cross, one of his most beloved works. The piece began a long fascination with Christian iconography in Onobrakpeya’s work. Many of his most striking pieces can be seen in this special presentation at the National Museum of African Art.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900-1939 – Through Feb. 23, 2025
Be amazed by sixty defiant women who made the courageous decision to cross the Atlantic Ocean to pursue their artistic dreams immersed in the majesty of Paris and its dynamic cultural scene. Brilliant Exiles marks the first exhibition to focus on the impact of American women on Paris – and of Paris on American women – from 1900 to the outbreak of the second World War. You can gaze at portraits of icons such as Josephine Baker, Isadora Duncan, Zelda Fitzgerald, Loïs Mailou Jones, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Anaïs Nin, Gertrude Stein, Ethel Waters and Anna May Wong.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Anacostia Community Museum
A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC, 1900-2000 – Through March 2, 2025
The Anacostia Community Museum sheds light on fascinating local history with an exhibit featuring captivating original artworks, rare video footage and can't-miss artifacts including Alma Thomas’s paintbrushes and watercolor paint set, an early 20th-century lifelike marionette that William Buckner made with his local high school students, original Elizabeth Catlett prints that once hung in the halls of her DC high school and Sam Gilliam pieces from his tenure as a teacher at McKinley Technical High School. Experience the influence, power and creativity of the Black artist-educators who empowered generations of DC students.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, DC 20020
This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance – Through April 20, 2025
Guest curated by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hilton Als, the National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibit focuses on one of the most important American writers of the 20th century. James Baldwin beautifully spoke out against injustice throughout his stirring career. He and other queer artists had to keep their sexuality hidden even while speaking up for civil rights. In addition to portraits of Baldwin, the exhibit also highlights many of his contemporaries including Lorraine Hansberry, Barbara Jordan, Bayard Rustin, Essex Hemphill and Marlon Riggs.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Grandma Moses, 'The Old Oaken Bucket', 1945.
Revolutions: Art from the Hirshhorn Collection, 1860-1960 – Through April 20, 2025
This year, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden brings you one exciting event after another in celebration of their 50th anniversary. The museum's latest exhibit features works from more than 120 artists, so we suggest giving yourself plenty of time to soak up all the wonder. The revolutionary installation offers well-known masterpieces alongside contemporary creations from a wide range of artists including Francis Bacon, Jean Dubuffet, Lee Krasner, Wifredo Lam, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jackson Pollock.
10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Free admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
Bond In Motion – Through April 2025
Across more than six decades of films, James Bond has become the on-screen embodiment of spies for millions. The International Spy Museum pays homage to the fictional character, along with his allies and adversaries, with a breathtaking display of iconic vehicles from the movies. In total, visitors can fix their eyes on 17 pieces, including cars, motorcycles, submarines and even more from the Q Branch Garage.
Hours & Admission
International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024
Tuan Andrew Nguyen: The Island – Through May 4, 2025
In his DC debut, Tuan Andrew Nguyen presents his video work The Island (2017) alongside the sculpted headdress Bidong Spirit I, which was created specifically for the film. Both works were inspired by and reference the Malaysian island of Pulau Bidong, a landing place for Vietnamese escaping by boat after South Vietnam’s collapse in 1975.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Collecting Memories – Through Dec. 2025
The Library of Congress opens its new David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery with a brand-new exhibit filled to the brim with fascinating artifacts across its 120 items. Collecting Memories includes Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, a map from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, lyrics from The Sound of Music and much more in its examination of how cultures preserve the past.
Hours | Free Admission
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
Martin E. Red Bear / National Museum of the American Indian
Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains – Through Jan. 20, 2026
The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates narrative art among Native nations of the Great Plains with an exciting new exhibition. You'll see historical works alongside contemporary commissions, from battle records to ledger books to pop culture takes.
More info | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Blossom Time, Willard Metcalf, 1910
Shifting Boundaries: Perspectives on American Landscapes – Through July 26, 2026
Discover powerful new details and context around some of the greatest works of art in American history. The National Museum of Asian Art approaches the fascinating New England landscape portraiture of legendary artists such as Willard Metcalf, Dwight Tryon, Winslow Homer and Abbott Thayer. By empowering a variety of voices, the exhibit reveals how the landscapes depicted have shifted in the century since these works were first showcased.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Ruffled Feathers: Creating Whistler’s Peacock Room – Through Jan. 31, 2027
One of the most famous rooms in the nation’s capital receives a full in-depth investigation thanks to a new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art. The Peacock Room is the museum’s calling card, and this display will be located right next door. The creation of James McNeill Whistler was originally meant for the London home of British businessman Frederick Leyland. Its origin story and tangled history is detailed through paintings, works on paper, decorative art and additional ephemera.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Glen Kaino: Bridge – Ongoing
This jaw-dropping aerial sculpture is comprised of 200 golden arms hanging from the ceiling of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Luce Foundation Center. Each piece is a casting of the outstretched right arm of Tommie Smith, the American winner of the men’s 200-meter race at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. During the medal ceremony, Smith bowed his head and raised his Black-gloved fist in an act of protest. Decades later, Glen Kaino collaborated with Smith on the grand statement of an installation.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Forces for Change: Mary McLeod Bethune and Black Women’s Activism – Ongoing
Explore the powerful societal impact of local hero, educator and reformer Mary McLeod Bethune at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The exhibit space focuses on Bethune’s incredible work with the National Council of Negro Women as well as the contributions of other women who have fought for social change. In total, the display includes 75 images, 35 artifacts, a multimedia film, an eight-foot-tall plaster sculpture of Bethune and an interactive engagement.
More info | Free Admission
National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Places to Stay
Hotel Nell
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 today!
