"Shadows," a blockbuster exhibit of Andy Warhols work, opens at the Hirshhorn Museum Sept. 25 and runs through mid-Jan.

12 Fun Things to Do in D.C. This Fall

15 Minutes+

Andy Warhol’s 102-piece “Shadows” comes together for the first time at the Hirshhorn (hirshhorn.si.edu), Sept. 25−Jan. 15. In the mid-1970s, the iconic pop artist became obsessed with shadows. His studio photographs morphed into canvases measuring 76 by 52 inches, which the artist hand-painted or silk-screened with bright acrylics. Those canvases, shown side by side as Warhol intended, will adorn the Hirshhorn’s curved second-level gallery—that’s 450 linear feet around the perimeter, proving once again that Warhol’s work still pushes artistic boundaries.

End of Days

Can the apocalypse be hilarious? In the hands of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, yes. The twisted minds behind “A Bright New Boise” (Oct. 10−Nov. 6) set the stage for the Rapture in the parking lot of a mega-craft store. A father and son deal with the reckoning with sometimes profane, sometimes sacred and always outrageously wild dialogue.

Let Them Eat Brie

Children of Washington, rejoice: You have a way to learn about European culture without having to sit through “Au Revoir Les Enfants.” The Kids Euro Festival (Oct. 14−Nov. 10), hosted by arts organizations and embassies around town, offers 200 free performances by storytellers, musicians, jugglers, dancers and other talented people with cool accents from the European Union. Another family-friendly romp not to miss at one of our favorite venues, Imagination Stage (imaginationstage.org): “Aladdin’s Luck” (Sept. 23−Oct. 30), weaves the story of a street urchin who pines for a princess and uses a wish-granting lamp. Familiar? In the hands of Imagination, the tale goes on twisting side roads, with magicians, rescues and all manner of tomfoolery.

Elegance on Film

Harry Callahan was one of those photographers whose work you’ll see and say, “Oh, yeah, I know that.” You know because, during Callahan’s 50-year career, his influence was immense—even today, more than a decade after his death. The National Gallery of Art (nga.gov) celebrates the photographer with “Harry Callahan at 100” (Oct. 2−March 12). The exhibit showcases 110 photos, including elegantly composed portraits and audacious experimentation with exposure.

30 to Know

Issues of race, sex and identity mark the groundbreaking exhibit “30 Americans” (Oct. 1−Feb. 12) at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Works from 30 of the most influential African-American contemporary artists, including Nick Cave, Carrie Mae Weems and Purvis Young, grace the walls of the gallery. Their art continues to challenge the American cultural landscape and presents a complex set of experiences for all generations.

Nothing But Trouble

Arena Stage (arenastage.org) isn’t about to fall into a sophomore slump in its new digs. Artistic Director Molly Smith and company gear up for their second season in the refurbished space with “Trouble in Mind” (Sept. 9−Oct. 23), a play within a play showcasing the lives of actors in a newly integrated cast who rehearse a drama about lynching. Prejudices inevitably surface and forge a dynamic tension throughout the powerful show. Also on tap: “The Book Club Play” (Oct. 7−Nov. 6), a comedy about a woman who leads a perfect life until her book club becomes truth serum for lost souls.

4 More We Love

“Warhol: Headlines,” Sept. 25−Jan. 2, National Gallery of Art (nga.gov). After seeing “Shadows” at the Hirshhorn, see the breadth of Warhol’s affection for tabloid news via photography, paintings, drawings and print.

“Les Misérables,” Sept. 27−Oct. 30, Kennedy Center (kennedy-center.org). Sure, you’ve seen it before (and maybe starred in it during high school), but the 25th-anniversary production has critics giddy.

“Parade,” Sept. 23−Oct. 30, Ford’s Theatre (fords.org). As part of the theater’s Lincoln Legacy Project, which aims to promote tolerance and diversity, the show follows the true story of the lynching of a Jewish factory worker in the South during the early 20th century.

Fashion’s Night Out, Sept. 8 (fashionsnightoutgeorgetowndc.com). For a shopping fix like no other, 80 of Georgetown’s indie shops host great buys, fashion shows, cocktail parties, DJs and live performances.

New Tunes to Go

Six downloads you’ll love when taking to the skies this fall.

“Lorelai,” Fleet Foxes. Because if you’re wheeling through Skyline Drive or the Blue Ridge, the Foxes are perfect musical companions.

“Same Mistakes,” Black Lillies. Because this band walks the tightrope between old-school Americana and commercial country, much like the Old 97’s.

“Not Fade Away,” Florence and the Machine. Because it’s a challenge to pick one song from this reimagined Buddy Holly tribute featuring everyone from Patti Smith to Modest Mouse. 

“I Might,” Wilco. Because Jeff Tweedy sounds happier since leaving a major label and producing a record on his own, and when he sings, “It’s all right” amid the gorgeous chorus, the world is better. 

“Racing the Angels,” Matraca Berg. Because you won’t hear a prettier song this fall than this one from a harmonic disciple of Patty Griffin and Emmylou Harris.

“Reckless Serenade,” Arctic Monkeys. Because the Brits’ version of retro-guitar rock mocks convention with more teeth than the Kooks.