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The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has selected the 47th Honorees for lifetime artistic achievements: acclaimed director and filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola; legendary American rock band the Grateful Dead (Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, Bobby Weir); blues singer-songwriter and guitarist Bonnie Raitt; jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer Arturo Sandoval; and The Apollo, which will receive a special Honors as an iconic American institution.

This beloved improv group is back by popular demand! Based on one audience suggestion (a title of a show that has never been written), The Improvised Shakespeare Company® creates a brand new, fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece right before your eyes!

Add some soul to your holiday season with KEM at a brand-new, Kennedy Center-exclusive symphonic show! The Platinum-selling R&B star treats audiences to an evening of holiday magic and jazzy love songs at this intimate, uplifting concert featuring music from KEM’s acclaimed album What Christmas Means, fan favorites from his prolific career, fresh takes on comforting Christmas classics, and more. KEM is joined by special guest Ledisi at this one-of-a-kind concert!

Our colorful family opera steps into the jungle to find courage and friendship.

Experience the magical sound of Celtic Woman this holiday season! This brand-new symphony show features the all-female ensemble’s favorite Yuletide songs: “Silent Night,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Deck the Halls,” and more—along with iconic Celtic Woman classics including “Danny Boy,” “Amazing Grace,” and “You Raise Me Up.”

From the creator of Doc McStuffins and Vampirina, Finn is filled with vibrant sea creatures and catchy tunes. Hilarious and heartwarming, this world premiere musical chronicles the coming-of-age journey of a young shark following his dreams.

Ring in the holiday season (literally!) at The Washington Chorus' "A Candlelight Christmas!" Under the direction of Artistic Director Eugene Rogers, "A Candlelight Christmas" features spirited brass, a festive chorus, and extra special guests to help you celebrate the season. This concert is among the DC region's most beloved holiday traditions-so don't miss this unforgettable seasonal experience!

This year’s Marian Anderson Vocal Award winner, Key’mon Murrah, is praised for his “resplendent, voluptuous tone” (Opera News).

These theatre workshops are free creative offering to the community around how to elevate your creative process. Workshops will be led by experts in their fields, including playwriting, choreography, and devising a solo show.

Launched as a partnership between Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group, this program offers over 400 acclaimed dance classes each week for people with Parkinson’s Disease, in more than 250 communities and 24 countries. 

The Washington Musical Pathways Initiative (WMPI) is a talent development program for dedicated student musicians in grades 8–12 from communities that have been historically excluded from classical music and want to pursue music study in college.

John Doyle and Mick McAuley have been playing music together on the international stage for over 20 years. As multi-instrumentalist members of Irish American supergroup Solas, they combined to create part of the group’s unmistakable early sound which garnered critical worldwide acclaim.

Join Klezmer clarinetist Michael Winograd and his band of Brooklyn Klezmorim for an evening of Jewish celebration music, new and old!

Learn about this time honoured tradition with Indigenous/Powwow Dance Artists in these fun and informative introductory Powwow Dance Classes featuring a special collaboration class with a guest zumba instructor. While Dance Sanctuaries is open to the public, we ask all participants who are non-Indigenous to show up with a curious mind and heart and participate respectfully (for appreciation and educational purposes only).

Founded by Ukrainian professional duo Solomia Gorokhivska and Andrei Pidkivka, musicians of Gerdan bring the fire and the edge of melodic ideas and rhythms that capture the listener. The program Believe in Christmas Miracle offers a rich sampling of Christmas and seasonal music from Ukraine and Eastern Europe.

Moonshot Studio at the REACH celebrates creativity and the artist in everyone through hands-on art-making. The recommended age is 5 years old and above. Stop by anytime from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on (most) Saturdays & Sundays to explore our projects.

These theatre workshops are free creative offering to the community around how to elevate your creative process. Workshops will be led by experts in their fields, including playwriting, choreography, and devising a solo show.

The Washington Musical Pathways Initiative (WMPI) is a talent development program for dedicated student musicians in grades 8–12 from communities that have been historically excluded from classical music and want to pursue music study in college.

John Doyle and Mick McAuley have been playing music together on the international stage for over 20 years. As multi-instrumentalist members of Irish American supergroup Solas, they combined to create part of the group’s unmistakable early sound which garnered critical worldwide acclaim.

Join Klezmer clarinetist Michael Winograd and his band of Brooklyn Klezmorim for an evening of Jewish celebration music, new and old!

Add some soul to your holiday season with KEM at a brand-new, Kennedy Center-exclusive symphonic show! The Platinum-selling R&B star treats audiences to an evening of holiday magic and jazzy love songs at this intimate, uplifting concert featuring music from KEM’s acclaimed album What Christmas Means, fan favorites from his prolific career, fresh takes on comforting Christmas classics, and more. KEM is joined by special guest Ledisi at this one-of-a-kind concert!

Experience the magical sound of Celtic Woman this holiday season! This brand-new symphony show features the all-female ensemble’s favorite Yuletide songs: “Silent Night,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Deck the Halls,” and more—along with iconic Celtic Woman classics including “Danny Boy,” “Amazing Grace,” and “You Raise Me Up.”

Hallelujah—Washington, D.C.’s favorite holiday tradition returns! Since its debut nearly three centuries ago, Handel’s Messiah reigns unchallenged as the ultimate celebration of holiday joy. This year, experience the larger-than-life oratorio in all its splendor as Masaaki Suzuki conducts the NSO, a stellar cast of soloists, and the University of Maryland Concert Choir in this always-daring, beloved classic.

Make it an unforgettable evening at D.C.’s hottest New Year’s Eve show! Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling and visionary hybrid guitarist Charlie Hunter reignite their funk, soul, and fusion–inspired partnership in SuperBlue—a fierce collection of new songs and surprising covers. They’re joined by dynamic jazz/R&B/funk drummer Nate Smith and the high-energy Huntertones Horns.

The Washington Musical Pathways Initiative (WMPI) is a talent development program for dedicated student musicians in grades 8–12 from communities that have been historically excluded from classical music and want to pursue music study in college.

John Doyle and Mick McAuley have been playing music together on the international stage for over 20 years. As multi-instrumentalist members of Irish American supergroup Solas, they combined to create part of the group’s unmistakable early sound which garnered critical worldwide acclaim.

Join Klezmer clarinetist Michael Winograd and his band of Brooklyn Klezmorim for an evening of Jewish celebration music, new and old!

Since its pre-Broadway run at the Kennedy Center in 1986, Les Misérables has changed the world of musical theater. Now, Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Boublil & Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning phenomenon returns to the Opera House after its sold-out run in 2023. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, the musical tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.

For its annual Kennedy Center engagement, the beloved company presents Ailey classics and new works, including Ailey’s signature Revelations.

Third Coast Percussion has distinguished itself through energetic and unexpected musical experiences that “push percussion in new directions” (NPR) and create “an inspirational sense of fun and curiosity” (Minnesota Star-Tribune).

Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s novel Crime and Punishment is a devastatingly modern psychological thriller that provided choreographer Helen Pickett and director James Bonas with a startling source for a ballet. Watch as striking movement depicts a young man’s journey towards redemption.

The Paul Taylor Dance Company makes a triumphant return to the Kennedy Center as the company commemorates 70 years of extraordinary dance, featuring a world premiere by Hope Boykin (Artistic Advisor for Dance Education at the Kennedy Center).

Electronic indie band Balún differentiates itself through genre-morphing explorations and experimental creativity with its “dreambow” sound, echoing inspiration from reggaeton’s “dembow” pulse and dream pop.

Wildly relevant and bitingly funny, Eureka Day comes to the Kennedy Center in an exclusive engagement direct from the Manhattan Theatre Club on Broadway!

Jonathan Spector’s play, directed by Tony Award® winner Anna D. Shapiro, is set in a private California elementary school with a Board of Directors that values inclusion above all else—that is, until an outbreak of the mumps forces everyone in the community to reconsider the school’s liberal vaccine policy. As cases rise, the board realizes with horror that they’ve got to do what they swore they never would: make a choice that won’t please absolutely everybody.

Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its Grammy Award®–winning fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions. Now the show is embarking on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences worldwide.

The whole family will delight in the misadventures of the spirited Swanilda, her foolish sweetheart Frantz, and mad inventor Dr. Coppélius in New York City Ballet’s Coppélia. The New York Times calls it a “story ballet done to perfection.”

Created by the Emmy® Award–winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: What would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way.

Add some soul to your holiday season with KEM at a brand-new, Kennedy Center-exclusive symphonic show! The Platinum-selling R&B star treats audiences to an evening of holiday magic and jazzy love songs at this intimate, uplifting concert featuring music from KEM’s acclaimed album What Christmas Means, fan favorites from his prolific career, fresh takes on comforting Christmas classics, and more. KEM is joined by special guest Ledisi at this one-of-a-kind concert!

Make it an unforgettable evening at D.C.’s hottest New Year’s Eve show! Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling and visionary hybrid guitarist Charlie Hunter reignite their funk, soul, and fusion–inspired partnership in SuperBlue—a fierce collection of new songs and surprising covers. They’re joined by dynamic jazz/R&B/funk drummer Nate Smith and the high-energy Huntertones Horns.

After making history as the first DJ and hip-hop artist to headline the Kennedy Center Opera House in 2022 and launching his three-day Club Quarantine Live Residency in 2023, legendary artist, DJ, photographer, and Kennedy Center Hip Hop Culture Council Member D-Nice brings Club Quarantine Live back for another year—this time in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall!

Celebrate the end of 2024 with John Oliver, who shares his warm, witty jokes in a new stand-up set. Oliver is an Emmy® and Writers Guild Award–winning writer and comedian, and is the host and producer of the HBO show Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

The LA Times named Kenny Barron “one of the top jazz pianists in the world” and Jazz Weekly calls him “the most lyrical piano player of our time.” The NEA Jazz Master—along with his trio featuring bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa and drummer Savannah Harris—brings soul, grace, wit, and an unmatched ability to mesmerize audiences with elegant playing and infectious rhythms.