35 Things to do in D.C. for $15 or Less: September 2025 

And just like that, September is here. Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall this month, my D.C. friends. Make the most of the sunshine with cultural and art festivals, after-hours museum parties, community get-togethers, and so much more.&nbsp; by Yelena Nicolle Salvador DC-PROPER AREA EVENTS 1) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/wordplay-wednesday-late-nights-at-planet-word-museum-washington-1017557">Wordplay Wednesday: Back to School</a> When: Wed. 9/3 Where: Downtown Cost: $5+ Info: Head to the Planet Word museum for an after-hours museum party that’s back-to-school themed. Explore the galleries, indulge in a free sweet treat, and enjoy family-friendly activities all night long. 2) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/thursday-night-out-washington-1024522">Thursday Night Out</a> When: Thursdays, starting 9/4 Where: Downtown Cost: Free Info: Downtown DC is hosting after-hours parties every Thursday this month. Explore the area every week at different locations where there will be free live music, cultural activations, food and vendor pop-ups, and dance parties.&nbsp; 3) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/live-at-the-library-washington-1010821">Live! At the Library</a> When: Thursdays, starting Thu. 9/4 Where: Capitol Hill Cost: Free Info: The Library of Congress hosts some of the best pre-weekend parties around. This month, you can expect extra fun activations apart from the extended hours, where you can visit the Reading Room and current exhibits. Mark your calendars for movie screenings, the Golden Age of Hollywood Costume Ball, and an author talk. 4) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/music-in-the-meadow-rock-garden-ft-route-66-band-washington-1024530">Music in the Meadow</a> When: Fri. 9/5 Where: Northeast Washington Cost: $15+ Info: Head to the National Arboretum’s Hebr Garden for an evening concert in the meadow, where the sounds of rock music will echo amongst the plants and greenery. You can enjoy the musical instrument petting zoo, grab a brew or some food from the pop-up food trucks, and dance to classic tunes.&nbsp; 5) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/first-friday-artwalk-dupont-washington-1001621">First Friday ArtWalk Dupont</a>&nbsp; When: Fri. 9/5 Where: Dupont Circle Cost: Free Info: Explore Dupont Circle’s art galleries, embassies, and cultural centers. Meet new friends and kick off your weekend with a self-guided gallery walk featuring 10-15 community spaces that will be staying open late.&nbsp; 6) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/first-saturdays-at-the-national-gallery-of-art-washington-1001753">First Saturdays at the National Gallery of Art</a> When: Sat. 9/6 Where: Gallery Place Cost: Free Info: Spend your weekend at the National Gallery of Art with friends and family. Make some art inspired by the pieces on display, enjoy live music, explore the galleries, and more.&nbsp; 7) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/library-of-congress-national-book-festival-washington-1024520">25th Annual Library of Congress National Book Festival</a> When: Sat. 9/6 Where: Hill East Cost: Free Info: The Library of Congress is hosting their 25th Annual National Book Festival. Get ready to celebrate the art of writing by meeting other booklovers, attending one of the 90+ author talks, listening to some readings, and so much more.&nbsp; 8) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/dc-state-fair-washington-1024539">16th Annual DC State Fair</a> When: Sat. 9/6 Where: Edgewood Cost: Free Info: Come celebrate the vibrant community of DC and check out the 16th Annual DC State Fair. This festival showcases the DMV’s agricultural, culinary, and artistic talents. Shop from small businesses, dance to live music, and participate in different contests like best chocolate cake and apple pie. 9) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/women-in-sports-washington-1024563">Women in Sports</a>&nbsp; When: Sat. 9/6 Where: The Wharf Cost: Free Info: Head to the Wharf for a jam-packed day that honors women in sports. There will be live music on a floating stage; mini golf and golf simulators; conversations with talented athletes, Olympians, and journalists; and so much more.&nbsp; 10) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/celebration-of-textiles-enduring-traditions-washington-1024536">Celebration of Textiles: Enduring Traditions</a> When: Sat. 9/6 Where: Foggy Bottom Cost: Free Info: The GWU Museum and the Textile Museum are hosting their annual Celebration of Textiles community festival. This year’s theme is enduring traditions, so come learn about different cultures through live music, artist demos that showcase Indigenous, West African, Chinese, and other cultural practices, and other immersive activities.&nbsp; 11) <a href="https://joyraft.com/search?find_loc=Washington%2C+DC&amp;q=community+day+at+national+museum+of+">Community Day at the National Museum of Women in the Arts</a> When: Sun. 9/7 &amp; Wed. 9/10 Where: Gallery Place Cost: Free Info: Celebrate women in the arts by enjoying free admission to the NMWA during their monthly community days. Visit the exhibits, make some art, take a highlights tour, listen to a gallery talk, and so much more.&nbsp; 12) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/noma-in-color-mural-festival-washington-1024546">10th Annual NoMa in Color Mural Festival</a> When: Mon. 9/8 - Mon. 9/15 Where: NoMa Cost: Free Info: Every year, NoMa transforms with more color since new murals are painted throughout the neighborhood. Join the NoMa in Color Fest throughout the week, where you can connect with artists and watch them paint different walls around the community. Welcome the new murals around the area with the <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/noma-in-color-color-jam-washington-1024545">free community block party</a> featuring art workshops, live music, and pop-up food vendors.&nbsp; 13) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/national-gallery-nights-2025-washington-1014051">National Gallery Nights: Back to School</a> When: Thu. 9/11 Where: National Mall Cost: Free Info: The National Gallery of Art is back to hosting their NGA Nights for the fall season. The first one for fall 2025 is back-to-school themed. Come dressed in your best, dance to live music, make some art, and enjoy pop-up talks at this after-hours museum party.&nbsp; 14) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/2025-cinematery-mausoleums-monsters-washington-1018685">Cinematery 2025: ‘Ghostbusters’</a> When: Fri. 9/12 Where: Hill East Cost: $10 Info: Catch the final Cinematery: Mausoleums &amp; Monsters movie screenings of the 2025 season at the Congressional Cemetery. This month’s feature is ‘Ghostbusters,’ so bring a blanket and your friends, and get ready to watch this paranormal classic.&nbsp; 15) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/dc-art-all-night-washington-1024547">DC Art All Night 2025</a> When: Fri. 9/12 - Sun. 9/14 Where: DC Cost: Free Info: Don’t miss one of the best art festivals in the DMV: Art All Night. For two evenings every year, there will be different art activations across all 8 wards until 3 AM. Get ready to connect with over 100 local artists across 20 main streets – there will be art block parties, roaming artists, immersive experiences, and so much more.&nbsp; 16) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/teaching-africa-day-washington-1024568">Teaching Africa Day</a> When: Sat. 9/13 Where: National Mall Cost: Free Info: The National Museum of African Art is hosting their 10th annual Teaching Africa Day. This year's theme is Dancing the Message: African Dance as a Language of the Continent and the Diaspora. Get ready for a panel discussion, performances, dance workshops, art-making stations, and more.&nbsp; 17) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/capitol-hill-books-free-wine-and-cheese-event-book-sale-washington-1003841">Capitol Hill Books Free Wine &amp; Cheese</a> When: Sat. 9/13 Where: Capitol Hill Cost: Free Info: Support your favorite local bookshop and connect with other bookworms at this monthly get-together. Enjoy a 10% discount on your purchase, get recs from booksellers, and enjoy some complimentary wine and cheese.&nbsp; 18) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/capitol-hill-art-walk-washington-1024549">Capitol Hill Art Walk</a> When: Sat. 9/13 - Sun. 9/14 Where: Capitol Hill Cost: Free Info: Capitol Hill is transforming into an open gallery for all. Put on some comfy walking shoes and get ready to explore the neighborhood. Visit the micro-galleries, home studios, mini art markets, and more on the porches and yards of local makers. 19) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/walkingtown-dc-walking-tour-festival-washington-1004793">WalkingTown DC: Walking Tour Festival</a> When: Sat. 9/13 - Sat. 9/20 Where: DC Cost: Free Info: Learn about the history and hidden gems of DC. Join EventsDC for their annual walking tour festival. Throughout the week, you can enjoy more than 50 complimentary walking and biking tours with experts from the different neighborhoods in the area.&nbsp; 20) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/admo-day-washington-1024541">AdMo Day 2025</a> When: Sun. 9/14 Where: Adams Morgan Cost: Free Info: Don’t miss one of the biggest block parties in the city and celebrate the history of Adams Morgan. This family-friendly celebration will feature live music, dancing, art-making, food and art pop-ups, and so much more. Connect with the community and your neighbors at this festival for all ages.&nbsp; 21) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/a-night-at-the-museum-celebrating-58-years-of-acm-washington-1024543">A Night at the Museum: 58 Years of ACM</a> When: Thu. 9/18 Where: Anacostia Cost: Free Info: The Anacostia Community Museum is turning 58. Join the birthday party, which is Under the Stars themed. There will be live music, small bites, community storytelling, and exciting exhibits like ‘A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, D.C. 1900-2000.’ 22) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/summer-evening-hours-at-the-garden-washington-1021011">Summer Evening Hours at the Garden</a> When: Thu. 9/18 Where: National Mall Cost: Free Info: Head to the Botanic Garden for the final extended hours of the summer season. Enjoy live music and light refreshments while strolling through the beautiful green spaces. Learn about local flora and fauna, grab a mocktail, and explore the plant collections on display.&nbsp; 23) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/back-to-the-yards-party-washington-1024560">Back to the Yards Party</a> When: Fri. 9/19 Where: Capitol Riverfront Cost: Free Info: The Yards is hosting their annual Back to the Yards Bash. Enjoy a gaming-themed all-ages festival featuring arcade battles, board game showdowns, break dance performances, a superhero costume party, and so much more.&nbsp; 24) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/h-street-festival-washington-1024550">H Street Festival</a> When: Sat. 9/20 Where: H Street Corridor Cost: Free Info: Stop by one of the biggest block parties in DC – this festival runs for 12 blocks long with 15 staging areas. Get ready for dance, poetry, music, and fashion performances. Support small, local businesses that will be serving up great food and art. And learn about the history of H Street.&nbsp; 25) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/homecoming-at-president-lincoln-s-cottage-washington-1024558">Homecoming at Lincoln’s Cottage</a> When: Sat. 9/20 Where: Petworth Cost: Free Info: Visit President Lincoln’s Cottage for their annual Homecoming festival. Get ready for free activities all day long from pony rides and a petting zoo to cottage tours and art-making stations. There will be food trucks, live music, and family races on the grounds.&nbsp; 26) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/national-dance-day-washington-1004790">National Dance Day</a> When: Sat. 9/20 Where: Foggy Bottom Cost: Free Info: The Kennedy Center is hosting their annual celebration for National Dance Day. Get ready for a full day of dance performances, dance workshops and classes, and other fun activities for everyone of all ages. Learn about the history and cultural backgrounds of different dances, connect with new friends, and move your body with the community.&nbsp; 27) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/q-rius-after-hours-washington-1022004">Q?rius After Hours</a> When: Wed. 9/24 Where: National Mall Cost: Free Info: Head to the National Museum of Natural History for their after-hours party where you can channel your inner child and explore the NMNH collections. There will be crafts, games, guest speakers, and so much more. Enjoy learning and discovering with new friends.&nbsp; 28) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boot-n-scoot-at-hi-lawn-ne-1001485">3rd Annual Boot ‘N Scoot</a> When: Sat. 9/27 Where: NoMa Cost: $15 Info: Hi-Lawn’s 3rd Annual Boot ‘N Scoot is here, so grab your ticket for a day full of rodeo fun. Enjoy BBQ favorites, whiskey cocktails and cold beer, and the ultimate country dance party under the stars. Line dance, two-step, and country swing with new friends while taking in the city skyline.&nbsp; 29) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/kingman-island-friends-family-day-washington-1024552">Kingman Island Friends &amp; Family Day</a> When: Sat. 9/27 Where: Kingman Island Cost: Free Info: Visit the Kingman Island and enjoy complimentary outdoor activities for everyone. Hop in a boat and paddle on the river. Listen to live music. Make some nature-themed crafts. And learn about the conservation efforts and environmental background of the area.&nbsp; 30) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/together-we-stand-a-day-of-palestinian-art-culture-washington-1024564">Together We Stand: A Day for Palestinian Art &amp; Culture</a> When: Sat. 9/27 Where: Lanier Heights Cost: Free Info: The Museum of Palestinian People is hosting a Palestinian art and cultural festival. Shop from a marketplace full of handmade gifts, traditional food, and literature. Learn dabke, a traditional dance, and watch cultural performances. Participate in art workshops, listen to poetry readings, and so much more.&nbsp;&nbsp; 31) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/fotos-y-recuerdos-hispanic-heritage-month-festival-washington-1004804">Hispanic Heritage Month Festival</a> When: Sat. 9/27&nbsp; Where: Penn Quarter Cost: Free Info: Visit the National Portrait Gallery’s Fotos y Recuerdos: Hispanic Heritage Month Festival. There will be bilingual programming all day long featuring storytime, museum tours, book signings, art making, dancing, and other culturally immersive activities.&nbsp; 32) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/lowriding-family-festival-washington-1024569">Lowriding Family Festival</a> When: Sat. 9/27&nbsp; Where: National Mall Cost: Free Info: The National Museum of American History is hosting their Lowriding Family Festival where you can celebrate the opening of the new ‘Corazón y vida: Lowriding Culture’ exhibit. Listen to live music like mariachi, listen to a panel discussion, enjoy a local car showcase, make some art, watch a movie, and learn about the cultural significance of lowriders.&nbsp; 33) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/fiesta-dc-washington-1004796">Fiesta DC</a> When: Sat. 9/27 - Sun. 9/28 Where: Capitol Hill Cost: Free Info: Get ready for the two-day Fiesta DC festival. Experience and celebrate different Latino cultures through cuisine, music, and art. There will be plenty of family-friendly activities for all including a cultural showcase parade, live music, a marketplace, and so much more.&nbsp; WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA EVENTS 34) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/rosslyn-jazz-fest-2025-langston-boulevard-arlington-1023739">33rd Annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest</a> When: Sat. 9/6 Where: Arlington Cost: Free Info: Bring a blanket and enjoy the 33rd Annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest. Dance and listen to live music all afternoon and connect with the community. There will be food trucks, yard games, and other fun activities for everyone.&nbsp; 35) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/alexandria-art-festival-alexandria-1024565">23rd Annual Alexandria Art Festival</a> When: Sat. 9/13 - Sun. 9/14 Where: Alexandria Cost: Free Info: Check out the 23rd Annual Alexandria Art Festival. Explore Old Town, meet with local artists and creatives, and shop for unique pieces that will make your house feel more like a home. There will be live music, community connection, and a whole lot of inspiring art.

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35 Things to do in D.C. for $15 or Less: September 2025

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