2023-12-07 08:24:15
No matter what time your meeting ends, there’s always something to do in Washington, DC after the sun goes down.
TAKE IN A MUSEUM
Many of the city’s best museums offer after-hours activities and events. For museums that stay open past 6 p.m., check out the National Portrait Gallery, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the International Spy Museum. Monthly, the Phillips Collection in Dupont Circle stays open late and combines live music with thematic displays.
CATCH A LIVE SHOW
Experience the grandeur of DC’s theater scene. The National Theatre, the Warner Theatre and Ford’s Theatre often stage pre-Broadway and debut shows, while cutting-edge dramas can be enjoyed at Woolly Mammoth Theatre, Arena Stage and Shakespeare Theatre Company’s two stages. The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts hosts performances, including free 6 p.m. shows at Millennium Stage.
CRUISE THE POTOMAC
Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the Potomac River and admire the illuminated cityscape. Get up close to the monuments with a private, customized and captained boat ride with Embark DC, cruise from The Wharf to Georgetown and back on a water taxi or join a group dinner cruise with live entertainment.
MARVEL IN THE MOONLIGHT
The National Mall and its iconic monuments and memorials take on a whole new atmosphere at night. Explore the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial beautifully lit against the night sky.
LISTEN TO MUSIC
Whether you prefer jazz, go-go, hardcore punk, hip-hop or anything in between, you can find it on any given night at live music venues throughout the city. See headliner musicians at The Anthem, The Atlantis and the 9:30 Club. For independent acts in an intimate setting, head to Pearl Street Warehouse and Union Stage at The Wharf. The Hamilton Live is a hot spot music venue near the White House with a dinner club vibe. Situated just off what was once known as “Black Broadway,” the Howard Theatre hosts artists across a variety of genres. Jazz is king at Blues Alley, The Morrow Hotel’s rooftop club and Alice’s Jazz and Cultural Society.
VISIT THE LARGEST LIBRARY
The nation’s oldest federal cultural institution presents new programming weekly. Join the Library of Congress on Thursday evenings for a variety of performances, workshops and discussions. Enjoy happy hour drinks and food during extended hours while exploring exhibits and Thomas Jefferson’s library and collections.
HEAR FROM AN AUTHOR
Gather with friendly locals at one of DC’s independent bookstores for author talks and insights on the latest books by local historians, novelists and politicos. Kramers in Dupont Circle hosts trivia nights and features a cafe serving breakfast all day. Politics & Prose has three locations with an extensive lineup of author talks (nearly nightly) and a coffee and wine bar. Close to the convention center, Sixth & I hosts notable author events and lively conversations.
VIEW DC FROM THE ROOFTOPS
Watch the sunset with panoramic views of landmarks from DC’s numerous rooftop restaurants and bars. Head to Lucha Rosa for beach vibes and monuments, Moonraker for firepits overlooking the water, Smoke & Mirrors for a direct view of the U.S. Capitol and the VUE Rooftop for Instagram-worthy pictures of the National Mall. Summit Rooftop at the Conrad features an eco-conscious menu of dishes prepared in a solar oven.
ROOT FOR THE HOME TEAM
DC is an energetic sports city with exciting teams in every professional league. Enjoy a Washington Nationals baseball game at Nationals Park, check out a Capitals hockey game or Wizards hoops at Capital One Arena or see the 2019 WNBA champion Washington Mystics at Entertainment and Sports Arena. Audi Field hosts D.C. United and Washington Spirit games as well as the DC Defenders of the XFL.
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