This is shaping up to be a cerebral month (like back to school time without the school!) with plenty of ways to expand your horizons in the arts, hear from writers and thinkers of all kinds and more. Plus summer send-offs, fall sports, and lots of live music. 

Sunday, September 1

Rooftop Labor Day Party at the Graham

Grab your all-white outfits and say goodbye to the summer on a sunny, spacious rooftop. Enjoy music from 2-8 p.m. and partake in food and drink specials at the Rooftop EATS Kitchen. (The Graham Rooftop // 12 p.m. – 12 a.m. // FREE)

Monday, September 2

Labor Day Luau
Time for one last tropical celebration. In true summer style, this event features an open bar, plus Hawaiian inspired bites. Grab your leis and get ready to luau. (City Tap Dupont // 1 p.m. // Free to attend, $45 open bar)

Tuesday, September 3

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D.C. United vs. Club Puebla

Use promo code FRAY for up to 30% off tickets! Only available to DC Fray community. Come cheer on DC United to the playoffs, and enjoy a night of fun at the brand new Audi Field. 

United! United! (Audi Field // 8 p.m. // $29+)

Tuesday, September 3, 4 and 25 

Night out with the Nats

Join DC Fray and friends this month with not one, not two but THREE chances to root for the home team. Your $20 ticket includes pre-game drink specials at Walter’s Sports Bar and group seats in section 238 of the Scoreboard Pavilion. This is a 21+ event and spots are limited, so grab your friends and your tickets now! (Walters Sports Bar + Nats Park  // 6-10 p.m. // $20)

Wednesday, September 4

Of Monsters and Men

Join Icelandic folk rockers Of Monsters and Men at The Anthem for this special concert, presented by DC101 and Corona, and benefitting the V Foundation. (The Anthem // 6:30 p.m. // $50-$199)

Thursday, September 5

DC Super Schmooze

This event is proof you can network and have a blast all at the same time. In addition to plenty of great connections to be made, you’ll find food, an open bar, live music, and activities. (Franklin Court // 6 p.m. // $79)

Friday, September 6

Hungry Human Hippos

Chomp your way to the top as you and your friends play this childhood board game favorite in real life. You get to be the hippo, collecting the most hippo food (balls) as you compete for $100 DC Fray credit and swag bags. (Medstar Iceplex // 7 p.m. // $30 per team)

Saturday, September 7

Rosslyn Jazz Fest

Now in its 29th year, this free celebration of music features genre-spanning acts with a focus on jazz, blues, soul, funk and more. (Gateway Park // 1-7 p.m. // FREE)

Saturday, September 7 – Sunday, September 22

The REACH Opening Festival

This two-week-long celebration invited you to make The Kennedy Center’s new addition to your playground with talks, concerts, comedy, and so much more. Free timed-entry passes are available online, as is more information on all the diverse programming. (The REACH // Various times // FREE) 

Sunday, September 8

Adams Morgan Day

The longest-running neighborhood festival in DC gives you a chance to experience the sights, sounds, food and drink that makeup one of the District’s best-loved and most vibrant neighborhoods. (18th Street to Kalorama and Columbia Roads // 12-6 p.m. // FREE) 

Tuesday, September 10

Glow Yoga at Audi Field

Get glowing with this one of a kind yoga class. Just bring your mat, and you’ll be provided with glow sticks and paint to supplement this zen, colorful practice. (Audi Field // 7 p.m. // $25-$30)

Thursday, September 12

Capital Book Fest

A book lover’s heaven awaits you as over 12,000 gently used books, CDs and DVDs, will all be on sale for under $6. Books are provided by Carpe Librum, a used, donation-based bookstore benefiting the DC nonprofit Turning the Page.(Woodrow Wilson Plaza // 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. // FREE) 

Zoo Uncorked

Hang with animals, sip on unlimited wine tastings, jam to some live music and more at this wine and animal lovers dream event comes true. (Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute //  6-9 p.m. // $40-$115)

Saturday, September 14

Brewers on the Block

Suburbia has invited over 40 local brewers to Union Market to showcase their best brews as part of DC Beer Week. You’ll also enjoy live music as you sip on the best local beer. (Union Market // 2-6 p.m. // $55-$75)

Harry Potter Bar Crawl

If you love Harry Potter and a good, boozy time, this event is for you. Grab your capes and broomsticks and get ready for a party worthy of the Hogwarts Great Hall. (Dupont Circle // 3-10 p.m. // $15.99 – $24.99)

Wednesday, September 18

On Art Run

Celebrate the powerful connections between art and running as you jog, walk and observe this 5K route past DC’s powerful public art. You’ll enjoy food, a drink, and art by Maps Glover after you complete the race. (Culture House DC // 6-9 p.m. // $10)

Thursday, September 19

2019 Best of Gay DC Awards Party

Celebrate the Best of Gay DC at Washington Blade’s annual awards party. Complimentary ABSOLUT from 6-8 p.m., awards and then an afterparty presented by Chappy await. (Dacha Navy Yard // 6-11 p.m. // $20-$30)

Sunday, September 22

DC Polo: Brunch & Brews

Don’t miss the last installation of DC Polo Society this summer! Be sure to show up early (and in your Sunday best) for a special Rose Bar,  and celebrate the end of summer with local brew samplings too. Transportation available from DC and VA. (Congressional Polo Club // 2-5 p.m. // $10-$85) 

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Pond

These energetic Australian psych-rockers are a must-see band for anyone who is a fan of musicians like Led Zeppelin, Tame Impala and just all-around good vibes. (Black Cat // 7:30 // $20)

Tuesday, September 24 – Thursday, September 26

The Atlantic Festival

Join The Atlantic for three days of challenging, enlightening and always interesting conversations with the brightest minds in politics, tech, music, art and more. (Sidney Harman Hall // Various Times // $50+)

Thursday, September 26

Ta-Nehisi Coates 

Politics and Prose presents this conversation with one of the most important writers and thinkers of our time as he tours around his book The Water Dancer. (Lincoln Theatre // 5:30 p.m. // $45)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

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Devils Backbone HOOPLA

This multi-day festival is full of adventurous fun. We’re talking pop-up beer tastings, outdoor adventures, property tours, crafts, great eats and tons of incredible live music from the likes of  CAAMP, The Motet, Ripe and Ona. Use discount code ONTAP for 15 percent off multi-day music and adventure passes. (Devils Backbone Brewing Company// Times and tickets vary)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

D.C. United Game Watch Party

Cheer on the home team as they take on the New York Redbulls at this energetic watch party. Grab an ice-cold Heineken, play games with fellow fans and enter to win some D.C. United swag. (Pearl Street // 4-8:30 p.m. // FREE)

Which event are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to tag us on socials using #DCFray and #FrayLife

Need a break from the hustle and bustle of D.C.? Visit one of the DMV’s beautiful hiking trails.