Autumnal Activations 2026

Photo: Lyndon Li

As summer does the slow fade, the trees begin to turn and autumn makes its grand entrance. The DC Area’s summer activations are, too, packing it up and now preparing for the seasonal shift. So. Much. To. See. And. Do:

Let's All Go To The Movies:

The Drive-In at Union Market: The Drive-In at Union Market is back for the 14th season. It’s the perfect blend of movies and munchies with amazing concessions. From street food to Michelin-starred fine dining, experience it all at Union Market District. Get tickets to watch from the comfort of your car or bring chairs and blankets for a cozy picnic-style setup in front of The Market. No tickets are needed to watch on Neal Place. Once a month through October. See full schedule and purchase tickets here.

Met Park Movie Nights: Grab some friends, a blanket and popcorn as Met Park’s central green comes alive with a family-friendly movie series every other Friday. Settle in from 6 to 8 p.m. as favorites like Back to the Future, The Princess Diaries, Encanto and Coco play on the big screen. Every Other Friday, September 4 – October 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.; 1330 S Fair St, Arlington, VA; This event is free and open to the public. No registration necessary. More information here.

Under the Stars: West Falls is welcoming fall with a full lineup of free outdoor events throughout October, inviting the Falls Church community to gather at Commons Park for live music, movie nights, football watch parties and fitness classes. From listening to live music under the stars and settling in for a movie to cheering on your favorite team, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season outdoors with friends, family and neighbors. Hocus Pocus will air October 22 at 7:00 p.m., featuring free popcorn. Enjoy live music in the heart of West Falls with Friday evening performances from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Commons Park. Upcoming shows include James Stevens on October 16, Matt Davis on October 23, and James Stevens on October 30. 201 West Falls Station Boulevard, Falls Church, VA.

Snooze you lose: Family Movie Night at Tysons Corner Center: On September 18, families are invited to PenFed Plaza for a free outdoor screening of Disney’s Encanto, the animated favorite inspired by the culture, music and landscapes of Colombia. Bring a folding chair or blanket, grab dinner to-go from nearby favorites including Barrel & Bushel, Shake Shack or Earls, and settle in for the movie on PenFed Plaza’s big screen beginning at 5:30 p.m. The season concludes with The Nightmare Before Christmas on October 16. Free and open to the public.

Snooze, You Lose:  Island Cinema at The Yards: Enjoy three tropical-inspired movie nights on The Yards Sundeck featuring big-screen favorites, island-themed décor, activations and food and beverage specials from participating restaurants. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab dinner or drinks and settle in for a movie under the stars. “Soul Surfer” on September 11, “50 First Dates” on September 9 and “Blue Crush” on September 17. 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Movies begin at sundown. 355 Water Street SE; The event is free to attend, but registration is encouraged. Register here.

What A Show!:

Theatre of Magic at The Fairmont: This fall, Fever and the Fairmont DC have teamed up to bring you an intimate up-close-magic show. Master magicians and performers blend sleight of hand, storytelling and theatrical flair for an evening unlike any other. With performers appearing just feet away, every trick feels immediate and every reveal becomes part of the shared experience in the room. The series showcases a curated lineup of America’s most talented magicians, each bringing their own signature blend of charisma, humor and mind-bending illusion to DC. The show is running on the following  Saturdays: October 10, 24 and 31, November 14 and 28, December 5 and 26.  Additional dates include Friday, October 30, Wednesday, December 23, Thursday, December 24, and Sunday December 27.  Two seatings per night, the first at 4:30pm and the second at 7:30pm. Ticket holders will enjoy 20% off at the hotel’s dining outlets on the night of the show when presenting their ticket. Tickets are now available on the Fever app and Theatre of Magic starting at $79.

Folger Fall Lineup: From plays to concerts to exhibits, and everything in between, the Folger has what you need for the cooler weather. The Folger's fall programming also includes Folger Salons, Folger Book Club, Family Workshops, Printing Press Demonstrations, and so much more. Highlights include Folger Consort's Monteverdi's Legacy (Sept. 11-13); Folger Theatre's Measure For Measure (Sept. 22-Nov. 1); Exhibition: To Hear Her Speak: Black women and Shakespeare (Oct. 16-May 2); Folger Poetry's O.B. Hardison Reading with Cornelius Eady (Oct. 20, 7:30pm). See all details here. 

NaLa Noches: Spice up your Thursday evenings with NaLa Noches, a celebration of Latin music and culture at Metropolitan Park in the heart of National Landing. New this year, get on your feet for a short, beginner-friendly dance lesson hosted by Inspira Dance during the set break. Enjoy food onsite from favorite Peruvian Brothers and participate in art activities lead by the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington. Every Thursday, September 17 – October 15 from 5 to 7 p.m.; 1330 S Fair St, Arlington; This event is free and open to the public. Register via Eventbrite. 

Snooze You Lose: Fall Back Concert Series at The Yards: The Yards waterfront transforms into an outdoor music destination for a three-part concert series featuring local bands and sing-along favorites. Grab dinner from neighborhood restaurants, enjoy food and beverage offerings to accompany live music overlooking the river. Thursdays, September 24, October 1 and 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. 355 Water Street SE; The event is free to attend, but registration is encouraged. Registration details coming soon.

See all the shows coming to town in our Theater Roundup, here. 

Museum Visits:

National Gallery Nights: The East Building comes to life in this popular after-hours program. Join the National Gallery of Art for themed evenings with music, live performances, artmaking, pop-up talks, and more. Registration available via lottery system, opening the Monday prior to the event date. For more information and to register, click here. Through November 12.

Ford’s Theatre Public Programs: This year’s programs bring together conversations, tours, workshops and community events that examine pivotal moments in American history and the people who shaped them. This season’s programs explore leadership and resilience following 9/11, Abraham Lincoln’s life and legacy, the Civil War and its memory, the process of turning history into art and the voices carrying these stories forward. A full list of public programs is available at fords.org and will be updated on a rolling basis.

Hillwood Museum - Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles: Richly woven, meticulously stitched, and deeply symbolic, textiles have shaped societies for centuries, serving as both functional objects and extraordinary works of art. Hillwood founder Marjorie Merriweather Post maintained a reverence for textiles throughout her life, preserving antique lace samples, apparel from her girlhood, and examples of textile work created by the women in her family. Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles is the first exhibition at Hillwood to focus on this essential yet unexplored aspect of the collection, showcasing the remarkable artistry, technical mastery, and cultural importance of textiles across centuries. 4155 Linnean Avenue NW; Click here for more information. Through January 2027. 

National Museum of Women in the Arts: Routed West: Twentieth-Century African American Quilts in California through January 17, 2027 - More than 80 quilted objects trace how Black women leaving the Jim Crow South stitched a legacy of survival, connection and resilience across generations.

National Museum of Asian Art: From the Louvre: Masterpieces of Islamic Art through January 18, 2027 - On view for the first time in the U.S., the exhibit presents artworks from the Musée du Louvre that represent the depth and global reach of the arts of the Islamic world.

Hirshhorn: Light is a Plastic Medium: The Photography of Carlotta Corpron through March 14, 2027 - A survey of work by the American abstract photographer.

The Phillips Collection: Avery, Gottlieb & Rothko: By the Sea October 24 through January 24, 2027 - The story of the lifelong friendship between three towering figures in American art: Milton Avery, Adolph Gottlieb and Mark Rothko. Many works have never been on public view.

National Gallery of Art: Remember Me: Picturing African Americans in Early Photography November 7 through March 14, 2027 - The exhibition illuminates how photography became an essential means for expressing community, aspiration and personal identity.
 

Where Else You'll Find Us:

Coming Soon! Bluey x CAMP: Bluey’s House: Every toddler in the DMV is currently obsessed with Bluey, and this fall you can walk straight into her world. Opening September 4 at CAMP in Tysons Corner Center, this life-sized, immersive walk-through of Bluey’s house lets families explore every room, play games from the show, dance in the playroom, climb a two-story pillow fort and cardboard castle, hunt for hidden details, and catch exclusive animations, before finishing with a meet-and-greet and photo op with Bluey and Bingo. Bluey-themed merch is available for purchase, and timed entry tickets go every 15 minutes.

Snooze you lose: Don't miss the FREE Play the Bluey Way activation at Tysons Corner Center, on September 18, 19 and 20, with a program designed for families as part of the Play the Bluey Way global campaign, inspired by the beloved animated series Bluey. Launching this month by BBC Studios, the campaign is inviting families everywhere to embrace more play, connection and fun in their everyday lives. At the heart of the campaign is a series of murals designed by Ludo Studio artists and inspired by iconic Bluey moments of play.

MoCA on the Move, Fall Fun Family Series: The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington will host a fall family series each Sunday in Met Park with live music, lawn games, bubbles and hands-on art-making activities guided by local artists. Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 1330 S Fair Street, Arlington. Free; register via Eventbrite. Art-making activities change each week and include Abstract Painting, Fall Charm Bar, Stained Glass Dreamcatchers, and Calavera Masks. Through October 25.

Ghost Tours: For families with kids old enough to enjoy a good spooky story, Ghost City Tours — the world’s largest ghost tour company, runs haunted history walks, paranormal storytelling, and haunted pub crawls across DC and surrounding cities, led by local guides who know the city’s legends best. A different way to learn DC history, with a chill down your spine.

Old Post Office Clock Tower: The historic Clocktower at Waldorf Astoria DC once again welcomes the public, reopening one of the city's most unique—and free—observation experiences. Get the chance to take in panoramic views of the nation's capital from atop the landmark Old Post Office building, a hidden gem that has long been a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The Clocktower offers sweeping views of Washington, DC from more than 300 feet above the city, along with exhibits that explore the history of one of the capital's most recognizable buildings. Open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Storytime Studio at the Hirshhorn: Kids ages 0–6 and their caregivers are welcome for an hourlong blend of educator-led read-alouds, play, and art exploration at the Hirshhorn’s Storytime Studio. Sessions run Wednesdays at 10 and 11 AM on an ongoing basis. It’s free, no registration required, though capacity is limited and entry is first-come, first-served, so arrive early. It’s a genuinely lovely way to introduce the youngest kids to art and storytelling right on the National Mall. For more information, click here.

Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience: This virtual reality experience places you in Outer Space. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the experience takes you on a seamless journey through the cosmos, from dazzling galaxies to the edge of a black hole. Climb aboard powerful telescopes and uncover the universe’s greatest mysteries in immersive 3D. Ages 10+; ticket prices start at $29; 926 F Street NW; for more information, click here. 

Sloomoo Institute: A new slime experience will open its doors at Tysons Corner this summer. Spanning 17,000 square feet over two levels, this sensory, ASMR-driven wonderland invites all ages to walk on slime at Lake Sloomoo, slingshot, and play with never-ending textures. The new Sloomoo features slime-making classes where guests can learn how to make Sloomoo Slime from scratch, host private birthday parties, experience the expanded DIY Design Bar with over 4 million combinations, smell exclusive new floral scents, and play in the interactive installations. Tysons Corner Center.

You've Missed It: Blink and You'll Miss It! The Last Few Drops of Summer: 

Snooze you lose: Tunes in the Triangle: Pack a picnic and get ready for another iteration of Tunes in the Triangle. Mt Vernon Triangle will break their free music series into A-Side/B-Side June and September segments to maximize optimal weather conditions. The June portion will be held in Milian Park, while the September session will be in Cobb Park. Wednesdays in June and September from 6:00 to 7:30pm. Free. RSVP here. 

Snooze you lose: City Ridge Summer Concert Series: Enjoy intimate outdoor concerts while dining and sipping from your favorite neighborhood spots—grab tacos, cocktails, or settle into a patio seat and take in the vibes. Every Friday through September; 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.; The Great Lawn by Taco Bamba - weather permitting. 
September 4 – Trio Caliente & DC Casineros: DC Casineros will be teaching a step-by-step class from 6:00 – 6:30 p.m., sharing moves from their world-renowned dance company. Trio Caliente brings the heat with fiery flamenco guitar, soulful vocals, and Latin dance grooves that will keep you moving all night. Expect salsa, rumba, bossa nova, pop, and more.
September 11 – Jamie Moynihan performing an acoustic set, bringing locally written music along with some favorites live to the front lawn.
September 18 – David Byass, a local Saxophonist and pianist, bringing an intimate evening of jazz fusion to City Ridge.
September 25 – Karen Harris Band: Karen Harris is the City Ridge Music Coordinator who books all of the talent in each series. She opened the series and will be closing out this season with all of your favorite hits. Dance, sing along, and enjoy one last show with us to close out the summer.

Snooze, You Lose:  Dive-In Movies at Hotel Zena: Float in the rooftop pool and catch a movie at Hotel Zena. Movies will be shown every Wednesday starting at 9:00 p.m. (weather permitting). Free for registered hotel guests. For attendees not staying at the hotel, passes can be purchased on Eventbrite for $30 per person, and include a bag of popcorn and a complimentary mocktail, or signature cocktail. Through September 9th. For movie line up and to book a pass, click here.

Snooze, You Lose:  The Square Rockville Summer Concert Series: Longer days, warm nights, and live music under the open sky—summer is officially sounding better. The Square Rockville has announced the 2026 Summer Concert Series, bringing a lineup of live performances to The Square all season long. Grab your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and dancing shoes. Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, date night, or a family-friendly evening, these concerts are the perfect way to enjoy summer at The Square. Fridays, through September 11. For a full calendar, click here.  

Snooze, You Lose: Bethesda Summer Concert Series: Every Friday this summer, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., head to the corner of Norfolk & St. Elmo Avenues to enjoy a free outdoor concert, and food and drinks from downtown Bethesda restaurants. Just like in previous years, adult beverages will be available for purchase from local restaurants, and can be enjoyed within the concert site. Want to know who else to expect this summer? See the full line-up here. Through September 18, 2026.