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.

While we’re in back-to-school shopping mode, why not spruce up your office supplies? Paper Source, PAPYRUS, and Just Paper and Tea 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.

DC’s most anticipated food festival returns Sunday, September 22, from 11 am – 4 pm, featuring more than 60 signature dishes, beer and wine from over 30 of Georgetown’s best dining spots. Produced by Washingtonian and presented by Infiniti, it’s your chance to eat, drink and play in the heart of Georgetown as you stroll from booth to booth on K Street along the waterfront. Even better, the event benefits the Georgetown Ministry Center.

Fall = football. Cheer on Georgetown University at one of their five home games in 2019. Jack the Bulldog may even be at the game, and isn’t that, alone, worth the price of admission? 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.

It is your duty to eat and drink all things pumpkin spice and chai this Fall. For the ultimate treat yo’self day, start with a slice of pumpkin pie at Pie Sisters. Make your way down M Street for a hit of energy with Peet’s pumpkin chai latte, then 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.

Soak up that extra hour of daylight while you still can with a bike ride along the C&O Canal Towpath and Capital Crescent Trail—two of the best trails in the region. Nearly 50 public bike racks are located throughout our cyclist-friendly commercial district, in addition to eight Capital Bikeshare stations and a bike fixit repair station on K/Water Street. Wheels down in Georgetown!

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 it all.

You can stake out a spot on M street on Sunday, October 27, to catch them early around miles 4-5 and show your support for ‘The People’s Marathon’—a DC tradition.

The Georgetown Design District is DC’s original destination for design, fine home furnishings and accessories, set in the inspired environment of Georgetown’s historic and charming commercial district. Join them on Nov. 8-10 for Fall Days of Design, as showrooms in Cady’s Alley and throughout Georgetown host panel discussions, book signings, and designer guest appearances, unveil their latest collections, and host networking receptions. Whether you’re an interior designer or simply someone with an interior, this event’s for you.

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.

Who says you have to wait until Thanksgiving for turkey day? Visit Stachowski’s Market for a hand-carved turkey club, complete with bacon, sprouts, avocado, swiss and mayo. The sandwiches at this neighborhood favorite are so big, it’ll last you through the holiday. For an extended tryptophan trip, check out all of Georgetown’s delis.

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 30 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, Ritz-Carlton’s The Yard, Nick’s Riverside Grill, or Pinstripes. Head inside at Bar a Vin and ENO for a roaring fire place.