For short lines at the Smithsonians, unbeatable theater, all-star sports and the first holiday lights of the season, November is an incredible time to explore DC.
Whether you’re in town for Veterans Day, Thanksgiving or any day in between, be sure to check out our special discounts and packages, 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.
Celebrate Spooky Season in DC
The nation's capital has a frightful amount of options for spook-tacular festivities. Themed parties, specialty cocktails, family arts and crafts and ghost tours are just a few of the ways to have spirited Halloween (Oct. 31) and Día de los Muertos (Nov. 1-2) in the District.
Fidelio – Oct. 25 – Nov. 4
The Washington National Opera (WNO) presents Beethoven’s story of resistance, freedom and dissent at one of DC’s most illustrious venues. The Kennedy Center hosts the new production that launches the WNO’s 2024-25 season. Beethoven’s only opera, which was last performed by the WNO more than 30 years ago, is an inspiring tale of how love can conquer tyranny.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
David Cross – Nov. 1
You may know him as Tobias on Arrested Development, or as the co-lead of Mr. Show, or for his brilliant stand-up comedy. And if you don’t know him, this show at the Warner Theatre is the perfect time to get acquainted with David Cross. Dive deep into the mind of one of America’s greatest comedic minds inside one of the city’s most historic theaters.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Light House – Nov. 1
Dazzle and delight your kids with an interactive storytelling experience. While it is recommended for children from 3-8 years old, The Light House, a show about friendship and finding your light, is an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy imaginative shadow puppetry.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE, Washington, DC 20002
The Go! Team – Nov. 3
Still as exhilarating as when they first burst through speakers with 2004’s Thunder, Lightning, Strike, The Go! Team will have you bouncing off the walls with this set at Black Cat. The group plans to play their debut LP from start to finish in honor of the album’s 20th anniversary. The multicultural band, led by energetic frontwoman Ninja, plays a boisterous mix of old-school hip-hop, dance music, funk and soul.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
The Second City’s Dance Like There’s Black People Watching – Nov. 6 – Dec. 22
From the creators of Black Side of the Moon and She the People comes a highly anticipated new production at Woolly Mammoth Theatre. The Second City returns with an exclusive new show created just for Woolly Mammoth filled with rising stars, hilarious songs and sketches and razor-sharp satire, all together in a perfect improv package.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival & Symposium – Nov. 7-10
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.
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse – Nov. 8-9
After shows featuring the music from the first animated Spider-Verse film sold out worldwide, the spectacle returns after a smash-hit sequel debuted in 2023. The movie will be screened on a colossal HD video screen as an ensemble of instrumentalists perform the score and soundtrack live, including a full orchestra, a skilled scratch DJ and percussion.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Dorado Schmitt & Sons: Jazz Manouche – Nov. 10
Don't miss a chance to see one of the greatest guitar players of all time perform live at the Strathmore. Celebrating and modernizing the traditions of French jazz manouche, this show will honor Django Reinhardt's distinctive style of jazz, which debuted in the 1930s and ‘40s. In addition to Schmitt and Sons, cousins Fancko Mehrstein and Gino Roman will compose the rhythm section.
Tickets
The Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane North Bethesda, MD 20852
Honor those who served this Veterans Day – Nov. 11
Many of the monuments and memorials in the nation’s capital honor service members, shedding light on the immense sacrifices that the U.S. Armed Forces have made to protect this country. Any time of year, but especially on Veterans Day, choose from a collection of monuments, memorials and special programming to celebrate and honor those who served.
SIX – Nov. 12 – Dec. 1
The National Theatre welcomes back a Broadway smash for three weeks only this fall. SIX is a her-story of the six wives of Henry VIII – each tossed brutally aside by the psychotic ruler – filled with euphoric music in a remix of 500 years of historical heartbreak. Critically acclaimed and adored all over the world, DC is privileged to yet again host this magnificent stage spectacle.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Downtown Holiday Market – Nov. 15 – Dec. 23
The free-to-frequent downtown bazaar is centrally located in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, the beloved market stretches across two blocks of F Street between 7th and 9th streets. Scope out eclectic wares from dozens of pop-up tents with seasonally flavored music performed live in the background. Locally roasted coffee and crafted-before-your-eyes mini-doughnuts inspire a cold-weather appetite, creating a holiday atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in DC.
12-8 p.m. daily | Free admission
F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC
Julie Kim – Nov. 15-17
Following her North American tour with Ronny Chieng, Julie Kim has solidified her spot as one of Canada’s top stand-up comedians and comedy writers. Kim has contributed to shows like "Kim’s Convenience" and written for talent like Simu Liu, who got his break as Marvel’s Shang-Chi. Her infectious positivity and hilarious takes make Julie Kim don't miss show on DC Improv's fall roster.
Tickets
DC Improv Comedy Club & Restaurant, 1140 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
Washington Capitals vs. New Jersey Devils – Nov. 23
DC's beloved hockey team takes another regional rival in what is sure to be an electric Saturday night for sports fans. The arena is considered one of the loudest and most boisterous stadiums in the NHL, and no wonder – roughly 19,000 red-clad fans pack the arena for each Caps game.
Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Celebrate Thanksgiving in the Nation's Capital – Nov. 28
Give thanks and savor the flavors of the season at DC restaurants this Thanksgiving. In previous years, Gatsby, Mi Vida and Succotash have served up all-American classics, while Officina, Illia and Estuary have offered more international takes on tradition. For a family brunch, spots like Fairmont, Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City and the Salamander are known for lavish brunches perfect for when you just don't feel like cooking any more.
Season's Greenings – Nov. 28 - Jan. 5
Trade in your dreams of a white Christmas for something even better – a green Christmas. At this year's Season's Greenings exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Gardens, displays will feature not only holiday lights, but thousands of poinsettias, unbelievable plant-based sculptures of DC landmarks, a circuit of model trains and pollinators galore. Tickets are not required.
Free Admission
100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
Data – Oct. 31 – Dec. 15
Go behind the locked doors of Silicon Valley in this intriguing, suspense-laden play from Matthew Libby. Maneesh is an entry-level programmer at Athena Technologies, a data-mining firm. His brilliance prompts a transfer over to Data Analytics, where Maneesh sees what Athena is actually up to. Torn between idealism and success, the protagonist must come to terms with his identity.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum – Oct. 29 – Jan. 12, 2025
Sondheim takes ancient Rome in one of the greatest musical comedies ever. This Tony Award-winning play zeroes in on three neighboring households who notice, just outside their front doors, the exploits of a rowdy gang which includes a Roman slave, a soldier, a lovesick man and a gorgeous courtesan. You’re in for some retro Broadway brilliance at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Partner Content