// SO HOT RIGHT NOW
AS TEMPERATURES COOL, THE CITY’S CULTURAL CALENDAR HEATS UP. CHECK OUT OUR PICKS FOR FALL’S MUST-SEES.
As temperatures cool, the city’s cultural calendar heats up. Check out our picks for fall’s must-sees.
“XYZT: ABSTRACT LANDSCAPES” AT ARTECHOUSE
This new tech-focused art space has exploded onto the scene and is currently presenting “XYZT,” an experiential exhibition by French artists Adrien Mondot and Claire Bardainne. Visitors move among 10 digital landscapes that shape-shift in response to physical interaction. “The most rewarding thing has been seeing 99.9 percent of the
attendees leaving with an art experience they’ve never had before,” says Artechouse managing director Tati. Get ready for your selfie, as the Instagram-worthy opportunities are endless. Through September 3, 1238 Maryland Ave. SW; artechouse.com
202CREATES
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s monthlong initiative to support and celebrate DC’s creative community is back this September with even more exciting programming. “The District is a vibrant and diverse city that has creativity and inclusive innovation at its core,” says Angie Gates, director of the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment, which helps bring the mayor’s vision to life. Gates is also proud to say that, going forward, some events will be held annually: the Labor Day Weekend Music Festival,
the 202 Arts & Music Festival, and celebrations marking the series’ opening and closing. September 1–30, various venues; 202creates.com
KATY PERRY’S WITNESS TOUR
On September 25, Katy Perry’s Witness tour roars into town for a one-nightonly performance at the Verizon Center. Sure to reflect the pop star’s recent transformations in both her empowering personal style and her woke lyrics, this evening of guaranteed fun (Left Shark, please!?) will certainly be one to, well, witness. September 25, 601 F St. NW, 202-628-3200; katyperry.com
“AI WEIWEI: TRACE AT HIRSHHORN”
On the heels of its smashhit show “Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors,” the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden has opened “Ai Weiwei: Trace at Hirshhorn,” an exhibition of 170-plus portraits of free speech and human rights activists. Created using 1.2 million Lego bricks, the installation marks a triumphant DC return for works by this artist, who, after speaking critically of the Chinese government, was barred from leaving China to attend the opening of his first major US retrospective, mounted at the Hirshhorn in 2012. Through January 1, Independence Avenue and Seventh Street SW, 202633-1000; hirshhorn.si.edu
H STREET FESTIVAL
September brings the return of this beloved celebration, among the most popular of the city’s many vibrant festivals. Revelers can expect music, fashion, poetry, dance, children’s programming, and participatory art stations along the 10-block route—plus plenty of the unexpected. September 16, H Street NE, from Fourth to 14th Streets; hstreetfestival.org
IN THE HEIGHTS AT OLNEY THEATRE CENTER
Before there was
Hamilton, there was In the Heights. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first Broadway musical tells the story of immigrants in New York City navigating the complexities of identity, family, love, and the American dream. A collaboration between the Olney and the Round House
Theatre, the production stars original cast member and two-time Tony Award nominee Robin de Jesús. September 6 to October 8, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, 301-9243400; olneytheatre.org