Nation’s capital comes alive this fall with a milestone celebration
Fall brings a fresh wave of reasons to visit the nation’s capital, including a weekend of celebrations for a key anniversary, major attraction openings, plus sports and cultural events that can only happen in Washington, DC. Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the city, helps visitors plan an experience-driven and budget-friendly getaway at washington.org/fall.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture celebrates its 10th anniversary with four days of activities, Sept. 24-27. Free and ticketed events will take place both at The Wharf and the museum itself. The milestone presents an opportunity to discover the wealth of Black history, heritage and culture across DC by visiting historic landmarks from Shaw to Anacostia, savoring delicacies from Black chefs and Black-owned restaurants and supporting Black-owned businesses throughout the District.
The Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden will reopen with fanfare on Oct. 31 following the largest renovation project in the museum’s history. Reimagined by artist-architect Hiroshi Sugimoto, the easy-to-access space will feature major works by leading contemporary artists, including Auguste Rodin and Henri Matisse. On Nov. 11, the National Air and Space Museum will unveil its seventh new gallery this year, completing a renovation that began in 2018. The Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial, honoring those who served in the 1990-91 Gulf War, will be dedicated on Oct. 24, while Dulles International Airport will open a new 14-gate concourse. ARTECHOUSE DC reopens Sept. 11 with an immersive show by 17 visionary artists. The newly reopened National Geographic Museum of Exploration features an immersive view of wildlife and visitors can now explore what’s under the Lincoln Memorial, where images of historic events are projected onto the foundation.
“Fall brings an exciting mix of new experiences and celebratory moments to Washington, DC,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, Destination DC. “Add a packed calendar of major sports events, outstanding restaurants and neighborhood festivals, plus the beauty of DC in the fall, and the season becomes the perfect time to experience the history, culture and energy of the city.”
The Sports Capital hosts highly anticipated events this fall. On Oct. 10 alone, the U.S. women’s national soccer team will face world No. 1 Spain at Audi Field, and the Savannah Bananas will stage their inaugural Banana Ball championship at nearby Nationals Park. Audi Field also hosts the National Women’s Soccer League championship on Nov. 21. The Marine Corps Marathon, the third-largest marathon in the U.S., takes place Oct. 25. Alex Ovechkin, the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, returns for his 22nd season with the Capitals, while the NBA’s No. 1 draft pick, AJ Dybantsa, makes his Washington Wizards debut and the WNBA’s Mystics have clinched a postseason berth. DC is also gearing up to host the NFL Draft, April 29-May 1, 2027.
The Watergate Hotel and Westin City Center unveil renovations this fall. The former Salamander DC joined the Marriott portfolio as The Potomac Hotel, Autograph Collection, and the former Hotel AKA Washington Circle joined the Hilton portfolio as the One Washington Circle Tapestry Collection. Newly opened properties include the Hoya Hotel at Georgetown, CitizenM Georgetown and Tempo by Hilton Downtown, while the WaterWalk by Wyndham Capitol Hill/Navy Yard will open later this year. Take advantage of year-long DC250 hotel offers designed to immerse visitors in the city’s history and culture and catch limited-time DC250 experiences before they’re gone.
DC’s vibrant, diverse and world-class theater scene is celebrated during Theatre Week (Sept. 24-Oct. 11), with more than 30 productions at discounted prices. The city’s culture is celebrated with Art All Night (Sept. 11-12) and don’t miss Golden Globe-winning actor Brian Cox at the Shakespeare Theatre Company (Sept. 11-Oct. 18). Before or after a show, enjoy one of DC’s 35 new or renovated rooftop experiences, and capture brilliant fall foliage around the Tidal Basin, on the trails of Rock Creek Park, cobblestone streets of Georgetown, rowhouses of Capitol Hill and revamped waterfronts.
Only-in-DC Events and Experiences: National Gallery of Art Nights Sept. 10-Nov. 12 National Gallery Nights bring the museum to life after hours with themed evenings featuring live music and performances.
Come From Away at Ford’s Theatre Sept. 10-Oct. 18 The Tony Award-winning musical tells the true story of how a Canadian town cared for stranded airline passengers on 9/11, as the nation marks the 25th anniversary.
Art All Night Sept. 11-12 Art All Night transforms neighborhoods across the District into a citywide celebration of creativity, culture and community.
The Score at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Hall Sept. 11-Oct. 18 Brian Cox (HBO’s Succession) stars in the play’s only American engagement, directed by Trevor Nunn (Les Misérables, Cats).
Alive in Many Hands at the Library of Congress Sept. 17 – Part of the American Folklife Center’s 50th anniversary, this new exhibition explores America’s living cultural traditions through more than 150 objects and digital media.
Events DC WalkingTown Sept. 19-26 Celebrate DC’s rich history through more than 50 free guided walking and biking tours across all eight wards over eight days.
Theatre Week Sept. 24-Oct. 11 Presented by Theatre Washington, Theatre Week celebrates the arts with more than 30 productions at discounted prices, along with free performances and events. This year’s celebration includes pop-up performances at IAD and DCA airports, a free concert at The Wharf, a Metro station performance and an advocacy day. Plus, enjoy discounted pre-show dinners and late-night bites as part of the first Theatre Week-Dining Week.
Fever’s Theatre of Magic at Fairmont Washington, DC Georgetown Sept. 26-Dec. 27 Created by Australian celebrity magician Christopher Wayne, Theatre of Magic is an intimate live experience that brings audiences remarkably close to the impossible.
Go-Go 50 at Warner Theatre Oct. 30-Nov. 1 The Washington Ballet opens its 50th season with a world premiere that celebrates 50 years of go-go, with live music by DC’s own Black Alley.
Oktoberfest at The Wharf Oct. 3 DC’s dazzling waterfront goes all-out with Polka on the Pier, a stein hoisting competition and the dachshund dash.
GLOW Block Party Oct. 3 Club Glow’s Block Party brings a high-energy outdoor electronic dance music show to Pennsylvania Avenue.
DC Coffee Festival Oct. 3-4 The festival returns to Dock 5 at Union Market, bringing together top local coffee roasters and specialty exhibitors for an immersive celebration of DC’s coffee culture.
Snallygaster Oct. 10 Head to Pennsylvania Avenue for over 450 hand-selected beers from 166 brewers, along with wines, cocktails, non-alcoholic options, food trucks, live music and more.
Adams Morgan PorchFest Nov. 7 The beloved neighborhood festival turns porches, patios and local businesses into stages showcasing live music and local talent.
DowntownDC Holiday Market Nov. 13-Dec. 23 The DowntownDC Holiday Market transforms F Street NW into a festive winter village.
New Exhibitions: National Museum of Women in the Arts: Routed West: Twentieth-Century African American Quilts in California Sept. 18-Jan. 17, 2027 More than 80 quilted objects trace how Black women leaving the Jim Crow South stitched a legacy of survival, connection and resilience across generations.
National Museum of Asian Art: From the Louvre: Masterpieces of Islamic Art Sept. 27-Jan. 18, 2027 On view for the first time in the U.S., the exhibit presents artworks from the Musée du Louvre that represent the depth and global reach of the arts of the Islamic world.
Hirshhorn: Light is a Plastic Medium: The Photography of Carlotta Corpron Oct. 16-March 14, 2027 A survey of work by the American abstract photographer.
The Phillips Collection: Avery, Gottlieb & Rothko: By the Sea Oct. 24-Jan. 24, 2027 The story of the lifelong friendship between three towering figures in American art: Milton Avery, Adolph Gottlieb and Mark Rothko. Many works have never been on public view.
National Gallery of Art: Remember Me: Picturing African Americans in Early Photography Nov. 7-March 14, 2027 The exhibition illuminates how photography became an essential means for expressing community, aspiration and personal identity.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
DMCFinder Concierge 
Nation’s capital comes alive this fall with a milestone celebration
Nation’s capital comes alive this fall with a milestone celebration
Fall brings a fresh wave of reasons to visit the nation’s capital, including a weekend of celebrations for a key anniversary, major attraction openings, plus sports and cultural events that can only happen in Washington, DC. Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the city, helps visitors plan an experience-driven and budget-friendly getaway at washington.org/fall.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture celebrates its 10th anniversary with four days of activities, Sept. 24-27. Free and ticketed events will take place both at The Wharf and the museum itself. The milestone presents an opportunity to discover the wealth of Black history, heritage and culture across DC by visiting historic landmarks from Shaw to Anacostia, savoring delicacies from Black chefs and Black-owned restaurants and supporting Black-owned businesses throughout the District.
The Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden will reopen with fanfare on Oct. 31 following the largest renovation project in the museum’s history. Reimagined by artist-architect Hiroshi Sugimoto, the easy-to-access space will feature major works by leading contemporary artists, including Auguste Rodin and Henri Matisse. On Nov. 11, the National Air and Space Museum will unveil its seventh new gallery this year, completing a renovation that began in 2018. The Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial, honoring those who served in the 1990-91 Gulf War, will be dedicated on Oct. 24, while Dulles International Airport will open a new 14-gate concourse. ARTECHOUSE DC reopens Sept. 11 with an immersive show by 17 visionary artists. The newly reopened National Geographic Museum of Exploration features an immersive view of wildlife and visitors can now explore what’s under the Lincoln Memorial, where images of historic events are projected onto the foundation.
“Fall brings an exciting mix of new experiences and celebratory moments to Washington, DC,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, Destination DC. “Add a packed calendar of major sports events, outstanding restaurants and neighborhood festivals, plus the beauty of DC in the fall, and the season becomes the perfect time to experience the history, culture and energy of the city.”
The Sports Capital hosts highly anticipated events this fall. On Oct. 10 alone, the U.S. women’s national soccer team will face world No. 1 Spain at Audi Field, and the Savannah Bananas will stage their inaugural Banana Ball championship at nearby Nationals Park. Audi Field also hosts the National Women’s Soccer League championship on Nov. 21. The Marine Corps Marathon, the third-largest marathon in the U.S., takes place Oct. 25. Alex Ovechkin, the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, returns for his 22nd season with the Capitals, while the NBA’s No. 1 draft pick, AJ Dybantsa, makes his Washington Wizards debut and the WNBA’s Mystics have clinched a postseason berth. DC is also gearing up to host the NFL Draft, April 29-May 1, 2027.
The Watergate Hotel and Westin City Center unveil renovations this fall. The former Salamander DC joined the Marriott portfolio as The Potomac Hotel, Autograph Collection, and the former Hotel AKA Washington Circle joined the Hilton portfolio as the One Washington Circle Tapestry Collection. Newly opened properties include the Hoya Hotel at Georgetown, CitizenM Georgetown and Tempo by Hilton Downtown, while the WaterWalk by Wyndham Capitol Hill/Navy Yard will open later this year. Take advantage of year-long DC250 hotel offers designed to immerse visitors in the city’s history and culture and catch limited-time DC250 experiences before they’re gone.
DC’s vibrant, diverse and world-class theater scene is celebrated during Theatre Week (Sept. 24-Oct. 11), with more than 30 productions at discounted prices. The city’s culture is celebrated with Art All Night (Sept. 11-12) and don’t miss Golden Globe-winning actor Brian Cox at the Shakespeare Theatre Company (Sept. 11-Oct. 18). Before or after a show, enjoy one of DC’s 35 new or renovated rooftop experiences, and capture brilliant fall foliage around the Tidal Basin, on the trails of Rock Creek Park, cobblestone streets of Georgetown, rowhouses of Capitol Hill and revamped waterfronts.
Only-in-DC Events and Experiences:
National Gallery of Art Nights
Sept. 10-Nov. 12
National Gallery Nights bring the museum to life after hours with themed evenings featuring live music and performances.
Come From Away at Ford’s Theatre
Sept. 10-Oct. 18
The Tony Award-winning musical tells the true story of how a Canadian town cared for stranded airline passengers on 9/11, as the nation marks the 25th anniversary.
Art All Night
Sept. 11-12
Art All Night transforms neighborhoods across the District into a citywide celebration of creativity, culture and community.
The Score at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Hall
Sept. 11-Oct. 18
Brian Cox (HBO’s Succession) stars in the play’s only American engagement, directed by Trevor Nunn (Les Misérables, Cats).
Alive in Many Hands at the Library of Congress
Sept. 17 –
Part of the American Folklife Center’s 50th anniversary, this new exhibition explores America’s living cultural traditions through more than 150 objects and digital media.
Events DC WalkingTown
Sept. 19-26
Celebrate DC’s rich history through more than 50 free guided walking and biking tours across all eight wards over eight days.
Theatre Week
Sept. 24-Oct. 11
Presented by Theatre Washington, Theatre Week celebrates the arts with more than 30 productions at discounted prices, along with free performances and events. This year’s celebration includes pop-up performances at IAD and DCA airports, a free concert at The Wharf, a Metro station performance and an advocacy day. Plus, enjoy discounted pre-show dinners and late-night bites as part of the first Theatre Week-Dining Week.
Fever’s Theatre of Magic at Fairmont Washington, DC Georgetown
Sept. 26-Dec. 27
Created by Australian celebrity magician Christopher Wayne, Theatre of Magic is an intimate live experience that brings audiences remarkably close to the impossible.
Go-Go 50 at Warner Theatre
Oct. 30-Nov. 1
The Washington Ballet opens its 50th season with a world premiere that celebrates 50 years of go-go, with live music by DC’s own Black Alley.
Oktoberfest at The Wharf
Oct. 3
DC’s dazzling waterfront goes all-out with Polka on the Pier, a stein hoisting competition and the dachshund dash.
GLOW Block Party
Oct. 3
Club Glow’s Block Party brings a high-energy outdoor electronic dance music show to Pennsylvania Avenue.
DC Coffee Festival
Oct. 3-4
The festival returns to Dock 5 at Union Market, bringing together top local coffee roasters and specialty exhibitors for an immersive celebration of DC’s coffee culture.
Snallygaster
Oct. 10
Head to Pennsylvania Avenue for over 450 hand-selected beers from 166 brewers, along with wines, cocktails, non-alcoholic options, food trucks, live music and more.
Adams Morgan PorchFest
Nov. 7
The beloved neighborhood festival turns porches, patios and local businesses into stages showcasing live music and local talent.
DowntownDC Holiday Market
Nov. 13-Dec. 23
The DowntownDC Holiday Market transforms F Street NW into a festive winter village.
New Exhibitions:
National Museum of Women in the Arts: Routed West: Twentieth-Century African American Quilts in California
Sept. 18-Jan. 17, 2027
More than 80 quilted objects trace how Black women leaving the Jim Crow South stitched a legacy of survival, connection and resilience across generations.
National Museum of Asian Art: From the Louvre: Masterpieces of Islamic Art
Sept. 27-Jan. 18, 2027
On view for the first time in the U.S., the exhibit presents artworks from the Musée du Louvre that represent the depth and global reach of the arts of the Islamic world.
Hirshhorn: Light is a Plastic Medium: The Photography of Carlotta Corpron
Oct. 16-March 14, 2027
A survey of work by the American abstract photographer.
The Phillips Collection: Avery, Gottlieb & Rothko: By the Sea
Oct. 24-Jan. 24, 2027
The story of the lifelong friendship between three towering figures in American art: Milton Avery, Adolph Gottlieb and Mark Rothko. Many works have never been on public view.
National Gallery of Art: Remember Me: Picturing African Americans in Early Photography
Nov. 7-March 14, 2027
The exhibition illuminates how photography became an essential means for expressing community, aspiration and personal identity.
source
Comments
More posts