What鈥檚 On at the Kennedy Center

What鈥檚 On Now

National Symphony Orchestra

Carlos Miguel Prieto | Jorge Federico Osorio

Jan. 16 - 18, 2025

Jorge Federico Osorio, hailed as “an imaginative interpreter with a powerful technique” (New York Times), takes on Beethoven’s intensely energetic Piano Concerto No. 3. Rachmaninoff’s lush and lively Symphonic Dances comes alive under the baton of Carlos Miguel Prieto—who returns following his “high-octane” 2018 NSO debut (Washington Classical Review).
Grey Skies Blue

Jan. 17 - 19, 2025

Dance and theater merge in SHAPESHIFT’s Grey Skies Blue. Join a group of friends as they uncover personal truths through dynamic movement in an inspiring show that resonates with audiences of all ages.
- Student Rush
National Symphony Orchestra

NSO Music for Young Audiences:
Old MacDonald’s Symphony

Jan. 18 - 19, 2025

The whole farmyard is getting ready for a hoedown—but it needs your help! Presented in collaboration with Teller Productions and developed specifically for toddlers, this immersive show features puppets, a storyteller, and a string quartet from the National Symphony Orchestra.
Washington National Opera

American Opera Initiative

Sat. Jan. 18, 2025

Be there for the world premiere of three one-act operas staged in a concert performance, with talented Cafritz Young Artists among the casts.
Kennedy Center Chamber Players:
Winter Concert

Sun. Jan. 19, 2025

Comprising titled musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra, this acclaimed ensemble presents chamber music classics.
Tragedy + Time:
Michael Cruz Kayne: Sorry for Your Loss

Sat. Jan. 25, 2025

The comedian and writer from The Late Show presents a hilarious, difficult, and touching show about grief. If everyone dies, why does nobody talk about it?
- MyTix
National Ballet of China: Int-Adv Adult Master Class

Mon. Jan. 27, 2025

Take a participatory class led by members of National Ballet of China.
Shear Madness

Jan. 28 - Oct. 5, 2025

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.

All ages welcomed, recommended for 13+
See the Full Calendar

Featured Events

Les Misérables

Jun. 11 - Jul. 13, 2025

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.
National Symphony Orchestra

Opera in Concert: Noseda conducts Barber’s Vanessa

Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2025

Passion, secrets, and unforgettable music. Don’t miss this grand American opera! NSO Music Director and renowned opera conductor Gianandrea Noseda—along with five acclaimed soloists in major roles—bring Samuel Barber’s timeless tale of love and longing to life.
- MyTix
- Student Rush
National Ballet of China: Chinese New Year (A Ballet in Two Acts)

Jan. 29 - Feb. 2, 2025

With its dazzling hybrid of western ballet and Chinese culture, National Ballet of China returns to thrill audiences with its luminous fusion of traditions, telling the story of a family’s Chinese New Year celebration—set to Tchaikovsky’s treasured Nutcracker score.
- MyTix
- Student Rush
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Feb. 4 - 9, 2025

For its annual Kennedy Center engagement, the beloved company presents brand new works, contemporary favorites, and the signature Ailey classic Revelations.
- MyTix
Kenny Barron

Fri. Jan. 31, 2025

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.
Schmigadoon!

Jan. 31 - Feb. 9, 2025

Based on the hit Apple TV series!

Introducing Schmigadoon!, the world-premiere musical of the Emmy Award®–winning hit show. New York doctors Josh and Melissa go backpacking in a last-ditch attempt to save their failing relationship, but instead get lost in the woods and end up trapped in Schmigadoon, a magical town that’s a classic Golden Age musical come to life!
RIVERDANCE 30 – The New Generation

Mar. 4 - 16, 2025

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.
Eureka Day

Mar. 4 - 22, 2025

Wildly relevant and bitingly funny, Eureka Day comes to the Kennedy Center in an exclusive engagement direct from Broadway! Jonathan Spector’s play, directed by Tony Award® winner Anna D. Shapiro, is set in a private California elementary school reeling from an outbreak of the mumps. As cases rise, the Board of Directors realizes with horror that they’ve got to do what they swore they never would: make a choice that won’t please absolutely everybody.
Just Announced The 26th Mark Twain Prize Recipient

Event March 23 | Filmed for Premiere on NETFLIX

The 26th Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor goes to Conan O'Brien! Learn more about the event and watch performances, interviews, and other highlights from past shows.

View Details

EARTH to SPACE Festival">

MARCH 28–APRIL 20, 2025

For three weeks, EARTH to SPACE will fill the Center with musicians and astronauts, poets and researchers, visual artists and engineers, actors and environmentalists, architects and astronomers, dancers and scientists, film makers and space designers. It is our conviction that insights into the marvels of the universe can inspire action to protect our own planet, and that the arts can stimulate fresh thinking about the challenges that confront us.

Millennium Stage

See what’s coming and watch recent performances of our free in-person and livestreamed series.

Millennium Stage (In-Person and Livestream)

Yeison Landero

Sat. Jan. 18, 2025

Yeison Landero was born in San Jacinto (Bolívar), and carries in his soul a cumbiambero heart inherited from his legendary musician grandfather, Andrés Landero. His love for his ancestral accordion and his passion for cumbia are so great that he decided to turn them into the motor of his life.
Millennium Stage (In-Person and Livestream)

Let Freedom Ring Celebration

Sun. Jan. 19, 2025

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Georgetown University celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a free, ticketed musical tribute, the Let Freedom Ring Celebration.
Tickets Not Currently Available
Millennium Stage (In-Person and Livestream)

The Guitar Renegades

Wed. Jan. 22, 2025

The Guitar Renegades are a guitar quintet comprised of Cristian Perez (founder/leader), Connor Holdridge, Jan Knutson, Parker Spears, and Tommy Holladay. Although they’re all jazz guitarists at heart, they venture into repertoire as diverse as Bach, Simon & Garfunkel, and more.
See More Millennium Stage Upcoming Events

Broadcast & Streaming

The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

Mar. 23, 2025 - Broadcast Premiere Later on NETFLIX

草莓视频免费版app presents the 26th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to Conan O’Brien. Meet the new recipient and watch performances, interviews, and other highlights from past events.

草莓视频免费版app Honors

Watch now on CBS and Streaming on Paramount+

Celebrate the 47th Honorees: acclaimed director and filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola; legendary American rock band the Grateful Dead; blues rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Bonnie Raitt; jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer Arturo Sandoval; and iconic institution, The Apollo. Hosted by Queen Latifah.

NEXT at the Kennedy Center Sara Bareilles: New Year鈥檚 Eve

NOW AVAILABLE

Join Sara Bareilles for a career-spanning New Year's Eve! Since her first mega-hit “Love Song,” Bareilles has become one of the most acclaimed singers and songwriters of her era.

Sara Bareilles closes her eyes as she sings into a microphone with head tiled back.

Festivals & Series

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Dance Sanctuaries

SELECT SATURDAYS AT 10:30 A.M.

Join us for free movement-based classes on select Saturdays in the REACH. Dancers are invited for three one-hour structured classes and an optional Open House Hour. Free, pre-registration is highly recommended.

Arts & Wellbeing

Arts & Wellbeing at the Kennedy Center is an expanded focus on the intersection of art and science.

Club at Studio K

The Club at Studio K is D.C.’s destination to experience the very best in contemporary music and culture.

Fortas Chamber Music Concerts

Artistic Director Jennifer Koh invites you to a delightful season combining old and new, beloved classics, and unexpected joys.

Violinist Jennifer Koh Appointed Artistic Director

Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy

草莓视频免费版app celebrates our nation at 250 in 2026 with a year of inspiring and empowering programming.

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Welcome to Center magazine!

Our patron magazine has a new name, a fresh look, and in-depth articles on the world of the performing arts.

Welcome to Center magazine!

Our patron magazine has a new name, a fresh look, and in-depth articles on the world of the performing arts.

For Your Visit

Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy

Free Admission 10 a.m. to Midnight

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.