This post covers the top things to do in November in Washington, DC (updated for 2022), including nighttime activities, free things to do, and family-friendly options.
Be sure to read our master post on things to do in DC for even more ideas.
TOP 10 EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO
This section covers our top ten list of things to do in DC for November.
For more ideas on favorite things to do in DC, check out the following posts:
Some of the items listed in this post are included for free with the purchase of a tourist attraction discount pass.
1. Go to a Concert
The capital tends to attract a lot of popular musicians throughout the year, and November will be no different. There will be a lot of great musical performances to see.
Here are a few of the best concerts to see in DC this month:
- Marcus Mumford | November 2nd
- Gwar | November 3rd (Baltimore)
- Fortunate Youth | November 5th
- The Revivalists | November 9th
- Travis | November 9th
- Bow Wow | November 12th
- Yes | November 13th
- Trey Anastacio | November 17th
- Yung Gravy | November 19th
If you still can't find a performance you want to attend, check this list of concerts in Washington DC to see who else will be coming this month.
2. Attend a Live Sporting Event
Many of DC's professional sports teams will be playing in home games this month, so you'll have several opportunities to see your favorite team in November.
The Washington Commanders will be playing two home games this month against the Minnsota Vikings and the Atlanta Falcons.
You'll also have the opportunity to see the Washington Capitals NHL team at home for 8 games including matches against the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche, amongst others.
If you're a basketball fan, don't forget that the Washington Wizards should also be scheduled to play at least a number of games this month.
3. See a Musical or Comedy Show
Washington DC is just an hour south of Baltimore, so you could easily hop on a train to go and see one of the great musicals scheduled to be hosted in this city during November.
The Hippodrome in Baltimore will be hosting TINA - The Tina Turner Musical from November 15th - 20th, 2022.
At the Kennedy Center in DC is the kids stage show, Bluey's Big Play. It takes place November 20th - 27th.
Also at the Kennedy center is the National Symphony Orchestra which is there November 5th, 11th, 17th, and 19th.
In DC, you can find British comedian Sarah Millican on November 13th at Sixth & I.
If comedy is more your style, there is plenty to chose from.
The "comedy, adventure and fantasy role-playing podcast" The Adventure Zone will be at DAR Constitution Hall on November 13th.
In Baltimore, the amazing David Cross of Arrested Development will be having a show November 4th.
Also in Baltimore, Randy Rainbow will be performing on November 11th.
JB Smoove from Curb Your Enthusiam will be appearing at the Warner Theatre in DC on November 10th.
Comedian Heather McDonald will be at the Kennedy Center on November 19th
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
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 the 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 the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
For 21 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, 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 Trot 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 business.
8. Watch Planes Take Off and Land from Gravelly Point Park
Aircraft enthusiasts flock to Gravelly Point Park which is adjacent to Reagan National Airport.
Accessible via bike trail or car parking lot, the grassy park is so close to the airport that planes flying in have their wheels down and are only seconds away from a touchdown.
Grab a lawn blanket on a nice day and enjoy the view!
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 rather not cook your own turkey, run the calories off at the Turkey Trot after, or consider volunteering to brighten someone else's holiday.
Thanksgiving is also a good day to do some sightseeing in Washington DC, as they are usually much less crowded during this holiday.
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.
RELATED POSTS
- Things to Do in October and December
- Things to Do Any Time of Year
- How's the Weather in November?
