Shorter days, technicolor foliage, sweater weather, and pumpkin-spice everything. All signs point to fall. This time of year brings with it epic festivals, the start of new sports seasons, haunted houses, and sweet concerts. Mark your calendars for the DC Theatre Week, Art All Night, the H Street Festival, Fiesta DC, Taste of Georgetown, DC Fashion Week, Crafty Bastards, Shocktober, Snallygaster, All Things Go, Bentzen Ball, Taste of DC, the Emporiyum, the 20th anniversary touring production of RENT, MetroCooking DC, Cher on tour, and more. Here’s everything you need to do in DC this fall.
Score deals on theater tickets
Through Sunday, September 29
Various locations
DC Theatre Week is your chance to see hot shows at cool prices. Choose from more than a dozen performances, including Fences, School Girls: Or, the African Mean Girls Play, The Tempest, Cabaret, Hamlet, and more.
Cost: Tickets are $15 and $35 via TodayTix
Attend one of DC’s premiere food events, exclusively with Marriott Bonvoy Moments™
October 21-23
Washington, DC
If you’re a serious foodie looking to give back to the community, you can experience the Human Rights Campaign’s Chefs for Equality food event and all the tastings that come with it, all through Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott Bonvoy offers benefits and endless experiences at more than 7,000 hotels across the globe, so whether you’re into live music, exclusive dining events, or luxury VIP experiences, you’re bound to find a perk that fits your lifestyle. Of course, they’ve got you covered on where to stay after the event, too.
Cost: Starting bid at 100,000 points. Auction terms apply.
Live the American Scream at a pop-up selfie museum
Friday, September 13 - Sunday, November 3
Tysons Corner Center, Lower Level
With an apropos debut on Friday the 13th, American Scream is a Halloween-themed selfie museum. The immersive experience invites guests to interact with the made-for-Instagram horror exhibits. Selfies are encouraged, whether it’s on the Iron Throne or in an Egyptian tomb.
Cost: Tickets are $18
Party on H Street
Saturday, September 21
H Street NE
The H Street Festival is one of the city’s biggest, most popular street festivals, taking over 11 blocks of the H Street corridor with music, dance, fashion, arts, poetry, and more. Fourteen staging areas showcase performances, interactive programs, and the work of local artists.
Cost: Free
Get into basically any museum for free
Saturday, September 21
Various locations
The 15th annual Museum Day provides free admission to museums across the country, following the lead of the Smithsonian Institution’s DC museums, which always offer free entry. More than 1,300 museums, zoos, and cultural centers are participating, including the National Building Museum, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Dumbarton House, and more.
Cost: Free, but tickets are required
Embrace Latino culture at Fiesta DC
Saturday, September 21 - Sunday, September 22
Constitution Avenue and 7th Street NW
This annual event celebrates Latino culture with a Parade of Nations down Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues and a community festival. The parade aims to display and preserve native Latino cultural dance while also showcasing contemporary performances from local civic organizations and schools. The festival will host various stage entertainment and live performances.
Cost: Free
Admire art on King Street
Saturday, September 21 - Sunday, September 22
King Street from Washington to Union Streets
The 17th annual King Street Art Festival features more than 200 local and national artists who turn King Street into an outdoor art gallery. There will also be live music, interactive art activities, an ice cream bowl fundraiser and a beer and wine garden.
Cost: Free
Get a Taste of Georgetown
Sunday, September 22
K Street NW between Wisconsin Avenue and Thomas Jefferson Street
Georgetown’s annual neighborhood festival lets guests sample bites from more than 30 restaurants along the waterfront. Participating hotspots include 1789, Chaia, ENO Wine Bar, Georgetown Cupcake, District Doughnut, and Sprinkles. There will also be beer and wine available. The event benefits the Georgetown Ministry Center.
Cost: Admission is free, but tasting tickets are available in advance
Immerse yourself in the history of the Civil Rights Movement
Sunday, September 22 - Sunday, September 29
Various locations
The March on Washington Film Festival spotlights the untold and mistold stories of the Civil Rights Movement. This year, prominent politicians and cultural figures like Representative Lucy McBath, former Attorney General Eric Holder, and poet Nikki Giovanni will participate. The lineup includes films highlighting the role of women in the movement, as well as theater, musical performances, roundtables, and more.
Cost: Ticket prices for individuals screenings vary from free to $20
Watch DC strut its stuff at Fashion Week
Friday, September 27 - Sunday, September 29
Various locations
While we may not beat the madness of NYFW just yet, DC’s fashion scene is certainly making it work. Our Fashion Week includes an industry networking party, an opening night show marking the 15th anniversary, an Emerging Designers Showcase, and an International Couture Collections Show.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Be a Crafty Bastard and get a head start on your holiday shopping
Saturday, September 28 - Sunday, September 29
Akridge Lot at Buzzard Point
Make a list, check it twice, and bring it to the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair. With more than 100 artists selling jewelry, apparel, artwork, household goods, toys, prepared foods, and furniture, it’s a great place to hunt for a unique gift, an accent piece for your living room, or a one-of-a-kind wardrobe addition.
Cost: Early-bird ticket prices start at $5
Travel to West Africa via The Wharf
Tuesday, October 1
Kith/Kin
In honor of Kith/Kin’s two-year anniversary, chef Kwame Onwuachi is hosting a late night African market. Eight local chefs will bring their spins on West African cuisine for an evening of food, live music, and dance. Participating chefs include Caitlin Dysart, Danny Lee, Scott Drewno, Javier Fernandez, Jerone Grant, Peter Prime, and more.
Cost: Tickets are $75
Unite The District at a new culinary and cultural festival
Friday, October 4 - Saturday, October 5
Audi Field
DC United is hosting a festival at Audi Field that brings together cuisine, music, and the arts. Taste food and beer from more than 20 restaurants and 10 breweries, while enjoying live music from local artists, interactive art installations, cooking competitions, and more.
Cost: Tickets start at $20
Prepare to be spooked at Shocktober
Weekends from October 4 - November 2
Leesburg, Virginia
This legit haunted house invites guys and ghouls to be terrorized for a good cause. This year, the theme is “Camp Carlheim,” a horrifying haunted camp. The manor comprises three levels, plus the extra spooky basement: “Carnival of Souls.” Ticket proceeds go to the Arc of Loudoun, which provides services for people with disabilities and their families.
Cost: Tickets start at $40
Cheer on the Caps at their home opener
Saturday, October 5
Capital One Arena
DC’s hockey stars will begin their home season with a match against the Carolina Hurricanes. The home season schedule also includes highlights like the New York Rangers’ first visit to Capital One Arena and hosting the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues.
Cost: Tickets start at $62
Try 400 craft beers all in one place
Saturday, October 12
Pennsylvania Ave NW between 3rd and 6th Streets
Snallygaster, the beastliest beer festival, is back with more than 150 brewers from the US and Europe pouring highly sought-after suds. There will also be food trucks, live music, and more. The best part? The event benefits the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture's food access work.
Cost: General admission is $50
Hit up All Things Go Fall Classic
Saturday, October 12 - Sunday, October 13
Union Market
This annual music festival is the best way to discover artists who are about to be the next big thing. The lineup this year includes established headliners CHVRCHES and Melanie Martinez, along with a dozen other performers like LANY and Betty Who. While you’re listening to a new favorite band or artist, you can also enjoy killer food from Shake Shack, Taqueria del Barrio, JRINK, Rocklands, and Bun’d Up.
Cost: Tickets start at $69
Slurp oysters to your heart’s content
Saturday, October 19 and Saturday, October 26
Hank’s Old Town and The Bullpen
Toss back bivalves at not one, but two epic oyster festivals this fall. OysterFest XII at Hank’s Oyster Bar in Old Town offers all-you-can-eat oysters -- on the half-shell, fried, grilled, and shooters -- plus popcorn calamari, onion rings, and Old Bay fries. Wash it down with all-you-can-drink craft beers, red and white wine, and punch. Old Ebbitt Grill’s Oyster Riot is moving to a new location (The Bullpen), but it’s the same great event: unlimited oysters, wine, beer, and live music.
Cost: OysterFest tickets are $95; Oyster Riot tickets are $99
Drink local at the Virginia Wine Festival
Saturday, October 19 - Sunday, October 20
One Loudoun
At the 44th annual Virginia Wine Festival, you can taste more than 200 Virginia wines and ciders without having to drive all over the state. Tickets include unlimited samples, and access to concessions and musical entertainment.
Cost: General admission tickets are $39 and VIP tickets are $69
Meet the New Kitchens on the Block
Sunday, October 20
Mess Hall
Now in its sixth edition, NKOTB gives dedicated diners the chance to check out 10 of the city’s most anticipated new restaurants before they open to the public. The latest lineup is epic as ever. Participants include Maialino Mare by restaurateur Danny Meyer and Chef Rose Noel, Hi/Fi Taco by Chef Nate Anda, Cranes by Chef Pepe Moncayo, and Tabla by the Supra team. Drinks will be provided by 3 Stars Brewing, Green Hat Gin, El Silencio Mezcal, One Eight Distilling, and Catoctin Creek.
Cost: All-inclusive tickets start at $85.
Yuk it up at Bentzen Ball comedy festival
Thursday, October 24 - Sunday, October 27
Lincoln Theatre and the Entertainment and Sports Arena
BYT and Tig Notaro are at it again with the 10th anniversary of their four-day comedy festival. This year’s lineup includes Maria Bamford, Comedy Central’s The New Negroes, Pete Holmes, Jamie Lee, Roxane Gay, and more.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Eat and drink your way through Taste of DC
Saturday, October 26 - Sunday, October 27
Audi Field
The Mid-Atlantic’s largest culinary festival will feature more than 50 restaurants along “Restaurant Row.” Plus, there will be a massive beer garden, live music and culinary entertainment, and a local artisan market.
Cost: General admission includes a TasteBand wristband with one drink; Taste tokens are $1 and can be added to the wristbands; the festival is cashless
Sip suds at the DC Beer Festival
Saturday, November 2
Nationals Park
80 breweries will be pouring 200 brews -- including fall seasonals -- at this year’s DC Beer Festival. Enjoy unlimited beer samples while snacking on grub from food trucks, playing lawn games, and jamming to dueling pianos.
Cost: Tickets start at $45
Shop till you drop at the Emporiyum
Friday, November 8 - Sunday, November 10
Dock 5 at Union Market
There’s no shortage of things to eat, drink, and buy at DC’s massive gourmet food marketplace that pops up once a year. Sample goodies and chat with vendors as you shop for gifts or stock up on artisanal staples from companies like Kicking Horse Coffee, The Fermented Pig, Swizzler, Brewer’s Crackers, Spoken English, Effie’s Homemade, Fleurir, Blue Henry, and more.
Cost: Tickets start at $15
Explore true crime in real life
Friday, November 8 - Sunday, November 10
Lisner Auditorium
Brightest Young Things is bringing back its mega popular true crime festival, Death Becomes Us, for year two. The weekend-long event includes live podcast recordings, experts, screenings, and authors -- with headlining shows like true crime podcast Murder Squad w/Paul Holes and Billy Jensen, a live edition of Amanda Knox’s The Truth About True Crime, and more.
Cost: Tickets for individual events start at $25
Catch the 20th anniversary touring production of Rent
Tuesday, November 12 - Sunday, November 17
National Theatre
With themes and songs that still resonate today, this Pulitzer- and Tony Award-winning show is touring the country two decades later. Follow one year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out in this powerful and inspiring ode to love.
Cost: Tickets start at $54
Taste more than 100 different whiskies at Whisky Extravaganza
Friday, November 15
Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium
True to the definition of an extravaganza, this annual showcase brings together whisky enthusiasts for an evening of sipping and swirling spirits from the DMV and around the world. There are also educational masterclasses and a VIP lounge with exclusive high-end whiskies.
Cost: Tickets start at $95
Shop, sip, and sample at MetroCooking DC
Saturday, November 16 - Sunday, November 17
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
This gourmet-palooza has an all-star lineup of chefs, including headliners Martha Stewart, and Wolfgang Puck. Plus, local favorites like Amy Brandwein, Erik-Bruner Yang, Kwame Onwuachi, Victor Albisu, Haidar Karoum, Kevin Tien, and Daniela Moreira will be strutting their stuff on the James Beard Foundation Cooking Stage. Catch a workshop, shop for specialty items, eat great barbecue, and enjoy bites and booze throughout the weekend.
Cost: General admission is $21.50 and includes access to the James Beard Foundation Cooking Stage and the Exhibitor Marketplace.
See an international pop idol perform live
Capital One Arena
Tuesday, December 10
The one and only Cher is back in DC for her Here We Go Again tour across the US. Don’t miss your chance to see chart-topping classics, as well as songs from her recent ABBA tribute album, Dancing Queen. Nile Rodgers and CHIC join her.
Cost: Tickets start at $68
Welcome winter like the Russians
Saturday, December 14 - Sunday, December 15
Hillwood Estate
Hillwood invites visitors to experience the coldest season in true Russian style. Meet Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden, make and wear a kokoshnik headdress, watch mummers parading in animal costumes, hear from roaming fortune tellers, and enjoy traditional music and dance.
Cost: Admission is $18
Sign up here for our daily DC email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun in town.