This Fall, Washington DC is bursting with exciting reasons to visit. From buzzworthy hotels to big-name restaurant openings and a new White House experience, there’s something for everyone.
The luxurious Salamander Washington, DC hotel is nearing the end of its impressive renovations, and DC will soon welcome its first Arlo Hotel. Both properties will feature trendy new restaurants led by acclaimed chefs.
Additionally, “The People’s House: A White House Experience,” located just a block from the Executive Mansion, will open its doors, offering an immersive, cutting-edge exploration of the White House’s rich history.
Arts and culture are also taking center stage. Don’t miss the Osgemeos: Endless Story exhibit at The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. This is the largest US showcase of the renowned Brazilian artists and will mark the museum’s 50th anniversary…. and for those who still want more, Theatre Week kicks off from 26 September and will feature more than 30 productions with tickets from just USD$20.
To find out more visit https://washington.org
Rest
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 9 September. 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 September: The boutique Madison Hotel will join the Marriott portfolio, rebranded as Le Méridien Madison, Washington, DC. The property has undergone an expansive USD$15 million renovation inspired by the Golden Age of travel.
Grand Hyatt Washington, November: The 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, November: 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, June: The centrally located hotel completed a multimillion-dollar renovation with elevated amenities.
Westin Georgetown, Washington, DC, June: The transformed hotel unveiled a multimillion-dollar renovation, offering a refined blend of well-being experiences and timeless design.
Explore
“A Soldier’s Journey” at the World War I Memorial, 13 September: 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, 23 September: 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.
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, 14 September to 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, 20 September to 12 January 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, 29 September 2024 to 3 August 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, 18 October 2024 to 6 July 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 to 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.
Play
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 14 December.
Events DC presents WalkingTown DC, 14 to 21 September: Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the annual fall event offering nine tours in all areas of the city.
Art All Night, 27 to 28 September: Join artists on two nights, from 7pm to 3am, to celebrate DC’s performing and visual arts creatives across all eight wards.
DC Coffee Festival, 5 to 6 October: Dozens of the District’s top roasters fill the warehouse at Dock 5 at Union Market.
Snallygaster, 12 October: Head to Pennsylvania Avenue for a hefty lineup of 450 hand-selected craft brews and ciders.
F1 Arcade Washington, DC, 13 October: 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 16 October (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 October: 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, 22 November to 23 December: Celebrating 20 years with an expanded footprint. Enjoy an elevated festive and immersive market experience. Local vendors. Good eats.
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