THURSDAY
3
SEPTEMBER
The Ember List · Washington, DC
Things to do in Washington, DC
We reviewed 6,000+ Washington-area events to pick the 27 best things to do in Washington, DC between September 3 and September 9. Updated daily.
Highlights for September 2 – September 8
SHOUT (Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza, 1 West, American History Museum)
An ensemble of performers sings, dances, and teaches the historic ring shout tradition. Wednesday, September 2, 11–11:30am. Free. All ages
Nogu Svelo! (River Pavilion, The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566)
Legendary Wild East punk and alternative rock band Nogu Svelo! performs live. Thursday, September 3, 6pm. Free. All ages
Nature Journaling (Smithsonian Gardens)
Visitors can slow down, reflect, and create nature journals with supplies provided. Friday, September 4, 11am–1pm. Free. All ages; supplies provided
22nd Annual DC JazzFest at The Wharf (District Pier)
Live music performances by local talent and NEA Jazz Masters celebrate the festival. Saturday, September 5, 2pm–10pm. Free. All ages
DC State Fair 2026 (Anthem Row, 800 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20001)
A free, all‑day celebration of DC’s agricultural, culinary, and artistic talents. Sunday, September 6, 11am. Free. Family‑friendly
Live! Concert Series on the Plaza 2026 (Woodrow Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004)
Free lunchtime performances featuring a rotating lineup of musical styles. Monday, September 7, 12am–11:59pm. Free. All ages; lunchtime shows
Trivia Night (Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library)
Teams answer questions on books, history, science, and more in a library trivia contest. Tuesday, September 8, 6pm–7:30pm. Adults; teams of 3–5
Our best picks: things to do in Washington, DC — September 3–9
Join the Anacostia Watershed Society for an Anacostia River Discovery Series boat tour on the Anacostia River to explore the ecological and historical changes that have occurred in the river and in the communities around the river. We will have the opportunity to witness some of the restoration of river habitats and ho…
Millennium Stage (In-Person and Livestream). Nogu Svelo! is a legendary Wild East punk and alternative rock band out of New York City. Blending punk energy, theatrical performance, and Eastern European cabaret influences, Nogu Svelo! has become one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary international rock.
Grooves in the Grove returns Thursday evenings this Summer, bringing vibey beats to the waterfront. Tre4rmDC is an R&B artist whose sound is rooted in soul, groove and passion. His smooth delivery feels authentic and timeless.
Great night of community in Takoma Park at Busboys and Poets. What happens when four dynamic improv groups converge for a night of unscripted brilliance? You get Improv-aganza! Join us at Busboys and Poets Takoma for an electrifying evening of improv comedy that defies expectations and delivers big laughs. Each of our…
FRIDAY
4
SEPTEMBER
Experience an unforgettable weekend of wonder at the DC Festival of Magic this Labor Day Weekend, from September 4 to September 6.
Explore the stories from fabrics, textiles and threads in this hands on workshop by local artist, Autumn Spears. Inspired by the idea that textiles can serve as personal and cultural archives, The Shape of Memory, invites us to reflect on a memory or experience that has shaped our lives and transform that reflection in…
Kickoff the final weekend of State Fairs: Growing American Craft with a little line dancing! Pull on your finest dancing boots and western wares for a short lesson followed by an hour of classic country line dances surrounded by artist Justin Favela ’s stunning corn piñatas. This closing program for State Fairs and Cap…
Genre‑defying high entertainment group Perfekt Blend is performing on the Floating Stage at Transit Pier on Friday, September 4. This free concert, presented by Pacifico Beer, begins at 7:00 pm.
SATURDAY
5
SEPTEMBER
We invite you to join a National Park Service volunteer birder for an engaging bird walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This event is open to all, including those new to birding. We encourage participants to bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars if available. A limited number of binoculars are available for loan with…
Kick off Library Card Sign-Up Month with DC Public Library’s Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library and discover the many things this central library can do for you! Come play yard games under the loggia, make cool art, watch a movie, enjoy some snacks, get or renew your library card, and learn about what you can do a…
Join us for a creative, hands-on workshop led by artist James S. Terrell. Inspired by the symbolism and storytelling power of masks, participants will design and paint their own expressive mask artwork on canvas. Inspired by the work of David Driskell and Lois Mailou Jones, James S. Terrell will walk participants throu…
Rhythms, Roots, Recipes: Community Stories of Food and Music brings together cooking demonstrations, live music, and storytelling. Each program in the series explores traditions that animate families and communities across the United States—and beyond. Join us for an afternoon of Armenian American culture as found in o…
The signature event of DC JazzFest will take place from September 5-6 on District Pier. Join us for live music performances by incredible artists—from homegrown talent to NEA Jazz Masters.
September 5, 3 PM Latinos Beyond Reel: Filmmakers Miguel Picker and Chyng Sun examine how US news and entertainment media portray -- and do not portray -- Latinos. September 12, 3 PM Critical Thinking: Based on a true story from 1998, five Latinx and Black teenagers from the toughest underserved ghetto in Miami fight t…
SUNDAY
6
SEPTEMBER
We invite you to join a National Park Service volunteer birder for an engaging bird walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This event is open to all, including those new to birding. We encourage participants to bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars if available. A limited number of binoculars are available for loan with…
Want to improve your English language speaking skills? Want to practice speaking English in a comfortable group setting? Stop by the Georgetown Library English Conversation Club! See you soon! Want to improve your English language speaking skills? Want to practice speaking English in a comfortable group setting? Stop b…
Join docent Sushmita Mazumdar every first Sunday of the month as she guides you to use pencil and paper to consider the unique ideas and expressions of Asian artists from various traditions spanning the continent across centuries. All materials will be provided. No reservation needed.
Join our ensemble of performers as they sing, dance, and teach through storytelling. Learn about the ring shout—a powerful practice blending song and rhythmic movement created by enslaved communities in the 1700s and 1800s. They combined various religious practices of Europe and Africa, creating a cultural tradition th…
Celebrate everything homegrown, handmade, and proudly DC at the 17th Annual DC State Fair. On September 6, Anthem Row comes alive with a free, all-day celebration of the District's agricultural, culinary, and artistic talents. From 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., rain or shine, enjoy live music, local vendors, creative demons…
MONDAY
7
SEPTEMBER
From salsa to strings, and blues to swing, Live! Concert Series on the Plaza 2026 features hot entertainment for the Downtown DC community. From July 13 through September 25, 2026, Monday to Friday at 12:00 p.m. - 1:00pm on Wilson Plaza, join us for free lunchtime performances featuring the area's most talented enterta…
Northwest One Library presents Resume Building for Beginners. This program will consist of helping individuals who has never created and/or have a resume build their first resume. This program will have two sessions every Monday. The first session is from 10:45am-12:00pm for Adults. The second session is from 3:45pm-5:…
Examine the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of one of the world’s oldest civilizations in this in-person, docent-led tour. Learn about Chinese artworks such as ritual bronze vessels, calligraphy, brush paintings in ink and color, and exquisite ceramics. Please meet at the West Building Information Desk for the…
TUESDAY
8
SEPTEMBER
Neighborhood Legal Services Program attorneys can help with debt collection defense, criminal records sealing, disability and other public benefits, student loans, unemployment, services for DC tenants, and wrongful placement on the child protection registry.
In this course, participants will explore a variety of mixed-media approaches to art! Mixed media can unlock a variety of textures, styles, and imaginative avenues. Applying techniques such as perspective, shading, and color theory, participants will have the opportunity to work from reference imagery as well as from l…
Join The Mahjong Lady, Jennie Mak, for an exciting introduction to Classic Hong Kong Style Mahjong—one of the most versatile and widely played versions of the game around the world. Mahjong, meaning “sparrow” in Chinese, is a game of strategy, skill, and a bit of luck. Originating in China, it spread internationally, e…
Join us in the galleries for a drop-in sketching session with artist, Jill Galloway! Create, connect, and sketch with fellow artists, while drawing inspiration from the Portrait Gallery's collection. These drop-in style workshops will include all supplies. Open to artists of all levels, ages 18 and up. When you arrive,…
WEDNESDAY
9
SEPTEMBER
DSLBD offers one-on-one meeting time for DC-based entrepreneurs and businesses to learn more about our programs, connect with additional services in the District, and develop a for-profit business. Please see the assistance descriptions below for one-on-one meetings with a DSLBD team member and use the scheduling link…
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