Event Listing

From Lincoln to MLK: A Walking Tour on the National Mall
Saturday, October 4, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Join Ford’s Theatre and National Mall and Memorial Parks to explore the legacies of the nation’s founding, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights movement through an interpreted tour of the Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials. This tour is offered in conjunction with the Ford’s Theatre production of The American Five, onstage September 19, 2025 – October 12, 2025. RSVP here.
 
Teach 250: Inspiring a More Perfect Union
Experience the “National Mall Gateway” – LIVE from the Lockkeeper’s House
Tuesday, October 7, 6  - 7 PM
Leading up to the historic 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, the Trust for the National Mall and National Mall and Memorial Parks invite educators to join the second iteration of Teach 250: Inspiring a More Perfect Union. This series is designed to help prepare teachers for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by exploring ways to celebrate, honor, commemorate, and dive deep into America's 250 years of history.

Kicking off this series for the year, we are excited to bring teachers on a virtual visit to the oldest site on the National Mall, the Lockkeeper’s House, to share the National Mall Gateway – a brand-new digital education platform for students and educators. The National Mall Gateway can bring 360 photography tours of the National Mall’s icons into your classroom, anywhere in the world! The Gateway also helps teachers maximize the impact of their National Mall trips with curated tours, reflection questions, and educational activities for before, during, or after your visit. In this session, we will use the Gateway to do a virtual visit to the Lockkeeper’s House as an example of how teachers can use the Gateway in their classrooms. Register here.
 
Dwight D. Eisenhower Birthday Commemorative Concert
Friday, October 10, 5:30 – 7 PM
In honor of Dwight D. Eisenhower's 135th birthday, join the Trust for the National Mall to honor and celebrate the five-star general and 34th president at his memorial in Washington, D.C. The night’s featured event includes a lively performance from the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Brass Quintet, as the sun sets and the lights go up on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial’s centerpiece tapestry. Seating will be available on a first come, first served basis – visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to sit and enjoy on the memorial lawn. RSVP here.
 
Navy 250 Movies on the Memorial
Fridays, October 10 & 24, 7 PM
Presented by the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation, celebrate the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday with this movie series on the Granite Sea of the Navy Memorial. View the film schedule and check for updates here.
 
George Washington Williams Program
Thursday, October 16, 10 AM – 12 PM
Join the African American Civil War Museum for an in-depth program on George Washington Williams, a pioneering politician, Civil War soldier, and activist. Explore his remarkable life, from his military service to his groundbreaking work as a historian and advocate for justice. RSVP here.

Reading American Life Narratives: First Ladies
Saturday, October 25, 10 AM – 1 PM
Join Ford’s Theatre for a free, three-hour community workshop to explore unique insights into American history through life narratives of First Ladies. Short selections from the life narratives of four former First Ladies from colonial America to the twentieth century will be examined and discussed: Mary Lincoln, Julia Grant, Lady Bird Johnson and Nancy Reagan. Register here.
 
An Evening with Ken Burns Film Preview: The American Revolution
Wednesday, October 29, 5:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Join award-winning film director and producer Ken Burns as he shares clips during the final preview screening of his new six-part documentary series, The American Revolution, coming to PBS on November 16. The series explores the country’s founding struggle and its eight-year War for Independence. This free event is co-hosted by George Washington’s Mount Vernon, PBS, and WETA. Register here.

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 programs as: “Discovering the Eisenhower Memorial: a New Way of Design”, “The Birds of Constitution Gardens”, and “Witnessing History: Witness Trees”. View the full program schedule.