Evenings on November trip

Question

I will be in DC in early November (Sat - Mon), and my husband may decide to join me if I extend my trip a few days. We have been several times and have plenty of ideas for the daytime, but I would like to plan our evenings, now without kids, in advance. We are coming from the rural northeast, and I remember in college (decades ago) having tons of free things to do in Baltimore. Our budget range could accommodate up to $150 per person for one performance (dance, theatre, musical, concert) if we felt it was going to be fantastic, but we would tend to look for same-day discounts if we knew how to do that (and if that happens these days in DC) and look for much less expensive things to do the other nights.

We will be staying near Capital Hill.

The Kennedy Center doesn't seem to have much going on mid-week. Is that going to be a common issue?

Does DC have a website like TimeOut for NYC?

Where do locals find out what is going on?

If not much is going on midweek, we do also enjoy great food, especially when it is moderately priced and something we can't find at home (which is a whole lot of different cuisines). We both eat meat these days, but also enjoy vegetarian. Mediterranean, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Mexican - pretty broad range of foods we enjoy. We can be happy with good Greek chicken kabobs on the street, so dance or theatre are a higher priority. We found a market with a variety of (prepared) foods being sold in NYC, don't know whether there might be something like that in Washington.

Thanks for any help you can give!

Answer

Washington, D.C. has a rich cultural and dining scene, and planning your evenings in early November can be both exciting and manageable, even midweek. While weekdays may have fewer high-profile performances compared to weekends, there are still plenty of options, and locals often rely on a combination of websites, apps, and social media to discover events.

For live performances like dance, theatre, musicals, or concerts, here are some considerations:

Kennedy Center – While it may seem quieter midweek, the Kennedy Center still hosts smaller performances, jazz nights, and student recitals. Checking their monthly calendar in advance is helpful, and you can sometimes find discounted same-day tickets at the box office or via the “KC Ticketing” app.
Studio Theatre and Arena Stage – Both offer contemporary plays and smaller-scale productions. Tickets are often more affordable than the Kennedy Center, and they sometimes offer rush or day-of-show discounts.
National Theatre – Midweek performances are available for popular musicals and plays. They occasionally have student or weekday discounts.
6th & I Historic Synagogue – Hosts chamber music, jazz, and dance performances. Smaller venue, often moderately priced, and more intimate.
Blues Alley or Jammin’ Java (nearby in Maryland) – Live music venues featuring jazz, blues, and contemporary music, usually at reasonable prices.

For locals and visitors looking for a comprehensive listing of events, these resources are widely used:

DCist Events – A local guide with daily event listings, including performances, festivals, and nightlife.
Washington City Paper – Weekly publication and online listings with a focus on arts, theatre, concerts, and food events.
Eventbrite – Great for finding concerts, dance, theatre, and smaller performances, often with discounted tickets or early-bird deals.
Meetup.com – Useful for niche performances, dance groups, or themed cultural nights.
LivingSocial / Goldstar – Both platforms offer last-minute discounted tickets for theatre, concerts, and dance events in D.C.

If performances are limited on certain evenings, D.C. also shines with its food scene. Near Capitol Hill, you have access to markets, street food, and diverse dining experiences. Options to consider include:

Union Market – A modern food hall featuring vendors with Mediterranean, Asian, Latin American, and American cuisines. Perfect for casual tasting and trying a variety of dishes without a full sit-down dinner.
Eaton DC / P Street Market – Smaller indoor markets and pop-up food events with varied options.
Neighborhood restaurants – On Capitol Hill and nearby areas, you’ll find casual yet excellent options, including:
- Indian: Rasika, Bombay Club (moderate pricing)
- Thai: Little Serow (reservations recommended)
- Mediterranean/Greek: Zaytinya or street-style kabobs at food halls
- Mexican: Taqueria Nacional or casual taco spots
- Chinese: Da Hong Pao or similar casual spots with authentic cuisine
Farmers Markets (seasonal): Eastern Market near Capitol Hill has prepared foods, fresh produce, and occasional small live performances.

Evenings in D.C. can be a blend of performance arts and culinary exploration. Planning ahead for a “headline” performance on one night, with other evenings devoted to markets, casual dining, or smaller live music, maximizes your experience without stretching the budget. Many venues do offer last-minute deals, so monitoring Eventbrite, Goldstar, and local theatre box offices is recommended for spontaneity.

Overall, with midweek evenings, a combination of smaller performances, jazz/blues shows, and casual yet diverse dining experiences will give you a fulfilling and memorable stay in D.C.