Thanks to short lines at Smithsonian museums, 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 these 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.
Washington Capitals
Attend a Capitals, Wizards or Go-Go game
With the winter season comes incredible indoor sports action in the District. The NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards play their exciting games inside Capital One Arena, while the Capital City Go-Go, part of the NBA’s developmental G-League, take to the court inside Entertainment & Sports Arena. Discounted tickets to select games for each team are available below.
Washington Capitals Discounted Tickets
Washington Wizards Discounted Tickets
Capital City Go-Go Discounted Tickets
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
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
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
Mosaic Theater: The Art of Care – Oct. 31 – Nov. 24
Featuring a cast of all-star DC performers, The Art of Care lets these actors share from their own deeply personal experiences. The production combines movement, music and multimedia with the insights of caregivers, medical professionals, policymakers and everyday citizens. The audience at Atlas Performing Arts Center will be invited into the lives of the performers while also examining their own.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
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 Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Adams Morgan Fall PorchFest – Nov. 2
One of the District’s most popular neighborhoods showcases some of DC’s best musical talent. Adams Morgan Fall PorchFest will feature nearly 100 artists playing an array of genres, including classic rock, funk, go-go, rap, reggae, blue grass, classical and pop. Twenty porches, business patios and parks, as well as the closed 18th Street, will become stages for the day, drawing music-lovers from around the region into the tree-lined streets and small businesses of Adams Morgan.
2-6 p.m. | Free Admission
Breaking It Down: Conversations from the Vault – Nov. 2 – Jan. 19, 2025
A new exhibit offers a deep dive and new takes on several artists who are essential mainstays of the Phillips Collection, including Georges Braque, Richard Diebenkorn, Arthur Dove, Sam Gilliam, Paul Klee and Georgia O’Keeffe. Visitors can also admire a growing collection of pieces by contemporary masters, including Sean Scully, Sylvia Snowden, Renée Stout and Joyce Wellman.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Sailing on String – Nov. 2-5
Intended for young audiences, Arts on the Horizon’s Sailing on String makes for a great family activity at the Kennedy Center. Two explorers create a world made of string that will show kids object transformation, live string music and captivating designs. The immersive 20-minute performance will be followed by a 5-10-minute exploration of the props used during the show.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Masego – Nov. 3
Known for his innovative blend of genres and exuberant live shows (he’s been featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts), Masego comes to the Kennedy Center for one night only. The Jamaican American vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and producer makes his debut at DC’s prestigious venue, showcasing a sound that has been dubbed “trap house jazz.”
8 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Harvest Party at District Winery – Nov. 3
If you’re excited about fall, you won’t want to miss District Winery’s celebration of the harvest season. Enjoy delicious wines created by the Winery’s passionate team. Your ticket grants you a bottomless wine bar, access to food stations, rooftop dancing, wine-themed games and much more.
Tickets
District Winery, 385 Water Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
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.
The Spirit of the Beehive – Nov. 8
Named after a masterpiece of 1970s Spanish cinema, The Spirit of the Beehive similarly push the boundaries of their art form to the breaking point. Using a distinctive sound packed with keyboard effects and samples, the trio’s music can be equally blissful and disorienting. Their latest release, You’ll Have to Lose Something, continues their sonic explorations and serves as the inspiration for their current tour, which comes to DC’s beloved independent music venue, Black Cat.
Tickets
Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
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
The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture – Nov. 8 – Sept. 14, 2025
The Smithsonian American Museum’s new exhibit examines sculpture’s role in understanding and constructing race in the United States. Across 82 sculptures created between 1792 and 2023 by 70 different artists, visitors can observe historical and modern works that inspire conversation and reflections on how power, identity and race are intertwined.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
André 3000: New Blue Sun Live in Concert – Nov. 9
With the release of the instrumental LP New Blue Sun earlier this year, musical icon André 3000 charted a new path that took his listeners to previously undiscovered places. With his work in the legendary duo OutKast behind him, André has found transcendence through the flute, mastering the instrument and creating soul-stirring, jazz-inspired music around it. He’ll perform the album in full along with special guest serpentwithfeet during his debut Kennedy Center show.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Cole Taylor as Romeo and Caro Reyes Rivera as Juliet © SHAN Wallace
Romeo and Juliet – Oct. 1 – Nov. 10
Shakespeare’s timeless story of star-crossed lovers is also a story of the politics of warring families and the violence that consumes them. When all the systems meant to protect and guide a pair of young lovers—familial, religious, and governmental—fail them, can they find a way to safeguard their future despite the chaos around them?
Tickets
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Rare Essence + Junkyard Band: 114th Anniversary of The Howard Theatre – Nov. 10
It doesn’t get more DC than this. A double bill featuring Rare Essence and Junkyard Band, two of the most influential and essential Go-Go bands, is a perfect way to ring in the 114th anniversary of the historic Howard Theatre. The joint is sure to be jumpin’ when these two District institutions take the stage and proceed to groove the night away in honor of one of the most iconic music venues in the city.
9 p.m. | Tickets
The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
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.
I’ll Take You There: Stax Records Co. – Nov. 12-24
Motown gets a lot of praise, but don’t forget about Stax Records Co., which also has a catalogue that will make your jaw drop; their artists’ hits included “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay,” “Soul Man,” “Mr. Big Stuff,” “What A Man,” “In the Midnight Hour” and the famous theme from the film Shaft. Stax discovered performers such as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T & the M.G.’s, Carla Thomas and the Staple Singers. Signature Theatre pays tribute with stirring renditions of the aforementioned soul classics as well as additional gems from the Stax library.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
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
Macbeth – Nov. 13-23
Verdi’s famous operatic adaptation of Shakespeare’s quintessential tragedy is a moving exploration of corruption and ambition. The Washington National Opera performs the Bard’s historical epic for the first time in 17 years, filled to the brim with passionate music and its unforgettable tale of insatiable greed and the price paid for power.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Tokyo Police Club – Nov. 14
Few bands that emerged in the “blogosphere” of the mid-2000s lasted into the following year, let alone more than three decades. The Canadian outfit known as Tokyo Police Club has been throttling stages since debuting with A Lesson in Crime in 2006, an EP that felt like one of the definitive LPs of the decade even though it was barely 16 minutes long. The energy has been sustained across numerous releases ever since, but the group says farewell on a tour that visits The Howard Theatre in mid-November.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
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
Pictures of Belonging: Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi and Miné Okubo – Nov. 15 – Aug. 17, 2025
The Smithsonian American Art Museum honors three of the most important female American artists of Japanese descent in the years leading up to World War II. Across eight decades, the careers of Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi and Miné Okubo helped shape modern American art. This new exhibit examines the three trailblazers like never before, tracing their artistic evolution before, during and after the internment and displacement of Japanese Americans during World War II.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sounds of US – Nov. 16
The Kennedy Center hosts an immersive new music festival created and curated by Jennifer Koh, violinist and artistic director of Fortas Chamber Music Concerts. Expect a day filled with music and visual art, as Sounds of US will debut more than 40 world premiere commissions by the nonprofit ARCO Collaborative (concerts will be free and ticketed). Track the journey of the musician throughout the day’s programming, which will feature both established and emerging composers and performers.
More Information
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Print Generation – Nov. 16 – April 27, 2025
Early in the 20th century, a new generation of Japanese print artists took hold of the entire process of creation, from designing to carving to printing. The new approach, known as “sōsaku hanga”, led to raw and unique works throughout a period of turmoil in Japan. Many of these fascinating pieces will be on display in this new exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
slowdive – Nov. 17
As one of the most acclaimed practitioners of the shoegaze sound, the UK’s slowdive had an epic first run as a group from 1989-95, releasing a string of critically beloved albums. After a long hiatus, the band reunited and began touring in 2014 before releasing 2017’s widely praised self-titled LP. Last year’s Everything is Alive was slowdive’s best-selling album yet. Expect to hear both old and new selections during the group’s show at The Anthem.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean – Through Nov. 19
ARTECHOUSE and the Woods Holde Oceanographic Institution have collaborated to highlight an awe-inspiring nightly migration of ocean twilight zone creatures and their intricate connections to the planet’s health, including their contributions to the regulation of the earth’s climate. The groundbreaking exhibition offers a 24-minute cinematic journey with immersive 270-degree projections that span from floor to wall, complemented by six interactive installations and six XR activations.
Discounted tickets
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20002
Umbrella Art Fair – Nov. 15-17
A vibrant celebration of art in all its forms comes to DC for one weekend only, creating opportunities for artists and creative entrepreneurs to showcase their craft. Check out the online schedule and take your pick of happy hours, art and music showcases, film screenings and a record fair at locations like Dock5 at Union Market and The Kennedy Center.
More Info
Keegan Theatre
The Woman in Black – Through Nov. 17
Keegan Theatre stages a thrilling adaptation of Susan Hill's classic ghost story just in time for spooky season. The Woman in Black follows young solicitor Arthur Kipps, who is sent to Eel Marsh House to settle an estate only to discover a malevolent spirit. As he recounts his experience with the help of an Actor, the audience is drawn deeper into a story that blurs the lines between reality and nightmare.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Caribou – Nov. 19
For more than 20 years, Dan Snaith (who initially performed as “Manitoba” before changing his moniker to “Caribou”) has captivated listeners with a trailblazing fusion of electronic, dance and pop music through propulsive beats, ambient sounds, bubblegum melodies and reverb-drenched vocals. The Anthem is the ideal concert hall to host Snaith’s signature, dancefloor-packing anthems.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Samantha Box: Confluences – Nov. 20 – March 23, 2025
The National Museum of Women in the Arts presents stunning documentary and studio-based photographs from Bronx-based artist Samantha Box in her first solo exhibition in the nation’s capital. Box’s two major bodies of work will be seen together for the first time, revealing complex conversations around nationality, race, class, gender and sexual orientation.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony – Nov. 21
One of hip-hop’s greatest groups is coming to the Fillmore Silver Spring to rain down 1,000-word verses and signature singalong choruses. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony emerged from Cleveland, Oh. in the early-1990s, helped to stardom by the late Eazy-E. With songs like “1st of Tha Month” and “Crossroads,” Bone Thugs laid out a distinctive style of spit-fire rhymes and harmonies never heard from a rap group before. Expect a hit-packed set list.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Fillmore Silver Spring, 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910
A Christmas Carol – Nov. 21 – Dec. 31
Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace assumes the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a lavish Victorian-style musical production of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, the staging of which is a time-honored holiday tradition in the nation’s capital. Scrooge’s riveting journey alongside the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future is a joy even if you’ve experienced it a hundred times before – especially in one of the world’s most historic theaters.
Tickets
Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Dinosaur Live – Nov. 22
Generational improv stars take the stage together at Lincoln Theatre, among them the comedic brilliance of Paul Scheer, Rob Huebel and Jason Mantzoukas. Dinosaur Live’s nationwide tour comes to DC for one night only; expect a show packed with on-the-spot hilarity from legendary comedians.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle – Nov. 22 – Dec. 15
Make your way to the 1500 block of 19th Street NW for the DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle, which will feature 30-plus small businesses with artisans, boutique brands, worldwide handcrafts and unique gift items from Nov. 22 to Dec. 15 (closed on Nov. 28). The market (which used to be situated Downtown) brings its signature style, local performers, bright festive décor and popular holiday treats, including Migue’s Mini Donuts and the Capital Candy Jar’s hot roasted nuts. The neighborhood will also host its holiday pop-up on Dec. 7 and 8.
Monday-Friday, 12-8 p.m. | Saturdays & Sundays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Free Admission
1500 Block of 19th Street NW, Washington, DC
DowntownDC Holiday Market – Nov. 22 – 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 and delicious food from dozens of businesses. This year, the market's 20th anniversary, expect a whole new vibe with a greater variety of vendors, exciting community and family activations, a more extensive food and beverage program and additional can't-miss activities.
12-8 p.m. daily | Free admission
F Street between 7th and 9th Streets NW, Washington, DC
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
The Other Americans – Oct. 18 – Nov. 24
Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian and producer John Leguizamo is the mastermind behind this compelling drama that will make its world debut at Arena Stage. Leguizamo plays Nelson Castro, a Colombian American laundromat owner in Queens who is dealing with a failing business. When his son, Nick, returns from a mental wellness facility after a traumatic incident, Nelson must reckon with his past, protect his family and attempt to preserve the future.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
ZooLights – Nov. 24 – Dec. 30
Join the thousands of visitors who make ZooLights, powered by Pepco, a part of their annual holiday tradition. The event includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform the Smithsonian's National Zoo into a winter wonderland. Note that timed passes are required. Admission is just $6.
Hours & Admission
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
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, 2025
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
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
The Kennedy Center
Elf™ in Concert: Film with Live Orchestra – Nov. 29 – Dec. 1
Even if you watched a hundred times over, there's a new way to enjoy the beloved Christmas classic Elf this holiday season. At the Kennedy Center, you can see the film's timeless score come to life with live performance by the National Symphony Orchestra.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
L'Annexe
DC Cocktail Week – Nov. 29 – Dec. 5
Dozens of DC restaurants participate in this celebration of mixology curated by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. DC Cocktail Week showcases innovative drinks, letting local bartenders put their creative brains to work. These tasty creations are paired with dishes to inspire flavor explosions that you will not want to miss. Local distilleries get in on the act as well.
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon Winter Glow – Nov. 29-30, Dec. 15-19 & 23
See the estate illuminated with brilliant lights and patterns set to holiday music. Visit an 18th-century winter encampment, purchase gifts from the Mount Vernon shops and enjoy holiday drinks and treats from the Mount Vernon Food Truck, Executive Orders.
Tickets
George Washington's Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
The Charli Parti – Nov. 30
We know you’re sad that Brat Summer is over, but the 9:30 Club is here to cure those winter blues with The Charli Parti. Spend the Saturday night after the Thanksgiving holiday losing it on the dance floor to the biggest hits from Charli XCX’s oeuvre. Doors don’t open until 10 p.m. so prep yourself for a late night.
10 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker – Nov. 30 – Dec. 29
DC's favorite ballet company pulls out all the stops for this classic Christmas tale that features a special DC twist. The Russian ballet goes local thanks to a Nutcracker Prince in the likeness of George Washington and cherry blossom set designs. Set in historical 1882 Georgetown, you will be dazzled by an impressive roster of dancers and the beautiful Tchaikovsky score. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this quintessential program that is a highlight of every holiday season in the District.
Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Leopoldstadt – Nov. 30 – Dec. 29
Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Hall stages Tom Stoppard’s Tony and Olivier Award-winning play with direction from Carey Perloff. Leopoldstadt unfolds over nearly 60 years, following a Jewish family through their assimilation into Viennese culture, the outbreak of two World Wars and the devastating aftermath of the Holocaust.
Tickets
Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
William Gropper: Artist of the People – Through Jan. 5, 2025
The Phillips Collection presents DC’s first exhibit dedicated to William Gropper, a social realist whose art addressed mid-20th century political issues with feverish satire and brutal honesty. The son of poor immigrants from Romania and Ukraine, Gropper provided searing commentary on anarchy, labor, democracy, freedom and human rights across thousands of published illustrations, more than 30 of which will be on display at the Phillips.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
An Epic of Kings: The Great Mongol Shahnama – Through 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
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
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
Suchitra Mattai: Myth from Matter – Through 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. The exhibit will be celebrated during the museum's NMWA Night on Oct. 16.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
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
Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment – Through 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
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
The ‘70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography – Through April 6, 2025
Across a wondrous collection of roughly 100 works by more than 80 artists, the National Gallery of Art gives visitors a chance to explore the dramatic shift in documentary photography that played out during the turmoil-filled decade of the 1970s. As Americans faced the Watergate scandal, inflation, energy crises and a host of other developments, documentary photographers shifted their collective perspective, leading to brilliant images that depict vibrant communities, suburban sprawl, conceptual art, nature and much more.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
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
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
OSGEMEOS: Endless Story – Through 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
Felix Gonzalez-Torres: Always to Return – Through July 6, 2025
The National Portrait Gallery and the Archives of American Art present an exhibition that goes in-depth on artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres’ engagement with portraiture, identity and history. Gonzalez-Torres’ groundbreaking work revolutionized the artform, elevating the notion of what a portrait could be.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sublime Light: Tapestry Art of DY Begay – Through 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
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
Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise – Ongoing
The U.S. Botanic Garden invites you to see the ferocious side of flora and fauna at its special new exhibit. Many plants have evolved defenses against infection, herbivores and their plant competition. The multisensory display will showcase this evolution and also pinpoint how these plants can be both harmful and helpful to humans.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
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