Downtown at 901 G Street sits a black steel-and-glass box that architecture fans travel for. Opened in 1972, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is the only library Ludwig Mies van der Rohe ever designed, and his only building in Washington.
Beyond its massive collection of bestsellers, historical and specialized books, on November 20, the striking library is lighting up with thousands of candles as it welcomes a tribute to Fleetwood Mac. If you’re looking for exciting fall activities, you can enjoy some of Fleetwood Mac’s most iconic songs, including “Don’t Stop”, which the band famously reunited to perform at Bill Clinton’s 1993 inaugural ball.
20 November 2026 18:30 + more dates
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
A Fleetwood Mac tribute concert in D.C.
The Listeso String Quartet is bringing Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits to life through stunning string covers on Friday, November 20. It’s a fitting location, since the classic Rumours artists ended a five-year split only 20 minutes from D.C. on January 19, 1993, playing “Don’t Stop” for Clinton’s first inaugural ball, the hopeful track that had served as the official anthem for Clinton’s 1992 presidential run.
Now you can experience iconic hits like “Everywhere”, “Go Your Own Way”, “Landslide”, and many more reimagined through the classical lens. Held at one of Candlelight’s most impressive venues, the concert lasts around 60 minutes. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with a second date set for January 2, 2027.
The only library Ludwig Mies van der Rohe ever designed
Commissioned in 1966, the city’s main public library holds the distinction of being the sole library Mies van der Rohe ever created and his only building in the city. The German-American designer was one of the pioneers of modern architecture, known for the Chicago Federal Complex, the Seagram Building in NYC and the National Gallery in Berlin.
Tragically, both the architect and the assassinated civil rights leader it honors passed away before its doors finally opened in 1972.
The 39,600-square-foot structure features three glass-walled stories hovering over a set-back ground level framed by dark steel pillars. Unfortunately, this architectural landmark endured decades of neglected upkeep.
Then came the glow-up. Following a three-and-a-half-year renovation led by Mecanoo, the library reopened in September 2020 with a stunning set of upgrades.
Visitors are now greeted by a skylit monumental stair, a rooftop garden with city views, and a slide between the children’s floors. To create a massive double-height reading room, Mecanoo removed a section of flooring, while the lower level was converted into a creative hub holding dance studios, recording booths, and a fabrication lab.
You can reach the MLK Memorial Libray through the Gallery Place–Chinatown and Metro Center Metro stations or take the bus to 9th & G St NW and 11th & G St NW.
Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
20 November 2026 18:30 + more dates
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
