Our end-of-the-week picks for Oct. 25-27
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
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Friday
Architecture Cruise with DC Design Tours
An expert on architecture will guide you through this new offering from DC Design Tours. Cast off from Georgetown along with the professional crew of Capitol River Cruises and head south on the Potomac as live commentary adds to your views of architectural gems like the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Arlington Memorial Bridge, the Watergate Hotel, Arlington National Cemetery and the Kennedy Center. Lesser known landmarks like the Lyndon Baines Johnson Grove and the Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial will also be showcased.
Reserve
Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean
ARTECHOUSE and the Woods Holde Oceanographic Institution have collaborated to highlight an awe-inspiring nightly migration of ocean twilight zone creatures and their intricate connections to the planet’s health, including their contributions to the regulation of the earth’s climate. The groundbreaking exhibition offers a 24-minute cinematic journey with immersive 270-degree projections that span from floor to wall, complemented by six interactive installations and six XR activations.
Discounted tickets
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20002
Babbitt
Star of the big screen for decades and two-time Tony winner Matthew Broderick makes his Shakespeare Theatre Company debut with this momentous adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’ beloved novel. Broderick takes on the role of George F. Babbitt, a middle-class American everyman whose life suddenly turns upside down.
Tickets
Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
American Football
Considered one of the great emo-rock groups, American Football emerged from the ashes of several earlier bands to become an entirely new beast upon their formation in 1997. The Midwest foursome released a self-titled debut LP in 1999 that has become one of the most revered albums of its era; it was named one of the 100 best albums of the ‘90s by Pitchfork in 2022. After splitting in 2000, American Football reunited in 2014 and haven’t looked back since, putting out two new (also self-titled) albums and touring extensively. The Howard Theatre hosts them on consecutive nights.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
The Life and Music of George Michael
Few pop stars in history have scaled the global heights of George Michael, from his emergence as part of WHAM! to a decades-long solo career packed with unforgettable songs and moments. Attendees of this epic, one-night-only show at The National Theatre are sure to be dancing in the aisles as they experience Michael’s music like never before, from “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” to “Careless Whisper” to “Freedom” to “Faith” and many, many more.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Saturday
Home Rule Music Festival
The second annual Home Rule Music Festival celebrates the rich musical and cultural scene of DC. The fun continues in late October in partnership with NoMa BID when the festival puts on a show at Alethia Tanner Park. Expect a variety of locally based performers across a full day of concerts.
Tickets
Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, DC 20002
Celebrate Spooky Season in DC
The nation's capital has a frightful amount of options for spook-tacular festivities. Themed parties, specialty cocktails, family arts and crafts and ghost tours are just a few of the ways to have spirited Halloween and Día de los Muertos in the District.
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
George Washington’s former estate welcomes the entire family to enjoy Halloween fun. Festivities include candy-collecting in special Mount Vernon treat bags, a costume parade, Halloween-themed Punch & Judy shows, an 18th-century baking demonstration, a straw bale selfie station, musical entertainment and much more.
2-6 p.m. | Tickets
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
The Other Americans
Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian and producer John Leguizamo is the mastermind behind this compelling drama that will make its world debut at Arena Stage. Leguizamo plays Nelson Castro, a Colombian American laundromat owner in Queens who is dealing with a failing business. When his son, Nick, returns from a mental wellness facility after a traumatic incident, Nelson must reckon with his past, protect his family and attempt to preserve the future.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
when WE take flight
Featuring the music of Stravinsky and choreography by George Balanchine, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano and Edward Liang, when WE take flight is a stunning showcase of the dynamic range and skill of The Washington Ballet company dancers. Warner Theatre audiences will be treated to a brilliantly crafted combination of classical music, mambo rhythms, collective movement, neo-classical style and gorgeous choreography.
Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Gods & Mortals: A Celebration of Wagner
The Kennedy Center hosts a collection of musical talent that will celebrate and honor one of the most iconic and innovative composers in history, Richard Wagner. A series of video projections and staged selections will highlight the evening, pointing to the ground broken by Wagner with performances of some of his most essential works.
7 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Sunday
Día de los Muertos at the National Museum of the American Indian
With Halloween just around the corner, don’t forget about Día de los Muertos (translation: “Day of the Dead”), a Mexican tradition of honoring past ancestors that features lavish celebrations. The National Museum of the American Indian hosts a free, day-long event in observance of the holiday. Visitors can take in dance performances, enjoy artist and food demos, participate in coloring activities and mask-making, learn about fascinating Mexican traditions, leave photos and mementos to their loved ones and much more.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Felix Gonzalez-Torres: Always to Return
The National Portrait Gallery and the Archives of American Art present an exhibition that goes in-depth on artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres’ engagement with portraiture, identity and history. Gonzalez-Torres’ groundbreaking work revolutionized the artform, elevating the notion of what a portrait could be.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Cole Taylor as Romeo and Caro Reyes Rivera as Juliet © SHAN Wallace
Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare’s timeless story of star-crossed lovers is also a story of the politics of warring families and the violence that consumes them. When all the systems meant to protect and guide a pair of young lovers—familial, religious, and governmental—fail them, can they find a way to safeguard their future despite the chaos around them?
Tickets
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Fidelio
The Washington National Opera (WNO) presents Beethoven’s story of resistance, freedom and dissent at one of DC’s most illustrious venues. The Kennedy Center hosts the new production that launches the WNO’s 2024-25 season. Beethoven’s only opera, which was last performed by the WNO more than 30 years ago, is an inspiring tale of how love can conquer tyranny.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
#Only1DC Photo of the Week
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to award-winning hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
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