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Lincoln Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Things to Do This Weekend in Washington, DC

Our end-of-the-week picks for Oct. 11-13

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

Theatre Week

Theatre Week – Final Weekend
Celebrate the theatre season in the Washington, DC region with a weeks-long promotion from TheatreWashington which includes discounted 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.
 

Architecture Cruise with DC Design Tours
An expert on architecture will guide you through this new offering from DC Design Tours. Cast off from Georgetown along with the professional crew of Capitol River Cruises and head south on the Potomac as live commentary adds to your views of architectural gems like the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Arlington Memorial Bridge, the Watergate Hotel, Arlington National Cemetery and the Kennedy Center. Lesser known landmarks like the Lyndon Baines Johnson Grove and the Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial will also be showcased.
Reserve

 

Whitney Cummings
Having recently welcomed her first child into the world, Whitney Cummings have some insights to share on her Big Baby tour, which hits the Warner Theatre for one night only. Cummings is a native of DC, so expect a lively hometown crowd for the illustrious comedian who has rocked audiences across the country with her acclaimed stand-up. Cummings also co-created and wrote the smash-hit TV show 2 Broke Girls and has seven specials to her name.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

Babbitt
Star of the big screen for decades and two-time Tony winner Matthew Broderick makes his Shakespeare Theatre Company debut with this momentous adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’ beloved novel. Broderick takes on the role of George F. Babbitt, a middle-class American everyman whose life suddenly turns upside down.
Tickets
Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

Saturday

 

A man with a white beard and a blue checkered hat and suspenders, handing out orange beer cans at an Oktoberfest event in Washington D.C., with the U.S. Capitol building visible in the background.

Neighborhood Restaurant Group

Snallygaster
Beast out with craft brews and ciders on Pennsylvania Avenue thanks to Snallygaster. Named after a mythical creature, the festival roars with a hefty lineup of 450 brews selected by Greg Engert, one of the city’s leading beer connoisseurs, including countless new breweries and rare beers. Festivalgoers can also expect two stages with live music, a makers' market by Shop Made in DC, a kids' zone and a selection of ciders, wines and cocktails. Attendees must be 21 or older.
12 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Tickets
Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets NW, Washington, DC

 

Washington Capitals Alumni Weekend

Washington Capitals Home Opener
The NHL's Washington Capitals embark on their 50th anniversary season with a 7 p.m. matchup against the New Jersey Devils. Watch as Alexander Ovechkin continues his quest to pass Wayne Gretzky for the most goals scored all-time in the NHL. He's surrounded by lots of talent as the Caps look to make the playoffs for the second straight year. Festivities begin with a red carpet on F Street as the players enter as well as other celebrations ahead of puck drop. Note that you can get discounted tickets to select games throughout the season.
Festivities begin at 2:30 p.m. |  Tickets & Info
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

A woman dressed in a historical military uniform, resembling the attire of Marquis de Lafayette, poses confidently in front of a monument. She stands on a grassy area with trees in the background, holding a tote bag and an umbrella.

Off the Mall Tours

Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s final tour of the U.S.
Famed French diplomat Marquis de Lafayette arrived in Washington, DC for the first time during his year-long farewell tour of the U.S. on Oct. 12, 1824. He was greeted with parades and fireworks that honored his contributions to the founding of the nation. Now, 200 years later, many of the locations that hosted him back then are ready to celebrate him again. Off the Mall Tours' French Connections walking tour (Oct. 12) explores Lafayette Square and the surrounding area, which is steeped in French influence and history. Anderson House will host a special anniversary event for guests to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and exclusive access to their ongoing exhibit, Fete Lafayette: A French Hero’s Tour of the American Republic (Oct. 13). George Washington’s Mount Vernon hosts a lunch with historian Elizabeth Reese (Marquis de Lafayette Returns: A Tour of America's National Capital Region), a reenactment of Lafayette's historic visit to the Old Tomb and a special wreath-laying ceremony at Washington's Tomb (Oct. 17). 

 

A colorful poster for 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' featuring claymation-style characters of six contestants sitting in chairs with their contestant numbers. A microphone stand is placed in the center.

The Kennedy Center

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
In this Tony Award®–winning and interactive musical comedy by Rachel Sheinkin, six mid-pubescents compete to be top speller, sharing stories that are just as hilarious as they are poignant as they go.
Tickets
The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

 

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding – Final Weekend
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

 

Sunday

 

A group of competitive runners in a race on a city street. The runners are wearing various race bibs and athletic gear, with spectators and more participants visible in the background.

Army Ten-Miler

Army Ten-Miler
Now in its 40th year, the Army’s annual Army Ten-Mile Race and Expo attracts over 35,000 runners and 900 teams from around the world to celebrate the spirit of sport. Military, civilians, wheel chair athletes and wounded warrior athletes are able to participate and all are encouraged to cheer them on. 
Register
850 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA and 955 15th Street South, Arlington, VA

 

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

 

The ‘70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography
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

 

A promotional poster for 'Romeo + Juliet' at Folger Theatre, running from October 1 to November 10, 2024. The image features a close-up of the two lead actors, with Romeo looking toward the camera and Juliet with her eyes closed, wearing decorative crowns, against a backdrop with stars.

Cole Taylor as Romeo and Caro Reyes Rivera as Juliet © SHAN Wallace

Romeo and Juliet
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

 

A poster featuring Justin Timberlake wearing sunglasses and a black sleeveless shirt, giving a thumbs-up against a sunset background. The image has a stylized, vignette border.

Justin Timberlake
After an overwhelming response to the release of his first set of tour dates, ten-time Grammy-winning legend Justin Timberlake plans to perform worldwide hits like "Mirrors" and new releases like "Selfish" for even more fans – including those in the DMV. Titled the "Prince of Pop," Timberlake's staying power is often credited to his talented as not just a vocalist but as a stage performer, making this a can't-miss show. 
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

Places to Stay

 

Hotel room in the Hay Adams

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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