Updated and buzzworthy hotels, accompanying big-name restaurant openings and a new White House Visitors Center headline an impressive list of reasons to visit the nation’s capital this fall.
The luxurious Salamander anticipates completing its phased renovations and DC will welcome its first Arlo hotel. Both will boast hot new restaurants helmed by acclaimed chefs. “The People’s House: A White House Experience,” one block from the Executive Mansion, will offer a cutting edge, interactive journey through history. Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, helps visitors find hotel deals and plan a trip at washington.org/fall.
Arts and culture are also centerstage this fall. The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, celebrating its 50th anniversary, welcomes Osgemeos: Endless Story, the largest U.S. exhibition of work by the famed Brazilian Pandolfo twins. Theatre Week kicks off Sept. 26 with more than 30 productions offering $20/$40/$60 pricing. Matthew Broderick makes his Shakespeare Theatre Company debut in political satire “Babbitt.” The Folger Shakespeare Library, featuring the world’s largest Shakespeare collection, recently reopened following an extensive four-year renovation.
NEW AND RENOVATED HOTELS
- Salamander Washington, DC, Ongoing
Middleburg, Virginia-based Salamander Collection, founded by entrepreneur Sheila Johnson, is expected to complete its ongoing phased enhancements to the former 373-key Mandarin Oriental, now called Salamander Washington, DC. The project reveals a brighter and more residential aesthetic to its stunning lobby, bar, pool and guest suites. Renowned chef Kwame Onwuachi’s highly anticipated return to DC, Dōgon, will open Sept. 9. The restaurant is inspired by DC surveyor Benjamin Banneker and his heritage to the West African Dogon tribe. A luxury two-story spa will open in the weeks to follow. - Arlo Washington, DC, Fall
Arlo Hotels is expected to debut its seventh hotel and first in Washington, DC. The 12-story, 445-room hotel will incorporate and preserve the city’s oldest conventional apartment building, The Harrison, which has stood since 1882. Arlo Washington, DC will boast a pool and rooftop lounge with retractable floor-to-ceiling windows and a wraparound terrace, as well as Arrels, a restaurant and bar helmed by award-winning DC chef Pepe Moncayo. - Le Méridien Madison, Washington, DC, Early SeptemberThe boutique Madison Hotel will join the Marriott portfolio, rebranded as Le Méridien Madison, Washington, DC. The property has undergone an expansive $15 million renovation inspired by the Golden Age of travel.
- Grand Hyatt Washington, FallThe 902-key hotel will unveil its fully renovated guest rooms and suites inspired by the U.S. Capitol’s dome and seasonal cherry blossoms.
- The Quincy Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection, Fall
The former Sonder the Quincy will be rebranded under Choice Hotels’ Ascend Hotel Collection, marking the first Ascend property in the DC market.
- Washington Marriott at Metro Center, JuneThe centrally located hotel completed a multimillion-dollar renovation with elevated amenities.
- Westin Georgetown, Washington, DC, JuneThe transformed hotel unveiled a multimillion-dollar renovation, offering a refined blend of well-being experiences and timeless design.
NEW FREE ATTRACTIONS
- “A Soldier’s Journey” at the World War I Memorial, Sept. 13
The United States World War I Centennial Commission plans to dedicate a sculpture wall entitled “A Soldier’s Journey,” marking the completion of the World War I Memorial. The new centerpiece will tell the story of an American reluctantly answering the call to war and will be the highest free-standing bronze sculpture in the western hemisphere. - The People’s House: A White House Experience, Sept. 23
Set to open at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, “The People’s House” will immerse visitors in the story of the White House, its inhabitants and the people who have dedicated their careers to its legacy and impact. The modern space will feature the latest in projection and display technology in expansive exhibits and galleries, including a 1:5 scale replica of the South façade. The architectural story from 1790 to the present comes to life through cinematic lighting, immersive audio narration and embedded video monitors. Then, take a seat behind the Resolute Desk in a full-scale replica of the Oval Office. Visitors can now reserve free passes through October at the link above.
NEW EXHIBITS
- Forces for Change: Mary McLeod Bethune and Black Women’s Activism, open now
The National Museum of African American History and Culture explores Bethune’s influence and impact as a leader in the movement for social justice and uses her story to look more expansively at the theme of Black women’s leadership, past and present. - Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean, Sept. 14- mid-November
ARTECHOUSE’s new immersive exhibit takes visitors 1,000 meters deep, face-to-face with rarely seen sea life. - Suchitra Mattai: Myth from Matter, Sept. 20-Jan. 12, 2025
The Los Angeles-based artist’s first major solo museum exhibition on the east coast comes to the newly renovated National Museum of Women in the Arts. - Osgemeos: Endless Story, Sept. 29-Aug. 3, 2025
The largest U.S. exhibition of work by Brazilian identical twin brothers Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo arrives this fall at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. - Felix Gonzalez-Torres: Always to Return, Oct. 18-July 6, 2025
The National Portrait Gallery hosts the largest presentation of the influential artist’s work in DC in 30 years. - Harry Benson: Iconic Photographs for the Nation’s Capital, Late October-Spring 2025
The legendary photographer’s collection spans from the Beatles’ arrival to the U.S. to the civil rights movement and every president and first lady since Eisenhower. The exhibit is next to Capital One Arena and presented by Monumental Sports & Entertainment. - More new exhibit openings here.
THEATER
- Cirque du Soleil’s OVO, Sept. 11-15
The hidden, secret world at our feet is revealed at Capital One Arena as tender and torrid, noisy and quiet, peaceful and chaotic. - Clue, Sept. 17-Oct. 6
See the classic board game come to life at the Kennedy Center. Based on the 1985 feature film, this interactive whodunit keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. - The Try Guys: Eat The Menu Tour, Sept. 21
The viral sensation pulls into Warner Theatre for a live version of Keith Eats Everything. - Theatre Week, Sept. 26-Oct. 13
Theatre Week celebrates the launch of theater season in the DC region. With dozens of participating theaters and productions, it provides an opportunity to sample diverse and vibrant work on a variety of stages. Tickets are on sale Sept. 9 with $20/$40/$60 pricing, including fees. A free Kickoff Fest is planned for Sept. 28 at Arena Stage. - Babbitt, Oct. 1-27
Two-time Tony-winner Matthew Broderick (The Producers, Plaza Suite) makes his Shakespeare Theatre Company debut in this breathtaking political satire. - SIX: The Musical, Nov. 12-Dec. 1
Winner of 23 awards, the global sensation makes its royal return to The National Theatre for three weeks only. - More must-see shows here.
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
- The Sports Capital
Catch late-season Nationals baseball and Mystics WNBA games, as well as Spirit and DC United soccer matches. Cheer on the NFL’s Commanders and DC Power FC, a new women’s soccer club in its inaugural season. The NBA’s Wizards and NHL’s Capitals open their respective seasons at Capital One Arena in October. The Army-Navy Football Game comes to Commanders Field on Dec. 14. - Events DC presents WalkingTown DC– Sept. 14-21
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the annual fall event offering nine tours in all areas of the city. - Art All Night, Sept. 27-28
Join artists on two nights, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., to celebrate DC’s performing and visual arts creatives across all eight wards. - Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival: Sept. 27-29
BIPOC comedians perform throughout venues at the Wharf. The lineup includes headline shows, new comic showcases, panels, podcasts and more. - Oktoberfest at The Wharf, Oct. 5
DC’s dazzling waterfront goes all out with Polka on the Pier, a stein hoisting competition and the dachshund dash. - DC Coffee Festival, Oct. 5-6
Dozens of the District’s top roasters fill the warehouse at Dock 5 at Union Market. - Snallygaster, Oct. 12
Head to Pennsylvania Avenue for a hefty lineup of 450 hand-selected craft brews and ciders. - F1 Arcade Washington, DC, Oct. 13
Only the second venue of its kind in the U.S., this unparalleled experience for motorsports fans, thrill-seekers and late-night revelers will span 17,300 square feet – the largest F1® location yet. Located in NoMa’s Union Market District, it features 83 state-of-the-art Formula 1 racing simulators, an elevated food and beverage menu, private event spaces and much more. - Photograph peak foliage, around Oct. 16 (according to the latest predictions)
The trails of Rock Creek Park, cobblestone streets of Georgetown, rowhouses of Capitol Hill and revamped waterfronts of the Wharf and Capitol Riverfront are ideal backdrops for the perfect shot. - Celebrate Spooky Season, late Oct.
The nation’s capital has a frightful number of ways to celebrate Halloween, including Boo at the Zoo, themed parties, family festivals and ghost tours. - DowntownDC Holiday Market, Nov. 22-Dec. 23
Celebrating 20 years with an expanded footprint. Enjoy an elevated festive and immersive market experience. Local vendors. Good eats.