Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical!

Lyon–based Compagnie Käfig returns to merge elements of hip hop with modern dance, circus, and digital arts in its breakneck production Pixel.

Enjoy an intimate evening with Tony Award® winner Gavin Creel as he shares the stage with fellow musicians Madeline Benson and Chris Peters!

Join us on Saturday, September 2, 2023, as we invite previous Local Theatre Resident Artists for our first ever Local Theatre Festival! As we take over the REACH we will be showcasing free works-in-progress as well as free workshops from 9:45 AM – 10:00 PM.

The New York Times calls him “The Colorful Mozart of Gen Z.” With an innovative, ambitious sound blending folk, jazz, classical, R&B, rap, and pop, Jacob Collier already has five Grammy wins under his belt and has shared the stage with everyone from SZA to Coldplay to Hans Zimmer. Now, he’s adding another major collaboration to the list: Jules Buckley and the NSO!

When the Grammy–winning violinist last conducted and performed with the NSO, he was “enthusiastically embraced with thunderous applause… the sold-out audience entirely entranced” (DC Theater Arts). Don’t miss your chance to witness Joshua Bell’s brilliance firsthand in one of the most popular works of his instrument’s repertoire, Bruch’s sumptuous First Violin Concerto. To conclude, Bell conducts Mendelssohn’s exhilarating Fourth Symphony.

The Kennedy Center celebrates hip hop’s 50th anniversary as part of National Dance Day! Co-curated with DMV-based movement artists Lauren DeVera, Project ChArma, and Chitra Subramanian and presented in collaboration with hip hop nonprofit Words Beats & Life (WBL) and True School, National Dance Day 2023 will feature free dance classes and performances, WBL’s annual Freshest of All Time competition, and Fine Lines Paint Jam in addition to headlining DJ sets by True School DJs—DJ Face and DJ Marc Nfinit—and the legendary DJ Spinderella.

A Concert Celebration of the 2023 Surgeon General’s Medallion Awardees for Health

Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy will honor six recipients for their heroic work supporting mental health and well-being in their communities. This special evening of joy, inspiration, and togetherness will feature musical performances by Aloe Blacc, Ariana DeBose, Renée Fleming, Ben Folds, Joshua Henry, and Jimmie Herrod.

Ayo—an artist whose music transcends the hearts and minds of her audiences—is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist based in Washington, D.C. who began her journey as a jazz vocalist at Howard University. She was also a featured composer for the Kennedy Center’s residency Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead.

Native Washingtonian, jazz vocalist-songwriter, and recording artist George V. Johnson Jr. will perform (alongside his bandmates) excerpts from the “jazzical” Jazz Iz Really Classical Music, a.k.a. Ah-Leu-Cha, a spirited tribute to Charlie Parker featuring Johnson’s original lyrics.

Landon Paddock is a stylish and charming vocalist, with a smooth but powerful voice reminiscent of the American Songbook’s great crooners—from Frank Sinatra and Johnny Hartman to Michael Bublé and Harry Connick Jr.

Join us for FREE film screenings outdoors on the REACH Video Wall. Films start at sundown or around 7:30 p.m.

Join us on Saturday, September 2, 2023, as we invite previous Local Theatre Resident Artists for our first ever Local Theatre Festival! As we take over the REACH we will be showcasing free works-in-progress as well as free workshops from 9:45 AM – 10:00 PM.

Music critics have hailed legendary saxophonist James “Plunky” Branch as an essential part of the “vanguard of Afro-centric jazz, funk, house music, and go-go.” His group Plunky & Oneness has performed alongside some of the biggest names in Black music, including Patti LaBelle, Ray Charles, Frankie Beverly, Maze, Chuck Brown, and more. 

Founded in 2009 by the charismatic Melaku Belay, who has made his Fendika Cultural Center in Addis Ababa a global gathering place, Ethiocolor draws deeply from the bardic well of Ethiopia’s diverse heritage. Their revelatory practice is an ecstatic symbiosis of dance and music, of tradition and modernity.    

Joy Clark is a New Orleans singer-songwriter, lyrical guitarist, and composer who creates soulful original compositions celebrating peace and the undeniable power of love. 

Shinyribs defies genres as a sonic melting pot of Texas blues, New Orleans R&B funk, horn-driven Memphis soul, country twang, border music, big band swing, and roots-rock. The Austin–based nine-piece supergroup is led by Kevin Russel. 

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.

Every weekend through Labor Day, enjoy performances, films, and activities at the REACH! All events are free and no tickets or reservations are required.

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

Ayo—an artist whose music transcends the hearts and minds of her audiences—is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist based in Washington, D.C. who began her journey as a jazz vocalist at Howard University. She was also a featured composer for the Kennedy Center’s residency Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead.

Native Washingtonian, jazz vocalist-songwriter, and recording artist George V. Johnson Jr. will perform (alongside his bandmates) excerpts from the “jazzical” Jazz Iz Really Classical Music, a.k.a. Ah-Leu-Cha, a spirited tribute to Charlie Parker featuring Johnson’s original lyrics.

Landon Paddock is a stylish and charming vocalist, with a smooth but powerful voice reminiscent of the American Songbook’s great crooners—from Frank Sinatra and Johnny Hartman to Michael Bublé and Harry Connick Jr.

Join us for FREE film screenings outdoors on the REACH Video Wall. Films start at sundown or around 7:30 p.m.

Join us on Saturday, September 2, 2023, as we invite previous Local Theatre Resident Artists for our first ever Local Theatre Festival! As we take over the REACH we will be showcasing free works-in-progress as well as free workshops from 9:45 AM – 10:00 PM.

Join a Happy Hour with live DJs, dancing, and lawn games, 6-11 p.m.!

Music critics have hailed legendary saxophonist James “Plunky” Branch as an essential part of the “vanguard of Afro-centric jazz, funk, house music, and go-go.” His group Plunky & Oneness has performed alongside some of the biggest names in Black music, including Patti LaBelle, Ray Charles, Frankie Beverly, Maze, Chuck Brown, and more. 

Enjoy free chamber concerts from members of the Washington National Opera and Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestras.

The National Symphony Orchestra’s FREE annual Labor Day weekend concert returns to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol! This year, the NSO performs classics by John Williams, Duke Ellington, Florence Price, Johannes Brahms, and more—along with modern masterworks by today’s most prolific composers—led by charismatic young conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez and featuring Grammy–winning guitarist Sharon Isbin. A must-see celebration! This performance is free to attend, no tickets required. Seating is first-come, first served.

The New York Times calls him “The Colorful Mozart of Gen Z.” With an innovative, ambitious sound blending folk, jazz, classical, R&B, rap, and pop, Jacob Collier already has five Grammy wins under his belt and has shared the stage with everyone from SZA to Coldplay to Hans Zimmer. Now, he’s adding another major collaboration to the list: Jules Buckley and the NSO!

Saxman Joshua Redman joins forces with mesmerizing vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa on his celebrated Blue Note debut where are we. Redman calls where are we “a meditation on America and the power and importance of place.” The artists take on music from Rodgers & Hart to Springsteen, interpreted with the improvisational brilliance and melodic invention that is a hallmark of Redman’s artistry.

Gianandrea Noseda takes the audience on a vivid tour of Rome, the Eternal City! Respighi’s lavishly orchestrated triptych invokes a vibrant, sun-dappled Italy, moving from cinematic grandeur to seductive poetry. Like any great journey, it captures the delight and discovery of a highly personal exploration. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of our Music Director’s rich heritage through the genius of his countryman.

Maxwell has artfully transfixed music lovers for more than two decades, redefining soul with the release of his debut album Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite. His last sold-out Kennedy Center run inspired “spontaneous singalongs and dancing in the aisles… an evening of funky music by one of the coolest singers around” (DC Theater Arts). Now, D.C. has a chance to experience a brand-new set showcasing Maxwell’s hit-filled career! VIP Packages available.

Star-crossed lovers risk it all in Gounod’s passionate tragedy, featuring soaring music and exquisite duets.

Nov. 17: Our talented Cafritz Young Artists take on major roles for one night only!

When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! This theatrical adaptation of the Emmy Award–winning children’s television series features an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and music by Bluey composer Joff Bush. This is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before—brought to real life!

Based on one audience suggestion (a title for a play that has yet to be written) The Improvised Shakespeare Company creates a fully improvised masterpiece right before your very eyes, bringing you an evening of off-the-cuff comedy using the language and themes of William Shakespeare. 

Washington, D.C.’s favorite holiday tradition returns! Laurence Equilbey makes her much-anticipated debut conducting the NSO, the University of Maryland Concert Choir, and an all-star lineup of soloists in Handel’s greatest oratorio celebration. Composed in 1741, Messiah is as potent today as it was more than 280 years ago, inspiring joy and wonder from both first-time listeners and those who return every year.

Sixteen-time Grammy Award^®–winning musician, composer, and producer David Foster joins forces with acclaimed singer and television/Broadway star Katharine McPhee to bring their show on the road.

Beloved Broadway legend Patti LuPone returns to the Kennedy Center with a new show that she describes as a “personal musical memoir.”

Enjoy an intimate evening with Tony Award® winner Gavin Creel as he shares the stage with fellow musicians Madeline Benson and Chris Peters!

The New York Times calls him “The Colorful Mozart of Gen Z.” With an innovative, ambitious sound blending folk, jazz, classical, R&B, rap, and pop, Jacob Collier already has five Grammy wins under his belt and has shared the stage with everyone from SZA to Coldplay to Hans Zimmer. Now, he’s adding another major collaboration to the list: Jules Buckley and the NSO!

Indie icon and NSO Artistic Advisor Ben Folds’ popular late-night series returns with more of today’s hottest artists: jazz/bedroom pop superstar Laufey and chart-topping English singer-songwriter dodie! DECLASSIFIED performances go beyond the traditional orchestra concert by offering great live music—both classical and contemporary—in a laid-back, casual setting. Come early and stay late for drink specials, live shows, karaoke, and more!

Five-time Grammy-winning pianist, composer, producer, and founding member of the Kennedy Center’s Hip Hop Culture Council Robert Glasper celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip hop through the lens of his groundbreaking, award-winning, and genre-shattering brand, Black Radio.

When the Grammy–winning violinist last conducted and performed with the NSO, he was “enthusiastically embraced with thunderous applause… the sold-out audience entirely entranced” (DC Theater Arts). Don’t miss your chance to witness Joshua Bell’s brilliance firsthand in one of the most popular works of his instrument’s repertoire, Bruch’s sumptuous First Violin Concerto. To conclude, Bell conducts Mendelssohn’s exhilarating Fourth Symphony.

A Concert Celebration of the 2023 Surgeon General’s Medallion Awardees for Health

Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy will honor six recipients for their heroic work supporting mental health and well-being in their communities. This special evening of joy, inspiration, and togetherness will feature musical performances by Aloe Blacc, Ariana DeBose, Renée Fleming, Ben Folds, Joshua Henry, and Jimmie Herrod.

Folk and jazz icons share the stage for an unforgettable double bill of songs and stories. Join Grammy Award winner Judy Collins, “the wild ageless angel of pop” (The New York Times), as she performs her legendary 1967 album Wildflowers in its entirety. Collins is joined by Madeleine Peyroux, who has become one of today’s most acclaimed jazz singers since she began her illustrious career busking on the busy streets of Paris.

The comedian, television host, New York Times best-selling author, and Grammy®-nominee for Best Comedy Album is bringing her renowned stand-up, The LBB Tour, to the Kennedy Center!

Maxwell has artfully transfixed music lovers for more than two decades, redefining soul with the release of his debut album Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite. His last sold-out Kennedy Center run inspired “spontaneous singalongs and dancing in the aisles… an evening of funky music by one of the coolest singers around” (DC Theater Arts). Now, D.C. has a chance to experience a brand-new set showcasing Maxwell’s hit-filled career! VIP Packages available.

Experience John Coltrane’s mind-blowing 1961 record Africa/Brass with the legendary Charles Tolliver as your adventurous, avant-garde guide. At this exclusive concert, Tolliver performs the full album with saxophonist Camille Thurman, bassist Rufus Reid, pianist Victor Gould, drummer Darrell Green, and Howard University’s vocal jazz ensemble Afro Blue.

Maz Jobrani brings his new show, Mr. International Comedy Tour, to the Concert Hall. Jobrani is a comedian, actor, podcast host, and author who was previously seen at the Kennedy Center performing his stand-up show Immigrant.