Shear Madness
Apr. 27 - Oct. 4, 2026
Try to catch the killer at this hilarious whodunit where the clues change at every performance, and you never see the same show twice!
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The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
Presenting Sponsor Wells Fargo
What’s On Now
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National Symphony Orchestra
Puccini: 3 One-Act Operas – Il trittico
Apr. 29 - May 1, 2026
Step into a world of passion, tragedy, and deception with Puccini’s Il trittico, a trio of one-act operas led by world-renowned opera conductor Gianandrea Noseda. Suor Angelica plunges into the depths of sacrifice behind convent walls. Il tabarro unveils a shadowy tale of love and betrayal along the Seine. Gianni Schicchi turns deception into delight in a sharp-witted comedy of intrigue. Three stories, three distinct worlds—one unforgettable evening of Opera in Concert.
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Christylez Bacon and Friends
Sat. May 2, 2026
Progressive hip hop artist and multi-instrumentalist Christylez Bacon expands kids’ imaginations with the help of friends from world music traditions.
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Tony Hinchcliffe
Sat. May 2, 2026
Tony Hinchcliffe, one of the top roasters in the world and the mastermind behind the Kill Tony podcast, brings his razor-sharp wit to the Concert Hall stage.
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National Symphony Orchestra
Hisaishi conducts Hisaishi
May 14 - 16, 2026
Joe Hisaishi is renowned for his fantastical scores to Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli films—along with his sensitive symphonic and solo works. In this program, Hisaishi conducts the world premiere of his Concerto for Orchestra and the latest concert version of music from The Boy and the Heron. Please note: this concert is presented without film.
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Sean Spicer: Private Post-Show Reception
Fri. May 15, 2026
Join best-selling author and 30th White House press secretary Sean Spicer at a priavte post-show reception.
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Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy
Free Admission 10 a.m. to Midnight
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.
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Sound Health Network
Dance for Parkinson’s Disease
Oct. 20, 2025 - Jun. 22, 2026
Join local Dance for Parkinson’s Disease certified instructor Lucy Bowen for free classes where participants are empowered to explore movement and music in ways that are refreshing, enjoyable, stimulating and creative.
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Millennium Stage (In-Person)
Millennium Stage Talks:
Ashley Davis and Kevin O’LearyMon. Apr. 27, 2026
Ashley Davis, joined by entrepreneur and investor Kevin O’Leary, launches The Power Pivot—an evening centered on leadership, discipline, and the decisive moments that shape influence and long-term success.
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Millennium Stage (In-Person and Livestream)
Chamber Music from the U.S. Air Force Band
Thu. Apr. 30, 2026
Through world-class musical presentations and ceremonies, the United States Air Force Band uses music to bridge cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic differences to advance international relationships and inspire positive and long-lasting impressions of the U.S. Air Force and the United States of America.
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Millennium Stage (In-Person and Livestream)
NSO Youth Fellows
Fri. May 1, 2026
Students from the National Symphony Orchestra Youth Fellowship Program perform chamber music on the Millennium Stage.
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The REACH
Moonshot Studio
Open Sat. and Sun. 11am - 4:30pm, except scheduled closures as noted.
Moonshot Studio at the REACH celebrates creativity and the artist in everyone through hands-on art-making. The recommended age is 5 years old and above. Stop by anytime from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on (most) Saturdays & Sundays to explore our projects.
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Millennium Stage (In-Person and Livestream)
NSO Youth Fellows
Fri. May 1, 2026
Students from the National Symphony Orchestra Youth Fellowship Program perform chamber music on the Millennium Stage.
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Christylez Bacon and Friends
Sat. May 2, 2026
Progressive hip hop artist and multi-instrumentalist Christylez Bacon expands kids’ imaginations with the help of friends from world music traditions.
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Doodle POP
May 16 - 17, 2026
All ages will delight in this playful show’s stunning interactive projections, live whiteboard drawings, and abundance of theatrical imagination.
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Millennium Stage (In-Person and Livestream)
NSO Youth Fellows
Fri. May 29, 2026
Students from the National Symphony Orchestra Youth Fellowship Program perform chamber music on the Millennium Stage.
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International School of Music Honors Concert
Sat. May 30, 2026
Join outstanding students and chamber ensembles from the International School of Music for an inspiring evening of music at the Trump Kennedy Center's Terrace Theater. This special performance features a vibrant program of solo and chamber works, showcasing a wide range of musical styles from the Baroque era to contemporary compositions. Audiences of all ages are invited to experience the passion, creativity, and artistry of the next generation of musicians.
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Studio Saturdays: Block Printing
Sat. Jun. 13, 2026
For kids ages 8–14 and their adults: Design and carve your own stamp! Learn the basics of block printing and bring your one-of-a-kind ideas to life.
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Sound Health Network
Dance for Parkinson’s Disease
Oct. 20, 2025 - Jun. 22, 2026
Join local Dance for Parkinson’s Disease certified instructor Lucy Bowen for free classes where participants are empowered to explore movement and music in ways that are refreshing, enjoyable, stimulating and creative.
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Millennium Stage (In-Person)
Millennium Stage Talks:
Ashley Davis and Kevin O’LearyMon. Apr. 27, 2026
Ashley Davis, joined by entrepreneur and investor Kevin O’Leary, launches The Power Pivot—an evening centered on leadership, discipline, and the decisive moments that shape influence and long-term success.
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Shear Madness
Apr. 27 - Oct. 4, 2026
Try to catch the killer at this hilarious whodunit where the clues change at every performance, and you never see the same show twice!
-
National Symphony Orchestra
Puccini: 3 One-Act Operas – Il trittico
Apr. 29 - May 1, 2026
Step into a world of passion, tragedy, and deception with Puccini’s Il trittico, a trio of one-act operas led by world-renowned opera conductor Gianandrea Noseda. Suor Angelica plunges into the depths of sacrifice behind convent walls. Il tabarro unveils a shadowy tale of love and betrayal along the Seine. Gianni Schicchi turns deception into delight in a sharp-witted comedy of intrigue. Three stories, three distinct worlds—one unforgettable evening of Opera in Concert.
-
Millennium Stage (In-Person and Livestream)
Chamber Music from the U.S. Air Force Band
Thu. Apr. 30, 2026
Through world-class musical presentations and ceremonies, the United States Air Force Band uses music to bridge cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic differences to advance international relationships and inspire positive and long-lasting impressions of the U.S. Air Force and the United States of America.
-
Millennium Stage (In-Person and Livestream)
NSO Youth Fellows
Fri. May 1, 2026
Students from the National Symphony Orchestra Youth Fellowship Program perform chamber music on the Millennium Stage.
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The REACH
Moonshot Studio
Open Sat. and Sun. 11am - 4:30pm, except scheduled closures as noted.
Moonshot Studio at the REACH celebrates creativity and the artist in everyone through hands-on art-making. The recommended age is 5 years old and above. Stop by anytime from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on (most) Saturdays & Sundays to explore our projects.
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250 Years of US: Many Voices, One Nation
Celebrating America’s story through the voices, music, words, and movement of its artists.
Watch Video
PLAYLIST: The 48th Kennedy Center Honors
Watch the latest performances, interviews, backstage moments and more at the 48th Kennedy Center Honors.
Millennium Stage Livestreams
Wed. - Sat. at 6 p.m. ET
Experience something extraordinary live from the Kennedy Center. Attend in person or watch our livestreams and explore a video archive from over 20 years of great performances.
Sunday Morning Symphonies with the NSO
Sunday Morning Symphonies brings you a playlist of weekly orchestral excerpts from the National Symphony Orchestra—performed at the Kennedy Center and shared digitally to add beauty and calm to your day.
Give the gift of Membership
With benefits including access to exclusive content, discounts, and Ticket Priority, a Kennedy Center Membership is the perfect gift for any arts lover in your life.
Kennedy Center Stories
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CENTER Magazine
Explore the May–June issue of CENTER Magazine, featuring details about Bluey’s Big Play, a look at the real-world history behind Moulin Rouge! The Musical, spotlight on the legacy of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and more!
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CENTER blog Pipe Dreams: Discover the Concert Hall organ
Those glistening silver pipes at the back of the stage are ready to sing out, but what the audience can see is only a fraction of the majestic instrument.
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CENTER blog A composer. A conductor. Two crafts, one destination.
National Symphony Orchestra Music Director Gianandrea Noseda and Grammy®-nominated, multi-genre Composer-in-Residence Carlos Simon talk about the evolving role of composers today, and the joys of creative growth.
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Arts Education Highlights
Featured Collection Winter Traditions
We’ve collected some great winter-themed digital resources for teaching and learning during the winter months and holidays.
Video Five(ish) Minute Dance Lessons
A wedding. Your prom. Or just a night on the town. You might as well face it, at some point you're going to have to dance. Do not panic! Our collection of Five(ish) Minute Dance Lessons will teach the moves that will let you hit the dance floor looking like a pro.
Featured Collection Space
STEAM learning takes flight in these resources that explore the relationship between artist, art, the cosmos, and American history.
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What’s On
Explore our rich variety of performances, events, series, and festivals.
Visit
Directions, parking, tours and other information you need to plan your visit to the Center.
Digital Stage
Discover and experience world class performances curated from our vast media library.
Support
Join us as a Member or simply donate today to support our artistic and education programs in communities around the country.
Education
Explore the education offerings at the Kennedy Center and find the right programs or resources.
Our Story
Learn about our history and the role the Kennedy Center plays in American arts and education.
JFK Memorial
See how the living memorial explores, challenges, and reflects the contemporary spirit of America.
Shop
Visit our online store to find the perfect gift for your family and friends, or yourself.
