See what’s in store for Washington, DC this fall and through the holiday season
September
Dear Evan Hansen
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | Aug. 30 – Sept. 25
Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical and the 2018 Grammy Award, Dear Evan Hansen is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. The Washington Post calls it “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history.”
Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | Sept. 17
The Kennedy Center is debuting a new immersive permanent exhibit on President John F. Kennedy and his connection to the arts. The expansive roof-level Atrium will reopen as the JFK Gallery, a new destination for patrons and visitors to the memorial. The exhibit will explore Kennedy’s appreciation and promotion of the arts and why the Kennedy Center came to be the living memorial to him and his ideals.
Walkingtown
DC Citywide | Sept. 17 – 25
DC's best public tour program features 50 guided walking tours in neighborhoods throughout the District. The popular event takes place annually in September and introduces residents and visitors to the art, culture, and history of Washington, DC through a series of "bite-size" lunchtime tours, after-work "happy hour" tours and longer weekend tours.
Called to Create: Black Artists of the American South
National Gallery of Art East Building | Sept. 18 – March 26, 2023
Enjoy more than 40 paintings, assemblages, sculptures and drawings from Black artists who worked for years with little recognition, often using recycled materials as their art supplies and yards, porches or boarded-up storefronts as their galleries. Explore some of the finest art of our time, with many acquired from the Souls Grown Deep Foundation.
Shear Madness
The Kennedy Center | Ongoing through Oct. 2, 2022
Set today in the Shear Madness hairstyling salon, the record-breaking comedy is Washington's hilarious whodunit. After more than 13,500 performances, the show has stayed in great shape. Performances are ongoing.
October
Merriweather Post Pavilion | Oct. 1
Take in performances by some of the most buzzworthy acts in popular music, including Lorde, Mitski, Bleachers and Lucy Dacus.
The Wharf | Oct. 12
Phase 2 construction will deliver an additional 1.15 million square feet of mixed-use spaces, including a hotel and marina. Office, residential and retail space, as well as parks and public areas, add to the options on the Southwest Waterfront.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Reopening
National Air and Space Museum | Oct. 14
The free museum reopens with eight new transformed galleries. Free timed-entry passes will be required for all visitors. Whether you’re an airhead, a space case or prefer to stay grounded, there's something for everyone at the Smithsonian’s most visited museum.
The National Theatre | Oct. 4 – 23
Celebrate the resilience and triumph of the queen of rock ‘n roll, Tina Turner, in an inspiring musical revue.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | Oct. 29 – Nov. 12
Richard Strauss’ epic opera inspired by a Greek tale follows Elektra as she plots revenge.
November
Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces
National Museum of the American Indian | Nov. 10-30, 2023
Honor generations of Native Americans by exploring how and why Indigenous people have served.
Veterans Day Weekend
Citywide | Nov. 11– 13
Veterans Day is observed citywide through events such as a concert at MLK Library, ceremonies at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, National Native American Veterans Memorial, National World War II Memorial, United States Navy Memorial, U.S. Air Force Memorial, U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, a parade on Nov. 12, a 10K race and more.
F Street NW | Nov. 19 – Dec. 23
The 18th Annual Downtown Holiday Market returns mid-November. Located outside of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the beloved outdoor market features more than 70 exhibitors of local vendors and small businesses, food vendors offering sweet treats and hot beverages and a live stage of exceptional regional performers providing holiday cheer.
Washington International Horse Show
Capital One Arena | Nov. 25-30
The show returns with its beloved dressage competitions and Shetland pony races.
Nationals Park | Nov. 25 – Jan. 2023
Nationals Park transforms into a winter wonderland with an immersive walk-through light maze created with over 4 million sparkling lights, a 100-foot-tall holiday tree, a unique ice-skating trail, live entertainment, Santa visits and a holiday shopping marketplace with crafts, gifts and culinary treats including festive holiday beverages and cocktails.
One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection
Hirshhorn Museum | Through Nov. 27
See the world through the eyes of one of the most visionary artists of the past century and take in the magic of two infinity rooms.
Ford’s Theatre | Nov. 18 – Dec. 31
Experience Charles Dickens’ beloved Yuletide story of transformation and redemption.
The Washington Ballet | Nov. 25 – Dec. 30
The celebrated production is set in historic 1882 Georgetown with George Washington, King George III and other historical figures. Set to Tchaikovsky’s magical score, the celebrated classic comes to life with intricate stunning set designs, original period costumes and over 100 dancers including students and trainees from The Washington School of Ballet.
The Wharf | Nov. 23 – February 2023
Experience DC’s only over-water ice skating rink.
From November through February, come to Transit Pier right outside The Anthem and lace up your skates to enjoy amazing views of the water and monuments.
December
National Christmas Tree Lighting
White House Ellipse | TBD
Mark the 100th anniversary of a national tradition with an array of programming and celebrations.
Georgetown | TBD
Outdoor light art colors DC’s most historic neighborhood, allowing for photogenic seasonal strolling.
The Heurich House Museum | Dec. 2-4
Christkindlmarkt returns to the Castle Garden, celebrating its 10th year of operation. Shoppers can stroll through a German-style market featuring dozens of local artisans.
The Wharf | Dec. 3
Celebrate the holidays with the District's Holiday Boat Parade showcasing more than sixty beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel.
National Menorah Lighting: Chanukah on the Ellipse
White House Ellipse | Dec. 17
The world’s premier celebration of Chanukah hosts its annual lighting ceremony.
National Wreaths Across America Day
Arlington National Cemetery | Dec. 17
Volunteer at a coordinated wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.