The weekend is almost upon us, and Washingtonians are getting ready to make plans for how to spend their limited free time in one of the country’s best cities.
We’ve rounded up some of the best things to do this weekend in (and around) D.C.!
1. Experience Dopamine Land before it leaves D.C.
This immersive experience is a favorite of ours for a reason!
This interactive and picturesque experience is suitable for all ages. It involves visiting numerous themed rooms designed to boost dopamine.
Ready to escape everyday life and embrace your inner child? grab your tickets to Dopamine Land today.
Where: 5333 Wisconsin Ave NW
2. Check out the five new galleries at the National Air and Space Museum
Just the other week, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum unveiled five galleries at its Washington, D.C. location along the National Mall!
The location has been under renovation since 2018, and while all remaining galleries will not be opened until 2026, the following five galleries are now open to the public:
- Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall
- Futures in Space
- Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight
- World War 1: The Birth of Military Aviation
- Allan and Shelley Holt Innovations Gallery
3. Take a day trip to this charming town near D.C., ranked one of the best fall getaways in the nation
In case you missed out on the news, the small historical town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, was named one of the best fall getaways in the nation this year.
Famous for being situated where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet in the middle of the Harpers Ferry Historical Park, the fall foliage here is considered some of the most beautiful in the country.
The town is great for a fun weekend trip filled with history, miles of hiking trails, and several shops and boutiques worth checking out!
4. This new immersive museum will unleash your inner child
Bubble Planet is headed to D.C., so if you love museums that double as photo ops, you’re going to love it!
This interactive exhibit has 10 different rooms, all with different themes, colors, and sights. Bubbles ranging from soapy baths to smoke-filled orbs to balloons will allow you to float through a magical story that you likely haven’t experienced before.
Get your tickets here!.
Where: Rhode Island Center
524 Rhode Island Ave NE, 20002
5. Attend a Capitals game to see Ovechkin play in his final season in the NHL
The season is already underway, and the Capitals have gotten off to a hot start.
Still, Washingtonians have a handful of home games to get to see Alex Ovechkin play before his final season with the Capitals comes to an end and he retires from the NHL.
This Saturday, the Capitals are taking on the Florida Panthers for a matchup that will determine which team has the better record so far this season.
6. Head to Easton, MD, to attend its annual Waterfowl Festival
The annual event that the small town of Easton hosts every fall raises funds for conservation efforts to protect and support the local aquatic birds native to the region.
While the nature of the event draws a large crowd of outdoorsmen, there are several events that are full of family-friendly fun that everyone can enjoy!
7. Grab your passes to the Metropolitan Beer Trail
D.C.’s Metropolitan Beer Trail is officially back for the 2025 season!
Spanning from NoMa to Brookland, the pedestrian and bike-friendly adventure is home to 12 participating locations along the Metropolitan Branch Trail.
This year’s pass includes new prizes, a new location this upcoming summer, and plenty of beer to enjoy!
8. Get tickets to ICE! at Gaylord National before the holiday rush
Opening on November 14th is one of the biggest carved ice experiences in the world, with over 2 million pounds of ice that took around 12,000 hours to sculpt into the theme of this year’s scene: “The Polar Express”.
You can already buy tickets with various bundle options, but the prices are set for kids (ages 4 – 11) at $32 on the weekend and $27 during the week, while prices for adults (12+) are set at $41 on the weekends and $36 during the week.
9. Head to the opening of the DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
This Friday, November 14th, one of the first holiday markets of the season will be opening!
The market will be filled with unique, handcrafted gifts and treats made by local artists, crafters, and small businesses.
10. Head to the Snowglow Holiday pop-up at Hi-Lawn above Union Market
Opening for the season this Saturday, November 15th, one of the most popular seasonal pop-up events around the District is returning this season for a limited time only!
The incredible immersive experience includes a 50-foot spherical bar above Union Market with a digital display showing animated visuals, festive cocktails, seasonal treats, and plenty of holiday spirit.
11. Go on a hike on one of these incredible trails around the District
Credit: Ashley Hefner
Washington, D.C., may be a city, but it boasts a number of beautiful places in and around the District proper that are just as great for exploring the wilderness!
Secret D.C. has come up with some of the most stunning trails for hiking in and around D.C. to help you do just that.