Summer is ending and September is here!
As we transition from summer into 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.Treat your senses to an evening at Dopamine Land
This unique and interactive experience is an incredible plan for families, friendly, dates, and practically any other occasion you can imagine!
The fun at Dopamine Land changes in every room as each has its own theme and unique activity, like a room with mesmerizing light displays or a space dedicated to pillow fights.
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: Rings & Dragons
- Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More
- Candlelight: Ed Sheeran Meets Coldplay
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Lauryn Hil
- Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More
- Candlelight: Best of Hip Hop on Strings
3. Stimulate your senses by Dining In The Dark
If you are interested in booking one of the most unique and memorable dining experiences for yourself and someone important to you, then this is the plan for you!
Dining In The Dark has a unique system that ensures your dietary preferences are being met while also maintaining a fun, surprising, and most of all, delicious, dining experience.
This September there are three unique destinations around the capital that will be hosting one of these incredible culinary events, abut don’t wait too long as these events tend to sell out fast!
- Dining in the Dark: A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience at The City Club of Washington – September 7th
- Dining in the Dark: A Unique Blindfolded Experience at Ambar Clarendon – September 18th
- Dining in the Dark: A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience at The Tower Club Tysons Corner – September 27th
4. Immerse yourself in the renowned art of Claude Monet
What could be more awe-inspiring than immersing yourself in the works of one of history’s greatest artists?
Well, that’s exactly what you can do at the Immersive Monet Experience in D.C. which is leaving town at the end of the month!
5. DC Black Food & Wine Festival
On September 28th the DC Black Food & Wine Festival is going to feature some incredible food, a selection of delicious wines, and of course plenty of live entertainment!
This event was delayed from its initial expected date of September 2nd, but that delay just means that all preparations for the event are going to be organized to ensure everything goes well.
6. See Kevin Hart live at DAR Constitutional Hall
On September 13th, the Emmy and Grammy-nominated comedy icon, Kevin Hart, is coming to DC to do a live show as part of his ‘Acting My Age’ stand-up tour!
Tickets are currently on sale and as demand is extremely high, prices are currently starting at around $250 for the cheapest seats.
7. Attend the 2024 Atlantic Festival
Taking place on the 19th and the 20th of September right here in Washington, D.C. is going to be the annual Atlantic Festival.
This festival brings together some of the world’s biggest and brightest minds on a wide range of topics to come together and discuss several topics ranging from politics to sports to technology.
8. Celebrate National Dance Day in style
National Dance Day is coming on September 21st, and in honor of the occasion the Kennedy Center is going to be hosting free classes, have live performances, and provide an incredibly fun and funky atmosphere to spread the joy of dance to any hoping to partake in the fun.
The event will be 100% free to attend and will start at 10 am outside of the Kennedy Center.
9. Get your tickets to HFStival at Nationals Park
On September 21st is the one-day festival taking place at Nationals Park, this year the festival is going to feature iconic bands from the ’90s and 2000s!
You can secure tickets for as low as $99 today to see bands like Jimmy Eat World, Incubus, The Postal Service, and many more!
10. Grab your box of chocolates and head to see “Forrest Gump” at the National Mall
Celebrate 30 years of Forrest Gump at this outdoor movie screening on the National Mall! The limited-time event will screen the six-time Academy Award-winning film on Saturday, September 14th!
Complete with stunning views of the Washington Monument, trivia, and more, this nostalgia-filled evening is bound to be a blast. Get tickets here.
11. Enjoy the sounds of D.C. JazzFest
The 20th annual D.C. JazzFest kicked off on Wednesday, August 28th, and will continue across the city at various locations until Sunday, September 1st with several shows around the city.
To teach the history of jazz roots—including those in D.C.— and aim to inspire a new generation of jazz musicians and enthusiasts, this year’s festival will feature renowned artists as well as up-and-coming local musicians!
12. Embrace your inner child at the Maryland State Fair
Just over an hour’s drive from D.C., the Maryland State Fair—running August 29th through September 2nd and September 5th through September 8th.
The incredible fair will feature rides, games, animals, and a wide range of fair foods for you to try!
13. Take a trip on Labor Day Weekend as the final trip of Summer 2024
With Labor Day Weekend already considered the informal end to the Summer season, it’s the perfect opportunity to get away from the city for a long weekend before prepping for the colder (and busier) seasons ahead.
There’s no limit to how far you want to go, but with only one extra day to lengthen the weekend, we recommend checking out one of these incredibly cute small towns just a short drive away from DC.
14. Attend the fall’s first National Gallery Night: A Night in Paris
One of the District’s most sought-after events of the year just so happens to be Gallery Nights at the National Gallery of Art, which only happens around once a month for a few months in the Spring and again for a few months in the Fall!
This September on Thursday the 12th, the Fall edition of Gallery Nights is returning, and this time with a new theme dubbed, “A Night in Paris“.
15. Catch a concert at your favorite local venue
- Capital One Arena: Don Omar (Sept. 8), Nicki Minaj (Sept. 9), Jelly Roll (Sept. 21), NCT Dream (Sept. 24)
- The Anthem: Clutch & Rival Sons (Sept. 7), NIKI (Sept. 8th), St. Vincent (Sept. 13), Weezer (Sept. 14 & 15), Ringo Starr (Sept. 17), Fletcher (Sept. 18th), Kings of Leon (Sept. 20 & 22), Zedd (Sept. 21), Vampire Weekend (Sept. 30)
- The Atlantis: Strawberry Guy (Sept. 2), Joey Valence & Brae (Sept. 17), Zolita (Sept. 24)
- 9:30 Club: Peter Hook & The Light (Sept. 1), Allen Stone (Sept. 4), Buckethead (Sept. 14), Common and Pete Rock (Sept. 15), Royel Otis (Sept. 27)
- Echostage: Marshmello (Sept. 1), Lucki (Sept. 4), DJ Pauly D w/ James Kennedy (Sept. 6), Pendulum (Sept. 13), DJ Snake (Sept. 20), RL Grime (Sept. 21)
16. Take the opportunity to visit one of D.C.’s stunning art exhibits
Every history and art lover’s dream, Washington D.C. is home to over 70 museums, including 19 free Smithsonian museums and galleries.
With each museum boasting a rotation of numerous must-see exhibits, trying to choose where to start can be overwhelming – which is exactly we ranked our top-10 must-see art exhibits in DC right now!
17. 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 social ride on Saturday, September 7th stretching across 20 miles of car-free streets!
The event will also feature live music, a wide selection of food stands, as well as ample opportunities for quality camaraderie with others, this is one group ride you won’t want to miss!
18. Enjoy D.C.’s longest-running neighborhood festival at Adams Morgan Day
The 46th annual Adams Morgan Day is back on September 8th 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!
19. Check out the Capital Brutalism exhibit at the National Building Museum
The recently revealed architectural exhibit focusing on brutalism has been the talk of the town since it opened in the early Summer of 2024.
Now that some of the hype has died off since it’s been open for a little while, it is the perfect time to go and soak up the exhibit without feeling rushed or stressed out by large crowds!
If you haven’t already visited this incredible exhibit, consider this your sign to check it out before September ends.
20. Attend an authentic Oktoberfest party at one of D.C.’s beer gardens
There are several incredible beer gardens across the capital city and many of them are going all out this September to celebrate Oktoberfest with special deals and unique events that make for an incredible experience.
You don’t want to miss out and have to wait a whole other year to join in the fun!
21. 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 Saturday, September 21st, with the 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!
22. Get some exercise and entertainment at the 25th annual WalkingTown D.C. event
This eight-day program—running from September 14th until the 22nd —aims to exemplify D.C.’s attractions, neighborhoods, history, and walkability with several themed and guided walking tours!
23. 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 September 26th through October 13th, numerous D.C. theatres and companies are offering free and discounted shows and events to preview the upcoming season!
24. Attend the annual All Things Go music festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion
Located in Columbia, MD on September 28th and 29th, will be the 10th annual All Things Go music festival!
While the event is sold out according to the festival’s website, you may be able to score tickets to join your friends via third-party platforms, but be careful, and make sure it’s not a scam before you transfer any funds!
On Saturday, September 28th, headliners include Laufey, Bleachers, and Janelle Monae, and on Sunday, September 29th, the headliners are Hozier, Renee Rapp, and Conan Gray.