Echostage

DC’s largest dedicated concert venue reopened in 2013 after major renovations. The 30,000-plus-square-foot space attracts everyone from deejays to emcees to big names in hip-hop and pop—this year’s lineup boasts Lorde, Cut Copy and DMX—and hits the sweet spot, size-wise, between 9:30 Club and the Verizon Center. Tickets can run pricier than at other DC music venues, and getting there is a bit tricky—if you don’t want to cab or drive, free shuttles run between the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro station and Echostage until 3 AM. Also worth noting: Headlining acts often don’t take the stage until after 1 AM, so be prepared for a late night. For parties, or just a more private experience, tables with bottle service are available in the upstairs mezzanines—which also offer better views of the stage.