Theatre Week
Our end-of-the-week picks for Sept. 27-29
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
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Friday
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.
Craft2Wear | Smithsonian
Smithsonian Craft2Wear
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
Avatar: The Last Airbender In Concert
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
Because They're Funny Comedy Festival
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.
Herbie Hancock
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
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
Art All Night
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.
Saturday
DC Black Food & Wine Festival
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
All Things Go
All Things Go Music Festival
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
Immerse yourself in history at The People’s House
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
Open House at the National Law Enforcement Museum
Experience the National Law Enforcement Museum for free during a special open house event. Enjoy family-friendly activities like K9 demonstrations, fingerprint analysis, storytime with an officer and more. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with the museum's interactive exhibits and activities for all ages.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Register
National Law Enforcement Museum, 444 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Sublime Light: Tapestry Art of DY Begay
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
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond
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
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
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
Mister Lincoln
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.
Tickets
Ford's Theatre, 511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sebastian Maniscalco
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
Death From Above 1979
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
Sunday
OSMEGEOS: Endless Story
Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo are the identical twin brothers that comprise OSMEGEOS, 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 OSMEGEOS’ 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
Spirit & Strength: Modern Art from Haiti
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
Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment
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
Suchitra Mattai: Myth from Matter
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
Kirk Franklin
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
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 today!
#Only1DC Photo of the Week
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.
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