15 Fall Things to Do in Georgetown

Remember going back-to-school shopping when you were a kid and getting a serious wardrobe refresh? No more teachers, no more books—but adults still need some new looks. Shoppers of all ages and tastes can play dress up (and take home) at over 150 fashion specialty stores, with sneaker heads and politicos alike flocking to Georgetown for a range of preppy, cutting-edge, casual and elegant clothes and accessories. Check out our Fashion directory for boutiques to national brands, and everything in between.

If you want to feel better about yourself, there’s a collection of failed products and services from around the world that’s popping up in Georgetown Park (3270 M St NW) beginning Friday, September 8. The majority of all innovation projects fail and the museum showcases these failures to provide visitors with a fascinating learning experience. Fat-free Pringles (the side effects of that one were rough), Google Glass, and Coke II are among those that bombed. Every item provides unique insight into the risky business of innovation, which requires an acceptance of failure to pave the way for real progress.

While we’re in back-to-school shopping mode, why not spruce up your office supplies? Paper Source, Just Paper and Tea, and Shop Made in DC are what stationery dreams are made of, and you’re guaranteed to turn heads at the next staff meeting. The thrill of a new notebook will almost make you forget your summer vacation is over.

Fall = football. Cheer on Georgetown University at one of their six home games in 2023. If you’ve got an excess of school spirit, the men’s crew and women’s rowing teams can be easily spotted (and supported) on the Potomac.

Georgetown’s free annual arts festival brings together local artists and businesses as part of a city-wide Art All Night event. Join Georgetown Main Street on Friday, September 29 from 6 pm – 11 pm and make your up up Wisconsin Avenue, from N St to R St, for live music, art demonstrations, pop-up galleries, comedic film screenings, karaoke, family friendly activities, DIY crafts, and more.

It is your duty to eat and drink all things pumpkin spice and chai this Fall. Head to neighborhood favorite Baked & Wired for a Dirty Chai cupcake. Vanilla cake blended with chai spices and topped with espresso buttercream frosting? Chai five to that! Sprinkles, Georgetown Cupcake, and Dog Tag Bakery also offer Fall-themed cupcakes and baked goods, and Blue Bottle, Starbucks, and Grace Street Coffee have all the caffeine you could ever want.

Don’t miss the boat! Georgetown Heritage’s C&O Canal boat tours run through October, offering a one-hour experience unlike any other in DC. Learn about the fascinating history, technology and culture of the Canal, and the surprising stories of the people who lived, worked, and played here over the past two centuries. You’ll also experience going through the Canal’s historic lift locks. Tours are available four times a day, Wednesday – Sunday.

Celebrate Halloween with a visit to the infamous stairs featured in the cult horror classic. If you’re looking for exercise over exorcise, take on the challenge of running up all 75 of them. Want more fright in your night? Tour companies around the city, including Visit DC Tours and DC By Foot, offer ghost tours of DC’s oldest neighborhood.

East Coast leaf peeping is a hallmark of the Fall, but when you’re in Georgetown’s charming residential neighborhood, elevate your game by admiring the beautiful fall wreaths adorning many of the homes. But be forewarned: You’ll want them all.

You can stake out a spot on M street on Sunday, October 29, to catch them early around miles 4-5 and show your support for ‘The People’s Marathon’—a DC tradition.

This small but mighty (and delicious) sweets shop hires wounded veterans and their spouses to complete a program that provides work experience and tailored curriculum at the School of Continuing Studies at Georgetown University. During the day, veterans operate all aspects of the bakery, while also studying to eventually start their own small business.

All the Fall finds, all in one weekend. Over 30 Georgetown businesses will host in-store and sidewalk sales during the Georgetown Fall Market, Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15 along Wisconsin Avenue. Shop your heart out, and enjoy Fall food and programming.

From Wisconsin Avenue and Book Hill to the surrounding side streets, there are more than 300 small businesses in Georgetown, each with its own unique story, products, and hardworking owners who contribute to the rich fabric of our community. They are the heart of Georgetown; support them on Saturday, November 25 as part of Small Business Saturday.

If Georgetown were a high school senior, it would be voted Most Photogenic. If you’re going for a cobblestone couture effect, Cady’s Alley has a great mix of painted brick walls and is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of M Street. More of a parks connoisseur or water buff? Georgetown Waterfront Park has a ton of green space, with unrivaled views of the Potomac River, Key Bridge and Kennedy Center. Never made it to Paris but want to pretend you did? Book Hill with sidewalk cafes, art galleries and adorable pastry shops for the win.

Get cozy at one of several outdoor fire pits with drinks in Georgetown on the patio at Bourbon Steak, Farmers Fishers Bakers, Nick’s Riverside Grill, or Pinstripes. Head inside at Bar a Vin for a roaring fire place.