Washington, D.C.
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Washington, D.C. - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Arena Stage
Southwest | TheaterThe first regional theater company to win a Tony Award performs innovative American theater, reviving such classic plays as Oklahoma and also...
The first regional theater company to win a Tony Award performs innovative American theater, reviving such classic plays as Oklahoma and also showcasing the country's best new writers. The architecturally magnificent Mead Center for American Theatre houses three stages and, after the Kennedy Center, is the second-largest performing arts complex in Washington. Near the waterfront neighborhood in Southwest D.C., the Mead Center features the Fichandler Stage, a theater-in-the-round seating 680; the Kreeger Theater, a modified thrust seating 514; and the Kogod Cradle, a 200-seat black-box theater for new or experimental productions. Inside the Mead, the Catwalk Café serves meals inspired by the shows playing that evening.
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2. Folger Theatre
Capitol Hill | TheaterThe theater at the Folger Shakespeare Library, an intimate 250-seat re-creation of the inn-yard theaters of Shakespeare's time, hosts three...
The theater at the Folger Shakespeare Library, an intimate 250-seat re-creation of the inn-yard theaters of Shakespeare's time, hosts three to four productions each year of Shakespearean or Shakespeare-influenced works. Although the stage is a throwback, the sharp acting and inspired direction consistently challenge and delight audiences.
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20003, USA202-544–7077 -
3. Landmark's E Street Cinema
Downtown | FilmSpecializing in independent, foreign, and documentary films, this theater is beloved by D.C. movie enthusiasts both for its selection and its...
Specializing in independent, foreign, and documentary films, this theater is beloved by D.C. movie enthusiasts both for its selection and its state-of-the-art facilities. The Washington Post has often declared it D.C.'s best movie theater, its concession stand is fabulous, and it is one of the city's few movie theaters that serves alcohol.
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4. Shakespeare Theatre
Downtown | TheaterThis acclaimed troupe crafts fantastically staged and acted performances of works by Shakespeare and other significant playwrights, offering...
This acclaimed troupe crafts fantastically staged and acted performances of works by Shakespeare and other significant playwrights, offering traditional renditions but also some with a modern twist. Complementing the stage in the Lansburgh Theatre is Sidney Harman Hall, which provides a state-of-the-art, midsize venue for an outstanding variety of performances, from Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing to Racine's tragic Phèdre to visiting companies like South Africa's Baxter Theatre and its production of Mies Julie. For two weeks in the summer the group performs Shakespeare for free at Sidney Harmon Hall.
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5. Studio Theatre
Dupont Circle | TheaterThis multifaceted theater company, one of the city's busiest, produces an eclectic season of contemporary European and offbeat American plays...
This multifaceted theater company, one of the city's busiest, produces an eclectic season of contemporary European and offbeat American plays in four spaces: the original Mead and Milton theaters, the newer 200-seat Metheny Theatre, and the experimental Stage 4.
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6. The Howard Theatre
U Street | MusicOpened in 1910, the Howard Theatre continues to be a draw in Washington, D.C. Initially a venue to highlight African American artists, the Howard...
Opened in 1910, the Howard Theatre continues to be a draw in Washington, D.C. Initially a venue to highlight African American artists, the Howard Theatre now hosts diverse performances, from '80s hard rock by Sebastian Bach of Skid Row to old-school hip-hop by Slick Rick to Puerto Rican reggae by Cultura Profética. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, it has also hosted many American musical icons, from Duke Ellington to Ella Fitzgerald, in its intimate space. The theater closed in 1970 and reopened in 2012 after an extensive remodel.
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7. Woolly Mammoth
Downtown | TheaterUnusual cutting-edge shows with solid acting have earned this company top reviews and 35 Helen Hayes Awards. The theater performs works for...
Unusual cutting-edge shows with solid acting have earned this company top reviews and 35 Helen Hayes Awards. The theater performs works for a decidedly urban audience that challenge the status quo. In recent years, they have welcomed Chicago's The Second City for an annual political comedy show as well as the works of Mike Daisey, the author of The Agony and Ecstasy of Steve Jobs. The troupe's talent is accentuated by its modern 265-seat theater in bustling Downtown D.C. The Woollies create a unique lobby experience for each show; bring your iPhone and share the experience.
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8. Avalon Theatre
Upper Northwest | FilmThis classic movie house from 1923 is D.C.'s only nonprofit film center. The theater offers a wide array of studio films and independent and...
This classic movie house from 1923 is D.C.'s only nonprofit film center. The theater offers a wide array of studio films and independent and foreign films, plus monthly showcases of the best in French, Israeli, Czech, and Greek cinema. The theater also offers programming for families and children.
5612 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20015, USA202-966–6000-info line -
9. Capital Fringe Festival
Capitol Hill | FestivalsSince its founding in 2005, the Capital Fringe Festival has grown each year, and it currently offers no fewer than 125 productions over a three...
Since its founding in 2005, the Capital Fringe Festival has grown each year, and it currently offers no fewer than 125 productions over a three-week period in July. Local and national performers display the strange, the political, the surreal, and the avant-garde to eclectic crowds at all times of the day in venues throughout the city. With tickets around $17, this is an affordable theater experience. Don't forget your Fringe Button, a pin that grants the holder access to all festival events and benefits from local retailers. Be ready to party at the Fringe Arts Bar, just north of H Street, where performers, musicians, and patrons rock into the wee hours.
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10. Capital One Arena
Chinatown | ConcertsIn addition to being the home of the NHL Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards basketball teams, this 19,000-seat...
In addition to being the home of the NHL Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards basketball teams, this 19,000-seat arena also hosts D.C.'s biggest concerts and other major events. Drivers need to park in one of the many underground garages close by, but there are several convenient Metro lines, too. During warmer months, be sure to check out the frequent street concerts on the intersections surrounding the arena.
601 F St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004, USA202-661–5000 -
11. Carter Barron Amphitheatre
Upper Northwest | MusicThis 3,750-seat outdoor theater in the middle of Washington's historic Rock Creek Park used to host a variety of pop, jazz, gospel, and rhythm...
This 3,750-seat outdoor theater in the middle of Washington's historic Rock Creek Park used to host a variety of pop, jazz, gospel, and rhythm-and-blues artists such as Chick Corea and Nancy Wilson throughout the summer. Government spending cuts mean the schedule is currently limited to weekends in August but the joy is still free and the venue magnificent.
Rock Creek Park, 4850 Colorado Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20008, USA202-426–0486 -
12. Coolidge Auditorium at the Library of Congress
Capitol Hill | MusicSince its first concert, in 1925, the Coolidge has hosted most of the 20th and 21st centuries' greatest performers and composers, including...
Since its first concert, in 1925, the Coolidge has hosted most of the 20th and 21st centuries' greatest performers and composers, including Copland and Stravinsky. Today, the theater draws musicians from all genres, including classical, jazz, and gospel, and the hall continues to wow audiences with its near-perfect acoustics and sight lines. Concert tickets are free but must be ordered in advance through Ticketmaster. Because of the Library's security procedures, patrons are urged to arrive 30 minutes before the start of each event.
Library of Congress, Jefferson Building, 101 Independence Ave. SE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20540, USA800-551–7328 -
13. D.C. Blues Society
MusicThis clearinghouse for information on upcoming shows, festivals, and jam sessions in the metropolitan area also publishes a regular newsletter...
This clearinghouse for information on upcoming shows, festivals, and jam sessions in the metropolitan area also publishes a regular newsletter and welcomes volunteers.
Washington, District of Columbia, USA -
14. District of Columbia Arts Center
Adams Morgan | TheaterKnown by area artists as DCAC, this cross-genre space shows changing exhibits in its gallery and presents avant-garde performance art, improv...
Known by area artists as DCAC, this cross-genre space shows changing exhibits in its gallery and presents avant-garde performance art, improv, and experimental plays in its tiny, funky black-box theater. DCAC is the home of Washington's oldest experimental theater group, Theatre Du Jour.
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15. Dumbarton Concerts
Georgetown | MusicA fixture in Georgetown since 1772 (in its current location since 1850), Dumbarton United Methodist Church sponsors a concert series that has...
A fixture in Georgetown since 1772 (in its current location since 1850), Dumbarton United Methodist Church sponsors a concert series that has been host to such musicians as the American Chamber Players, the St. Petersburg String Quartet, and the Thibaud String Trio. Before or after a performance, take a stroll through the nearby Dumbarton Oaks estate and park.
Dumbarton United Methodist Church, 3133 Dumbarton Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20007, USA202-965–2000 -
16. Filmfest DC
Logan Circle | FilmNow entering its 29th year, this annual citywide festival of international cinema (officially known as the D.C. International Film Festival...
Now entering its 29th year, this annual citywide festival of international cinema (officially known as the D.C. International Film Festival) takes place in April or early May at venues throughout Washington.
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17. Folger Shakespeare Library
Capitol Hill | MusicThe library's internationally acclaimed resident chamber music ensemble, the Folger Consort, regularly presents Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque...
The library's internationally acclaimed resident chamber music ensemble, the Folger Consort, regularly presents Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque pieces performed on period instruments. The season runs from October to May.
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18. Folklore Society of Greater Washington
MusicAt more than 200 events a year, the all-volunteer society presents folk and traditional musicians and dancers from all over the country. Venues...
At more than 200 events a year, the all-volunteer society presents folk and traditional musicians and dancers from all over the country. Venues around the D.C. area host events ranging from contra dancing to storytelling to open group singing.
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19. Ford's Theatre
Downtown | TheaterLooking much as it did before President Lincoln was shot at a performance of Our American Cousin, Ford's hosts musicals as well as dramas...
Looking much as it did before President Lincoln was shot at a performance of Our American Cousin, Ford's hosts musicals as well as dramas with historical connections, and it stages A Christmas Carol every year. The historic theater is now maintained by the National Park Service. Tours of the venue and accompanying museum are free, but timed-entry tickets are required. Tickets to shows can range from $20 to $70
View Tours and Activities511 10th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004, USA202-426–6925 -
20. Gala Hispanic Theatre
Adams Morgan | TheaterThis company attracts outstanding Hispanic actors from around the world, performing works by such leading dramatists as Federico García Lorca...
This company attracts outstanding Hispanic actors from around the world, performing works by such leading dramatists as Federico García Lorca and Mario Vargas Llosa. Plays are presented in English or in Spanish with projected subtitles. The company performs in the newly renovated Tivoli Theatre in Columbia Heights, a hot spot for Latino culture and cuisine.
Tivoli Sq., 3333 14th St. NW and Park Rd., Columbia Heights, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA202-234–7174
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