Must-see entertainment in Washington, DC

La Maison is otherwise known as the French embassy. The beating heart of Gallic DC occupies eight elegantly landscaped acres, anchored by the marble,…

The Washington Ballet hasn’t been known for many groundbreaking productions, although its reputation is beginning to change as it explores the work of…

The only truly cutting-edge dance space in the capital is tucked away in Brookland. It’s run by four resident dance companies offering a year-round…

There's lots on offer here. On the ground floor there's a popular restaurant and three bars, one of which offers free live music most Thursday, Friday and…

This historical venue – where John Wilkes Booth killed Abraham Lincoln – is still an active theater. It stages works related to Lincoln’s life and times …

This singing troupe claims to be the only group in America that tries to be funnier than Congress. Many of the performers are former congressional…

Lots of locals show up for these free outdoor jazz, blues and world-music concerts at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Bring a blanket and…

This contemporary four-theater complex has been staging Pulitzer Prize–winning and premiere plays for more than 35 years. It cultivates a lot of local…

Twin sisters own this long, narrow, red-walled club, and they've been staging hot jazz acts here for some 20 years. It's a jazz enthusiasts', keep-your…

This small Wharf venue has a rootsy feel, like it could be set in Austin or Nashville. Blues, country and rock bands take the stage, including the…

All kinds of indie goodness get performed at the art-deco Atlas, from operettas to innovative new plays, ethnic dance shows and cabaret music. Four…

Multiple-time Major League Soccer champions DC United play March through October at shiny new Audi Field, opening mid-2018. Tickets start at around $30…

The eight screens flicker with first-run independent and foreign films, documentaries and classic revivals. Crab-cake bites, empanadas, wine and craft…

The Washington Opera is based at the Kennedy Center and puts on a varied showcase throughout the year. Plácido Domingo helmed the company until 2011, when…

Set in a converted 1920s movie palace, the Gala stages Spanish and Latin American plays. Most performances are in Spanish with English subtitles. The…

This beautifully restored 1924 art-deco theater was originally built for vaudeville and silent films, but it now stages headliner concerts, comedians, and…

In the basement of the Ripley Center, the Smithsonian's Discovery stages delightful puppet shows and other live educational performances for children aged…

This is the affiliate orchestra of the Kennedy Center and one of the best chamber symphonies in the nation.

Resident troupe that puts on musical theater for children at Glen Echo Park.

Resident troupe that puts on children’s puppet shows at Glen Echo Park.