COVID Safety Plan
Vaccination and Mask Policy
To ensure our patrons’ health and security, as well as the safety of our performers and staff, the Kennedy Center has implemented the following policy, effective November 15, 2021:
Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 is required to attend all indoor performances and events at the Kennedy Center. Audience members may display proof of vaccine on a smartphone or by showing a physical copy of the vaccination card or official vaccination record, along with a photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Patrons younger than 18 may present a school photo ID. Those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult who meets the above requirements.
We now offer the option to use Bindle, a health verification app for fast-lane access to your event. View Details
Please be advised that it is the responsibility of the ticket purchaser to communicate these rules to whomever they may be providing tickets.
Kids under 12 are welcome! Here’s what you need to know:
Children under 12 who are vaccinated, can show proof of vaccination for entry. Children under 12 who are not vaccinated, and unvaccinated patrons must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test no more than 72 hours prior to attending an indoor performance or proof of a professionally administered Antigen test (no home tests) conducted no more than 6 hours prior to attending an indoor performance.
“Full vaccination” means that either 14 days have passed since receiving the second dose of FDA or WHO authorized double-dose vaccines or that 14 days have passed since receiving the sole dose of FDA or WHO authorized single-dose vaccines.
What tests are accepted?
Unvaccinated patrons must show either a negative COVID-19 PCR test or a professionally administered Antigen test. Your test must list your name, results, and a time stamp within 72 hours before your performance time.
Follow one of the links below to find a testing site in the DMV area.
What qualifies as a negative result?
Test results must show negative or no evidence of COVID-19 infection. The results must be time stamped within 72 hours before your performance time for PCR tests and within 6 hours before your performance time for a professionally administered Antigen test.
How do I show proof of negative PCR test?
Please come with a digital or print copy of your negative results and be prepared to show a Vaccine Ambassador at the Verification Stations located in either the Hall of States, Hall of Nations, Family Theater or Terrace Theater lobbies.
Masks are required at all times for all patrons and visitors regardless of vaccination status in all indoor spaces at the Kennedy Center, except while eating and drinking in the Center’s Cafés, restaurants and lounges or in public lobby spaces during intermissions. Food and Drink are not allowed inside any theaters during performances at this time.
Performance ticket holders who do not comply with these policies will not be admitted.
Amidst the ongoing effects of COVID-19, we continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our patrons, artists, volunteers, staff, and the community. We are committed to following national and local guidelines for safety while providing the best patron experience for your visit.
Together, our efforts will slow the spread of the virus and create a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Thank you for your support.
The Kennedy Center's COVID-19 guidance is developed in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic, one of the nation’s leading hospitals, a forefront leader in research, education, innovation and health information. The expertise of the Cleveland Clinic is based on currently available data and guidelines from the CDC and has helped us strengthen our safety procedures to serve our patrons.
The COVID-Safe Venue Information provided below is subject to change as national and local guidelines are updated in response to COVID-19. While we will provide the most up-to-date public health procedures to improve patron safety, they are not an absolute protection against contracting COVID-19. Patrons assume their own risk by entering the facility.
Get Fast-Lane Access to Our Venues
We've teamed up with Bindle, a health verification app, to enable you to pass through our vaccine verification more rapidly.
Prior to Your Visit
IF YOU ARE SICK, STAY HOME
If you or someone in your group doesn’t feel well, has exhibited symptoms of COVID-19 in the previous 14 days, or has been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the previous 14 days, please stay home.
FLEXIBLE EXCHANGE POLICY
If on the day of your performance you do not feel well, please contact the Advance Sales Box Office for assistance exchanging your tickets.
SHARE INFORMATION WITH YOUR PARTY
If you are the ticket purchaser, you will have accepted the Terms of Service affidavit regarding rules for mask-wearing, vaccination, and health. Shortly before your performance date, you will receive a Performance Reminder email from us, sharing the most up-to-date version of this important information with you. Please be aware that only the ticket purchaser will receive these emails, so be sure to share these communications with everyone in your party so that they are aware of what to expect on their visit.
What To Expect When You Visit
As we work together to ensure the Kennedy Center is a COVID-safe venue, here are some measures you can expect on your upcoming visit.
MASKS ARE MANDATORY FOR AGES 2 AND UP
The Kennedy Center is a federal building and per Executive Order 13991, Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, signed January 20, 2021, masks are required to be worn on all federal lands. Masks are mandatory at all times you are in public spaces and inside the theater, including during the entire performance, for those aged 2 and up.
Please see the CDC’s guide to masks for recommended face coverings.
OUR STAFF IS THERE TO HELP
Ushers and security guards are available throughout the performance to monitor everyone’s safety, and to assist in any way they can. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, please speak to one of our friendly staff who will assist you.
PLEASE RESPECT THE RULES
These rules have been created for the safety of all patrons. Patrons will not be allowed to enter the venue without a mask or if they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID. Patrons who refuse to keep their masks on will be asked to leave the venue without a refund.
SEATING CONFIGURATION
The Kennedy Center is currently selling tickets up to our full capacity for all performances after September 1, 2021. This means that there will not be physical distancing within the venue, and you will have patrons sitting directly next to, in front of, and behind you.
ARRIVAL TIMES
To ensure timely entry, please arrive early for your performance. Once you have entered, we ask that you move swiftly to your seat to avoid crowding in the lobby.
NO CLOAKROOM OR DOOR ATTENDANTS
At this time, it is not safe to offer cloakroom services or door assistants. Therefore, please only bring handbags and satchels that are smaller than a letter-sized piece of paper to the theater.
THEATER ENTRY
To assist in ensuring that we limit exposure between groups, lines to enter the theater may be divided into seating groups by theater level. On arrival, you may be asked what level your tickets are on and directed to join the appropriate line. Please be familiar with your seating section prior to arrival.
KEEP YOUR SEAT
We strongly encourage you to stay in your allocated seat unless you are using the restrooms. When you must move around the theater, remember masks are mandatory at all times. Please follow the signs and the directions of our ushers.
OCCUPANCY CAPACITIES
Small spaces such as restrooms and elevators may have a posted maximum capacity to avoid overcrowding. Please respect the posted limits.
SANITIZE YOUR HANDS
We will have hand sanitizing stations located at several points around the theater and in the restrooms for your use. Please make sure to use these regularly during your visit.
LIMITED FOOD & BEVERAGE SERVICE
Food and beverage service will likely be limited. Please visit this page for future updates on the Roof Terrace Restaurant and the KC Café.
INTERMISSION BARS & MEMBER LOUNGES
Intermission Bars will be open for limited service before and during performances. We ask all patrons to consume food and beverages outside on our lovely terraces. Member Lounges will be closed until further notice.
CONTACT-FREE TRANSACTIONS
We provide multiple opportunities for contact-free transactions through pre-paid parking, mobile tickets, and contactless payments in Gift Shop Pop-Ups and the Online Store.
AT THE END OF THE SHOW
At the end of the performance, please allow extra time to exit in an orderly fashion and avoid crowding. Most of our theaters have exits at the sides as well as the front. Once you have exited the theater, we ask that you promptly move away to ensure others can exit without congestion.
CONTINUOUS CLEANING
Our public spaces and theaters receive a professional clean after every performance, and our professional cleaning staff will remain on site throughout the performance to clean washrooms, touchpoints, and high traffic areas.
AIR FILTRATION
The Kennedy Center and the REACH facilities use high efficiency filters that filter out contaminants. To the maximum extent feasible, indoor ventilation will be optimized to increase the proportion of outdoor ventilation, and reduce recirculation.
EMPLOYEE SCREENING
All our employees will undergo health screening and temperature testing before reporting to work and will wear a mask or face covering while at work.
CONTACT TRACING
If we are notified of a positive COVID diagnosis of an audience member, we will promptly alert the appropriate health authorities for contact tracing.
PLEASE NOTE: These protocols currently in place are subject to change in compliance with revisions to national and local guidelines regarding COVID-19. While we will provide the most up-to-date public health procedures to improve patron safety, they are not an absolute protection against contracting COVID-19. Patrons assume their own risk by entering the facility.
Be Our Guest
Join Us for an Unforgettable - and Safe - Experience!
Theater is back and bigger than ever at the Kennedy Center with a dazzling season of some of Broadway's biggest hits, and policies to protect our patrons and artists' health and security.
Broadway is Back at the Kennedy Center!
Join Us for an Unforgettable - and Safe - Experience!
Theater is back and bigger than ever at the Kennedy Center with a dazzling season of some of Broadway's biggest hits, and policies to protect our patrons and artists' health and security.