Summer is ending and September has officially begun! As we transition from summer to fall, things aren’t slowing down in D.C., with more sights to see and events to partake in than ever! Here’s a roundup of all the fun you don’t want to miss out on in the District this month:
1. Revel in wonder at the D.C. Festival Of Magic
Running from Friday, Sept. 2 through Sunday, Sept. 3, you can immerse yourself in the world of wonder and magic with five magnificent shows, truly proving why D.C. has been dubbed the Magic Capital of the Country!
2. Relax to the sounds of classical music by candlelight
The Fever Originals Candlelight series is the perfect way to unwind. You can lose yourself in classical renditions of your favorite tunes amid soft candlelight. With multiple genres and musical themes to choose from, there’s bound to be a concert that’s perfect for you!
- Candlelight: Legends of R&B
- Candlelight: Classic Rock on Strings
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift at Culture House
- Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
- Candlelight K-pop: A Tribute to BTS
- Candlelight: The Best Anime Soundtracks from Joe Hisaishi
3. Stimulate your senses by dining in the dark
Looking for an exciting surprise? What’s more exciting than a blindfolded dinner? Dining in the Dark allows you to pick a surprise three-course meal based on your dietary preferences (green for vegan, blue for seafood, or red for meat) that will stimulate your senses!
4-5. Immerse yourself in renowned art
What could be more awe-inspiring than immersing yourself in your favorite art? The Immersive Van Gogh Experience and the Immersive Monet help you do just that! The exhibits use floor-to-ceiling projections to showcase each artist’s famous works, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in their art. Buy tickets to Van Gogh here or join the waitlist for Monet here!
6. Reenact your favorite show moments at The Office Experience
Step into the shoes of the World’s Best Boss with the interactive The Office Experience! With 17 realistic set representations — including the Dunder Mifflin office and Schrute Farms — you can reenact all of your favorite scenes, from Kevin’s chili spill to the coal walk. You can grab tickets here!
7. Witness art come to life at Mexican Geniuses: A Frida & Diego Immersive Experience
You can immerse yourself in the art and lives of renowned Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera at this stunning interactive experience. This 360-degree projection and multimedia art installation will give you a unique perspective into the duo’s art, culture, history, and inspirations.
8. Get a behind-the scenes glimpse of royal life with Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition
Just outside of D.C. in Tyson’s Corner, Va., a stunning exhibit is giving you an exclusive glimpse into the royal life of the late Princess Diana until September 8. Featuring multimedia renderings by Pauline Loctin and commentary from Diana’s Diana’s Official Royal Photographer, Anwar Hussein, you will see an unseen side of her life.
9. Get a private tour of two beloved Smithsonians
It isn’t a recreation of “Night at the Museum” but it’s a close second! You and seven others can experience a private or semi-private tour, complete with a private guide, of the Natural History Museum and the National Gallery of Art. Over five-and-a-half hours, plus a lunch break, you’ll get to see some of the most renowned works these museums have to offer!
10. Experience Shakespeare like never before
“All the world’s a stage,” and Drunk Shakespeare D.C. is hitting the stage like you’ve never experienced before! Grab a drink yourself and watch five classically-trained (and intoxicated) actors attempt to recreate some of Shakespeare’s most famous works to hilarious results!
11. Experience Radiotheatre’s H.P. Lovecraft Festival Online
From the comfort of your own home you can immerse yourself in this online streaming festival of audio packages, featuring the award-winning audio entertainment group Radiotheatre. It’s hard to beat experiencing original scores and unique performances that are brought right to you!
12. Get in on the laughs at The Magic Duel Comedy Show
This five-star comedy show will leave you laughing and amazed as you witness two established magicians duel it out for the title of DC’s Best Magician and the much desired ‘Golden Wand.’
13. Castle to Capitol: Museums of the National Mall Walking Tour
So much history lies in the streets of Washington, D.C., that it can be overwhelming trying to take it all in. This fun and knowledge-filled walking tour features a professional guide who will bring you to all the major sites and attractions while teaching you their rich histories!
14. D.C. Ghost Tour: The Haunted Side of The Capitol
September is here and we’re officially one step closer to spooky season! To truly set the vibe, this walking ghost tour will show you the haunted side of the District you never knew!
15. Enjoy the sounds of D.C. JazzFest
The 18th annual D.C. JazzFest kicked off on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at The Howard Theatre and officially returns to The Wharf Saturday, Sept. 3 through Sunday, Sept. 4, with various shows throughout D.C. on Thursday and Friday. With the aim of teaching the history of jazz roots—including those in D.C.— and aiming to inspire a new generation of jazz musicians and enthusiasts, this year’s festival will feature renowned artists such as Christian McBride & Inside Straight, Dianne Reeves, and many more!
16. Embrace your inner child at the Maryland State Fair
Just over an hour drive from D.C., the Maryland State Fair—running Sept. 1 through Sept. 5 and Sept. 8 through Sept. 11—will feature rides, games, animals, and all of the fair food you can eat!
17. Indulge in these Labor Day food deals
- Brunch deals: Casta’s Rum Bar, All-Purpose Riverfront, Paraiso, and Ambar.
- Estuary’s Labor Day Picked & Shucked Crab Feast.
- Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown all-American BBQ.
18. Unleash your inner bookworm at the National Book Festival
The Library of Congress’s National Book Festival is returning to Washington, D.C., this weekend! The free festival will kick off Friday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m. with an opening celebration before convening in full on Saturday, Sept. 3 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, following this year’s theme, “Books Bring Us Together.” The genre-spanning festival will feature more than 120 writers who will participate in book readings and signings, live performances, and more, including appearances by Parks and Recreation actor Nick Offerman, Gallaudet grad and model Nyle DiMarco, and singer/songwriter Janelle Monáe, among others!
19. Celebrate National Cinema Day with $3 movies
To celebrate National Cinema Day this Saturday, Sept. 3, participating theaters throughout Washington, D.C., will be showing movies for just $3! The celebration, hosted by the nonprofit The Cinema Foundation, aims to support the return to movie theaters following the COVID-19 pandemic. There are more than 40 participating theaters within 25 miles of D.C. and 5 within D.C. proper. The participating movie theaters within D.C. are:
- AMC Georgetown 14.
- Landmark E Street Cinema.
- Regal Gallery Place.
- Landmark Atlantic Plumbing Cinema.
- Alamo Drafthouse Cinema-D.C. Bryant Street.
20. Attend the fall’s first National Gallery Night: Homecoming
The District’s beloved National Gallery of Art is bringing back a visitor favorite with the return of National Gallery Nights this fall on the second Thursday of each month. from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Each month’s engaging program has its own theme—September 8th’s theme is “Homecoming”— and features a variety of interactive entertainment, including “live performances, art-making, music, and pop-up talks,” according to a National Gallery press release. National Gallery Nights are free events, attendees must register to attend, with registrations opening one week prior to each event at 12 p.m. at nga.gov/nights.
However, for the first time, the gallery also will release a “limited number” of tickets on its website at 10:00 a.m. on the day of each month’s event. A small number of tickets will be available at the door beginning at 5:30 p.m. the night of each event, as well, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
21. Catch a concert at your favorite local venue
- Capital One Arena: Kid Cudi (Sept. 8), Florence + The Machine (Sept. 12), Mary J. Blige (Sept. 18), Lizzo (Sept. 27).
- The Anthem: IDLES (Sept. 14), Phoenix (Sept. 16), Father John Misty (Sept. 20), Rosalía (Sept. 26), Death Cab For Cutie (Sept. 27), Kelsea Ballerini (Sept. 28), Carly Rae Jepsen (Sept. 29).
- 9:30 Club: The Afghan Whigs (Sept. 14).
22. Visit one of these stunning art exhibits
D.C. is home to over 70 museums, including 19 free Smithsonian museums and galleries, each boasting numerous must-see exhibits! Here are a few you want to be sure to catch this September:
- Hirshhorn Museum: Put It This Way: (Re)Visions of the Hirshhorn Collection
- Renwick Gallery: This Present Moment- Crafting A Better World
- National Gallery of Art: The Double: Identity and Difference in Art since 1900
23. Celebrate bicycling with the D.C. Bike Ride
A celebration of bicycling in the District, people ages 3+ and all riding abilities can register to partake in this 20-mile, car-free social ride on Sept. 10. With music, food, and camaraderie, this is one group ride you won’t want to miss!
24. Enjoy D.C.’s longest running neighborhood festival at Adams Morgan Day
The 44th annual Adams Morgan Day is back Sept. 11 to celebrate its vibrant community with D.C.’s longest running neighborhood festival. The fun-filled 18th Street NW will be closed to traffic so you can visit local businesses, restaurants, and bars to revel in all the neighborhood has to offer!
25. Experience Paris from D.C. at the National Building Museum’s Parisian Late Night
Mangez bien, riez souvent, aimez beaucoup! “Eat well, laugh often, love abundantly!” You can do just that Sept. 14 at the National Building Museum’s Parisian Late Night where you can experience the sights, cuisine, and history of Paris.
26. Spend your weekends enjoying Wunder Garten’s 8th Annual Oktoberfest Celebration
Every weekend from Sept. 16 through Oct. 9 you can indulge in German foods, beers, and even participate in the Bavarian Olympics with Wunder Garten’s 8th Annual Oktoberfest Celebration! Have a pup? No problem! Bring them along on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in their best themed costumes for Dogtoberfest!
27. Hit your favorite vendors and local shops at H Street Festival
If Adams Morgan Day wasn’t enough, you can immerse yourself in another beloved D.C. neighborhood on Sept. 17 with H Street Festival. Featuring live music and performances, street food, and the chance to patronize your favorite local businesses, this free festival is the perfect Saturday activity!
28. Get some exercise and entertainment with WalkingTown D.C.
This nine-day program—running Sept. 17-25—aims to exemplify D.C.’s sights, neighborhoods, history, and walkability with a number of themed and guided walking tours!
29. Get in on the drama with Theatre Week
TheatreWashington is ushering the new season of plays and musicals in style with D.C.’s Theatre Week. From Sept. 22 through Oct. 9, numerous D.C. theatres and companies are offering free and discounted shows and events to preview the upcoming season!
30. Stay up late and immerse yourself in Art All Night
No sleep! Numerous neighborhoods throughout D.C. will be staying up late and participating in Art All Night from Sept. 23-24, offering outstanding showcases across all forms—painting, live performances, sculpting, and more—to flaunt the District’s awe-inspiring art and artists!