As we head into November and toward Thanksgiving, we’re thankful to live in such a culturally diverse city brimming with art, music, food, and endless things to do! Washingtonians gearing up for all the new month has to offer can rejoice: Secret D.C. has rounded up the top things to do in Washington, D.C., this November:
1-4. 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: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen & More at National City Christian Church
- Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More
- Candlelight : Film Scores and Hollywood Epics
5. Feel the magic at Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
A woodland trail inspired by the Forbidden Forest from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series will be debuted in Morven Park in Leesburg, VA. on Oct. 29. Inspired by the wizarding world, the Forbidden Forest will take guests through a magical woodland trail filled with curious creatures and characters from both popular series? Have you ever wanted to bow to a Hippogriff? This is your chance!
6. 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!
7. Immerse yourself in renowned art
What could be more awe-inspiring than immersing yourself in your favorite art? The Immersive Van Gogh Experience allows you to 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!
8. 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!
9. 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.
10. Experience the magic of Authentic Flamenco by the Royal Opera of Madrid
An authentic flamenco experience is heading to D.C.! Brought to you by the Royal Opera of Madrid, you can lose yourself in this traditional Spanish flamenco show put on by renowned dancers and musicians.
11. Embrace the prehistoric at Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience
Have you ever wished you could interact with dinosaurs? Well, now is your chance! This exhibit features 80 prehistoric specimens and even a virtual aquarium so you can interact with these magnificent creatures from millions of years ago.
12. See if you’re equipped for espionage at the International Spy Museum
Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to be a spy? When you visit the International Spy Museum, you can test your own espionage capabilities while learning about some of the most famous spies who have shaped the world’s history and the tools that helped them along the way!
13. 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!
14. 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!
15. 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!
16. D.C. Ghost Tour: The Haunted Side of The Capitol
November 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!
17-33. Catch a concert at your favorite local venue
- Capital One Arena: Rod Wave (Nov. 29)
- The Anthem:Marcus Mumford (Nov. 2), The 1975 (Nov. 10), Morrissey (Nov. 28)
- 9:30 Club: Phantoms (Nov. 2), AFI (Nov. 7-8), Walk The Moon (Nov. 10), Soccer Mommy (Nov. 12-13),
- Echostage: 10 years of Echostage-Dom Malaa (Nov. 4), 10 years of Echostage-Zomboy (Nov. 5), 10 years of Echostage-Alan Walker (Nov. 9), 10 years of Echostage-Tiesto (Nov. 10), 10 years of Echostage-Timmy Trumpet (Nov. 11), 10 years of Echostage-KSHMR (Nov. 18), 10 years of Echostage-James Hype (Nov. 19), 10 years of Echostage-NGHTMRE (Nov. 23), 10 years of Echostage-Dab The Sky (Nov. 26)
34. D.C. Beer Fest
Imbibe on seasonal beers from more than two dozen craft breweries as you make your way through Nationals Park, stopping at food trucks, dancing to dueling pianos, a DJ, and some great cover bands at the Nov. 5 event!
35. DMV Black Restaurant Week
Founded in 2018, DMV Black Restaurant Week is returning Nov. 6-13, with the aim of highlighting and supporting Black-owned restaurants, caterers, chefs, bartenders, and others in the food industry. Click here for a full list of participating partners offering, dine-in, carryout, and delivery!
36. National Gallery Night: Americana
National Gallery of Art brought back a fall favorite with the return of National Gallery Nights 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—Nov. 10’s theme is “Americana”— 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.
37. Team USA Men’s Basketball
Watch Team USA Men’s Basketball play its final two qualifying games for the FIBA World Cup at the Entertainment & Sports Arena as they take on Brazil on Nov. 11 and Colombia on Nov. 14.
38. Downtown Holiday Market
D.C.’s stunning seasonal outdoor market is returning from Nov. 18-Dec. 23! Held outdoors over the course of two blocks— F Street NW, from 7th to 9th Streets NW—the Downtown Holiday Market gives Washingtonians the opportunity to patronize a number of local small businesses while they complete their holiday shopping! Feeling a little cold and hungry? A number of outdoor food and drink vendors are also on-site so you can sip hot chocolate or snack on an empanada as you shop!
39. D.C. Holiday Lights
D.C. Holiday Lights gets the city into the holiday spirit as it turns the various D.C. neighborhoods into twinkling wonderlands from Nov. 18, 2022-Jan.8, 2023! With eye-catching displays and a themed scavenger hunt, you can experience it all in different dazzling forms across each participating neighborhood!
40. Enchant at Nationals Park
Enchant at Nationals Park is true Winter Wonderland! Held from Nov. 25, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023), Enchant whisks you away with twinkling light tunnels, a Christmas Light Maze, ice skating, a Santa meet-and-greet, a holiday market so you can shop for your loved ones this holiday season, and so much more!
41. CityCenterDC Holiday Tree Lighting
Then end of November marks the transition into the holiday season, and in D.C., that means the CityCenterDC Holiday Tree Lighting! Two days after Thanksgiving, on Nov. 26, CityCenterDC will usher in the season alongside sweet treats and live music!
42. Georgetown GLOW
For the eighth year, Georgetown will alight with the holiday spirit thanks to Georgetown GLOW. From Nov. 26, 2022-Jan. 22, 2023, the beloved D.C. neighborhood will be illuminated with stunning light art installations!
43. D.C. Cocktail Week
Is this what they mean by “the most wonderful time of the year”?! D.C. is celebrating Cocktail Week from Nov. 28-Dec. 4, with the best of D.C.’s local cocktails at discounted prices. What could be better?!
44. 100th Annual National Christmas Tree Lighting
Celebrate the milestone 100th Annual National Christmas Tree Lighting by entering the lottery to witness it in person on Wednesday, Nov. 30, or watch its CBS broadcast on Sunday, Dec. 11!
45-55. Museum 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 November:
- Hirshhorn Museum:
- National Portrait Gallery:
- National Museum of the American Indian
- Phillips Collection:
56-57. Plays and Musicals
Get in on the drama with these unmissable theatre events:
- Shakespeare Theatre
- Much Ado About Nothing
- National Theatre
- Chicago