Strap in for the psychedelic rollercoaster of Symphonie fantastique, Berlioz’s epic fever dream of obsession, ecstasy, tantrums, and wild ambition. The NSO also performs Bryce Dessner’s Mari and Liszt’s scintillating Piano Concerto No. 1 performed by the “one in a million giant of solo piano” Benjamin Grosvenor (The Independent).

Dixie Longate is the fast-talking, gum-chewing, ginger-haired Alabama gal who is bringing your grandma’s Tupperware party into the 21st century. Filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, audience participation, and a little bit of empowerment and homespun wisdom, Dixie’s Tupperware Party leaves your heart a little bigger and your food a little fresher.

Join us in honoring the life and work of the “first lady of jazz,” legendary pianist and composer Mary Lou Williams. Hosted by the incomparable Dee Dee Bridgewater, this year’s two-day festival features performances by Eliane Elias, Endea Owens, Ingrid Jensen and the Center Song Project, Julia Keefe’s Indigenous Big Band, and more phenomenal women leading today’s jazz scene.

George Lopez’s illustrious and multi-faceted career encompasses television, film, stand-up comedy, and late-night television. Lopez has broken ground for Latino comics by embracing his ethnicity, confronting racial stereotypes, and fighting for his community on and off the stage.

The simultaneous grandeur and intimacy of Evgeny Kissin’s performances make his recital with the WPA one of the most anticipated on the DC classical scene.

Love makes a princess stronger in this glorious production by Francesca Zambello, offering a Turandot for our times.

The Prize, which is named to honor one of the world’s greatest humorists will be awarded to Kevin Hart at a gala performance featuring some of the biggest names in comedy.

Hip hop icon and founding Kennedy Center Hip Hop Culture Council Member MC Lyte presents an evening with five-time Grammy®-winning soul singer, songwriter, performer, and producer PJ Morton and Grammy Award®–, Soul Train Music Award–, and NAACP Image Award–nominated soul singer and multi-hyphenate MAJOR.! These two legendary artists will host a one-night-only performance in the Concert Hall honoring mothers and mother figures.

Featuring a special set by PRAISE 104.1 FM’s DJ Soul.

Set today in the Shear Madness hairstyling salon, this record-breaking comedy is Washington’s hilarious whodunit. After more than 17,800 performances, the show has stayed in great shape. Performances are ongoing.

This major permanent exhibit in the massive roof-level Atrium will explore Kennedy’s appreciation and promotion of the arts and why the Kennedy Center came to be the living memorial to him and his ideals.

Curated by Chitra.MOVES Dancing Identities: Finding Self, Sanctuary, and Freedom, is a day-long series of free classes that explore dance as an act of authentic self expression, confidence, character, and unapologetic self-care. Classes are taught by incredible DC-based artists who carry these themes in their movement and practice, and build powerful community in our city.

Join us for the debut performance from the third cohort of Next Jazz Legacy, a national apprenticeship program for women and non-binary improvisers in jazz with the intersection of gender and race as a guiding principle. The mission of Next Jazz Legacy is to increase opportunities for musicians most underrepresented in the art form and to create waves of lasting change that benefit the whole community.

Join us for a FREE film screening in the Justice Forum at the REACH. The Color Purple (2023) is a musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel. The film follows the lifelong struggles of an African American woman living in the South during the early 1900s.  

Launched as a partnership between Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group, this program offers internationally acclaimed dance classes for people with Parkinson’s Disease in more than 250 communities and 24 countries. 

Join us in the heart of our Nation’s Capital to honor Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) with an electrifying concert featuring the rich tapestry of traditional Jewish music from Eastern Europe, Turkey, Cuba, South America, the Levant, and the Arabian Peninsula.

Only Make Believe performs interactive and accessible theatre for children in hospitals, care facilities, and schools dedicated to serving children with disabilities. Now is your chance to experience a rare public performance! Step under the Big Top into the magical world of the circus.

The Columbia Heights Educational Campus (CHEC) Music Department is proud to showcase its comprehensive arts programming featuring performances by our middle school choir, flamenco ensemble, honors instrumental ensemble, high school orchestra, and jazz ensemble.

Curated by Chitra.MOVES Dancing Identities: Finding Self, Sanctuary, and Freedom, is a day-long series of free classes that explore dance as an act of authentic self expression, confidence, character, and unapologetic self-care. Classes are taught by incredible DC-based artists who carry these themes in their movement and practice, and build powerful community in our city.

Join us for the debut performance from the third cohort of Next Jazz Legacy, a national apprenticeship program for women and non-binary improvisers in jazz with the intersection of gender and race as a guiding principle. The mission of Next Jazz Legacy is to increase opportunities for musicians most underrepresented in the art form and to create waves of lasting change that benefit the whole community.

Join us for a FREE film screening in the Justice Forum at the REACH. The Color Purple (2023) is a musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel. The film follows the lifelong struggles of an African American woman living in the South during the early 1900s.  

Join us in the heart of our Nation’s Capital to honor Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) with an electrifying concert featuring the rich tapestry of traditional Jewish music from Eastern Europe, Turkey, Cuba, South America, the Levant, and the Arabian Peninsula.

In a live moderated conversation at the Kennedy Center, Garten will discuss and elaborate on the themes of her memoir—from childhood to becoming an author of bestselling cookbooks and a celebrated television host.

Based on the groundbreaking Italian film 8 ½, Nine follows famed director Guido Contini, suffering from “director’s block” on his latest film and from a strained marriage to the neglected Luisa, as he retreats into his mind, where a parade of women—lovers past and present—bombards his senses and throws reality into question.

Don’t Tell Seth! is a variety show featuring members of the writing staff of Late Night with Seth Meyers. Unshackled from the confines of network censors and what Seth thinks is “appropriate” for his show, they are finally free to let loose!

From the writing desks of late night, catch John Lutz, Peter Grosz, Matt Goldich, Jenny Hagel, Jeff Wright, Allison Hord, Ben Warheit, and Ian Morgan at the Kennedy Center.

One night only! The renowned gospel and R&B singer, songwriter, and producer captivates the Concert Hall.

Dixie Longate is the fast-talking, gum-chewing, ginger-haired Alabama gal who is bringing your grandma’s Tupperware party into the 21st century. Filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, audience participation, and a little bit of empowerment and homespun wisdom, Dixie’s Tupperware Party leaves your heart a little bigger and your food a little fresher.

Daybreaker returns with its PEACE TOUR! The event begins with an outdoor morning yoga class and then transitions into a dance party emphasizing self-expression and unity with others.

Love makes a princess stronger in this glorious production by Francesca Zambello, offering a Turandot for our times.

Five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo entrances audiences with her striking voice, stage presence, and visionary fusion of West African culture, American R&B, Latin music, funk, dancehall, and jazz. A once-in-a-lifetime performance!

DECLASSIFIED host and NSO Artistic Advisor Ben Folds welcomes dynamic pop artist BANKS and indie rock star Julien Baker for the next concert in his popular late-night series! This Kennedy Center-exclusive “part concert, part party” event defies the traditional symphony presentation by offering great live music—both classical and contemporary—in a laid-back, casual setting. Special appearance by Cafritz Young Artist Tiffany Choe. Come early and stay late for a live Drag Salute to Divas, drink specials, and more!

Enjoy a symphonic fusion of two extraordinary musical worlds in honor of Juneteenth and the 75th birthday of gospel legend Richard Smallwood! Conducted by Grammy Award–winning producer Dr. Henry Panion III, this soulful celebration with special guest Richard Smallwood features performances by Smallwood’s ensemble Vision, gospel stars Dorinda Clark Cole, Maurette Brown Clark, Marvin Winans, and more.

Featuring one of the greatest musical scores of all time, including classic songs “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People,” this bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.

A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship, and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited decades ago. MAMMA MIA! is the ultimate feel-good show.

George Lopez’s illustrious and multi-faceted career encompasses television, film, stand-up comedy, and late-night television. Lopez has broken ground for Latino comics by embracing his ethnicity, confronting racial stereotypes, and fighting for his community on and off the stage.

Hip hop icon and founding Kennedy Center Hip Hop Culture Council Member MC Lyte presents an evening with five-time Grammy®-winning soul singer, songwriter, performer, and producer PJ Morton and Grammy Award®–, Soul Train Music Award–, and NAACP Image Award–nominated soul singer and multi-hyphenate MAJOR.! These two legendary artists will host a one-night-only performance in the Concert Hall honoring mothers and mother figures.

Featuring a special set by PRAISE 104.1 FM’s DJ Soul.

Aparna Nancherla is an acclaimed comedian, writer, and actor. Praised by critics and fans alike for her distinctive dry, existential, and whimsical sense of humor, Aparna has toured her stand-up comedy extensively around the U.S. and the world. Now catch her new stand-up set in the Terrace Theater!

A never-before-seen concert experience! Killer Mike is more than just a rapper—he’s a cultural icon. From his groundbreaking collaborations with Run the Jewels to his solo endeavors, Killer Mike’s music resonates with authenticity, raw energy, and a fearless commitment to speaking truth to power. Hear tracks from his newest, three-time Grammy-winning album Michael, and more, accompanied by the epic sounds of the Mighty Midnight Revival and the National Symphony Orchestra live.

Five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo entrances audiences with her striking voice, stage presence, and visionary fusion of West African culture, American R&B, Latin music, funk, dancehall, and jazz. A once-in-a-lifetime performance!

DECLASSIFIED host and NSO Artistic Advisor Ben Folds welcomes dynamic pop artist BANKS and indie rock star Julien Baker for the next concert in his popular late-night series! This Kennedy Center-exclusive “part concert, part party” event defies the traditional symphony presentation by offering great live music—both classical and contemporary—in a laid-back, casual setting. Special appearance by Cafritz Young Artist Tiffany Choe. Come early and stay late for a live Drag Salute to Divas, drink specials, and more!

Great Scott! Back to the Future, the beloved, cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical with its destination set for Washington, D.C., in 2024. When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past, and send himself... back to the future.

One night only! The renowned gospel and R&B singer, songwriter, and producer captivates the Concert Hall.

A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship, and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited decades ago. MAMMA MIA! is the ultimate feel-good show.