Special Events and Festivals
The Kennedy Center Honors
An annual televised celebration recognizing the talents and lifetime achievements
of deserving artists.
The Kennedy Center Celebration of American Humor and The
Mark Twain Prize
An annual televised celebration recognizing those who create humor from their
uniquely American experiences.
The Multicultural Children's Book Festival
An annual gathering of authors, illustrators, and storytellers whose works represent
the lives, cultures, and stories of African, African-American, Asian, Caribbean,
Latino, and native American peoples.
The Holidays at the Kennedy Center
An annual program of heartwarming performances perfect for sharing with friends
and family.
Summer in the City
Summer looks especially bright with the Kennedy Center's Summer in the City
events, free performances for everyone at the Center and around Washington.
The Kennedy Center Open House Arts Festival
An annual day of continuous, free entertainment for the whole family on ten
stages, throughout the building and grounds.
An American Cantata - 2000 Voices
The Kennedy Center commissioned Maury Yeston to compose "An American Cantata
- 2000 Voices" - a choral symphony in three movements for the National
Symphony Orchestra and 2000 singers, conducted by Leonard Slatkin and premiered
on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on July 1, 2000.
Ireland: Arts from Ireland
A celebration of the impact of Irish arts on the world and the cultural growth
that will continue in the new century.
African Odyssey
A cultural exploration of the arts and artists of African and the African Diaspora.
The Kennedy Center Gala
An annual fundraiser for the artistic, educational, and outreach programs nationwide
for the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony Orchestra.
The Arts of Japan
Each spring, as the cherry blossoms bring the season’s first burst of color
to Washington, the Kennedy Center celebrates the arts and culture of Japan with
leading Japanese and Japanese-American artists in performances presented in
conjunction with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.