Top Music, Dance, Cinema Spots in Washington D.C.

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Washington D.C. | District of Columbia Region, USA - Rated 7.4
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1

9:30 Club rating icon 9.5

815 V St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 168 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 44 of 682
Popularity Worldwide: 1063 of 29088
Nightclubs
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James January 14, 2025

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!

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Donald December 30, 2024

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.

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Jason November 17, 2024

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.

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Benjamin November 1, 2024

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!

2

Echostage rating icon 8.8

2135 Queens Chapel Rd NE, Washington, DC 20018, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 477 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 128 of 682
Popularity Worldwide: 3199 of 29088
Nightclubs
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Brian December 10, 2024

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.

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Karen December 6, 2024

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!

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Samuel October 13, 2024

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.

3

Washington National Opera rating icon 7.3

2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1083 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 19 of 69
Popularity Worldwide: 7437 of 29088
Opera Houses
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Barbara April 16, 2025

My advice is to bring a light jacket. The theater can get a bit chilly during performances, especially if you're sitting in the orchestra level.

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James February 23, 2025

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!

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Brian December 4, 2024

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!

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Benjamin November 30, 2024

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.

4

Flash rating icon 6.3

645 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1490 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 337 of 682
Popularity Worldwide: 10603 of 29088
Nightclubs
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Patrick February 28, 2025

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!

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Paul December 14, 2024

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!

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Richard November 8, 2024

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!

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George October 22, 2024

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.

5

Black Cat rating icon 6.3

1811 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1473 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 338 of 682
Popularity Worldwide: 10429 of 29088
Nightclubs
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Tyler January 13, 2025

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

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Dorothy October 28, 2024

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.

6

U Street Music Hall rating icon 6.2

1115A U St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1534 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 358 of 682
Popularity Worldwide: 10721 of 29088
Nightclubs
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Samuel March 24, 2025

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!

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Jill February 25, 2025

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.

7

DC9 Nightclub rating icon 6.2

1940 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1529 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 359 of 682
Popularity Worldwide: 10707 of 29088
Nightclubs
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Ronald December 7, 2024

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!

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Donald November 26, 2024

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!

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Susan October 16, 2024

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!

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Richard October 15, 2024

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!

8

Blues Alley rating icon 6.2

1073 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA copy icon
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Price: - Phone: - Web:
Popularity in Country: 1554 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 145 of 359
Popularity Worldwide: 10627 of 29088
Live Music Venues
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Jill November 29, 2024

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

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Samuel November 29, 2024

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.

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Matthew November 26, 2024

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!

9

John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts rating icon 2.1

2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 3150 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 3 of 9
Popularity Worldwide: 23039 of 29088
National Performing Arts
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Donald January 6, 2025

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

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Adam December 8, 2024

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.

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Margaret October 31, 2024

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.

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Zachary October 16, 2024

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.

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