The fall is one of the best times to visit our Nation’s Capital! Washington D.C. weather is comfortable with an average temperature between 81 degrees in September and 59 degrees in November. Leaves change color presenting spectacular views around the Nation’s Capital. Plus, there are tons of cool Washington D.C. fall events planned!
Special Fall Events in DC
This Fall, there are several fun unique events planned in Washington DC that you will not want to miss!
Burger Week September 18-24
National Harbor, a unique waterfront area right outside of Washington D.C., is celebrating its 15th anniversary! To commemorate this milestone, Burger Week will run from September 18th to 24th. Nine National Harbor restaurants will offer $15 burger deals. Plus, $1 per “Burger Week” burger sold will be donated to Real Food for Kids to help area families in need. After you enjoy your burger, get discount tickets for The Capital Wheel! Just mention code “Burger Week” for 10% off a general admission ticket to enjoy a scenic ride that takes you 180 feet above the Potomac River!
Wasington D.C. Theatre Week September 21-October 8
Theatre Week kicks off in Washington D.C. September 21th and runs through October 8th. Designed to celebrate the beginning of theatre season, this is the perfect time to get discount tickets with special $20, $40, and $60 pricing! There will also be several free events throughout the two-week timeframe. Head to the Theatre Week website for more information!
Smithsonian’s National Zoo Panda Palooza: A Giant Farewell Sept 23-Oct 1
Smithsonian National Zoo has been home to giant pandas since 1972 to help conservation efforts for this formerly endangered species. Now, Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji are scheduled to head back to China by early December. To wish them well, the Smithsonian is hosting an epic Panda Palooza party from September 23 through October 1 with free daily events including kids’ activities, family yoga, live music, panda-themed food and beverages and more. They will also be showing Kung-Fu Panda and The Miracle Panda throughout the festival.
The Miracle Panda is a fascinating 44-minute documentary about the history of the giant pandas at the National Zoo as well as about the United States partnership with China to aid panda conservation efforts and future plans to continue growing the panda population. If you cannot get to the zoo for Panda Palooza, you can watch it on Amazon Prime Video. You can also test your panda knowledge and find out more about panda conservation on the National Zoo website. Plus, you can watch the pandas live on the panda cam!
Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars October 5-9
Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars is coming to an arena near you! For those in our local area, this show is coming to EagleBank arena right outside of Washington D.C. in Fairfax, Virginia from October 5th through October 9th. Disney on Ice tickets are on sale now.
This brand-new production focuses on the number one animated Disney feature of all time, Frozen coupled with the 2022 Academy Award® and Golden Globe® Award winning hit Encanto! See favorite Disney characters come to life under the magical night sky filled with world-class skating, breathtaking acrobatics, and spectacular stunts.
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Guests of all ages will be delighted as they are transported to Arendalle to encounter Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf. Then, guests will meet the Madrigal family in the magical mountains of Colombia. Make a wish with Aladdin, sing along with Disney Princesses, and watch Pixar characters come to life!
Mickey Mouse and his friends Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy, and more will also make an appearance to round out this exciting show.
After Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars sails past Virginia, it will head to Baltimore Maryland and Hampton Virginia too! Head to DisneyOnIce.com to find out when it will be appearing near you.
Check out our review of last year’s Disney on Ice show in Fairfax Virginia:
TITANIC: The Exhibition November 14-January 7
TITANIC: The Exhibition is docking at National Harbor near Washington D.C. through December 10th. In this immersive experience, step aboard the Titanic for a play-by-play audio tour of the events as they unfolded leading to the Titanic shipwreck disaster. See historic artifacts from the ship and walk through a recreated version of the Titanic’s interior including the first-class suites.
Free D.C. Outdoor Attractions
Hopefully, we will not see an uptick in coronavirus as we head into fall, but the good news is that there is a lot to do outdoors in the city! Fall is one of the best times to visit Washington D.C. and enjoy the outdoor statues, monuments, and historic sites with autumn leaves as the backdrop!
Top Outdoor Smithsonian Attractions
Here are a few of our favorite outdoor choices:
Smithsonian’s National Zoo is open to the public with free, timed entry passes available. It is open daily except for Christmas Day. This 163-acre zoo has over 2,700 animals set in a section of Rock Creek Park.
This popular DC tourist attraction does book up quickly, so get your passes early! You can also visit the Smithsonian National Zoo without a reservation if you purchase a parking pass for $30.
Smithsonian Gardens, also known as Haupt Gardens, and the Sculpture Garden are located on the National Mall and feature an array of bright plants, foliage, and statues.
Bartholdi Park, an extension of the U.S. Botanic Garden campus, is known as the “secret garden” by locals. It is located right near the U.S. Capitol Building adjacent from the U.S. Botanic Garden building. While small, it is a pretty place to take pictures and admire its centerpiece – a 30-foot-tall cast-iron Fountain of Light and Water. Also known as Bartholdi Fountain, this historic fountain especially looks stunning at night when it is all lit up and you can see the view of the Capitol in the background.
The U.S. National Arboretum is also open daily. It is a 446-acre area with over 650 plant species. It will be spectacular in the fall when the trees change color. Check the website before you visit for updates to hours and exhibits.
Georgetown Glow Starts December 1
Georgetown Glow is a free curated public light art experience. This annual exhbit started in 2014 and runs through early January. Check the website for updates.
Special Events
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day is an annual event held on a Saturday in September. On this date, you can enjoy free admission to museums and cultural attractions throughout the United States. You must get tickets in advance on the Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day website.
The next museum day is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 21 2024 so mark your calendar!
The Magic Duel On-Going
Get tickets to DC’s top magic show!
Capital Art & Craft Festival October 14 thru October 16
The Capital Art & Craft Festival is a great way to get a jump on your holiday shopping! This event brings over 200 juried artisans to Dulles Expo Center. Browse one-of-a-kind art in more than a dozen mediums including glass, jewelry, leather, paintings, prints, photography, pottery, wearable art and wood.
In addition to arts and crafts, specialty food exhibitors will also be on-site. Children 12 and under are free.
LEGO Discover Center Halloween October 6 Thru October 31st
Looking for something not too scary to do near Washington D.C. with kids this Halloween season? Head to LEGO® Discovery Center Washington D.C. between October 6 and 31st for LEGO® Brick or Treat: Monster Party! This epic event will include hands-on LEGO® activities, an exclusive LEGO® 4D Monster Party Halloween movie, and more! Plus, win special prizes in the Monster Party games and check out some mind-blowing Halloween-themed displays created by resident Master Model Builder Andrew!
Six Flags America Halloween September 16 Thru October 31st
Six Flags America, a theme park located right outside of Washington D.C. in Bowie Maryland, is a popular place to go for all ages during Halloween season! For families, Six Flags BOO Fest offers trick or treating, 15+ family-friendly rides, character greetings, shows, and an all-new kid-friendly haunted house!
For older kids and adults, Six Flags Fright Fest has haunted houses, spooky attractions, scare zones, and more adult-themed shows that are recommended for the age 13+ crowd. Six Flags America Oktoberfest Food Festival is also running through October 29th. Enjoy German-style food and drinks plus live entertainment!
Watch our Instagram reel to get a glimpse of the daytime Halloween fun at Six Flags:
ARTECHOUSE Now thru November 13
ARTECHOUSE, the first independent arts organization focused on the intersection of art, science, and technology, is opening a brand new immersive art exhibit this fall! Ase: Afro Frequencies brings the perspectives of artist Vince Fraser and poet Ursula Rucker to life in an interactive experience that combines film, technology, and poetry to bring the power of African culture to life in a moving way.
ARTECHOUSE is located just 5-10 minutes from the Smithsonian and L’Enfant Metro stops at 1238 Maryland Avenue SW. Be sure to take advantage of the discounted parking if you are driving to the venue!
Check out a glimpse of our past visit to Artechouse DC on Instagram:
Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar Show at National Harbor Thru October 28
Get your groove on Friday nights through October at Bobby McKey’s at the National Harbor. The DC area’s dueling piano bar is sure to promise a good time with its interactive show. The servers have even been known to get in on the act and jump on-stage to perform choreographed dance routines.
Shows start at 8 pm with doors opening at 7 pm. Bobby McKey’s Piano Bar offers a full bar and food menu plus fun specialty drinks.
Discount show tickets for Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar
Free Events at The Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center, located in Washington D.C., is renowned for its exceptional array of on-site performances and cultural experiences. From captivating theater productions and spellbinding musical concerts to mesmerizing dance performances and thought-provoking lectures, the Kennedy Center offers an unparalleled range of artistic expressions.
Visitors to the Kennedy Center are treated to a diverse lineup of talented artists and performers from around the world. Whether you have a penchant for classical ballet, contemporary jazz, or Broadway musicals, there is something to captivate every artistic taste and interest. The best part is that the Kennedy Center has lots of FREE things to do all season long!
Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy On-Going
Explore why The Kennedy Center became a living memorial to JFK through his appreciation of the arts. This permanent immersive exhibit on the roof-level Atrium is open daily from 10 am until midnight.
America’s Voices Against Apartheid September 14th thru November 5
Head to the Hall of Nations to find out how Americans rose up against South Africa’s apartheid. The exhibit includes profiles of celebrity key U.S. figures and celebrities including Harry Belafonte, Debbie Allen, and Arther Ashe.
Moonshot Studio at the REACH On-Going
The Moonshot Studio at the REACH is open from 11 am to 4:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays for free drop-in art activities. Ages 5 and up are recommended for the art projects.
Fall City Tours
George Washington’s Mount Vernon On-Going
Take a day tour from Washington DC to Mount Vernon! Visit George Washington’s home with a small group tour that includes transportation from DC along with a narrated guide!
In this six-hour day trip from D.C., you’ll learn about the history of George Washington’s Mount Vernon and have access to the mansion, museum, and grounds that offer a sweeping view of the Potomac River! Yourt ticket includes a guided tour of the mansion as well. This is a must-see attraction for any visitor to Washington D.C.!
Private Guided Tour of The National Gallery of Art On-Going
In this highly recommended tour, you’ll get the inside scoop on the renowned art work of some of the world’s most famous artists including Monet, Raphael, Van Gogh, and Degas. This guided tour of the National Gallery of Art on the National Mall in Washington D.C. runs two to three hours with a guided expert. Reserve your tour now and pay later with free cancellation and the lowest price guarantee!
Halloween In D.C.
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center September 16 thru October 31
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center has lots of fun Halloween events lined up at the National Harbor!
- Ghoul School: Interactive Show: This kid-friendly show runs on Fridays and Saturdays thru October 29th.
- Hide & Seek Scavenger Hunt Featuring Spookley the Pumpkin: Solve puzzles and find clues throughout the resort.
- Spookley the Square Pumpkin Meet and Greet: Take selfies with Spookley on weekends.
- Trick-or-Treat Expedition: Spooky creatures hand out candy along this fun trail.
- Monster Mash Bash: Weekend dance party and costume contest.
- Jack-o’-lantern Walk: Marvel at dozens of expertly carved pumpkins.
- Spooky Animal Encounters: Meet and learn about live animals such as the nocturnal owl.
- Wildlife Rescue – An Augmented Reality Experience presented by bubly™: Use your phone to hunt wild animals that come to life virtually around the resort.
- Spookley the Square Pumpkin Move Night: Watch this fun kids Halloween movie in the atrium.
- Phantom of the Atrium Light Show: Don’t miss this thrilling nightly lights and music show in the atrium.
- Replay at Pose Rooftop: Enjoy a seasonal cocktail or milkshake at this popular ’80s themed lounge (family friendly during the day)!
Trunk or Treat Family Halloween Event October 16
Waterfront Church DC is hosting a free trunk or treat annual family Halloween Event on October 16th from 1 to 5 pm. This is a safe way to celebrate Halloween this year. They are also looking for volunteers to decorate their cars and candy donations. Click the link above to find out more.
Boo at the Zoo October 28-30
One of our personal favorite D.C. fall events is the National Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo. This kid-pleasing event includes trick or treating at 30 stations plus a dance party, and kids karaoke. Plus, after hours viewing of the zoo animals including the Elephant Community Center, Small Mammal House, Reptile Discovery Center, Great Ape House and Think Tank.
Halloween at the Harbor October 22nd
Head to the National Harbor for a fun FREE afternoon of family Halloween fun! Here is a rundown of the activities.
- 12:30 -2:30pm: Trick-or-Treating at select restaurants and retailers
- 12:30 -2:30pm: Kids in costumes get FREE spins on the Capital Wheel
- 1:00 – 2:30pm: Community Canopy activities
- 1:00pm: Halloween Movie
- 2:30pm: Chef Pumpkin Carving Contest
- 2:45pm: Pet Pawrade
D.C. by Foot Haunted Tours On-Going
DC by Foot offers tours that highlight ghostly hauntings, mysteries and more across Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and Embassy Row. Reservations are required and gratuities for the guides are much appreciated, especially since they were out of work for nearly two years due to the pandemic. Private tours are also available.
They have 3 family-friendly tours:
- Ghosts of Georgetown
- White House Ghost Tours (name your own price on Thursdays)
- Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour (not specifically a ghost tour, but still quite spooky)
They also offer adults-only experiences. These are not ghost tours, but they offer a dark glimpse into murders, affairs, and other scandals that haunt our Nation’s Capital.
- Dark Side of Dupont & Embassy Row
- White House at Night: Secrets & Scandals
- Capitol Hill Scandals Tour
Air & Scare at the Air & Space Museum October 28
The National Air & Space Museum’s Air & Scare event at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly is a top pick for families. This is a free annual event. Grab your favorite costumes and trick or treat among historic aircraft in this awe-inspiring aviation museum. Plus, enjoy Halloween themed crafts and science experiments.
You can also enhance your Air & Space experience at home participating in virtual Air & Scare activities with STEM in 30, storytime videos, live chats, and more!
Washington DC Halloween Fright Night Pub Crawl October 30
Dress in your best spooky or sexy costume and get ready for the wildest Halloween event of the year! Your ticket includes access to several bars with no cover charge plus drink specials all night long. Must be 21+ with valid ID to attend.
Annual Fall Festivals & Celebrations
H Street Festival September 16
The H Street Festival has been of the most beloved annual Washington D.C. festivals for over 15 years. Traditionally, this festival offers a full line-up of live music and dance performances, kids activities, food and drink vendors.
The festival is 11 blocks long and has 14 different staging areas drawing a crowd of 150,000 people each year. Check the website for updates on planned activities.
Free Events at The Wharf DC
The Wharf is a picturesque waterfront district in Southwest Washington D.C. It is located just minutes from the National Mall and features restaurants, shopping, and lots of fun events throughout the year.
The closest metro stations to The Wharf are the Waterfront metro station and L’Enfant Plaza metro station. You can also take the free SW Shuttle to travel between The Wharf, L’Enfant Plaza Metro, L’Enfant Plaza parking and retail area, and the National Mall.
Oktoberfest at The Wharf September 30 thru Oct 2
This free event kicks off on Friday, September 30th with Polka on the Pier. Enjoy German food, drinks and music all weekend. The main event Saturday is Wiener 500 Daschund Dash, a live dachshund (wiener dog) race. The crowds come to cheer on the furry competitors and stay for Oktoberfest beer, food, and music. All proceeds from the event benefit a local animal shelter. The fun continues on Sunday with a stein hoisting competition!
SAVE THE DATE: The District’s Holiday Boat Parade will sail past The Wharf on December 2nd!
Free Events at Lincoln’s Cottage
Lincoln’s Cottage is a museum and historic site situated on a sprauling 250-acre property. It is located in Northwest Washington D.C. near Brookland. The Georgia Avenue/Petworth Station is the closest metro stop to Lincoln’s Cottage. From the metro, it is a 3/4 mile walk.
Homecoming at Lincoln’s Cottage September 16
Visit President Lincoln’s Cottage, the place he called home during the Civil War era. This homecoming celebration is held annually in September. You can enjoy free family activities from 10 am to 3 pm including pony rides, arts and crafts, music, stories, and a Civil War encampment. Pack a picnic lunch or dine at one of the on-site food trucks. Optional fee-based activities include a Freedom 5k race and cottage tours.
Outdoor Movies at Lincoln’s Cottage Thru November
Enjoy a free film screening at Lincoln’s Cottage. A family movie will be scheduled one Friday a month through November. Register to reserve your space for Lincoln’s Cottage movie night!
Veterans Day Events Around Washington DC
Special Veteran’s Day ceremonies and events are planned at monuments throughout the city. Plus, there will be virtual activities you can participate in from home as well. Several museums also have special Veteran’s Day programs and exhibits. Many of the Veterans’ Day events are free and held at outdoor memorial locations.
Veterans Day at Mount Vernon November 11
On November 11th, all active duty, former, or retired military personnel will receive FREE admission to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Throughout the day, there will be special activities including wreath-laying and musical performances by the Harmony Heritage Singers and US Air Force Strings Orchestra. Admission is required for all other guests. Click here for Mount Vernon tickets and more information.
National Harbor Spirit Park Fun Run and Walk November 11
Support The Check-6 Foundation by participating in the Spirit Park Fun Run and Walk at National Harbor. This event will be held from 10 to 11:30 am and include a pancake breakfast.
National Harbor Spirit Park Anniversary Ceremony & Concert November 11
Spend the afternoon at National Harbor and celebrate the first anniversary of Spirit Park! This FREE Veterans Day event will kick off with a ceremony, the unveiling of a new monument, and music by the United Air Force Band Max Impact.
ALSO ON VETERANS DAY: The National Harbor Tree Lighting & Fireworks will kick off the holiday season with festivities beginning at 5:30 pm!
DC Foodie Festivals
Taste of DC Future Dates TBD
Be on the lookout for news about Taste of DC. In the past, this event has been held towards the end of October and is considered the “largest culinary festival in the Mid-Atlantic”. It typically features live entertainment, cooking demos, kids activities, and plenty of food and drink options.
DC Beer Fest at Nationals Stadium November 4
Calling all beer lovers! Nationals Park is the place to be on November 4th! The 2023 DC Beer Fest will include over 80 breweries, food trucks, bands, dueling pianos, and more surprises! This event is strictly ages 21 and older.
D.C. Virtual Events & Activities
There are a few special events planned in Washington D.C. this year. You won’t want to miss these memorable moments!
Visit Washington DC Virtually on Channel 202
Washington D.C.’s official destination marketing organization, Destination DC, has put together a fabulous collection of the best of D.C. videos so that you can armchair travel your way around our Nation’s Capital! Below is a description of the channel’s themes so you can pick and choose what interests you the most!
- Discover DC in 360-Degrees: Don’t miss one of the coolest features of this page……DC’s greatest sites in 360 degrees! Choose from 10 exciting sites across Washington D.C. including a birds eye view of the Lincoln Memorial without the crowds!
- The Real DC Videos: This series highlights DC area business owners and artists.
- Explore DC’s Art & Culture Scene: This series allows you to explore dance, theater, museums, music, and the arts.
- Become Inspired by the Real DC: This series walks you through several of DC’s neighborhoods.
- Stay Local: These short videos are geared towards locals and encourage staycations.
Smithsonian Cares Online Collections
The Smithsonian has put together a wealth of resources so you can browse museum collections online and attend free Smithsonian online events and workshops. There is also a special link for Kids and Teens that offers animal cams, learning labs, videos, and hands-on activities.
National Air & Space Museum STEM in 30
The Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum offers an Emmy-nominated STEM in 30 virtual series with a featured topic and a live chat afterward. This free series has rotating topics this fall that include World War I, Ballooning, and the International Space Station.
Sessions are geared towards middle schoolers, but it is a wonderful learning opportunity for the whole family! If you cannot make the live session, you can watch past recorded episodes.
The Kennedy Center Digital Stage
One of the remarkable features of the Kennedy Center is its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. They have taken their commitment to the next level by offering thousands of incredible performances online, available on-demand and completely free of charge. This means that you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking world of the Kennedy Center’s performances from the comfort of your own home.
Imagine the thrill of watching a world-class symphony orchestra deliver a powerful rendition of a timeless composition or witnessing the passion and grace of a ballet performance that will leave you in awe. The Kennedy Center’s digital collection is a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces, waiting to be discovered and enjoyed by audiences around the globe.
So, whether you are a seasoned lover of the performing arts or simply curious to explore new cultural horizons, the Kennedy Center has you covered. With their extensive library of on-demand videos, you can now experience the magic of the Kennedy Center’s exceptional performances anytime, anywhere.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness the brilliance and creativity of artists spanning various disciplines. Visit the Kennedy Center’s online platform today and prepare to be transported into a world of endless artistic wonder. New performances are posted regularly too!
Wow I never would have thought of DC for a Fall trip but there is so much to do and see. So many shows too. I’d be tempted to go for one of the ghost walks or the boos and booze in the lead up to halloween.
Washington DC looks like a great spot to visit in the Fall. I love all the special events that are on. And so many great arts and food shows. It looks like we may need to plan more than one trip. Great to have all the dates to plan around.
My visit to Washington was official which is why I had just one-third of the day to spare. And I am happy that I made it special by exploring the National Mall that provided me with great insights on the history of the United States.
I’m thinking about visiting Washington DC this year or next, it looks like there is so much to see and do. I will be saving this to refer back to when I’m planning my trip. Thanks!
Glad to hear that it is helpful. Thanks for your comments : )
I grew up going to D.C. many times. But my kids have only been there once for a brief visit, and there’s no way you can do very much in one visit. So we’d love to go back. I think fall would be the perfect season to visit.
I miss living near DC and being able to go to all these places! I’m hoping to come back next year and do a ghost tour!
Yes, we’re lucky to live in the DMV area. There is always something fun going on….even during the pandemic!
Thank you for this post. We used to go to the East Coast every fall. I’d love to go back and take my kids to DC. This is handy to be prepared and plan out our trip!
So glad it was helpful! DC has so much great stuff for kids to do and see! Hope you have a great trip!
Very informative round-up post about Washington DC. 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage events look interesting.
Oooooh, if only I lived closer to the Capital City. I’d love to go check out some (okay ALL) of the events celebrating 100 years of women’s suffrage. Are you doing any of those?
Yes, we’re at least planning to get to the Library of Congress. We have never been there before. They also just unveiled a Comic Art exhibit. My son LOVES comics and graphic novels, so it is a win-win!
Great list of so many different things to do. I love the boo at the zoo and I’d love to go up the Old Post Office Clock Tower.
Yes! There’s so much to choose from! Hard to fit it all in, but we always try our best!
Fall must be beautiful in DC. I have only visited once during 8th grade, long ago. Now I am excited for my soon to be 8th grader to visit.
I grew up in Central NJ and did the 8th grade trip to D.C. too! Little did I know that I would grow up to live so much closer to it!
Living here in the DC area, I think I take so many things for granted here. Thanks for the great reminders of how special this city is.
Any time! Always a fun and economical way to staycation!
have you done the 29 rooms??
Yes, it was really fun! We had such a great time there!
Love all the ideas. Thank you for sharing the upcoming events and ongoing things to do. Can’t wait to come back up that way and to experience some of your recommendations. Thank you.
Thanks for putting this together! We live outside DC but rarely take advantage of family friendly events. I’m printing this out!
Awesome! Glad it was useful!
Great article with helpful information! We often go around DC when traveling. In August we decided to go downtown and see if we could get to a museum. That was impossible, it was a terrible time of year to visit. We plan on going back in the next few months and have a better plan. Thanks for inspiring me!
Hope you have a great visit in the city!