Exhibition: Nov 17 - Jan 10; Mon-Sat 10am-4pm | Public Reception: Nov 22

Harmony Hall’s talented art students and instructors—spanning various ages, experience levels, and artistic disciplines—will showcase their creativity in this vibrant, multidisciplinary exhibition. The Main Gallery will feature diverse works, from watercolor and acrylic paintings that evolve from initial sketches to final works. Additionally, hand-built, wheel-thrown, and Japanese Raku ceramics will be showcased. This exhibition celebrates the dedication and artistic growth of more than 20 artists and their instructors, offering a diverse display of their hard work and passion.

Exhibit: Dec 20 - Jan 25

Open daily, 10am-5pm | Artist Reception: Sunday, January 11

Michael G. Stewart has always looked at the world in his off-kilter way, and this show presents his unique “Inner Visions.” Rooted in the real, but bordered by the decidedly surreal, Michael’s art is whimsical, weird, and sometimes unnerving. Be his guest as he passes through a slightly cracked lens into a landscape both familiar and out of this world.

Exhibition: Nov 17 - Jan 10; Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm | Public Reception: Nov 22

As a species, our unbridled exploitation of nature’s finite resources leads us to the brink of environmental catastrophe. We have never been so separated from nature, from the essential rhythms and flows which have sustained us. When did we lose our connection, and can we get it back? Walking in the woods, our blood pressure drops, stress hormones decrease, and our breathing eases. We belong. Human/Nature is a project to show how we are reflected in nature. I shoot photos of natural subjects, cut the prints into little pieces, and create collages of human faces and eyes. If we can see ourselves in nature, made from it rather than conquering it, perhaps we can start to heal our relationship and support a more sustainable future.

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: Jan 7-18, various dates and hours

Shen Yun's unique artistic vision expands theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, inspiring journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures—the five millennia of traditional Chinese culture.

This epic production immerses you in stories reaching back to the most distant past. You’ll explore realms even beyond our visible world. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms— classical Chinese dance—along with patented scenographic effects and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom. 

Traditional Chinese culture—with its profoundly optimistic worldview and deep spiritual roots— was displaced by communism in China. Today, only the New York–based Shen Yun is keeping this precious heritage alive on stage. And it’s an experience that will take your breath away.

Performances: January 9-17; Fri/Sat: 8pm; Sun: 2pm

After summiting one of the world’s highest mountains, a lone climber tries to survive the journey back down. As exhaustion and oxygen deprivation set in, she imagines her usual climbing companions joining her in songs to keep her mind focused, and she grapples with the impacts of her choice to climb. Guiding her decisions and doubts are the stories of the real-life mountaineers who came before. Come experience a new musical about life and death at the highest places on Earth.

Exhibit: January 13 - March 1 , Open daily, 10 am-5 pm; Artist Reception: Feb 20, 7-9pm

Emily Springer’s sewn tapestries create a space for reflection and conversation about cultural identity, resilience, and the power of storytelling through art. The pieces depict compositions highlighting the generational bonds between Black women. Through their intricate craftsmanship, they are an ode to the historical practice of quilting and its significance to Black culture.

Exhibit: January 14 - March 1; Open daily, 10am-5pm | Artist Reception: Feb 20, 7-9pm

Celebrate Black History Month with Montpelier Arts Center! This annual exhibition shows the diverse talents of regional artists. Featured artwork will highlight African Americans’ lives, stories, and experiences through painting, drawing, photography, and more.

Performances: Jan 15 @7pm; Jan 16 & 17 @8pm

Gianandrea Noseda and NSO favorite Daniil Trifonov reunite! First, the virtuoso performs Brahms’ mighty First Piano Concerto, known for its brooding majesty and immense scale. Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring follows—a notorious masterwork that shocked audiences at its premiere and forever changed the course of music with its primal, untamed energy.

Performances: Jan 16-18

STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Year after year, audiences worldwide keep coming back for more of this pulse-pounding electrifying show.

Performances: January 16 - February 1; Fri/Sat: 8pm; Sun: 2pm

“Save My Black Soul” is a period drama that takes place during the Golden Age of Hollywood, and follows a young, struggling African-American actor named Edward Foster. Edward, being fed up with the roles that are being offered to him in Hollywood, decides to move to New York City to create a theatre space where he can mold the next generation of up-and-coming actors of color. While his aspirations may be pure, the journey to get there will be anything but flawless.

Performances: January 9-17; Fri/Sat: 8pm; Sun: 2pm

After summiting one of the world’s highest mountains, a lone climber tries to survive the journey back down. As exhaustion and oxygen deprivation set in, she imagines her usual climbing companions joining her in songs to keep her mind focused, and she grapples with the impacts of her choice to climb. Guiding her decisions and doubts are the stories of the real-life mountaineers who came before. Come experience a new musical about life and death at the highest places on Earth.

Exhibition: January 19 - March 6; Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Public Reception: Jan 29, 6-8pm

American Dreaming is a poignant exploration of the complex interplay between pursuing financial freedom and the Black experience in America. This series delves into the nuanced relationship between aspiration and the systemic barriers that persist within our society, particularly emphasizing the American lottery system as a symbol of hope in the Black community.

This exhibit will be on display at the Publick Playhouse from January 19-March 8, 2026, and can be viewed during regular facility hours (M-F, 9 am-5 pm). Please note that exhibits cannot be viewed when a performance or event is in progress. Before viewing an exhibit, please call the Box Office at 301-277-1710 to check the performance schedule.

Exhibition: Jan 20 - Mar 14 | Public Reception: Jan 24 | Artist Talk: Feb 21

Gallery hours: Mon-Fri 10am-7pm; Sat 10am-4pm; Closed Sun

Curated by Asha Elana Casey in honor of Black History Month, Genuine celebrates the depth, resilience, and authenticity of Black artistic expression. Featuring works by Lionel Frazier White III, Khaleelah Harris, Jessica Valoris, and Desmond Beach, this exhibition explores themes of identity, heritage, and truth through a range of materials and perspectives. Genuine highlights the power of storytelling and cultural reflection, offering a compelling tribute to the legacy and future of Black artistry.

Exhibition: Jan 20 - Mar 14 | Public Reception: Jan 24 | Artist Talk: Feb 21

Gallery hours: Mon-Fri 10am-7pm; Sat 10am-4pm; Closed Sun

In Glimpses of Heaven, Mame Ndiaye invites viewers into a dazzling world of mixed media works that sparkle with vibrancy and imagination. Using glitter as a central medium, Ndiaye creates otherworldly pieces that evoke a sense of transcendence and wonder. Each artwork is a luminous exploration of light, color, and texture, offering fleeting moments of beauty that transport viewers into a dreamlike space. Through Glimpses of Heaven, Ndiaye captures the ephemeral nature of joy and the magic found in the simplest, most radiant elements of life.

Performances: Jan 21-22

In this a-MEOW-zing musical show, Gabby unboxes a special acorn that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. But when CatRat causes a color cat-astrophe and breaks the rainbow, Gabby and the Gabby Cats must find the colors again to set things right.

Gabby, Pandy Paws and friends travel to the Cat-O-Sphere, Mermaid-Lantis and some favorite Dollhouse locations in search of the colors that will make rebuilding the rainbow, possible. Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! Presented by Walmart brings to life an exciting original story featuring incredible puppets, dynamic staging, a talented live show cast of singer-actor-puppeteers and songs from the beloved series, including “Hey Gabby”, “You Can’t Spell Meow Without Me” and “Sprinkle Party”.

Performances: Jan 22 @ 7pm; Jan 23 & 24, 8pm

The Washington Chorus joins Gianandrea Noseda and the NSO for three choral masterpieces by Brahms. Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny) and Gesang der Parzen (Song of the Fates) grapple with fate’s inescapable hand—one offering celestial consolation, the other a foreboding omen. Nänie, named for the Roman goddess, is a powerful requiem set to the poem by Friedrich von Schiller. These mesmeric choral works set the stage for a visceral finale: Schumann’s Symphony No. 2.

Performances: Jan 22-23 With Caylee Hammack

Eric Church is a Grammy-nominated American country music singer-songwriter known as "The Chief," famous for blending traditional country with Southern rock, his signature aviator sunglasses, and rebellious, authentic style, with hits like "Springsteen," "Drink in My Hand," and "Talladega," achieving major success with albums like Chief and The Outsiders. He started young in North Carolina, moved to Nashville, and quickly rose through the ranks, known for energetic live shows and connecting deeply with his "Church Choir" fanbase. 

Performances: Jan 23 - Feb 8 / Fri: 8pm; Sat/Sun: 2pm

Based on the hit film and featuring a gorgeous, folk-inspired score, THE SPITFIRE GRILL is a heartwarming and inspirational musical tale of redemption and perseverance. Ex-convict Percy Talbott moves to Gilead, Wisconsin, a tiny town that has seen better days and isn’t looking to help a stranger. What she finds will help both town and outsider find their way to renewal.

Performances: Jan 16-Feb 1 ; Fri/Sat: 8pm; Sun: 2pm

by Evan Carrington

Director – Jeremy Keith Hunter
Producer – Maureen Rogers

“Save My Black Soul” is a period drama that takes place during the Golden Age of Hollywood, and follows a young, struggling African-American actor named Edward Foster. Edward, being fed up with the roles that are being offered to him in Hollywood, decides to move to New York City to create a theatre space where he can mold the next generation of up-and-coming actors of color. While his aspirations may be pure, the journey to get there will be anything but flawless.

Performances: Jan 24-25

Exhibition: Jan 26 - Mar 7 | Mon-Fri 8:30am - 5pm; Sat; 9am-4pm | Public Reception: Feb 7 @2pm-5pm

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Black History Program returns to Harmony Hall Arts Center with its annual exhibition. For close to 45 years, the Black History Program has worked to preserve, honor, and celebrate Prince George’s County’s rich African American Heritage. The annual exhibition is part of this tradition. Explore stories from our county’s past that highlight the challenges and triumphs of the African American community.

Performances: Jan 27 - Feb 1

A mansion. A murder. A mystery.

Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.

Performances: Jan 29 -31

Gianandrea Noseda conducts a program that moves from the rich interplay of Brahms’ Double Concerto to the cosmic vision of Scriabin’s Symphony No. 3, Le Poème Divin. In this deeply personal work, Scriabin creates a musical narrative of, as he puts it, “the evolution of the human spirit, torn from an entire past of beliefs and mysteries… to a joyous and intoxicated affirmation of its unity with the universe.”

Performances: Jan 30 - Feb 8

Join Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as the extraordinary dancers ignite the stage in electrifying new works and cherished audience favorites.

Performances: Jan 30 - Feb 7 / Fri/Sat: 8pm; Sun: 2pm / Wednesday, Feb 4th at 8PM is Pay What You Will

Contemporary with Shakespeare’s famous work and based on the same older story, Lope de Vega’s hilarious twist on the star-crossed lovers offers plenty of laughs to anyone who might have ever wished Romeo and Juliet a happier ending.

Performances: Jan 23 - Feb 8 / Fri: 8pm; Sat/Sun: 2pm

Based on the hit film and featuring a gorgeous, folk-inspired score, THE SPITFIRE GRILL is a heartwarming and inspirational musical tale of redemption and perseverance. Ex-convict Percy Talbott moves to Gilead, Wisconsin, a tiny town that has seen better days and isn’t looking to help a stranger. What she finds will help both town and outsider find their way to renewal.

Performances: Jan 16-Feb 1 ; Fri/Sat: 8pm; Sun: 2pm

by Evan Carrington

Director – Jeremy Keith Hunter
Producer – Maureen Rogers

“Save My Black Soul” is a period drama that takes place during the Golden Age of Hollywood, and follows a young, struggling African-American actor named Edward Foster. Edward, being fed up with the roles that are being offered to him in Hollywood, decides to move to New York City to create a theatre space where he can mold the next generation of up-and-coming actors of color. While his aspirations may be pure, the journey to get there will be anything but flawless.

Exhibition: Jan 31 - Mar 7; Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5pm; Sat: 9am-4pm | Public Reception: Feb 1, @2-4pm

Qrcky’s artistic endeavors delve into the interplay between the sensibilities of the Black diaspora and the urban landscapes they inhabit. While the artist draws inspiration from esteemed artists such as Kara Walker and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Qrcky also profoundly influences the surrounding world. Qrcky is captivated by the sensations of movement, the deconstruction and reassembly of surfaces, and the intricate processes of forgetting and remembering that shape our collective consciousness. The artist’s creations profoundly reflect his identity, heritage, and the encompassing tapestry of culture that envelops him.

Exhibit: Jan 31 - Mar 8; Open daily, 10am-5pm | Artist Reception: Feb 20

Primarily an oil painter, Patricia Phillips Bowden discovered a renewed interest in exploring paper, collage, and mixed media during the pandemic. She finds beauty in the old, the worn, and the rusty, and hopes to capture that elegance in her work. As an artist, she strives to maintain a childlike sense of wonder and curiosity toward this fascinating place we call Earth.

Performances: Jan 31 - Feb 8, various hours

Experience new works that display the virtuosic versatility of the Ailey dancers alongside treasures from the company’s repertory that have moved and uplifted fans for decades—including Revelations, the ultimate anthem to resilience and joy.

Pre-concert conversation: 6:30 pm; Performances: Feb 4 & 5 @ 7:30pm

Bill T. Jones’s era-defining dance Still/Here remains resonant and pertinent today. First staged before the apex of the AIDS epidemic, Still/Here asks what we owe the dying and what they have to teach us.

Performances: Feb 5 @ 7pm; Feb 6 @ 11:30 am; Feb 7 @8pm

Be moved by a program of towering contrasts, drama, and defiance. Behzod Abduraimov, “the most perfectly accomplished pianist of his generation” (The Independent), makes his NSO debut in Tchaikovsky’s thundering Piano Concerto No. 1. Gianandrea Noseda closes the concert with Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 8, an unflinching response to war wrapped in moments of tension, reflection, and strength.

Performances: Feb 6 & 7 @7pm

A light-hearted homage to the style and spirit of the Great Age of Vaudeville, an immensely popular theatre from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, comprised of specialty acts, song, and dance. Happenstance Theater’s five versatile players breathe new life into classic old routines from a ventriloquist’s dummy to a magic act that goes awry, from novelty songs and a musical saw to waiters juggling meatballs, all with full live foley sound effects. This show teems with hijinks, harmonies, nostalgic beauty, and physical comedy. This family-friendly show has something for everyone!

Performances: Jan 23 - Feb 8 / Fri: 8pm; Sat/Sun: 2pm

Based on the hit film and featuring a gorgeous, folk-inspired score, THE SPITFIRE GRILL is a heartwarming and inspirational musical tale of redemption and perseverance. Ex-convict Percy Talbott moves to Gilead, Wisconsin, a tiny town that has seen better days and isn’t looking to help a stranger. What she finds will help both town and outsider find their way to renewal.

Performances: Jan 30 - Feb 7 / Fri/Sat: 8pm; Sun: 2pm / Wednesday, Feb 4th at 8PM is Pay What You Will

Contemporary with Shakespeare’s famous work and based on the same older story, Lope de Vega’s hilarious twist on the star-crossed lovers offers plenty of laughs to anyone who might have ever wished Romeo and Juliet a happier ending.

Performances: Feb 10 - 15

The most Tony Award-winning Show of the year. The most Tony Award-nominated Play of all time. Stereophonic mines the agony and the ecstasy of creation as it zooms in on a music studio in 1976. Here, an up-and-coming rock band recording a new album finds itself suddenly on the cusp of superstardom. The ensuing pressures could spark their breakup—or their breakthrough. Written by David Adjmi, directed by Daniel Aukin, and featuring original music by Arcade Fire’s Will Butler, Stereophonic invites the audience to immerse themselves—with fly-on-the-wall intimacy—in the powder keg process of a band on the brink of blowing up.

Performances: Feb 11 - 15, various hours

In American Ballet Theatre’s The Winter’s Tale, Tony–winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon brings his visionary eye to Shakespeare’s romantic play of jealousy, redemption, and the passage of time.

Performances: Feb 13-26 / Fri/Sat: 8pm; Sun: 2pm

Wifey Unknown is a timeless tale of hopes lost and found, grief and guilt accrued and erased, and love questioned and prospered. Confined within her broken body, tormented by her grief and guilt, plagued by her suicidal thoughts, and neglected by her work-addicted husband, Yardley, Rita finally confronts her inner demons after her friend Alice saved her from a near-death experience. Rita writes a script that reconciles the past wounds of the husband and wife, and transforms a physically broken, repressed, “can’t-do” wife into the immensely talented, champion teenager, whose life-threatening injuries during a competition had changed everything.

Performances: Feb 13 & 14 @8pm

We’re celebrating the spirit and sounds of America, including the world premiere of a special NSO commission by Karen LeFrak! In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez leads the NSO in a blend of new compositions and timeless orchestral works embodying the optimism, diversity, and evolving identity of our nation’s musical voice.

Performances: Feb 13 & 14 @8pm

Formed by JYP in 2015, TWICE is a nine-member K-pop group (Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, Tzuyu) known for catchy songs, energetic performances, and record-breaking success. They’ve released four full albums and 14 mini-albums, completed six world tours, and were the first female K-pop group to headline North American stadiums (SoFi, MetLife). Hits like “Cheer Up,” “Fancy,” “Feel Special,” and the English single “The Feels” earned Billboard Hot 100 and RIAA milestones and multiple Billboard 200 Top 10s. In 2023 they won Billboard’s Breakthrough Award—the first K-pop act to do so. Their mini-album STRATEGY (feat. Megan Thee Stallion) set Amazon Music Live viewership records, and their 2025 album THIS IS FOR coincided with TWICE becoming the first K-pop girl group to headline Lollapalooza. They remain a major global pop influence.

Performances: Feb 13 - 14

You asked for it — Set It Off Live is BACK! The cult-classic heist story you love is reimagined for the stage this Valentine’s Weekend. Starring Felicia Pearson as CLEO — the Baltimore native best known as “Snoop” from The Wire. 

The hit heist, cult classic movie you love is now a stage play and coming to your city. The same iconic characters – Frankie, Tisean (T.T.), Stoney and Cleo are back bringing the same action packed, adrenaline filled robbery scenes and emotionally charged antics against an equally exciting music soundtrack that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Performances: Feb 16-19

Trevor Noah is on the U.S. leg of his "Off The Record" Tour. The show features Noah's characteristic sharp wit and intelligent commentary, covering a range of topics from politics and current breaking news to race and stories from his childhood in South Africa. 

Performances: Feb 17-22, various hours

Experience a winter wonderland with this outdoor production! The Canadian company brings its unique blend of dance and skating to an ice rink installed on an outdoor Kennedy Center plaza.

Le Patin Libre champions the idea of “glide” as an expansive definition for skating, calling it “the possibility to imprint movement on immobile bodies.” In Murmuration, 15 dancers demonstrate the athleticism and artistry of “glide,” taking inspiration from the mysterious phenomenon of bird flocks in undulating flight patterns to craft an exhilarating mix of speed, precision, and fluid choreography. Choreographed by Alexandre Hamel, Pascale Jodoin, and Samory Ba, this one-hour adventure is an adrenaline rush the whole family will appreciate!

Performances: Feb 20-22, various hours

The Spring MFA Dance Concert features original works from two MFA candidates, Jalen Rose and Angela Smith. This performance is the culmination of their MFA journey and gives the candidates an opportunity to choreograph, produce and perform their final thesis project.

Performances: Feb 13-21 / Fri/Sat: 8pm; Sun: 2pm

Wifey Unknown is a timeless tale of hopes lost and found, grief and guilt accrued and erased, and love questioned and prospered. Confined within her broken body, tormented by her grief and guilt, plagued by her suicidal thoughts, and neglected by her work-addicted husband, Yardley, Rita finally confronts her inner demons after her friend Alice saved her from a near-death experience. Rita writes a script that reconciles the past wounds of the husband and wife, and transforms a physically broken, repressed, “can’t-do” wife into the immensely talented, champion teenager, whose life-threatening injuries during a competition had changed everything.

Performances: Feb 19 @7pm; Feb 21 @8pm, Feb 22 @3pm

Thomas Wilkins leads a true celebration of American music! Experience the charm of Copland’s iconic ballet Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes, followed by Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with 18-time Grammy-winning banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck. To close, the NSO presents the world premiere of Peter Boyer and Joseph Sohm’s American Mosaic, an NSO co-commission featuring stunning video imagery, powerful live narration, and quintessential American melodies to celebrate the land, people, and spirit of the United States for its 250th birthday.

Performances: Feb 26 -28, various hours

Visionary maestro David Robertson conducts a program of movement and transformation. Nielsen’s Helios Overture follows the path of the sun across the sky, while the world premiere of Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Fellow Reena Esmail’s Double Concerto puts star siblings Gil and Orli Shaham center stage. To close, Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5 dances with themes shaped by landscape and time, with its famous finale inspired by the sight of a flock of swans flying overhead.

Performances: Feb 28 - Mar 15, various hours; Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. is a sensory-friendly performance.

Embark on a quest to find the ending to an unfinished story.

Nine-year-old Scooter, a boy with an imagination larger than the sky, becomes obsessed with a fantasy book series. To his dismay, author Poppy Carousel never finished the final book. While grappling with his own personal loss, Scooter embarks on a quest to find Poppy and the missing ending.

Will Scooter discover the answers he’s looking for? Who else will he meet along the way? Join Scooter on a journey full of surprises in this world premiere Kennedy Center commissioned play written by Doug Robinson and directed by KenYatta Rogers.

Most enjoyed by ages 9+