Here’s what’s on my calendar this season. (For regular concerts, my recommendations are included in our music roundup.)

Scorched Petals to Pages: Investigating Narratives at the Intersection of Image Making and Literature at the Nicholson Project, Sept. 7 through Nov. 16

This exhibit, which examines relationships between literature and image making, immediately caught my attention. Featuring the work of two D.C. artists, Kyujin Lee and Madyha J. Leghari, and Baltimore’s Thiang Uk, Scorched Petals to Pages promises an exploration on how both mediums are used for storytelling, inspiration, and the spread of propaganda. Personally, I’m especially intrigued by the show’s promise to consider “how linguistics can transcend the human experience.” The opening reception starts at 1 p.m. on Sept. 7; an artist talk takes place at 1 p.m. on Nov. 9. The show runs through Nov. 16 at the Nicholson Project, 2310 Nicholson St. SE. Free. 

Jazz in the Heights: Brandon Woody at Sycamore & Oak on Sept. 8

Baltimore-based trumpeter Brandon Woody, who recently played Roy “Tanglefoot” McCoy in Apple TV’s Lady in the Lake, will kick off this five-part concert series put on by Howard Theatre and Sycamore & Oak. This free series, which celebrates Congress Heights culture and history, is bringing both acclaimed and emerging jazz artists east of the river. The show starts at 5 p.m. at Sycamore & Oak, 1110 Oak Dr. SE. Free.

Body Freedom for Every(Body): Mobile Art Truck at GW University on Sept. 12–14

For several days this fall, a traveling art show featuring a rotating display of work by more than 200 artists will stop in D.C. The exhibition, put on by New York’s Project for Empty Space, is a response to conservative lawmakers’ continued efforts to take away reproductive and gender-affirming health care. With its exterior vinyl wrapping designed by Barbara Kruger, the 27-foot box truck celebrates reproductive justice, queer liberation, and trans joy via various mediums from small sculptures to textiles, photography to collage. For a glimpse at some of the work featured, see Hyperallergic’s feature on Body Freedom for Every(Body). The art show runs from noon to 8 p.m. Sept. 12 through 14 at GW’s Flagg Building, 500 17th St. NW. Free.

A Night at the Museum: Celebrating 57 Years of ACM at the Anacostia Community Museum on Sept. 19

Roughly five miles off the Mall, another Smithsonian museum has been thriving in Anacostia for nearly six decades. Celebrate ACM’s legacy of preserving community stories of struggle and success and documenting local history with it. The celebration is a ’90s party with breakdancers and jams from Farrah Flosscett—a staple of D.C.’s DJ scene. The party starts at 7 p.m. at Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. Free, waitlist is still open.

Because They’re Funny at the Wharf from Sept. 27–29

After last year’s successful debut, this BIPOC-centered comedy festival is returning to D.C. with a bigger lineup and more clout. Both a platform to spotlight comedians of color and a launchpad for up-and-comers, this three-day fest offers a competition for Breakout Comedian of the Year, panels, comedy classes, and more. But I’m most excited for Leslie Jones’ closing night stand-up set at the Anthem. I’ve loved her since Ghostbusters. The festival starts on Sept. 27 and runs through Sept. 29 at various venues along the Wharf SW. $39–$175.

Romeo and Juliet at Folger Theatre opens Oct. 1

Maybe I’m basic, but Romeo and Juliet has been my favorite William Shakespeare play since the seventh grade when four things converged at once: My mother made me watch the 1968 movie (I cried all night), my class read the play, Baz Luhrmann’s rendition came out on VHS (I cried for days), and Garbage were on the soundtrack (one of the best ever). But I’ve actually never seen it on stage. That changes this fall when Raymond O. Caldwell, one of D.C.’s best theater directors, debuts his politicized vision of these star-crossed lovers. (Take note: Oct. 1 is pay what you will!) Romeo and Juliet runs Oct. 1 through Nov. 10 at Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE. $20–$84.

The Ford/Hill Project at Woolly Mammoth on Oct. 7

The 2024–25 theater season has loads of exciting premieres and reimaginings, but one production that has especially piqued my interest is this one-night debut of new work from Lee Sunday Evans (two-time Obie winner) and Elizabeth Marvel (three-time Obie winner, House of Cards, Homeland). As you might guess from the name, The Ford/Hill Project sheds new light on the testimonies of Anita Hill and Christine Blasey Ford, given 30 years apart, but put side-by-side in this new work. The production starts at  7:45 p.m. at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW. $75–$175. 

Scream at Alamo Drafthouse on Oct. 11

The dynamic duo of Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson (the dude who also created Dawson’s Creek), made one of the best scary movies of the 1990s. The meta insight, the laughing at themselves, and the homage to the genre gave it staying power beyond Neve Campbell and Skeet Ulrich. But they’re great too. The screening starts at 9:30 p.m. at Alamo Drafthouse, 630 Rhode Island Ave. NE. $11.

Duo Karolina Mikołajczyk & Iwo Jedynecki: Paris 1874 at the National Gallery of Art on Oct. 20

What is it about Paris that drives Americans wild? I’m no better, so I’m looking forward to letting this prizewinning violin and accordion duo transport me back to 1874’s Paris. I’ll follow the concert with a visit to NGA’s fall exhibit Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment, which opens Sept. 8 and runs through January. The concert starts at 3 p.m. at NGA’s West Garden Court, 7th Street and Constitution Ave. NW. Free.

Queer Horror Discussion with Ciera Burch and Natalie Jacobsen at Little District Books, Oct. 30

There are few things I love more than queers and horror, so when you add in two local authors discussing their spooky novels just a day before Halloween I really can’t imagine a better place to be. Ciera Burch will talk about her YA debut, Something Kindred, which is described as “magical realism meets Southern Gothic,” and delves into bisexuality, ghosts, and intergenerational trauma within a Black family. The conversation starts at 7 p.m. at Little District Books, 737 8th St. SE. Free.

HAIRY SITUATION: A New Comedy Show by ALOK at the Lincoln Theatre on Nov. 2

Another day, another queer event worthy of your attention. ALOK, known as a poet, comedian, public speaker, and actor, is passing through town to talk about hair—their hair, but also hairy situations. Expect sharp wit and profound moments. The show starts at 8 p.m. at the Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. $35–$75.

Special mention because dates haven’t been announced yet:

Later in the season, AFI Silver will host “Party Like It’s 1999,” a series celebrating the 25th anniversary of many great films that came out in 1999. That includes 10 Things I Hate About You, Fight Club, Girl, Interrupted, The Matrix, Cruel Intentions, and more. Who knew I developed my (film?) personality in the last year of the ’90s?

Check out more of our 2024 Fall Arts Guide here.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated as The Blair Witch Project is no longer a part of the Party Like It’s 1999 series because the studio won’t allow AFI to play the film.