Upcoming Events

FALL Events on & AROUND the National Mall

African American Civil War Memorial Museum Grand Reopening
Wednesday, September 30, 10:00 AM
The African American Civil War Memorial Museum is pleased to announce its reopening to the public on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, with a special opening ceremony to mark this important milestone and celebrate the legacy of the 209,145 United States Colored Troops (USCT) who fought for freedom and helped preserve the Union. Learn more here. 

Called to Serve: Stories from Courage Can Save Us
Tuesday, October 6, 6:00 PM
Join Ford’s Theatre for an inspiring conversation that honors the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of those who answered that call. Author Rye Barcott takes inspiration from stories shared in his book, Courage Can Save Us, and joins Congressman Don Bacon, William Braniff, and Phyllis J. Wilson in conversation about what happens when ordinary people are called to do extraordinary things. Learn more and register here.
 
Civil War Washington Forts: An Interpretive Hike of Civil War Defenses of Washington
Saturday, October 10, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
When the Civil War broke out, Washington, D.C. was surrounded by slave-holding states and confederate sympathizers. In the summer of 1861, 68 forts were hastily built to defend this city. These forts remain part of our city today. The 2-mile outdoor hike, hosted by Ford’s Theatre, will take participants from Fort DeRussy to Fort Stevens. Learn more and register here.
 
250th Anniversary of Battle of Valcour Island
Sunday, October 11, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Join the U.S. Navy Memorial for a lecture and panel discussion, Valor at Valcour: Revolutionary War Wrecks in Lake Champlain and a Vision for Exhibiting US Navy’s Underwater Archaeology. Learn more here.
 
National Fossil Day at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Wednesday, October 14, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Celebrate National Fossil Day with real fossils and free, family-friendly activities in the museum’s Hall of Fossils – Deep Time! Scientists and educators from the Smithsonian will be on hand to welcome families and anyone interested in exploring Earth’s deep past. No registration required. Learn more here.
 
From Monuments to Memorable Learning Moments with the National Mall Gateway - Webinar
Wednesday, October 21, 4:30 PM ET
Join the National Mall Gateway for our upcoming webinar to learn how educator Dr. Melaney Sanchez uses the Gateway platform's free virtual tours, videos, and activities to bring iconic civic spaces on the Mall and memorable learning moments together. Join us to discover practical ways to make learning more meaningful, engaging, and connected. Learn more and register here. 

Dedication Ceremony: Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 11:00 AM
The Dedication Ceremony for the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. EDT. The ceremony is open to the public and will be held at the southwest corner of Constitution Avenue and 23rd Street NW, Washington, D.C. Join the Desert Storm Memorial Association, National Park Service and partners for this exciting dedication ceremony. For additional information please click here. 

Halloween History and Haunts on the National Mall - Virtual Classroom
Thursday, October 29, 11:00 AM
Join with your class to hear directly from National Park Service Rangers about spooky and unexpected stories on the National Mall. Learn more and register here.

Revitalized Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden Reopening
Saturday, October 31
The Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden will welcome visitors to its revitalized 1.4-acre outdoor space on the National Mall. The redesign was led by artist and architect Hiroshi Sugimoto. Learn more here. 

Spirit of '76 Congressional Exhibit
Ongoing through 2026
Take a tour of the historic Capitol with one of the engaging Visitor Guides when you visit the special Congressional exhibit, the Spirit of ’76. Visitor Center Curators and Education Specialists will host an array of onsite public programs – including Family Programs for young learners – highlighting the special exhibit.

Ranger Talks
Enhance your knowledge of the National Mall and its stories by attending a ranger-led talk. Throughout the month of October, enjoy such topics as: "The Unfinished America: A 250-Year Journey of Liberty and Economic Freedom." View the full schedule of programs. 

Past Events