Exhibit: Oct 11 - Nov 4

Open daily, 10am-5pm | Artist Reception: Oct 19

Nikki Brooks’ immersive installation explores the deep connections between music, history, and nostalgia. Each piece reflects a personal experience or influential figure, inviting viewers into a space where memory and meaning converge. These works are designed to spark conversation, evoke nostalgia, and encourage reflection on shared human experiences.

Exhibit Open Daily, 11:30 am - 7pm, through November 26, 2026

The first joint acquisition of the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum (the two share a building) is Sir Isaac Julien’s fascinating moving image installation, which blends period reenactments across five screens to give the viewer insight into the life, accomplishments, activism, and brilliance of Frederick Douglass (1818-1895).

Performances: Sep 23 - Nov 9, various hours

Specialty Nights: Discussion Nights October 7 & October 29; Pride Night October 17 & October 24
Masks Required October 26 at 2PM

From Succession writer Miriam Battye comes a razor sharp, not-quite-romantic comedy about the absurdity of modern dating in the seemingly endless quest to find “the one.”  
 
After matching online, a man and a woman meet for a date. Although they start off on the (very) wrong foot, they slowly begin to let down their guard in the hope that this time they’ve found something real. 
 
Bold, bitingly funny and achingly poignant, Strategic Love Play explores love, loneliness, and lying to (and about) ourselves in the age of swiping.  

Performances: Oct 24 - Nov 2

Duty versus desire. Loyalty versus love. Aida is a drama of impossible choices and secret identities. Aida’s heart belongs to Radamès, but there’s a twist—she’s a princess in captivity, and he’s the enemy’s general. As war rages and princess Amneris seeks Radamès for herself, Aida must pick between her heart and her country.

Verdi’s magnificent Aida returns with a lavish production featuring hieroglyphic and calligraphy-inspired sets from artist RETNA. Dynamic dance… a sumptuous chorus… the victorious Triumphal Scene … everything you want from grand opera is here, performed by internationally acclaimed artists! But it is Verdi’s expressive music that makes Aida a love triangle for the ages, pairing the drama of feuding nations with the intimacy of conflicted lovers.

Performances: Oct 29 & 30 @7:30pm

Seventeen, also stylized as SEVENTEEN or SVT, is a South Korean boy group formed by Pledis Entertainment in 2015. The group consists of 13 members divided into three sub-units, each with a different area of specialization: a 'Hip-Hop Team', 'Vocal Team', and 'Performance Team'. Seventeen has released two studio albums and six extended plays. Seventeen has been considered a "self-producing" idol group, with the members being actively involved in the songwriting, choreographing, and other aspects of the group.

Performances: Oct 30 - Nov 1

Awaken your heart with two distinct visions of love: Strauss’ Don Juan, a man’s restless pursuit of passion; and Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, a fated tale of love at its purest. Led by Jader Bignamini, the concert also features Wynton Marsalis’ bold Herald, Holler, and Hallelujah and Gershwin’s jazz-infused Piano Concerto in F with soloist Hélène Grimaud.

Performances: Oct 31 - Nov 16 | Fri/Sat: 7:30pm; Sun: 2pm

By Jonathan Troy | Directed by Randy Tusing

A murder mystery/farce in the style of Agatha Christie, this delightful romp features a rich and domineering head of family along with a long-suffering daughter, housekeeper, and mysterious doctor. When two nieces and their boyfriends arrive for a stormy weekend to discuss their aunt’s will, secrets are uncovered and the murders commence. The rollicking action keeps the audience guessing until the final moments of the play!

Performances: Oct 31 - Nov 15; Fri/Sat: 8pm; Nov 16 @ 2pm

Laurel Mill Playhouse is pleased to present The Hollow by Agatha Christie

The Hollow is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French Inc.

Director – Larry Simmons | Producer – Maureen Rogers

An unhappy game of romantic follow the leader explodes into murder one weekend at The Hollow, home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell. Dr. Cristow is at the center of the trouble: Henrietta, his mistress; Veronica, his ex mistress; and Gerda, his wife are all at The Hollow. Also visiting are Edward (who is in love with Henrietta) and Midge (who loves Edward). When the inevitable murder occurs, nearly everyone has a motive and most had the opportunity. Enter Inspector Colquhoun and Sergeant Penny to solve the crime.

Performances: Nov 7 & 8 @7pm & 9:30pm

Planes, trains, and… whatever the audience says next! An homage to John Hughes’ holiday travel classic, every show—featuring Martin Garcia, Frank Caeti, and Amanda Blake Davis—is a new trip you’ll be thankful for.

Performances: Oct 31 - Nov 16 | Fri/Sat: 7:30pm; Sun: 2pm

By Jonathan Troy | Directed by Randy Tusing

A murder mystery/farce in the style of Agatha Christie, this delightful romp features a rich and domineering head of family along with a long-suffering daughter, housekeeper, and mysterious doctor. When two nieces and their boyfriends arrive for a stormy weekend to discuss their aunt’s will, secrets are uncovered and the murders commence. The rollicking action keeps the audience guessing until the final moments of the play!

Performances: Nov 7 & 8 @8pm

NSO Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor Steven Reineke brings the playlist of his dreams to life in this hand-picked concert of classical hits! To celebrate the NSO’s 95th season, Steven’s Classical Mixtape is packed with blockbuster flair and unforgettable melodies—from Boléro to Clair de Lune, Nimrod, and Pines of Rome, plus a few surprises along the way. A light classical night for seasoned symphony fans and first-timers alike!

Performances: Oct 31 - Nov 15; Fri/Sat: 8pm; Nov 16 @ 2pm

Laurel Mill Playhouse is pleased to present The Hollow by Agatha Christie

The Hollow is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French Inc.

Director – Larry Simmons | Producer – Maureen Rogers

An unhappy game of romantic follow the leader explodes into murder one weekend at The Hollow, home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell. Dr. Cristow is at the center of the trouble: Henrietta, his mistress; Veronica, his ex mistress; and Gerda, his wife are all at The Hollow. Also visiting are Edward (who is in love with Henrietta) and Midge (who loves Edward). When the inevitable murder occurs, nearly everyone has a motive and most had the opportunity. Enter Inspector Colquhoun and Sergeant Penny to solve the crime.

Performances: Nov 8 @ 7:30pm, Nov 9 @ 2pm

As this year’s Local Dance Commissioning Project Awardee, Chitra Subramanian of chitra.MOVES shares a full-bodied dance work that explores how we activate our ecosystems of care in times of turbulence and transformation.

Performances: Nov 13-15, various hours

Beethoven’s joyful wit and lyricism make his Piano Concerto No. 1 a perfect showcase for Garrick Ohlsson’s “fingers, fortitude, and freewheeling imagination” (The New York Times). To close, conductor Louis Langrée “draws a lithe, articulate and elegant performance” (The New York Times) of Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3, the mighty “Organ Symphony.”

Performances: Oct 31 - Nov 16 | Fri/Sat: 7:30pm; Sun: 2pm

By Jonathan Troy | Directed by Randy Tusing

A murder mystery/farce in the style of Agatha Christie, this delightful romp features a rich and domineering head of family along with a long-suffering daughter, housekeeper, and mysterious doctor. When two nieces and their boyfriends arrive for a stormy weekend to discuss their aunt’s will, secrets are uncovered and the murders commence. The rollicking action keeps the audience guessing until the final moments of the play!

Performances: Nov 14-22, various hours

If love’s a game, anyone can play.

Wedding bells are ringing for Figaro and Susanna—but drama’s about to crash the party. Figaro’s boss, Count Almaviva, wants Susanna for himself and is determined to interrupt the nuptials. Figaro, Susanna, and the Countess team up to teach the Count a lesson. Can disguises and deceptions fix love when it’s messy, or is the heart destined for disaster?

Under the baton of music director Robert Spano, Mozart’s “perfect opera” returns to the Opera House with a powerhouse cast. Mozart’s comic opera is packed with back-to-back hits and sublime music, from Cherubino’s “Tell me what love is” aria to the instantly recognizable overture.

Don’t be fooled by the laughs—The Marriage of Figaro spotlights playwright Pierre-Augustin Beaumarchais’ radical take on aristocratic power during the eve of the French Revolution. As the curtain closes, love finds a way… but not without hard-earned truths on fidelity and forgiveness.

Performances: Oct 31 - Nov 15; Fri/Sat: 8pm; Nov 16 @ 2pm

Laurel Mill Playhouse is pleased to present The Hollow by Agatha Christie

The Hollow is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French Inc.

Director – Larry Simmons | Producer – Maureen Rogers

An unhappy game of romantic follow the leader explodes into murder one weekend at The Hollow, home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell. Dr. Cristow is at the center of the trouble: Henrietta, his mistress; Veronica, his ex mistress; and Gerda, his wife are all at The Hollow. Also visiting are Edward (who is in love with Henrietta) and Midge (who loves Edward). When the inevitable murder occurs, nearly everyone has a motive and most had the opportunity. Enter Inspector Colquhoun and Sergeant Penny to solve the crime.

Performances: Nov 18-23, various hours

Celebrate the season with Champions Of Magic and their all-new Holiday Spectacular featuring dazzling illusions, breathtaking, grand-scale magic, and festive surprises for the whole family. This high-energy, interactive show blends their signature humor, jaw-dropping magic, and holiday cheer, creating a one-of-a-kind experience perfect for the season. Don’t miss this enchanting celebration filled with wonder, spectacle, and joy!

Performances: Nov 20, 22 & 23

Principal Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra Edward Gardner leads Tchaikovsky’s ever-popular Symphony No. 5. With soaring melodies, roaring brass, and balletic grace, the Fifth is a wild ride of heart-on-sleeve emotions. Also on the program: Pablo Ferrández makes his NSO debut in Lutosławski’s innovative Cello Concerto.

Performances: Nov 22 - Dec 14

Based on the children’s book by P. D. Eastman, this playful bilingual production is a heartwarming spectacle of accordion tunes, colorful costumes, and charming movement.

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Performances: Nov 25-30

Get ready for the festive season with Irish PBS favorites, the Shamrock Tenors, and their all-new show Christmas in Belfast.

Performances: Nov 26-30, various hours

Cincinnati Ballet’s colorful, family-focused production of The Nutcracker enchants all ages with its whimsical choreography and unique touches.

Dates: November 28 – 29, December 4 – 6, December 11 – 13, December 18 – 24; 4pm-10pm

Celebrate the season with Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park! On select days of magical merriment, Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park will transform into Washington DC’s headquarters for all things thrilling, chilling, and fantastically fun.

With a variety of family-friendly activities located on the Nationals Park field, as well as a 21+ restricted ski chalet for a child-free experience, we invite you to experience the sparkle of the District’s Diamond – only at Nationals Park!

Performances: Nov 28 - Dec 23, various hours on Tuesdays-Sundays. No Mondays.

Based on one audience suggestion (a title of a show that has never been written), The Improvised Shakespeare Company® creates a brand new, fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece right before your eyes!

Please note: Recommended for mature audiences.

Dates: November 28 – 29, December 4 – 6, December 11 – 13, December 18 – 24; 4pm-10pm

Celebrate the season with Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park! On select days of magical merriment, Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park will transform into Washington DC’s headquarters for all things thrilling, chilling, and fantastically fun.

With a variety of family-friendly activities located on the Nationals Park field, as well as a 21+ restricted ski chalet for a child-free experience, we invite you to experience the sparkle of the District’s Diamond – only at Nationals Park!

Performances: Dec 5 & 6

Directed by Daniel Maseda

ENTER PAULETTE is a rollicking solo performance about what lives and what dies in the name of civility. Equal parts joyous and ominous, this semi-improvised show follows Paulette, a mysterious man of manners in a brown sweater and a recent recipient of a blow to the eye. Tonight, Paulette finds himself in a theater, hoping to restore his confidence with a normal evening of pleasantries. The challenge: he must dare to approach the stage without cracking under the pressure to make every interaction perfect.

Dates: November 28 – 29, December 4 – 6, December 11 – 13, December 18 – 24; 4pm-10pm

Celebrate the season with Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park! On select days of magical merriment, Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park will transform into Washington DC’s headquarters for all things thrilling, chilling, and fantastically fun.

With a variety of family-friendly activities located on the Nationals Park field, as well as a 21+ restricted ski chalet for a child-free experience, we invite you to experience the sparkle of the District’s Diamond – only at Nationals Park!

Performances: Dec 16 - Jan 4

Everything that makes a great knight in the theater is here, from flying cows to killer rabbits, British royalty to French taunters, dancing girls, rubbery shrubbery—and of course, the Lady of the Lake. Spamalot features well-known songs such as “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” “Find Your Grail,” and more that have become beloved classics in the musical theater canon.

This production was originally produced as a part of the Broadway Center Stage Series in 2023.

Recommended for age 12 and up.

Dates: November 28 – 29, December 4 – 6, December 11 – 13, December 18 – 24; 4pm-10pm

Celebrate the season with Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park! On select days of magical merriment, Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park will transform into Washington DC’s headquarters for all things thrilling, chilling, and fantastically fun.

With a variety of family-friendly activities located on the Nationals Park field, as well as a 21+ restricted ski chalet for a child-free experience, we invite you to experience the sparkle of the District’s Diamond – only at Nationals Park!

Dates: November 28 – 29, December 4 – 6, December 11 – 13, December 18 – 24; 4pm-10pm

Celebrate the season with Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park! On select days of magical merriment, Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park will transform into Washington DC’s headquarters for all things thrilling, chilling, and fantastically fun.

With a variety of family-friendly activities located on the Nationals Park field, as well as a 21+ restricted ski chalet for a child-free experience, we invite you to experience the sparkle of the District’s Diamond – only at Nationals Park!