Nov 7, 2024 - Things to Do

D.C. weekend: Veterans Day concerts, National Pupusa Day, Howard Theatre anniversary

Analis Bailey

Illustration of an American flag printed on an admit one ticket. — Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios

This weekend in D.C., check out Veterans Day events, National Pupusa Day, a vintage market, the Winter Lantern Festival and more.

1. 🇺🇲 Ways to honor veterans

Veterans Day is Monday and there are several events across the city to honor those who have served.

Here are four to check out:

✍️ Mount Vernon: Watch 18th-century military drills, write letters to veterans and more 9am–4pm Saturday and Sunday. Weekend tickets start at $26. Free admission on Monday.

🫡 Arlington National Cemetery: See a parade, concerts by the U.S. Marine Band and the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, and a wreath-laying ceremony beginning at 10:30am Monday in the Memorial Amphitheater. Free.

🇺🇲 Veterans Day Concert: Listen to a performance by the U.S. Air Force Band District Brass 3pm Sunday in Spirit Park at National Harbor. Free.

Also in Spirit Park: On Monday, watch a veterans pickleball tournament for free.

🤣 Veterans Day Comedy Night: Have a laugh with local comedians to raise funds for the DMV's first Veteran Comedy Festival in 2025. Doors open at 7pm Friday at Penn Social. Tickets start at $10.

2. 🎄 Holiday Tree Lighting & Fireworks

Watch the 60-foot tree in National Harbor be lit for the holiday season at 5:30pm Friday. Free.

3. 🍁 November Fest

Shop a two-day fall-themed market 9am–5pm Saturday and Sunday at Eastern Market. Free.

4. 🎶 Rare Essence + Junkyard Band

Celebrate the 114th anniversary of the Howard Theatre 9pm Sunday with performances from go-go bands. Tickets for this 21+ event start at $21.

5. 🎞️ Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival

Watch films dedicated to investigative journalism and storytelling today through Sunday with screenings across the city. Film passes start at $85.

More movies: The Alexandria Film Festival featuring local talent is today through Saturday. View full schedule here. An all-film pass is $80.

6. ❄️ Winter Lantern Festival

Walk through an outdoor winter wonderland with performances, live music and shopping now through Jan. 12, 2025, from 5 to 9:30pm on Galleria Drive in Tysons. Tickets are $26.99.