Things to Do in the DMV This Month

September 2, 2025 | Lifestyle

September is that sweet spot where summer isn’t quite ready to let go, but fall is already knocking at the door. From art-filled nights to heritage festivals and theater premieres to orchard adventures, the DMV is buzzing with ways to make the most of the month. Whether you’re in the heart of DC or hopping just over the border into Maryland or Virginia, here’s your guide to the best September happenings around!

Looking for more of the best of DC? Check out the Lifestyle Section of our blog for everything from the best places in DC to grab a cocktail to the latest after-school programs for kids!

Washington, DC

National Gallery Nights: Back to School (Sept 11, free, lottery registration required)
Art class, but make it after-hours. The National Gallery of Art kicks off its fall season with a playful “Back to School” theme, featuring pop-up performances, creative activities, and galleries open late.

Metro Ties Premiere (Sept 11, $30, Metrobar, Brentwood)
See DC’s own love lives play out on the big screen. This locally produced dating and romance TV show gets its big debut at Metrobar — cocktails included.

Art All Night (Sept 12–13, free, multiple locations)
The city doesn’t sleep, and neither does its art scene. From murals to music to pop-up fashion shows, DC transforms into a round-the-clock creative festival.

Adams Morgan Day (Sept 14, free, Adams Morgan)
DC’s longest-running neighborhood festival returns with live music, family activities, and enough food vendors to keep you happily snacking all afternoon.

Issa Rae at DAR Constitution Hall (Sept 16, $91+)
She may have skipped the Kennedy Center earlier this year, but Issa Rae is back to talk about her new book I Should Be Smarter by Now. Expect laughs, honesty, and plenty of inspiration.

H Street Festival (Sept 20, free, H Street Corridor)
This mile-long celebration is a DC staple, packed with local eats, art, contests, and kids’ fun. It’s high-energy, eclectic, and very, very DC.

Theatre Week (Sept 19–Oct 5, $25+, various theaters)
More than 20 shows across the city open their doors with discounted tickets. From musicals to dramas, it’s the perfect chance to dip your toes into the local theater scene.

Fiesta DC (Sept 27–28, free, Downtown)
Expect ancestral fashion, folk dance, and a parade that lights up Pennsylvania Avenue. It’s Latin culture at its liveliest.

Eckhart Tolle Lecture (Sept 28, $82+, DAR Constitution Hall)
Craving a calmer weekend? Spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle takes the stage for an evening of mindfulness and reflection.

Enjoy the fall weather around town with these local recommendations!

Maryland

Ukrainian Festival (Sept 12–15, Silver Spring, free Fri, $15+ Sat–Sun)
Ukrainian dance, traditional crafts, concerts, and of course, a beer garden. This annual favorite brings a splash of color and culture to downtown Silver Spring.

Takoma Park Folk Festival (Sept 7, free, Takoma Park)
Bluegrass, Americana, and more fill the air as multiple stages light up with live performances. Bonus: local vendors and community fun make it feel like a neighborhood block party on steroids.

Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival (Sept 28, free, Wheaton)
Art literally takes to the streets with a vibrant parade, vendor booths, and family activities. Bring your walking shoes — you won’t want to miss a thing.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (Sept 17–Oct 12, $15+, Imagination Stage, Bethesda)
For the littles, Eric Carle’s colorful puppets come to life on stage. It’s sweet, short, and tailor-made for young imaginations.

Charles County Fair (Sept 11–14, $10, La Plata)
Carnival rides, animal contests, and fried everything. Classic county fair vibes just a quick drive from the Beltway.

Interested in buying a home this fall? Explore these related blog posts!

Virginia

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II with the National Symphony Orchestra (Sept 5, $49.50+, Wolf Trap, Vienna)
Because “expelliarmus” hits harder when paired with a live orchestra. Relive the magic on the big screen with a sweeping live score.

Cirque du Soleil: Luzia (Sept 6–Oct 19, $60+, Tysons)
A surreal, colorful dive into Mexican culture with jaw-dropping acrobatics and dreamy staging. Worth the hype — and then some.

Rosslyn Jazz Fest (Sept 6, free, Arlington)
Grab a picnic blanket and let contemporary jazz bands like Southern Avenue set the vibe. It’s an easygoing way to spend a late-summer evening.

Mosaic Fall Festival (Sept 27–28, free, Fairfax)
Autumn produce, handmade goods, vintage finds, and local snacks all come together in one of Northern Virginia’s trendiest outdoor plazas.

Lovettsville Oktoberfest (Sept 26–28, free, Lovettsville)
Dust off your lederhosen and practice your prost. This small town turns into Bavaria for the weekend with polka, pretzels, and plenty of beer.

Cox Farms Fall Festival (Sept 20–Nov 9, $15+, Centreville)
Part petting zoo, part giant slide park, part pumpkin-palooza. Kids will love it, but let’s be honest — adults will too.

State Fair of Virginia (Sept 26–Oct 5, $11+, Doswell)
The ultimate fall tradition: livestock shows, funnel cakes, Ferris wheels, and concerts under the stars. Bring your stretchy pants.

The sun may soon be setting on summer, but we’re here to help you soak up every last drop. So stay cool, stay curious, and get out there — August in the DMV won’t wait.

Curious about more than just local events and happenings? For all your DMV real estate needs, we’re here to help! Get in touch with us by filling out the form on this page, calling us at 202.280.2060, or emailing connect@jennsmira.com.