There are tons of options to see a concert, show, or movie in the DC area. For a list of kid-specific venues, check out this list. And for military folks, make sure to search Blue Star Theatres for discounts!
Feeling lazy about doing your own research and just want someone to narrow down where to go? First, see literally anything at The Kennedy Center. Then check out concerts at The Anthem. Pack a cooler for outdoor summer shows at Wolf Trap. Arena Stage is my favorite more intimate setting. And Signature Theatre feels like a date night from yesteryear. Ford’s Theatre is a must-do for history buffs. And Atlas has a special place in my heart for its community focus. You can’t go wrong.
Overwhelmed? Check out Playbill to help find info about what’s playing when and where. And here’s a map in case it’s helpful. Just filter by “concerts and shows” to find what you are looking for.
Concerts & Show Venues:
- 930 Club (DC)
- Anacostia Playhouse (DC)
- Arena Stage (DC)
- Atlas Performing Arts Center (DC)
- Capitol One Arena (DC)
- Folger Theatre (DC)
- Ford’s Theatre (DC)
- Gala Hispanic Theatre (DC)
- Jiffy Lube Live (Bristow, VA)
- Lincoln Theatre (DC)
- Merriweather Post Pavilion (Columbia, MD)
- Pearl Street Warehouse (DC)
- Shakespeare Theatre Company (DC)
- Signature Theatre (Arlington, VA)
- Strathmore (Bethesda, MD)
- Studio Theatre (DC)
- The Anthem (DC)
- The Birchmere (Alexandria, VA)
- The Fillmore (Silver Spring, MD)
- The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (DC)
- The National Theatre (DC)
- Theatre J (DC)
- Union Stage @ The Wharf (DC)
- Warner Theatre (DC)
- Washington National Cathedral (DC)
- Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts (Vienna, VA)
- Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company (DC)
- Young Playwrights’ Theater (DC)
Summer Only:
- Arboretum Summer Concerts
- Capitol Concerts
- Capitol Riverfront Concert Series
- Jazz in the Garden
- Evening Parade @ Marine Barracks
- Marine Corps Sunset Parade @ Iwo Jima / Marine Corps Memorial
- Twilight Tattoo @ Fort Meyer
- Wharf Summer Concert Series
Annual Festivals:
- A Capitol Fourth (summer)
- All Things Go Music Festival (fall)
- Bourbon and Bluegrass (summer)
- Broccoli City Festival (spring)
- DC Jazz Festival (fall)
- Kingman Island Bluegrass & Folk Festival (spring)
- Theatre Week (fall)
- WMZQ Fall Fest (fall)
Jelly Side Up 