DC9
Category: Live Music Venues, Rooftop Bars, Nightclub
Neighborhood: U Street
Price: $$
Address: 1940 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
✨ Vibe
A legendary three-story staple of the U Street corridor that blends a cozy house-party atmosphere with professional-grade sound for an incredibly intimate concert experience.
🍸 Best For
Indie rock enthusiasts, sunset rooftop cocktails, late-night dance parties, and discovering high-energy emerging artists.
🔥 Highlights
- Dynamic Multi-Level Layout: Enjoy three distinct spaces in one night, moving from the sleek ground-floor bar to the high-impact second-floor music venue, and finally up to the vibrant, climate-controlled rooftop deck.
- Elite Sightlines & Sound: Recently celebrated for its high-quality sound system and perfectly elevated stage, the venue offers an "up-close-and-personal" feel that fosters direct interaction between performers and fans.
- 21 Years of Community Spirit: Celebrating over two decades of music, DC9 is a neighborhood pillar known for its friendly staff and diverse programming, ranging from sold-out national tours to unique local happy hours and sing-along choir nights.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- The heated rooftop deck opens at 5 PM on weekdays and 3 PM on Saturdays, providing a perfect year-round spot for pre-show appetizers and drinks.
- While many late-night dance events are 21+, many live performances are all-ages, making it a versatile destination for the entire DC music community.
📅 Upcoming Events & Specials
The Black Heart Procession 🖤
Thursday, February 12thDoors: 7pm | Show: 8pm.
Jeris Johnson 🚨🔥
Thursday, February 26thJeris Johnson performing live. Doors: 7pm | Show: 8pm. LOW TICKET warning.
📰 In the News
Live Review: Modern Nature @ DC9 — 1/22/26
DC9 hosted an intimate concert by Modern Nature on January 22, 2026, highlighting tracks from their latest album, *The Heat Warps*. The performance showcased the band's evolving sound with intricate guitar work and included a surprise cover of The Beatles’ "Don’t Let Me Down" alongside their nature-inspired originals.
Daffo at DC9 and Ryan Conner Comes Home: City Lights for Jan. 22–28
DC9 hosts a headlining performance by indie-rock artist Daffo on January 25, 2026, following the release of their debut album, *Where the Earth Bends*. The show highlights the classically trained violinist's sharp songwriting and emotional range as they transition from a supporting act to a featured headliner at the venue.
Preview: Marilyn Hucek @ DC9, 1/24/26
DC9 hosts American-Chilean singer-songwriter Marilyn Hucek on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, for a performance celebrating her debut album, MARILYN. This all-ages show includes supporting acts Megan Winsor and Maddie, with doors opening at 7 p.m.
Preview: Modern Nature @ DC9, 1/22/26
DC9 hosts a live performance by Modern Nature on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, featuring support from Brigid Dawson & The Mothers Network. The all-ages show follows the release of the band’s acclaimed album, 'The Heat Warps,' and their recent single 'Shasta.'
Live Review: Steve Gunn w/ Chris Forsyth @ DC9 -- 12/6/25 | Parklife DC
DC9 hosted guitar virtuoso Steve Gunn and opener Chris Forsyth for a live performance on December 6, 2025. Gunn showcased material from his new album, Daylight Daylight, alongside traditional folk covers, while Forsyth provided a contrasting electric opening set.
Recent Reviews from Google
My favorite venue in DC. Good priced drinks. Great, intimate shows that sound good. The stage is at a perfect height so there really isn’t a bad place to stand in the concert venue.
Came out to DC9 for the Ha Vay concert and overall had a decent time, though the venue definitely had some ups and downs. We arrived right when doors were scheduled to open, only to be shuffled up to...
A truly special interactive experience when offering live music with an open mic. Many attendees in designer ensemble and full makeup regalia.
Really cool club/ music venue! Love that there are 3 floors to enjoy. The bartenders and staff were very friendly. The rooftop bar was a perfect place to enjoy an appetizer before the show I was...
Went to a concert - first time at venue. Clean, safe, and fun. Solid bartenders. Little pricey on drink side.