Washington, D.C. in September: 10 Things to Do While the City Gets Its Fall Glow-Up
Cooling temps lead to cool things to do in Washington D.C. in September. Jazz fills the waterfront, festivals fill the streets, museums stay open late, and the monuments shine in the early fall light.
At D.C. Crawling, a perfect September day includes hidden history, local taverns and a cold drink. But that’s because we run an adults-only history tour pub crawl near the White House.
Our guides explore downtown D.C. every day, so we know which classic attractions and September events belong in your plans. Whether you visit as a couple, with friends or solo, these 10 activities will help you make the most of your September trip.
1. Toast D.C.’s Hidden History with D.C. Crawling
Washington has plenty of official history. D.C. Crawling handles the stories that skipped the press conference. On our adults-only Insider’s Pub Crawl, an expert local guide leads you to local taverns near the White House while sharing hidden and hilarious tales of spies, bootleggers, partying politicians and how beer shaped D.C.
The 2-hour and 15-minute tour runs daily at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Drinks are available for purchase at each stop, leaving you free to choose your own liquid study aid. The crawl suits couples, friends and solo travelers who like their history with no chance of a pop quiz.
2. Let DC JazzFest Supply the Soundtrack
Let someone else handle your trip soundtrack. DC JazzFest at The Wharf brings live music to the Southwest Waterfront on September 5 and 6. Established stars and rising artists perform around The Wharf, giving you plenty of chances to discover a favorite.
Hear performances from the Wharf Street promenade without a ticket, while several stages require paid admission. Check the ticket information, then add dinner or drinks by the water. Your evening now sounds as good as it looks.
3. See How D.C. Does a State Fair
Washington has monuments, museums and, yes, its own state fair. The free DC State Fair runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, at Anthem Row in downtown D.C.
Live music, demonstrations, workshops and contests celebrate the District’s agricultural, culinary and artistic talents. Come hungry, applaud the contestants and see how much hometown spirit fits into one downtown block.
4. Visit the National Gallery After Dark
National Gallery Nights: American Icons celebrates 10 years of the museum’s after-hours series on Thursday, September 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. The free East Building event mixes exhibitions, performances, artmaking and a DJ. Masterpieces and a dance floor can share an address.
Entry uses a lottery. Registration opens August 31 at 10 a.m. and closes September 3 at noon. Set a reminder. The art is timeless, but the registration window is not. Once inside, “I like the colors” remains acceptable art analysis.
5. Pedal Past the Postcard Views
Give your walking shoes the morning off. On Saturday, September 12, the DC Bike Ride sends riders along a 20-mile, car-free course past famous sights, ending at a festival with food, music and a beer garden.
This social ride is not a race, so admire the view without auditioning for the Tour de France. Registration is required, and rental packages are available if your bike did not fit in the overhead bin.
6. Stay Out Very Late for Art
Shaw takes “art after dark” seriously. Art All Night Shaw runs from 7 p.m. on September 12 until 3 a.m. on September 13, spreading free art and performances through businesses, public spaces and outdoor locations.
The program includes live music, video projections, dance, painting and an art market. Eight hours gives you time to admire art, make art, dance near art and become emotionally invested in a mural.
7. Let Adams Morgan Plan Your Afternoon
On Sunday, September 13, Adams Morgan Day fills 18th Street NW with D.C.’s longest-running neighborhood festival. The volunteer-led celebration showcases Adams Morgan’s multicultural character through live performances, artisan vendors, global food and interactive activities.
Arrive hungry, browse slowly and let the music choose your next stop. One quick lap has a habit of becoming an entire afternoon, which is exactly the point.
8. Catch “Dear America” Before September 20
Your September itinerary comes with a deadline, thankfully involving free art instead of paperwork. The National Gallery of Art’s “Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience” remains open through September 20 and explores what it means to be American.
Admission requires no pass, making this an easy addition to a National Mall day. Bring curiosity and comfortable shoes. The art handles the rest.
9. Celebrate Ten Years of an Essential Museum
Some anniversaries deserve more than cake. Opened on September 24, 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture marks 10 years with The Reunion, a series of commemorations and community events from September 24 through 27, 2026.
Check the schedule and entry information before your visit. Give the museum several hours because a “quick stop” often becomes a meaningful afternoon. Its exhibitions span history, culture and community, and the anniversary gives visitors a fitting reason to go.
10. See the National Mall in the Evening
Finish a day with a walk among the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool. The National Mall and Memorial Parks remain open 24 hours a day, and early evening offers an inviting window for a long walk.
The memorials take on a different character under the lights, and your camera roll will quickly develop a strong marble theme. Check National Park Service alerts and individual site information before setting out.
Make the Most of Washington, D.C. This September
September in D.C. serves up waterfront jazz, neighborhood festivals, after-hours art, museum milestones and monument views. Pick an event, explore a neighborhood and leave room for spontaneity.
If you prefer your D.C. history with entertaining guides, local taverns, cold drinks and a drink menu in place of a final exam, come crawl through history with us.
Book the Insider’s Pub Crawl directly with D.C. Crawling.