18 Top Client Entertainment Ideas in Washington DC

By: | Updated: May 02, 2024

Here is our list of the best client entertainment ideas in Washington DC.

Client entertainment ideas in Washington DC are fun experiences you can share with your clients at various destinations within the city. For example, you can tour Nationals Park and enjoy a luxurious treatment in the spa at Mandarin Oriental. The purpose of these ideas is to provide fun ways to spend time with clients and take your business relationship to the next level.

These ideas are similar to fun group activities in DC and DC outings. These activities serve a similar purpose to luxury gifting.

This list includes:

  • VIP client entertainment ideas in Washington DC
  • client appreciation event venues in Washington DC
  • places to bring clients in Washington DC
  • client meeting spaces in Washington DC

Here we go!

List of client entertainment ideas in Washington DC

Washington DC provides numerous entertainment opportunities and experiences that your guests will love. Here are exciting ways to entertain clients in the city.

1. Mix n’ Mingle (Best for Networking)

Mix n’ Mingle is an immersive networking experience that sparks conversations and lasting bonds. 

Mix n’ Mingle features the following:

  • 90 minutes with an experienced facilitator
  • icebreakers that ignite engaging conversations and foster connections
  • group discussions and collaborative challenges
  • emphasis on shared interests, common goals, and diverse perspectives

Through Mix n’ Mingle, you can connect deeply with clients, strengthen relationships, and enhance collaboration. This experience empowers you to unleash the power of networking and expand your corporate network.

Learn more about Mix n’ Mingle.

2. Nationals Park Tour

Nationals Park is home to Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals. The stadium hosts guided tours for visitors to explore the facility. If you reserve a President Tour package, then you and your guests will explore areas like the visiting team clubhouse, Terra club, Washington suites, and the dugout.

The tours are set to last about two hours and will run on both sunny and rainy days. A private reservation will allow you to choose a convenient date and time for your guests. All the areas within the stadium are wheelchair accessible. To enhance your client’s experience, you can take the tour on a game day and end your visit with an exciting baseball match.

Learn more about Nationals Park Tour.

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3. Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental is a luxury hotel within walking distance of the Wharf and National Fields. The hotel features a pool, spa, dining areas, and a fitness center.

Treating your guests to a spa session at this hotel is one of the VIP client entertainment ideas in Washington DC. The spa has a relaxing atmosphere, complemented by the fragrance of aromatherapy candles and warm decor. The facilities also include an ice fountain, eight private treatment rooms, a sauna for male guests, showers, and a vitality pool for women.

After a satisfying spa treatment, you can stop at Empress to enjoy a cup of tea. Mandarin Oriental also provides several meeting spaces, from a lovely garden to an art gallery and ballrooms. The hotel will provide an event team to ensure you and your guests have the most entertaining experience.

Learn more about Mandarin Oriental.

4. Gypsy Kitchen

Gypsy Kitchen is among the nicest client entertainment event venues in Washington DC. The restaurant offers unique dishes created with techniques from different parts of the world, including Israel, Spain, and Greece.

The rooftop at this destination is a great option to seat your clients and socialize while enjoying a view of the neighborhood. However, access to this seating area is on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, you can have a drink inside the dining room decorated with glittering lights, vignettes, and woven rugs. Your client will have a satisfying dining experience at Gypsy Kitchen, given the bar’s excellent meal, cocktail, and wine options.

Learn more about Gypsy Kitchen.

5. Bluejacket

Bluejacket is a brewery and restaurant in Chicago. Aside from producing craft beers in the city, the brewery is notable as an event venue with several spaces available for rental. You will find a dining room designed for semi-private events at the brewery’s front entrance area. For a fully-private experience, you can reserve the Bottle Shop located on the brewery’s first floor.

In addition, the Mezzanine space provides views of the brewery’s action while you and your guests. Bluejacket offers American bites and craft beer served daily at the patio and taprooms. Additionally, you can have your event menu customized to your client’s taste.

Learn more about Bluejacket.

6. East Potomac Golf Links

East Potomac Golf Links offers two courses located on Hains Point Island. The first course has nine holes, with par 27 and par 36. Depending on the weather, you can find a food trailer nearby serving tasty bites. The golf club also offers a practice hole reservable on a first-come, first-served basis.

The area features a miniature golf course near the National Mall on historic Hains Point. You and your guests will have fun playing on this challenging 18-hole course. If your clients need coaching, then you can reserve a lesson with PlayDC Golf Academy available on-site to teach players. You can also plan for dining after a game, particularly at the Potomac Grille, with indoor and outdoor seating.

Learn more about East Potomac Golf Links.

7. TAKODA

TAKODA is a restaurant and beer garden in Washington DC. The bar features a classic-industrial theme, an intimate setting, and antique mirror decorations. You can enjoy happy hour in this space on Tuesdays through Thursdays.

TAKODA is one of the most excellent client appreciation event venues in Washington DC. You can reserve the space at the downstairs bar or the rooftop beer garden. The latter will be a perfect choice if you prefer a private moment with your clients. Furthermore, a dedicated team will be available to help you plan your event and customize the menu. Your clients will have a great time relaxing and enjoying a drink from the fine selection of cocktails, beers, and whiskey available at this restaurant and beer garden.

Learn more about TAKODA.

8. Bluebell Spa DC

Bluebell Spa DC is one of the city’s wellness centers offering various massages, from hot stone and Swedish to deep tissue and aromatherapy. The spa provides a series of packages with treatments lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Also, you can book several skin care services like facials, peels, and dermaplaning.

The professional and first-class service provided by the spa will guarantee your guests relaxation and refreshment. You can easily locate Bluebell Spa at the center of Columbia Heights.

Learn more about Bluebell Spa DC.

9. All Fired Up

All Fired Up is an art studio with fun experiences to share with your clients, like pottery classes, mosaics making, glass fusion, and acrylic painting. The studio provides a wide range of pottery projects and needed supplies to complete your work.

The staff members can demonstrate how you and your guests should go about the activity. If you plan to host a private event, then you can buy out the studio’s space for two hours. However, this rental option is only available for a minimum of twenty guests. The studio also hosts special events like Trivia Night, Violin Duet, and a live band performance. You can come along with your food and beverages.

Learn more about All Fired Up.

10. The Eleanor Bowling Lounge

Bowling at The Eleanor is among the fun client entertainment ideas in Washington DC. You can reserve a one-hour slot for up to 16 guests. This vintage bowling center also offers happy hour daily. On Sundays, you can play trivia and pay half the regular price for arcade games.

Aside from bowling, The Eleanor also serves the neighborhood delicious hand-made meals, craft cocktails, and local beer. You can buy out the entire space at the center to host your event. Alternatively, The Eleanor offers a semi-private room excellent for up to 20 or more guests. Plus, free parking is available on-site.

Learn more about The Eleanor Bowling Lounge.

11. Dolcezza at the Hirshhorn

Dolcezza is a cafe positioned in the lobby of the Hirshhorn Museum. You and your client can visit the location to chat while having coffee. The cafe also serves delicious, hand-made gelato produced in small batches to guarantee freshness. Dolcezza prefers to use locally grown products to make the treats.

If you want more than just coffee and gelato for your clients, then you can extend your visit to include a tour of the Hirshhorn Museum, offering free admission to visitors. The museum is home to an extensive collection of modern and contemporary artworks your clients will enjoy exploring.

Learn more about Dolcezza at the Hirshhorn.

12. The Mansion on O Street

The Mansion on O Street is one of the unique experiences in Washington DC. The mansion features over 100 rooms and 80 doors to explore. During the experience, you will try to find as many secret doors as possible and make your way into themed rooms, transporting you to another world of fantasy. The mansion also serves as a museum but with a touch of fun that makes the destination stand out from other historic venues.

The museum showcases exhibits and artworks from significant figures in popular culture. You can check out the unique furnishings and antiques in this venue, from a shower crafted from an English phone booth to Italian tubs. The Mansion on O Street provides several client meeting spaces in Washington DC, from conference rooms to large galleries. You can also dine in the mansion’s restaurant, serving different food options to meet diverse dietary requirements. The mysterious doors and unbeatable dining at The Mansion on O Street will add great excitement to your client’s day.

Learn more about The Mansion on O Street.

13. Underground Comedy

Underground Comedy is one of the live performance spots in Washington to have a laugh with your guests. The comedy club features top comedians performing on stage in a professional show called “The Underground Comedy Showcase.” Underground Comedy performs in different venues in Washington DC: Reliable Tavern, Wonderland Ballroom, and Hotbed.

Since seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, arrive at the venue early to guarantee sitting together with your guests. Also, you can follow up with updates on the comedy club’s site to catch up with special events hosted regularly.

Learn more about Underground Comedy.

14. Capital City Symphony

Capital City Symphony is a community orchestra offering performing art entertainment in the Washington DC area. You can treat your clients to classical live music performances in the venue’s relaxing environment. Capital City Symphony strives to make good classical music accessible to all at an affordable price.

The space hosts highly-raved events in Washington DC like Symphonic Women, Birds and Cathedrals, and CCS Creates. You can be on the lookout for upcoming events updated on the symphony’s official website.

Learn more about Capital City Symphony.

15. Rock Creek Park Horse Center

Rock Creek Park Horse Center is one of the best places to bring clients in Washington DC. The center offers trail rides excellent for riders at all levels. An expert guide will lead you along the trails during your experience. The horses will only move at a walking pace throughout the ride.

The horse center offers one-time lessons for first-time riders with a practice session within 60 minutes. You can also extend your visit to include a 20-minute tour of the stable while learning how the staff takes care of the horses.

Learn more about Rock Creek Park Horse Center.

16. United States National Arboretum

United States National Arboretum is one of Washington DC’s top attractions. During your visit, you can play a fun mobile game called “Agents of Discovery.” After downloading the game, you and your clients will work together to solve puzzles and complete a series of missions while exploring the arboretum.

The United States National Arboretum is home to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. The institution showcases horticultural arts, including a penjing collection from China and bonsai trees from North America. Just across the museum is the National Herb Garden, which is one of the largest herb gardens in the United States. Furthermore, you can come along with food and dine with your guests using a table at the North Court and East Terrace around the Introductory Garden area. United States National Arboretum is accessible all year round and admission is free.

Learn more about the United States National Arboretum.

17. The Good Liar Brian Curry

The Good Liar is a fun mentalist show hosted by Brian Curry. The host will entertain your clients by pretending to read guests’ minds. You should expect fun and twists during the event.

The show will last up to one hour. You can order drinks from a hotel bar close to the showroom or bring your own beverages. You will find the showroom near McPherson Square Station.

Learn more about The Good Liar Brian Curry.

18. City Cruises Washington DC

Taking a tour with City Cruises is one of the VIP client entertainment ideas in Washington DC. The tour comes in various packages. For instance, you can have a Premier Lunch Cruise lasting two hours on the Potomac River. You can also reserve a Signature Dinner Cruise with a tasty buffet and reserved tables for your group.

During the experience, the scenic views of the city and freshly prepared food served on board will impress your guests.

Learn more about City Cruises Washington DC.

Conclusion

Washington DC is home to iconic destinations in the United States. The city offers intriguing food, art, cultural, and musical attractions accessible. You will find just the right entertainment that perfectly fits your guest’s taste. Also, many destinations in Washington DC include interactive activities to make every second unforgettable. These experiences will leave a memorable imprint in your guests’ hearts. Furthermore, the city has vibrant nightlife and entertainment centers accessible to visitors of all ages. Plus, you can experience top-notch entertainment at a steal of a price.

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FAQ: Client entertainment ideas in Washington DC

Here are answers to questions about client entertainment ideas in Washington DC.

What are the best client entertainment ideas in Washington DC?

The best client entertainment ideas in Washington DC include painting pottery at All Fired Up, bowling at The Eleanor, having a drink at Dolcezza, and exploring the Mansion on O Street.

How do you entertain clients in Washington DC?

To entertain clients in Washington DC, you need to plan fun activities that suit your guests’ preferences, whether fine dining or sightseeing tours. More importantly, you should set a budget and decide on the best entertainment within your spending limit. You can also look into the fun locations in Washington DC, providing facilities for the kind of entertainment you want. Furthermore, considering your clients’ schedules is crucial. You would not want to plan the entertainment on an inconvenient day for your clients.

What are some good places to take clients in Washington DC?

Some good places to take clients in Washington DC are Mandarin Oriental, Capital City Symphony, Rock Creek Park Horse Center, TAKODA, and United States National Arboretum.

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Author:

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com.
Grace is the Director of People & Culture at teambuilding.com. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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