New hotels, redesigned museums, theater, attractions and cultural events await visitors in the nation’s capital this fall
Washington, DC – Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is primed to help travellers visit Washington, DC this fall by providing ideas for activities, stays and great value.
This fall, catch DC’s exciting sports teams, enjoy festivals and explore free and interactive museums across the city. On Oct. 12, DC welcomes Phase 2 of the Wharf in Southwest Waterfront. On Oct. 14, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum reopens after an intensive renovation, debuting eight new and renovated exhibitions, the planetarium, museum store and Mars Café.
DC boasts eight new hotels in 2022, with Salamander Washington DC and Waldorf Astoria Washington DC already open, and Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf and The Morrow Curio Collection hotel opening before the new year. The Trust for Public Land named DC the nation’s best park system in the United States in 2022, making it the perfect city to enjoy crisp fall air and foliage.
“There are so many ways to experience fall in DC, from new art exhibits and experiences to festivals and the outdoors,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, of Destination DC. “Pair exclusively DC experiences with neighbourhood hotels and award-winning dining, and it’s easy to see why autumn is one of the best times to visit.”
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS
Art and Ideas: President John F. Kennedy
The Kennedy Center debuts a new immersive permanent exhibit exploring Kennedy’s appreciation and promotion of the arts and how they contribute to social justice and his leadership ideals.
Phase 2 of The Wharf
New construction delivers an additional 1.15 million square feet of mixed-use spaces, including a hotel and marina, parks and public areas on Oct. 12.
National Air and Space Museum Reopening
The Smithsonian’s most visited museum free museum reopens on Oct. 14 with eight new transformed galleries. Free timed-entry passes are required for all visitors.
Veterans Day Weekend
Citywide observances include a concert at MLK Library, ceremonies at numerous memorials, a parade on Nov. 12, a 10K race and more. Nov. 11-13
Downtown Holiday Market
The 18th Annual Downtown Holiday Market features more than 70 exhibitors of local vendors and small businesses, food and a live stage of exceptional regional performers providing holiday cheer. Nov. 19 – Dec. 23
Washington International Horse Show
The show returns to Capital One Arena with its beloved dressage competitions and Shetland pony races. Nov. 25-30
ARTS AND CULTURE
National Children’s Museum
Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out
The travelling exhibit encourages children and their families to explore the role of emotions, memory, and imagination through playful experiences with the film’s characters. Sept. 24 – Jan. 8, 2023
National Gallery of Art
Called to Create: Black Artists of the American South
Enjoy more paintings, assemblages, sculptures and drawings from lesser known incredibly talented Black artists who often used recycled materials as their art supplies and yards, porches or boarded-up storefronts as their galleries. Sept. 18 – March 26, 2023
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Elektra
Richard Strauss’ epic opera inspired by a Greek tale follows Elektra as she plots revenge. Oct. 29 – Nov. 12
Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces
Honour generations of Native Americans by exploring how and why Indigenous people have served. Nov. 10, 2022 – Nov. 30, 2023
Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum
One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection
See the world through the eyes of one of the most visionary artists of the past century and take in the magic of two infinity rooms before they close to the public on Nov. 27.
FALL DEALS
Find deals and discounts on washington.org from hotels, restaurants, attractions, tours and more, including:
Tickets to Tut – Marriott Marquis offers two tickets to the National Geographic Museum exhibit, a $20 daily hotel dining credit that can be used at Anthem, The Dignitary, the Lobby Bar or Fresh Bites and daily WiFi. Valid through Oct. 31, 2022
Seasonal Walking Tours – Enjoy a multi-sensory walking tour on the National Mall, or dive deep into local history in Dupont Circle or U Street with a seasonal discount–just $45. Valid through Nov. 30, 2022
Autumn Splendor – The Riggs Washington DC’s seasonal offer includes overnight accommodation, in-room seasonal amenities from the pastry chef and valet parking. From $449 based on two guests sharing a Superior Room with a minimum stay of two nights. Valid through Nov. 30.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Save 20% – The deal applies to grounds passes at George Washington’s estate, just outside of DC. Enter the promo code DCSAVE20 at checkout. Valid through Dec. 31, 2022
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Photograph foliage across DC. According to the latest predictions, peak foliage in the area will occur from Oct. 11- Oct. 25. Anacostia Riverwalk Trail offers a 10-foot-wide trail winding next to the revitalized waterway and is 20 continuous miles.
DC is the Capital of Sports. This fall, catch a final Washington Spirit or DC United match, take in a Washington Nationals baseball game or cheer on the Commanders.
Rock Creek Park, with more than 2,100 acres of National Park Service land, offers lush greenery, miles of trails and picnic areas, a nature centre, golf course, horse stables, amphitheatre and a planetarium.
The Smithsonian’s Enid A. Haupt Garden is open from dusk till dawn daily.
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
U.S. National Arboretum is open daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
