
Like with any event, a little planning goes a long way. And when it comes to preparing for a Candlelight concert in Washington D.C., there are a few things to consider before attending the awe-inspiring live music experience. From gauging the dress code to consulting maps in order to make sure you arrive on time and don’t get lost, read on to discover some useful tips to make sure your Candlelight journey is smooth and unforgettable.
1. Plan your Journey
Normally, this goes without saying. In a city known for being one of the worst places in the country for traffic, anyone traveling by car is likely to plan ahead for most journeys. Of course, public transport is also an option, but it’s worth checking travel times. If you manage to arrive early for a Candlelight concert, you’ll find the doors already open (typically up to 45 minutes before the start time). This means you’ll have time to really explore the space and admire the candlelit glow.
2. Learn more about the venue
The Candlelight concert series has been and is hosted by a long list of impressive venues worldwide, and D.C.’s finest spaces have welcomed its classical magic. So, if you have the chance to enter a one-of-a-kind location in the city, it wouldn’t hurt to learn more about its history or cultural significance. At the very least, you’ll have some interesting info on hand to share with friends and family.
For example, St. Francis Hall comes with access to the spectacular gardens of the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land—yet another reason to visit the beautiful venue.
3. Dress code
Even if you’re not someone who takes your wardrobe too seriously, there’s nothing worse than feeling dramatically overdressed or disappointingly underdressed. Luckily, Candlelight’s dress code (though officially there isn’t one) can be described as a happy medium between formal and informal—dressy casual, if you will. Think a nice pair of trousers and your favorite jumper, or a pretty dress. That said, there are no strict rules, but an umbrella hat is likely to upset other audience members!
4. What to expect at the venue
The impact of thousands of candles is always a delightful surprise for guests, but there are a few other surprises they might want to know beforehand. For one, Candlelight venues vary in shape, size, and even shelter, as some are open-air spaces. It’s also worth noting that the stage might be a purpose-built structure or simply the stone floor of a church. And if you’re worried about finding your seat, don’t be—staff members will be on hand to assist you.
5. Can you sing along?
Music fans love nothing more than belting out the lyrics to their favorite songs—it adds to the electric energy of any live concert. At Candlelight, however, we’re talking about classical takes on famous music or a jazz band covering timeless tracks, so lyrics usually aren’t part of the enchanting mix. That said, if the rest of the room—musicians included—seem to be encouraging a sing-along, then by all means, feel free to join in.
Hopefully, these five Candlelight tips have answered some of your questions and left you feeling ready to experience all the charm the concert series has to offer, from its take on soundtracks to twists on rock anthems. If you find yourself deeply moved by the event and know someone who would feel the same, you can always surprise them with a Candlelight gift card—the perfect present for any occasion.