October
Ongoing Exhibitions
Ongoing
Featured Event: Dreamers and Believers: Cathedral Builders
Engaging exhibit using stories, voices, images, and film to celebrate the visionaries, donors, artists, and workers who built the Cathedral. Learn more »
Thursday, October 1
- 3:00 PM
Close-up Tour: 20th Century American Gothic: Cathedral Architecture
Explore the Cathedral’s walls and carvings and learn about the Gothic style. Learn more »
Tickets: $5 per person; no reservation required..
- 5:30 PM
Donor Evensong
Choral Evensong with Recognition of Cathedral donors.
Saturday, October 3
- 9:30 AM
Make Me an Instrument: A Pilgrimage for the Feast of St. Francis
A pilgrimage of praise for creation and thanksgiving for the life of St. Francis. Learn more »
Tickets: $30/regular; $25/student and senior.. Order tickets now »
- 6:00 PM
Holy Eucharist: Latino Ministry Celebration
Bishop Chane will preside at the Eucharist. Bishop Julio Cesar Holgumn, bishop of the Episcopal Church in the Dominican Republic, will be the preacher. Learn more »
Sunday, October 4
- 7:45 AM
Holy Eucharist, Rite 1
The Rev. Canon Samuel Van Culin, preacher
- 8:45 AM
Holy Eucharist
Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III, preacher
- 10:00 AM
Contemporary Folk Eucharist
The Rev. Canon Samuel Van Culin, worship leader
- 10:10 AM
Sunday Forum: The World is Blue: Why Saving the Oceans will also Save Us
Sylvia Earle Learn more »
- 11:15 AM
Holy Eucharist
Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III, preacher
- 12:45 PM
Fragile: The State of Our Oceans and What We Can Do About It
Explore the looming ecological crisis in our oceans and what each of us can do to change that picture Learn more »
- 1:30 PM
Close-up Tour: 20th Century American Gothic: Cathedral Architecture
Explore the Cathedral’s walls and carvings and learn about the Gothic style. Learn more »
Tickets: $5 per person; no reservation required..
- 2:30 PM
Blessing of the Animals
Annual celebration of the Feast of St. Francis with blessing of animals Learn more »
- 3:30 PM
Choral Prelude
Choir of Men and Boys, All Saints Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia; Andrew Koebler, director
- 4:00 PM
Choral Evensong
The Rev. Canon Stephen Huber, preacher
Monday, October 5
- 6:15 PM
Benedictine Life and Prayer
Discover life balance and spiritual renewal through shared silence, deep listening, intentional conversation, and centering prayer on this journey through the Rule of St. Benedict. Learn more »
- 7:45 PM
Creating a Rule of Life
Experience shared learning, mutual support, and lively encouragement as you create a unique guide for living your life of balance and reconciliation in the world. Learn more »
Tuesday, October 6
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
Wednesday, October 7
- 7:30 PM
Afghanistan and Pakistan: America's Challenge: Solving the Impossible
Join us for an examination of the issues surrounding Afghanistan and Pakistan Learn more »
Tickets: $4 handling fee. Order tickets now »
Thursday, October 8
- 2:45 PM
Touring Interruption
Limited touring in the nave (main level) from 2:45 to 4:30 pm due to a school service
Friday, October 9
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
- 7:00 PM
St. Albans School Centennial Service
Celebration of the first 100 years of St. Albans School for Boys
Saturday, October 10
- 10:00 AM
Touring Interruption
No touring all day due to National Acolyte Festival
- 10:00 AM
30th Annual National Acolyte Festival
Join acolytes from across the United States at the 30th annual national Acolyte Festival. Learn more »
Tickets: See registration page for details. Order tickets now »
Sunday, October 11
- 7:45 AM
Holy Eucharist, Rite 1
The Rev. Anne Brower, preacher
- 8:45 AM
Holy Eucharist
Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III, preacher
- 10:00 AM
Contemporary Folk Eucharist
Mr. Bob Wickizer, worship leader
- 10:10 AM
Sunday Forum: What Does Religion Really Mean Today?
Karen Armstrong Learn more »
- 11:15 AM
Holy Eucharist
Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III, preacher
- 3:30 PM
Choral Prelude
Herning Kirkes Drengekor from Denmark sing a choral prelude to Evensong. Rikke Mikkelsen, director
- 4:00 PM
Choral Evensong
The Rev. Canon Mary Sulerud, preacher
- 5:15 PM
Organ Recital: Organ Recital: Erik Wm. Suter
Organist Erik Wm. Suter plays a recital of French music on the great organ. Learn more »
Tuesday, October 13
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
Wednesday, October 14
- 10:00 AM
Touring Interruption
No touring of the Nave (main level) in the morning due to school service
- 12:30 PM
Organ Demonstration
On Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1 pm, a Cathedral organist gives a short talk about the 10,650-pipe great organ followed by a mini-recital.
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
Thursday, October 15
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
- 6:00 PM
Fall Twilight Tower Climb
Last Climb of the year! Climb the 333 steps to the dizzying heights of the bell ringing chamber in the great central tower of Washington National Cathedral, 300 feet above the ground. Learn more »
Tickets: $25. Order tickets now »
- 7:00 PM
20s and 30s Meeting
Potluck meal and planning in Cathedral Library Learn more »
- 7:00 PM
Sudan Darfur Advocacy Fellowship meeting
Sayre House on South Road Learn more »
Friday, October 16
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
Saturday, October 17
- 9:30 AM
Entering the Castle with Teresa of Avila
Morning pilgrimage: Through a variety of prayer practices, readings, and quiet reflection, you are invited to examine your own inner path to God. Learn more »
Sunday, October 18
- 7:45 AM
Holy Eucharist, Rite 1
The Rev. Gwendolyn Tobias, preacher
- 8:45 AM
Holy Eucharist
The Rev. Canon Stephen Huber, preacher
- 10:00 AM
Contemporary Folk Eucharist
The Rev. Gwendolyn Tobias, worship leader
- 10:10 AM
Sunday Forum: The Healing Power of Prayer
Anne Brower Learn more »
- 11:15 AM
Holy Eucharist
The Rev. Canon Stephen Huber, preacher
- 12:30 PM
Congregation New Member Orientation
Held in the Garrett Lounge, the third Sunday of every month.
- 2:00 PM
Touring Interruption
The nave (main level) will close at 2 pm for concert preparations.
- 4:00 PM
Giuseppe Verdi: Requiem
Hear the Verdi Requiem performed by the Cathedral Choral Society under the direction of Music Director J. Reilly Lewis. Learn more »
Tickets: $20-$80. Order tickets now »
Monday, October 19
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
- 12:30 PM
Organ Demonstration
On Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1 pm, a Cathedral organist gives a short talk about the 10,650-pipe great organ followed by a mini-recital.
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
- 6:15 PM
Benedictine Life and Prayer
Discover life balance and spiritual renewal through shared silence, deep listening, intentional conversation, and centering prayer on this journey through the Rule of St. Benedict. Learn more »
Tickets: Free; reservations required. Order tickets now »
- 7:00 PM
Course: School of Prayer
This course offers an overview of various forms of contemplative prayer and meditation. Learn more »
Tickets: $90. Order tickets now »
Tuesday, October 20
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
Wednesday, October 21
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
- 12:30 PM
Organ Demonstration
On Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1 pm, a Cathedral organist gives a short talk about the 10,650-pipe great organ followed by a mini-recital.
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
Thursday, October 22
- 10:00 AM
Touring Interruption
The nave (main level) will be closed in the morning due to a school service; touring will begin at 10:45 am
- 5:30 PM
Evensong
Volunteer Recognition
Friday, October 23
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
Saturday, October 24
- 9:45 AM
Literacy Program Workshop
Learn about volunteering in the Cathedral Literacy Program. Features guest speaker Nicole Lubar. Learn more »
Sunday, October 25
- 7:45 AM
Holy Eucharist, Rite 1
The Rev. Bob Wickizer, preacher
- 8:45 AM
Holy Eucharist
The Rev. Canon Stephen Huber, preacher
- 10:00 AM
Contemporary Folk Eucharist
The Rev. Bob Wickizer, worship leader
- 10:10 AM
Sunday Forum: What Christians Need to Know About Islam
Imam Yahya Hendi Learn more »
- 11:15 AM
Holy Eucharist
The Rev. Canon Stephen Huber, preacher
- 2:00 PM
Gargoyle Tour
Gargoyle Tour Learn more »
- 4:00 PM
Lutheran Reformation Service
Service marking the Protestant Reformation. Learn more »
- 5:30 PM
Film Screening and Discussion: Journey into America
Film screening and discussion with film producer Akbar Ahmed Learn more »
Tickets: $10. Order tickets now »
Monday, October 26
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
- 6:15 PM
Benedictine Life and Prayer
Discover life balance and spiritual renewal through shared silence, deep listening, intentional conversation, and centering prayer on this journey through the Rule of St. Benedict. Learn more »
Tickets: Free; reservations required. Order tickets now »
Tuesday, October 27
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
- 6:30 PM
Cathedral Crossroads: Poetry for Plenty
An evening of contemplative practice on the last Tuesday of each month; free and open to the public. Learn more »
Wednesday, October 28
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
- 12:30 PM
Organ Demonstration
On Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1 pm, a Cathedral organist gives a short talk about the 10,650-pipe great organ followed by a mini-recital.
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
Thursday, October 29
- 10:30 AM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
Friday, October 30
- 1:30 PM
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
This specialty tour takes you up close to stained glass windows, gargoyles, and areas of the Cathedral not included on the Highlights Tour. Learn more »
Tickets: $10.00 per person; no reservation required..
Saturday, October 31
- 10:00 AM
Touring Interruption
No guided tours all day due to docent training