This post covers the top things to do in November in Washington, DC (updated for 2023).
We include nighttime activities, free things to do, and family-friendly options.
As local tour guides, we compiled this list based on our own experiences, but also answering your questions.
We lead thousands of people each month on walks in DC and on every tour we are asked about things to do in our city.
We also grabbed ideas from the roughly 50k members of our popular Washington, DC Travel Tips Facebook group.

The group consists of locals, like our tour guides, veteran travelers, as well as newbies to DC.
You don't need to join in order to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.
Check out the group once you are finished reading this post. A link is at the bottom of the post.
Be sure to read our master post on things to do in DC for even more ideas
Disclosure: While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text.
Where possible we link to websites that often offer discounted ticket prices (like StubHub). While we are unable to confirm their prices are the best, they are all verified ticket resellers .
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NOVEMBER
1. Attend a Concert
The DC area sees some amazing musicians coming through.
Some of the concerts featured will be hosted at the Anthem, Capital One Arena, and the Wharf.
Concerts
- The 1975 | November 8th | Baltimore
- Air Supply | November 11th | Oxon Hill
- Shakey Graves | November 13th | DC
- Kasabian | November 15th
- Kenny Babyface Edmonds | November 19th | Hanover
- Mammoth WVH | November 19th | Baltimore
- Celtic Women | November 24th, 25th | DC
- Doja Cat | November 27th | DC
- Kiss | November 29th | Baltimore
Classical/Opera
- Snow White Opera | November 4th | Baltimore
- Washington National Opera
- Opera Baltimore
- National Symphony Orchestra
- Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Check here for other concerts taking place in the DC area in November.
2. Attend a Live Sporting Event
Many of the DC area's sports teams will be playing at home in November, so you'll have several opportunities to enjoy a game
Football
Hockey
Check here for even more sporting events in November in the DC area.
3. See a Performance, Lecture, Musical, or Other Event on the Stage
You don't need to head to NYC to catch a great performance. The DC area has loads of venues that draw all sorts of talented and fascinating people.
For example, in November, you can see physicist Neil deGrasse Tyson at the Warner Theatre in DC on November 14th.
Below are some other events you might enjoy.
Comedy Shows
- Leanne Morgan | November 3rd-5th | Tysons
- Iliza Shlesinger | November 4th | DC
- Nimesh Patel | November 10th | DC
- Michelle Wolf | November 11th, 12th | DC
- Jimmy Carr | November 12th | DC
- Brett Goldstein | November 16th, 17th, 18th | DC
- DL Hughley | November 17th | Baltimore
- Jay Leno | November 18th | Oxon Hill
Comedy Cubs
Theatre
- Swept Away | November 26th, 28th, 29th
- POTUS: Or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive | November 5th-11th
- Drunk Shakespeare | November 2nd-30th
Family-Friendly
- Champions of Magic | November 3rd | DC
- Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth | November 25th-26th | Baltimore
Check this list of theatrical performances in and around Washington DC for even more shows to attend
4. Take a Sightseeing Tour!
Our guided walks are a great way to see the city.
We offer sightseeing tours of Washington DC, including Georgetown, Alexandria, and Arlington National Cemetery, which will give you a fuller appreciation of this great capital city.
We also have self-guided tours and GPS-enabled audio tours of neighborhoods that you will likely visit as a tourist in the city.
Check out our homepage to see what we have available when you are here.
5. Honor Veterans
Veterans Day takes place on November 11th.
DC has a number of special places to visit on Veteran's Day to honor all those who are and have served in our Armed Forces.
The most obvious location to visit would be Arlington National Cemetery, which is the final resting place of many American heroes and politicians.
You can also visit the Vietnam War Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and WW2 Memorial to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at one of the war memorials on your own or see them all on our National Mall Tour
Geroge Washington's Mount Vernon also has some special events we recommend you check out.
6. Run America's Trot for Hunger
For now 22 years this race has taken place in DC, with funds raised going to SOME, a group that supports DC residents who are experiencing need.
The race starts at Freedom Plaza in Downtown DC, and runs along the National Mall, past the US Capitol and other DC sites.
There are timed and untimed 5Ks and a Little Turkey 1-Miler, making it perfect for all skill levels.
At the end of a race are family-friendly activities, with music, food tastings, live entertainment, and more.
For more information and to sign up for the race, visit the America's Trot for Hunger website.
7. Shop Black Friday
Spend some time immersed in retail therapy on the busiest shopping day of the year!
Head to popular shopping neighborhoods in the district like Georgetown and Downtown DC.
Don’t forget that the day after Black Friday is Small Business Saturday–a great chance to support independently owned local businesses.
8. Visit the First Ladies Exhibit
The Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square, close to the White House, is displaying paintings from the collection of DC artist Maggie O'Neill.
These paintings of the first ladies will appear in the windows of the Opaline Bar & Brasserie.
Also on display is her portrait of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
You can see the art until January 1st, 2024. To read more about the exhibit, visit the Sofitel's website.
For even more budget-friendly ideas, check out our post on free things to do in DC.
9. Celebrate Thanksgiving
Spend this classic American holiday in the capital!
Keep your eyes out for special Thanksgiving restaurant menus if you'd like to have someone else handle the kitchen duties.
Thanksgiving is also a good day to do some sightseeing or take a tour in Washington D.C., as they are usually much less crowded during this holiday.
Some other activities you might enjoy that take place before and after Thanksgiving include:
- DC Holiday Market | November 17th-December 23rd
- Ice Skating in DC
- Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade | November 18th
- Zoolights at the National Zoo | Dates TBA
- Holiday Market at Union Market (Dock 5) | Dates TBA
10. Save Money with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass
Tourist attraction discount passes bundle together many popular attractions and tours into one discounted price and can save you over 50%.
They also can save you time with skip-the-ticket-line privileges.
Attractions you can see with these passes include:
- CitySights Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
- International Spy Museum
- The Capital Ferris Wheel
- George Washington's Home
We detail how these passes work and help you decide which, if any, is best for you.
Dates Unconfirmed: Georgetown Glow Light Experience
This free curated outdoor light art exhibit takes place throughout the Georgetown neighborhood.
Each creation has a theme or a story behind its creation, so this is the perfect time to take a GLOW-related walking tour through Georgetown.
There are also GLOW events like yoga or a silent disco, and some late-night shopping options.
The dates for 2023 haven't been released as of the time of this post, so check the Georgetown GLOW website for updates.
We expect it will return again in November and last until January.
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