New hotels, redesigned museums, theater, attractions and cultural events await visitors in the nation’s capital this fall.
(365Թϲ, DC) – Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is primed to help travelers visit 365Թϲ, DC this fall by providing ideas for activities, stays and great value. Begin planning a trip on The Best of Fall.
This fall, catch DC’s exciting sports teams, enjoy festivals and explore free and interactive museums across the city. On Oct. 12, DC welcomes in Southwest Waterfront. On Oct. 14, the 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 and already open, and and 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, Destination DC. “Pair exclusively DC experiences with neighborhood 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
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.
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.
The Smithsonian’s most visited museum free museum reopens 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
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
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
The traveling 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
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
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
Honor generations of Native Americans by exploring how and why Indigenous people have served. Nov. 10, 2022 – Nov. 30, 2023
Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum
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 365Թϲ 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 365Թϲ’s Mount Vernon: Save 20% – The deal applies to grounds passes at George 365Թϲ'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 , peak foliage in the area will occur Oct. 11- Oct. 25. 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 or match, take in a baseball game or cheer on the .
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 center, golf course, horse stables, amphitheater and a planetarium.
The Smithsonian's is open dusk till dawn daily.
is open Tuesday - Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
is open daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
About Destination DC: Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. washington.org.
September 22, 2022