Autumnal Activations
Here at TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’ve got your eating and imbibing covered across the DMV. But sometimes you want something else—or a way to build an appetite. Enter our fall activations: museum must-sees, crisp-air strolls, pop-ups, tours, and only-in-autumn happenings. Scroll below, pick your adventure, then reward yourself with something delicious:
Sound Bath Sessions at Hotel Zena: Every Friday in October from 6–7 PM, Hotel Zena hosts Golden Frequency, an elevated sound healing experience led by global wellness expert Faith Hunter and a rotating lineup of practitioners. Blending somatic presence, sacred sound, and rooftop serenity, each session offers a unique journey designed to soothe the nervous system, restore balance, and create a ritual of return at week’s end. Info here.
Chess in Residence at The Darcy Hotel: Every Thursday in October from 5–7 PM, The Darcy Hotel hosts Chess Nights, where strategy meets style. Guests can sip themed cocktails, enjoy elevated culinary pairings, and test their skills in a welcoming atmosphere that blends sophistication, fun, and connection. Free entry. Info here.
LGBTJews in the Federal City: Explore this landmark exhibition through Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Capital Jewish Museum. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 65+ and students, and free for members and ages 12 & younger. The exhibition brings together DC history, Jewish history, and LGBTQ+ history with 200 photographs, 120 artifacts, and over a dozen oral histories, highlighting legal milestones, protests, religious change, and vibrant cultural life. Info here.
Family Programs: Story Time at CJM: Bring children under 5 and their caregivers for stories, songs, crafts, and activities. Presented in partnership with Bender JCC, Edlavitch DCJCC, Pozez JCC, and PJ Library. Free. Info here.
Upcoming dates:
Courage — Saturday, October 25 at 3:30 PM
Thank You / Toda — Thursday, November 13 at 10 AM
Shalom — Saturday, November 29 at 3:30 PM
Hanukkah — Thursday, December 11 at 10 AM
Monday Game Night at Northside Social, Clarendon!: Every Monday night, Northside Social in Clarendon invites guests to unwind, connect, and play during its lively Game Night. Arrive by 7:00 PM to settle in before gameplay begins at 7:30 PM. Participants can bring their own games or choose from Northside Social’s in-house collection. A $10 minimum purchase is required to join the fun. Info here.
Live Music Nights Along the Waterfront: Experience the allure of live entertainment with a curated cocktail in hand at CUT DC by Wolfgang Puck. In partnership with Blues Alley, the nation’s oldest continuously operating jazz supper club, CUT DC brings a lineup of acclaimed artists performing jazz, ballads, and soulful improvisations in an intimate lounge setting. Find the complete schedule and lineup on Instagram @cutdc under the “Music” highlight. Live Music Nights take place every Friday and Saturday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 1050 31st St. NW, Washington, DC. Info here.
Flight Club DC: As the weather cools, Flight Club DC offers the perfect indoor escape with tech-enabled Social Darts® for just $15–$17 for 90 minutes—a fun, affordable way to gather with friends, family, or coworkers. Every week, Flight Club Fridays brings a live DJ and a free bullseye challenge, where winners score a $100 bar tab. It’s a lively alternative to a typical bar or restaurant, ideal for casual nights out, Friendsgiving celebrations, or some friendly tournament-style competition. Info here.
Contemporary Art at the Folger: The Folger Shakespeare Library presents Contemporary Art at the Folger, a rotating exhibition running from October 2025 through April 2026, showcasing the work of four Artist Fellows whose projects draw inspiration from the library’s world-renowned collection. The series highlights how early modern history and literature continue to shape contemporary artistic expression. The exhibition will be on view in the Stuart and Mimi Rose Rare Book and Manuscript Exhibition Hall through April 5, 2026. Located at 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC, the Folger is open Tuesday–Sunday from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (Fridays until 9 p.m.), with free admission and a suggested $15 donation. Info here.
Elise Ansel: October 3 - November 9 (Artist Talk on October 10)
Missy Dunaway: November 14 - January 4 (Artist Talk on November 21)
Dominick Porras: January 9 - February 15 (Artist Talk on January 9)
Mandy Cane Villalobos: February 20 - April 5 (Artist Talk TBD)
Coming Together: Reimagining America’s Downtowns: Now open at the National Building Museum, Coming Together: Reimagining America’s Downtowns is an interactive exhibition exploring how cities across the country are transforming their downtowns post-pandemic into vibrant cultural hubs where people live, work, and connect. As the first major exhibition in the Museum’s Future Cities initiative, it features multimedia displays, case studies, and an engaging City Action Hall that invites visitors to envision and shape the future of urban life. Open Thursday–Monday, 10 AM–4 PM. Info here. Info here.
