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9:30 Club

Check their calendar for upcoming acts. You might discover some local bands you won’t want to miss. I ended up loving a band I’d never heard of before!

My advice is to check out their social media for any last-minute deals on tickets. I scored some discounted entry just by being on the lookout.

I suggest arriving at least an hour early for the shows. The line can get really long, and you don’t wanna miss any of the opening acts! Trust me, it's worth it.

If you’re planning to park, either use a rideshare or get there early to snag a spot! Parking around the club can be a hassle, at least I found it tough!
Echostage

If you can get your tickets online in advance. I missed out on some early bird pricing because I thought I could buy at the door. Lesson learned for next time.
I suggest wearing comfy shoes! The dancing is non-stop, and my feet were killing me by the end of the night. Trust me, you’ll want to be able to move!

If you're planning to go, try to arrive around 10 PM to beat the lines. I got there just after 11, and it took ages to get in, which totally killed my vibe.
Washington National Opera

I think it’s wise to arrive at least 30 minutes early to soak in the atmosphere. The place has such amazing decor and vibe that you won't want to miss!

If you're planning to grab a bite beforehand, hit up the nearby food trucks around 5 pm instead of the pricey restaurants nearby. So many delicious options!

I've noticed that the acoustics are way better in the front rows so if you're not on a tight budget try to snag seats in the first five rows for an immersive experience.

I recommend checking for last-minute tickets, you can score some great deals! I got a fabulous seat at half price just a few hours before the show.
Flash

I think you should bring some cash for tips, especially if the bar is packed. I had a hard time getting service when I was using cards, so I learned that the hard way!

I suggest checking their social media for drink specials or events before you go. I found out about a fantastic happy hour that helped me save some cash!

If you're looking for good music, ask the staff what night to come by. I accidentally went on a night I wasn't a fan of, and it totally killed my vibe!

My advice is to get there by 10 PM if you wanna avoid long lines. Trust me, I waited an hour just to get in and it was kinda frustrating.
Black Cat

Plan ahead for drink prices. I thought all drinks would be reasonable, but some cocktails are surprisingly pricey! My advice is to check their menu online before you go
I suggest hitting up Black Cat on a weeknight if you want to avoid heavy crowds. I went on a Friday and it was packed! Weekdays have a more chill vibe and you'll score easier access to the bar.
U Street Music Hall

My advice is to explore the area before or after the show. The U Street corridor has tons of cool food spots and you wouldn’t want to miss grabbing a bite!

Bring some cash for drinks! I found that the bar had better drink options with cash, and I even got a couple of deals you don't usually get with cards.
DC9 Nightclub

I recommend grabbing some food before heading to DC9, the club can get pretty busy and waiting for a drink will make you hungrier. There's some great spots nearby!

My advice is to check out their social media before you go. They often post about drink specials or special events that could save you some cash!

I think you should show up around 10 PM to catch the live music without fighting through the crowd. You'll get a good spot and enjoy the vibe!

I suggest checking the weather before heading out. If it's a nice night, the rooftop bar is a great place to chill, but it gets crowded quick!
Blues Alley

My advice is to check the artist lineup online before you go. Some nights have bigger names and a higher cover charge.

I think the food was better than I expected, but it can take a while to come out. Order snacks when you first sit down to avoid missing the show.

I really enjoyed the live music, but I suggest getting there by 7:00 PM on weekends. It fills up fast, and you’ll want a good seat!
John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Definitely grab tickets in advance online to save some cash. I saved about 20% this way compared to buying at the door.

Plan to arrive around 30 minutes early to check out the art installations in the hall. The exhibits might surprise you and are often overlooked.

Check the calendar for free events or performances; I caught a fantastic free concert that I didn't know about until I checked the website before going.

If you're planning to see a performance, bring your own snacks! The food options there can be pricey, and having a snack saved me from spending a lot.