Quite a few people view New York as the focal point of theater in the U.S. – and rightfully so! It has a vibrant theater district and 10,000+ shows every year. However, the country’s capital holds its own. From the state-of-the-art Capital One Arena in D.C.’s Chinatown to the D.C. Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C., is home to a flourishing theater scene. Keep reading to learn more about D.C.’s top theaters and performance spaces!
D.C. Capital One Arena
Experience sporting events right in the heart of downtown at The Arena. This sprawling, 20,000-seat sports and entertainment venue hosts 200+ events yearly, like the Stanley Cup Finals, WNBA All-Star Games, and NCAA East Regional Finals. They’re also the home of the NBA’s Washington Wizards and the NHL’s Washington Capitals!
As if that weren’t reason enough for it to be one of D.C.’s top theaters and performance spaces, the Capital One Arena is loaded with amenities like Guy Fieri’s DC Kitchen + Bar and lounges. Plus, the surrounding neighborhood has a plethora of extraordinary eateries to visit if you get hungry from exploring the area!
Snapshot:
- Basketball Games
- Hockey Games
- Family Shows
D.C. Kennedy Center
Another of the top theaters and performance spaces in D.C., the center named after JFK is a premier venue for performing arts. This is in memoriam of President John F. Kennedy’s devotion to advancing the arts. They’re driven by a mission to showcase artists that define our culture. They also offer resources and experiences designed to empower young artists as part of their dedication to arts education in the country.
Like the D.C. Capital One Arena, there’s something for everyone here. Stand-up comedy. Plays. You can even take a tour of the center itself. The D.C. Kennedy Center also presents free performances on Wednesdays through Saturdays at 6 pm, so make sure to visit!
Snapshot:
- Top-notch theater
- Ballet
- Opera
- Symphony
- Contemporary music
Ford’s Theatre
One of the top theaters and performance spaces in D.C., Ford’s Theatre is a theater, museum, and historical site visited by over 650,000 tourists annually. It is also the site of Lincoln’s assassination! This D.C. theater allows guests to learn more about Lincoln’s life, the local region during the Civil War, and Lincoln’s legacy. Plus, located right across the street is the Petersen House, the house (now a historic site) where Lincoln passed.
What can you expect to experience at Ford’s? As a museum and learning center, they have exhibits about Lincoln’s presidency and the Civil War. They even offer the chance for visitors to go inside the historic theatre where Lincoln was assassinated and learn about the fateful night. However, the interior of the President’s Box is closed to the public to prevent damage. Ford’s Theatre is also a working theater!
Snapshot:
- Historic site
- Museum
- Plays and musicals
Lincoln Theatre
The theater named after Lincoln is another one of D.C.’s top theaters and performance spaces. Built in 1922 during segregation, it was once a cultural center known as the “Black Broadway,” influencing the Harlem Renaissance. It was initially built as a segregated movie house for D.C.’s Black clientele before adding a dance hall that hosted nightly performances from acclaimed artists like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole.
Lincoln Theatre struggled to maintain its popularity as D.C. integrated in the 1950s. Its issues were exacerbated by public unrest following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, and the theater experienced damage. It was sold and closed for renovations in 1983 and reopened in 1994 with a play.
Now operated by I.M.P., Lincoln Theatre is thriving. The upgraded theater hosts 1,000+ shows and attracts over 600,000 people each year. It’s one of the top theaters and performance spaces in D.C. for:
- Music performances
- Comedy shows
- Book tours
- Conversations with authors and poets
- Orchestra performances
Wolf Trap
If you’re looking for year-round concerts and performances in the D.C. area, head to VA! It’s the only national park dedicated to presenting the performing arts. They have two theaters: the Filene Center and the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods.
The Filene Center is a vast architectural outdoor concert amphitheater where visitors can experience theater, opera, and more. Located across the meadow from the Filene Center is Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods. This outdoor amphitheater hosts storytelling, music, and more for kids throughout the summer season.
Like the Kennedy Center in D.C., Wolf Trap is dedicated to advancing arts education. Besides being an event destination, they’re a non-profit organization with a mission to present performance arts programs for education and enjoyment! The wide array of exciting events, picturesque atmosphere, and educational experiences make it one of the top theaters and performance spaces in the D.C. area.
Snapshot:
- Dance
- Opera
- Music performances from top artists
- Music and entertainment for kids, too!
D.C. Warner Theater
“The Warner” has hosted countless concerts, comedy shows, theater performances, political rallies, and more since opening its doors 100 years ago.
Previously, the Earle Theatre was first opened as a picture (movie) palace, where silent films and vaudeville were shown. However, when the famous Warner Brothers acquired the theater in the 1940s, it was renamed and began to show movies solely.
Like the D.C. Lincoln Theatre, the Warner was damaged and closed due to unrest during the civil rights movement. They experienced a reinvigoration in the ‘70s and ‘80s when they began to host plays and music artists from diverse genres like rock n’ roll and hip hop. That legacy continues. Warner Theater has seen some of the biggest musical acts, political events, and major award shows. Whether you’re a fan of music, comedy, or anything in between, this is one of the top theaters and performance spaces in D.C. for you.
Snapshot:
- Comedy shows
- Concerts
- Lectures/Seminars
- Children’s shows
Take in a Show at the Top Theaters and Performance Spaces in D.C.
You can’t visit D.C. without taking in a show – or at least visiting its renowned performance spaces! Stop in at Dispensary Near Me before heading off to see a performance. Experience a sports game at the D.C. Capital One Arena, immerse yourself in arts education at the D.C. Kennedy Center, and more. One visit and you’ll understand why Washington, D.C., is one of the premier destinations for live performances!
