As autumn graces the capital with hues of golden auburn, Washington, DC, emerges as a magnificent canvas. The iconic National Mall and Tidal Basin, intertwined with Rock Creek Park’s history-rich trails and Georgetown’s enduring charm, provide enchanting visuals. Predictions suggest the city’s most breathtaking foliage will be fully displayed between October 16 and 30.
The season’s spotlight is stolen by the grand re-opening of the National Museum for Women in the Arts after its long-awaited renovation. Meanwhile, the city’s cultural heart beats stronger with Theatre Week and the colossal World Culture Festival in close succession. Furthermore, historically preserved for years, Capitol Hill welcomes its first luxury hotel in nearly four decades, emphasizing the district’s burgeoning reputation in luxury hospitality and gastronomy.
Theatre Week, Washington, DC.
October 21 marks a historic day as the world’s pioneering museum dedicated to women artists, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, unveils its $67.5 million renovation. This ambitious project expands its gallery space, now capable of showcasing over 6,000 works, including grand sculptures.
A day later, on September 22, the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Galleries, closed since 2021, re-opens its doors. The modern and contemporary section beautifully integrates the often-undervalued contributions from diverse communities, be it Asian American, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, LGBTQ+, or women artists.
From September 21 to October 8, Theatre Week promises an array of theatre performances that celebrate the region’s eclectic and vibrant tapestry of the arts. Meanwhile, the National Mall will be alive with the rhythm of the World Culture Festival from September 29 to October 1. An event of epic proportions, it brings artists from Argentina to Zimbabwe, providing a global cultural exchange through music, dance, and culinary delights.
Art enthusiasts should mark September 29 and 30 for ‘Art All Night’. This immersive event promises to spotlight DC’s most talented visual and performing artists from dusk to dawn. Come November 17, the Downtown Holiday Market returns, infusing the capital’s streets with the spirit of winter festivities until December 23.
Royal Sonesta, Washington, DC
Diving deeper into the arts, various exhibitions, like ‘Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas’ at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and ‘The Land Carries Our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans’ at the National Gallery of Art, are set to redefine artistic narratives.
Hotel enthusiasts are in for a treat. The Royal Sonesta’s inauguration near Union Station, the first in Capitol Hill since 1984, promises an intersection of luxury, eco-friendliness, and culinary brilliance.
For sports aficionados, the capital earns its title as the ‘Sports Mecca’ with exciting games from the Washington Nationals, Washington Spirit, and DC United.
The city’s culinary evolution is evident. El Presidente offers a journey to Mexico City, while renowned chef Makoto Okuwa introduces “Love, Makoto”. Not to be outdone, Philippe Chow brings a touch of Beijing opulence to The Wharf.
Concluding our guide, landmark institutions like Clyde’s and Martin’s Tavern mark significant anniversaries, encapsulating the city’s enduring charm.
For a comprehensive guide to Washington, DC, visit washington.org.
Written by: Matthew Thomas
