The start of a new month means it’s time to fill up the calendar full of fall entertainment once again. With big names in the music, theater, and comedy industries coming through town, make sure you don’t miss out on these outstanding October shows.
Cartography
10/2
In a spectacular blend of visual arts, storytelling, and filmmaking, Cartography transports audiences into the shoes of refugees from all over the world. The performance is as interactive as it is evocative, pulling viewers into the experience with live sculpture creation on the George Mason Center for the Arts stage. And don’t miss the post-performance Q&A to see how the production was brought to life.
Randy Rainbow
10/8 & 10/9
Current events via song parody? Say less. Viral musical satirist Randy Rainbow will be taking his top hits to the stage at the Warner Theatre, along with never-before-heard original songs from composers Marc Shaiman and Alan Menken. Prepare for pokes at all your (least) favorite politicians.
Jonas Brothers
10/10
Catch these famous siblings when they roll up to Jiffy Lube Live, along with country singer Kelsea Ballerini, on their Remember This tour. Listen to their new single and old fan-favorites at this outdoor event that you’d be a sucker to miss.
The Madness of Poe
10/11–10/31
Courtesy of the OG horror writer himself, this Synetic Theater performance weaves three of Edgar Allan Poe’s terrifying tales into one spook-tacular show. Prepare for thrills and chills alike.
Hadestown
10/13–10/31
“A love story for today … and always.” Hadestown weaves together two classic tales from Greek mythology, bringing the past into the present through a gorgeous, haunting musical. Witness the King of the Underworld’s love story for yourself at the Kennedy Center.
Enrique Iglesias & Ricky Martin
10/14
Latin legends Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin are sharing the stage in a live tour promoting both of their newest albums. The two artists boast a number of top hits between them, in both English and Spanish. Don’t miss the dynamic duo’s team-up at Capital One Arena.
Trevor Noah
10/15
Comedy king Trevor Noah is taking his newest stand-up routine all around the globe, starting in the U.S. The Daily Show host is not only Africa’s most successful comedian, but also a New York Times best-selling author and Emmy Award winner.
Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro
10/15 & 10/16
In Och & Oy! A Considered Cabaret, Scottish actor Alan Cumming and NPR correspondent Ari Shapiro take their storytelling skills to the next level. The two team up in a cabaret performance that will “transport audiences to other worlds.”
Dracula
10/15–10/17
Manassas Ballet Theatre kicks off the 2021–22 season—and marks Halloween month—with the eerie and entrancing classic. Explore Transylvania through this seductive and compelling performance, accompanied by The Kim Reynolds Band live at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.
The Magic of Bill Blagg Live!
10/16
Houdini who? Don’t miss mind-blowing illusionist Bill Blagg as he makes some magic at the George Mason Center for the Arts. Disappearing objects, levitation, and teleportation are all in store.
Jason Aldean
10/16
Country favorite Jason Aldean is jumping back in the saddle and getting on the road for his ninth album, 9. He’ll be joined by fellow country stars Hardy and Lainey Wilson, who both put out debut albums in the past year.
Tab Benoit
10/21
In the mood for the blues? Check out guitar guru and singer Tab Benoit when he hits up The Birchmere for his Whiskey Bayou Revue.
Ronald K. Brown and Meshell Ndegeocello
10/21–10/23
Renowned choreographer Ronald K. Brown is a master of blending traditional African dance with contemporary and urban styles. Now, he’s teaming up with vocalist, composer, and bassist Meshell Ndegeocello for Mercy, Grace, and The Equality of Night and Day, a breathtaking visual and audio piece in three parts. Listen to Ndegeocello’s chilling performance as Brown’s dancers perform on stage at the Kennedy Center.
Madison Cunning
10/23
The 21-year-old singer-songwriter’s debut album is deeply personal and utterly relatable. Cunning writes about the struggles we all went through in our late teens and early 20s, and she does so with electric energy and a unique sound.
Feature image by Elmanstudio
This story originally ran in our September issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
