Mamma Mia! and Drunk Dracula both open at the National Theatre and the Sage on the first afternoon of the month, and the Step Afrika dance show at the Fichandler Stage lands the same day, so November starts with three very different kinds of stage. Blues Alley and the 9:30 Club then split the first weekend between jazz and alternative rock.
Tip: code GTIX20 takes 20% off ticket prices on every event below — no minimum and no expiry.
- Mamma Mia! at the National Theatre
- Step Afrika’s The Fruits of Our Labor
- Drunk Dracula at the Sage Theatre
- Eva Ayllon at the Howard Theatre
- Frank Maza at Pearl Street Warehouse
- Stephen Philip Harvey Octet at Blues Alley
- She Wants Revenge at the 9:30 Club
- Brass Against at The Atlantis
- Frida: A Self Portrait
- Comedy School Graduation Showcase at DC Improv
- The Music of Hey Arnold Live! at 9:30 Club
- Hot Club of San Francisco at Blues Alley
- Melissa Villasenor at DC Improv
Mamma Mia! at the National Theatre
Sun, Nov 1, 2:00 PM · National Theatre – DC · from $109
The ABBA-scored jukebox musical follows a bride-to-be on a Greek island searching for her father, built around songs like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia.” It’s a crowd-pleaser with big sing-along moments, and the National is a classic house for touring Broadway shows.
Step Afrika’s The Fruits of Our Labor
Sun, Nov 1, 2:00 PM · Fichandler Stage At the Mead Center for American Theater · from $121
Step Afrika is a Washington-based company known for percussive stepping that blends rhythm, storytelling and athleticism. Expect precise, energetic group choreography in the intimate Fichandler Stage space, a good pick for dance fans.
Drunk Dracula at the Sage Theatre
Sun, Nov 1, 5:00 PM · Sage Theatre – DC · from $133
A broad, self-aware comedy in which the cast plays a vampire story while visibly drunk, with the inebriation driving the slapstick. It’s a fast, silly night out and a useful contrast to the heavier shows on this list.
Eva Ayllon at the Howard Theatre
Sun, Nov 1, 7:00 PM · Howard Theatre – DC · from $136
Peruvian singer Eva Ayllon is a longtime figure in Afro-Peruvian and Latin music, known for expressive vocals and a warm live presence. The Howard Theatre’s historic room suits a set built around rhythm and emotion.
Frank Maza at Pearl Street Warehouse
Mon, Nov 2, 7:30 PM · Pearl Street Warehouse · from $30
A jazz and blues show in one of DC’s busier club rooms, offering a relaxed evening of standards and grooves. It’s a good option if you want live music without a stadium-sized commitment.
Stephen Philip Harvey Octet at Blues Alley
Sun, Nov 1, 5:30 PM · Blues Alley · from $80
Blues Alley is one of Washington’s best-known jazz rooms, and this octet brings a full ensemble sound to a small, atmospheric space. Booking a table early is worth it for a night focused on the music.
She Wants Revenge at the 9:30 Club
Sun, Nov 1, 7:00 PM · 9:30 Club · from $89
The Los Angeles post-punk band is known for brooding, guitar-driven songs with a dark edge. The 9:30 Club is one of the best rooms in the city for rock, with strong sightlines and sound.
Brass Against at The Atlantis
Mon, Nov 2, 6:30 PM · The Atlantis · from $39
A brass-driven rock act that brings a horn-heavy energy to a rock set, a good pick for anyone who wants something louder and less predictable. The Atlantis is a lively room for a mid-week night out.
Frida: A Self Portrait
Tue, Nov 3, 7:30 PM · Michael R. Klein Theatre · from $165
A one-person style theatre piece built around the life and paintings of Frida Kahlo, exploring her art and personal story. It’s a thoughtful evening at the Michael R. Klein Theatre for those who enjoy solo or character-driven work.
Comedy School Graduation Showcase at DC Improv
Wed, Nov 4, 7:00 PM · DC Improv · from $36
A showcase of emerging comics finishing their training, which means a lineup of fresh voices and unpredictable sets. It’s a good low-risk way to discover new comedy in a well-known club.
The Music of Hey Arnold Live! at 9:30 Club
Wed, Nov 4, 7:00 PM · 9:30 Club · from $27
A live concert version of music from the cartoon Hey Arnold!, performed by a band playing the show’s songs. It suits fans of the series and anyone curious about nostalgic, family-friendly music.
Hot Club of San Francisco at Blues Alley
Wed, Nov 4, 7:00 PM · Blues Alley · from $80
A gypsy-jazz trio inspired by Django Reinhardt, playing swinging string-based music with a lively, rhythmic feel. Blues Alley’s intimate room suits this style well.
Melissa Villasenor at DC Improv
Thu, Nov 5, 7:30 PM · DC Improv · from $57
A stand-up comedian known for sharp, personal material delivered with a conversational style. DC Improv is a reliable venue for stand-up, and a good choice for an evening of laughs.
Check dates and times on the listing pages before heading out, and book early for Blues Alley and the National Theatre, which tend to fill up.
