Live Entertainment for Families Around DC this Spring

Spring isn’t just about warmer weather and blooming flowers. With the new season comes a whole new line-up of live entertainment — and there’s plenty that kids and families will applaud. Here are details on what’s coming to local stages, listed in order of start date, with discounts noted where available. Now go save your seats!

Into the Woods
Where: Ford’s Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Through May 22
Tickets: $27-81
In Stephen Sondheim’s imaginative, darkly comical remix of beloved fairy tales, a baker and his wife set out to reverse a witch’s curse in hopes of having a child of their own. The couple’s quest takes them into the woods, where they encounter Little Red Ridinghood, Jack and his beanstalk, a cautious Cinderella, a sequestered Rapunzel and a couple of lovelorn princes. Sondheim’s lush Tony-winning score and James Lapine’s Tony-winning book conjure a world where “giants can be good and witches can be right.” Recommended for ages 12+.

Marvel Universe LIVE!
Where: EagleBank Arena | Fairfax, VA
When: March 22-31
Tickets: $15-90+
Spider Man, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Panther, Hulk, Black Widow, and the Guardian of the Galaxy…Marvel’s mightiest heroes face off against some of the most threatening villains in the Marvel Universe. In this live stage production, see them unite in a race against time to defeat Loki in an epic quest to defend the universe from evil.

A Bronx Tale
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: March 26-31
Tickets: $54-115 (look for a discount)
Broadway’s hit crowd-pleaser takes you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s, where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Bursting with high-energy dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes from Alan Menken, the songwriter of Beauty and the Beast, A Bronx Tale is an unforgettable story of loyalty and family. Recommended for ages 12+.

Beep Beep
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center | H Street NE, DC
When: March 27-31
Tickets: $12
It’s Theatre for the Very Young with this production from Arts on the Horizon. On a warm spring day, the friendly tune of the ice cream truck might be just what you need. But when one particular ice cream truck starts to fall apart, the drivers have to fix it before everything starts to melt! Will our friends find a way out of this sticky situation? This highly physical comedy features live percussion music and plenty of zany shenanigans. Come help us figure out how to fix up this ice cream truck where nothing goes right! Recommended for ages 2-5.

Jargie the Science Girl
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: March 28-29
Tickets: $3-8
Look out! Jargie the Science Girl and her assistant Benjamin the Penguin are ready to rattle the molecules—and you’re invited to join them in the laboratory. Jargie (the quirky alter ego of scientist-educator Jocelyn Argueta) dons her signature pink lab coat to launch into exciting experiments and demonstrations that deliver plenty of solid science facts—along with “impossible” physics, rockets, and dobblybloppers galore.

Kidsinger Jim & the Big Barn Puppets
Where: Miracle Theatre | Capitol Hill, DC
When: March 30, 10:30am
Tickets: $10/by March 29, $12/at door
Are you ready for some wholesome family fun? Farmer Stu and his animal friends love life on the farm, and after the chores are done — a hoedown! Kidsinger Jim (whom many know from Boogie Babes) & the Big Barn Puppets are performing a special show at the beautiful ​Miracle Theatre. Show length is one hour.

Aquarium
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: March 30 – April 14
Tickets: $12
Enter a fantastical island world where fish soar through the air, lemons light up the sky, and sheep go parading by. With gentle music, puppets, and props, guides Jack and Calypso lead children and caregivers in an interactive journey to a magical place of play. Best for ages 1-5.

Saturday Family Jam Sessions
Where: Strathmore | Bethesda, MD
When: March 30, April 13 & 27, May 18
Tickets: $10/advance, $12/at door
Junior music aficionados can spend Saturday mornings singing, playing, and preparing for a lifetime of music appreciation. Strathmore’s fun, creative, kid-friendly series features renowned jazz singer Rochelle Rice and multi-instrumentalist Seth Kibel. Recommended for ages 3–8. All sessions take place at 10:15am in the Mansion.

Madeleine and the Bad Hat
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: March 30-31
Tickets: $20
This colorful musical captures the blithe yet touching spirit of Ludwig Bemelmans’ much loved Madeline series. This amusing tale traces the adventures of a young Parisian girl who – despite starting off on the wrong foot with a mischievous new neighbor – eventually learns that first impressions aren’t everything. Told with gentle humor, and featuring a beautiful musical score, this amusing tale of enemies-become-friends will charm and entertain children and adults alike.

Jack and the Beanstalk
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: March 28 – May 5
Tickets: $12 (look for a discount)
Fe-fi-fo-fum. A timely version of the classic children’s tale about the young lad that doesn’t know beans about trading, but still manages to climb his way to the top. Jack finds that happiness lies in helping others rather than mere personal gain. Told with rod puppets and some surprising twists, Jack has long been a favorite of our audience. Recommended for ages 5-9.

Winnie the Pooh
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: March 29 – May 26
Tickets: $20
Winnie the Pooh would spend every day of life humming tunes and stopping frequently to eat “a little something.” But today, Pooh and Piglet have to find the Heffalump, watch Rabbit scheme to rid the forest of Kanga’s dreaded bathtub, and help Eeyore search for his tail. Pooh’s intentions are always the best, but his passion for honey and condensed milk keeps getting him into trouble.

Voyagers: A Dance Among The Planets
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: March 29-31
Tickets: $20
A majestic ride awaits a young stargazer who is carried away by the magician Uranus. Join her and fellow voyagers in a journey through the Solar System for the young and young at heart. The Kennedy Center, D.C. dance ensemble Company | E, and composer Eric Shimelonis share an interplanetary display of modern movement set to Gustav Holst’s The Planets. Through a reimagining of Holst’s soaring suite, Company | E combines live music, dance, and a bit of Einstein to celebrate curiosity, compassion, and the natural world. Experience the distinct character of each planet, from the majestic and jolly Jupiter, to the angry and ominous Mars, to the lively and flighty Mercury. Recommended for ages 5+.

Tot Rock
Where: Jammin’ Java | Vienna, VA
When: Ongoing
Tickets: $5/weekdays, $10/weekends
Tot Rock is Jammin’ Java’s super-popular kids music concert series, providing wholesome family entertainment at one of the DC Metro area’s finest music clubs. Local acts perform every Thursday and Friday, and touring performers drop by on many weekends. Check the calendar often to see when your favorite act is performing, and for other calendar updates.

Boogie Babes
Where: Eastern Market | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Thursdays, 10:30am
Tickets: $5/child, free for sibling 6 months and under
Little ones can boogie along with their favorite local musicians at Eastern Market’s North Hall on Thursday mornings. Even better, proceeds from all shows benefit DC Diaper Bank! Go for the entertainment, then grab lunch in the market or at one of many nearby eateries after.

Tiny Tots
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, & Sundays at 10am
Tickets: $5
The series presents puppet shows designed for the youngest theater patrons (ages 0-4). They are shorter, the lights stay on, and the doors stay open. They have an arsenal of shows that they switch up every performance, so be sure to check the schedule to see what’s playing when you go.

Millennium Stage
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Ongoing daily, 6pm
Tickets: Free
The Kennedy Center presents these free, no-tickets-required performances every day at 6pm, and the public is welcome to enjoy them. The acts span the genres — you can see everything from contemporary dance to folk music to puppetry to comedy shows to opera scenes. Millennium Stage showcases everyone from local youth choirs to internationally known bands (They Might Be Giants performed there a few years ago). This is a great series to keep in mind for whenever you’re looking for some free, easy entertainment.

Rise+Rhyme
Where: BusBoys & Poets | Brookland, DC & Hyattsville/Takoma Park, MD
When: Mondays
Tickets: $5
The weekly series welcomes children 5 and under with their caregivers to enjoy a morning of performances and stories from 9:30-11am. Go to one of three locations: Brookland in DC or Takoma Park or Hyattsville in MD. Plan on breakfast, too — full service is available while the little ones are grooving.

Children’s Arts & Entertainment
Where: BloomBars | Columbia Heights, DC
When: Ongoing
Tickets: Varies by show/activity
The arts center in Columbia Heights offers a variety of enriching, entertaining, and cultural activities and performances for children. From Harambe sessions to puppet shows to musical theatre to sing-a-longs, there’s something going on for little ones just about every day of the week.

Saturday Morning at the National
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Most Saturdays
Tickets: FREE!
The free theatre program runs on select Saturdays with performances at 9:30am and 11:30am. Musicals, plays, storytelling, and comedy shows are all part of the live entertainment line-up. See the complete schedule of performances here. Tickets are distributed day of performances on a first-come, first-served basis. Everyone must be in line to receive a ticket.

JUNK (KidFree Suggestion)
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: April 5 – May 5
Tickets: $56+
As the brilliant and calculating Robert Merkin prepares a hostile takeover of a family-owned manufacturing company, he is not concerned about crossing the line to get what he wants in the name of “saving America.” Inspired by the volatile and cut-throat financial world and the junk bond giants of the 1980s, “this epic piece of work” (Chicago Tribune) is an enticing look at the money makers, their hubris and those who tried to hold them accountable. Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar’s (Disgraced) latest work asks if redemption is truly possible or if there is always a new scheme waiting in the wings.

NSO Family Concert: Symphonic Storytelling: The Travels of Babar
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: April 7
Tickets: $20 (look for a discount)
Come children (and children at heart!) for a concert that mixes the magic of stories, images, and music, including Return to the Land of the Elephants by composer Raphael Mostel—the U.S. premiere of the orchestral version of one of his two multimedia musical voyages based on The Travels of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff. Recommended for ages 5+.

Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: April 10-12
Tickets: $3-8
Meet the butcher, baker, pizza dough maker, and all of the friendly people who make our neighborhoods terrific places to live every day. Recycled crafting and interactive songs and movement make this community day the perfect blend of learning and just plain fun.

Gina Chavez Kids Concert
Where: AMP by Strathmore | Rockville, MD
When: April 11
Tickets: $10/advance, $12/at door
Gina Chavez’s kid-centric pajama jam concert is an all ages dance party with an educational twist! Cultural Ambassador Chavez leads bilingual call and response numbers and high-energy Latin tunes that provide children (and their adults) plenty of opportunity to sing along! Parents and their mini dance partners will enjoy bossa nova, cumbia, reggaeton, and other eclectic genres while learning about the instruments and improvisation techniques behind them.

The Me I Want to Sing
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: April 13
Tickets: $20
Returning since its powerful 2017 premiere on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, this riveting two-performer show blends opera legends Marian Anderson and Leontyne Price’s most memorable performances—including opera, art songs, and more—with narrative spoken word. Created and written by Tom Minter and originally commissioned by Washington National Opera Artistic Director Francesca Zambello, the work chronicles some of the challenges these two women faced in their careers as African American singers, and highlights ongoing issues of race in America. Recommended for ages 12+.

Squirrel Stole my Underpants
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts | Gaithersburg, MD
When: April 12-13
Tickets: $15
Sylvie is sent to the backyard to hand up the laundry. The moment her back is turned, a mischievous squirrel steals her favorite piece of clothing and runs off. When Sylvie gives chase, an entire world emerges from her laundry basket, and curious characters show her the way through mysterious lands. Will our lonely heroine rescue her underpants and discover the magic within herself? Join us on this adventure to find out!

Beautiful Biomes
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: April 23-24
Tickets: $3-8
Home sweet biome? A biome is a unique environment that nurtures plants and creatures suited for that special place and climate, such as tundra, desert, rainforest, grassland, and ocean. Celebrate Earth Month and step into the Haupt Garden with horticulturists from Smithsonian Gardens and discover how all living things—including the earth itself—are connected by adaptation to the beautiful biomes we call home.

STOMP
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: April 23-28
Tickets: $49-129 (look for a discount)
STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. 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. The return of the percussive hit also brings some new surprises, with some sections of the show now updated and restructured, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. See what all the noise is about. And read a KFDC review of a past STOMP show here.

The Who’s Tommy
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: April 24-29
Tickets: $69-219
Based on the iconic 1969 album soon to be celebrating its 50th anniversary, this semi-staged concert production of The Who’s Tommy is an exhilarating story of hope, healing, and the human spirit. This five-time Tony Award®–winning one-of-a-kind musical tells the story of the pinball-playing, “deaf, dumb, and blind” boy who triumphs over his adversities. Recommended for ages 14+.

Aquarium
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center | H Street NE, DC
When: April 24-28
Tickets: $12
Enter a fantastical island world where fish soar through the air, lemons light up the sky, and sheep go parading by. With gentle music, puppets, and props, guides Jack and Calypso lead children and caregivers in an interactive journey to a magical place of play. Best for ages 1-5.

Escape from Peligro Island
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: April 27 – May 26
Tickets: $15-35
Callaway Brown- an unlikely young hero- has been stranded on a desert island, and it’s up to YOU to decide what happens next! In this interactive production, audience members vote on Callaway’s actions in an energetic romp through time and space. Will Callaway time travel to the Wild West and meet a talking horse? Develop superpowers and fight crime in the future? Or have a crush on a vampire? The choice is yours! Recommended for ages 5+.

NSO Music for Young Audiences: Break it Down!
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: April 27-28
Tickets: $20
Watch, listen, and lend a helping hand as the dynamic duo of Paul Fadoul on marimba and Zara Lawler on flute build music from the ground up. This energetic program delights in dissecting parts of music and musical instruments. Children will be amazed by the way instruments from the wind and percussion families—plus some interesting “outsiders”—are taken apart and put back together again. Recommended for ages 3+.

Yogapalooza with Bari Koral
Where: AMP by Strathmore | Bethesda, MD
When: April 28
Tickets: $10/advance, $12/at door
Catch a concert in Downward Dog! Beloved recording artist and kids’ yoga educator Bari Koral presents Yogapalooza! Bari and her excellent band take kids and families on a rockin’ music and movement adventure. Together we’ll learn popular yoga poses with a dancing bear, pop like popcorn, “sleep” like a pony, fly like rocket ships, run with a gingerbread man, and much more as we dance, stretch, sing, and play to Bari’s award-winning songs. Based on the TV show created and hosted by Bari, Yogapalooza is an interactive concert packed with good times. No prior experience is necessary and Yogapalooza is suitable for all ages.

Sailing on a String
Where: The Lab at Convergence | Alexandria, VA
When: May 2-18
Tickets: $7
Arts on the Horizon presents this production for little ones. Follow a curious explorer on a voyage into a world made entirely of string! Yarn birds fly through the air passing crocheted clouds. This gentle, engaging performance features object transformation, dance, live string music, and captivating design. Follow the twists, turns, and eventual tangles of this special immersive performance for our youngest audience members. Recommended for ages 0-2 and their families.

Sesame Street Live!: Make Your Magic
Where: EagleBank Arena | Fairfax, VA
When: May 4-5
Tickets: $18-60+
When magician extraordinaire Justin visits Sesame Street to put on a magic show for the whole neighborhood, Elmo wants to be a part of the big event. But there’s one problem…Elmo can’t do magic! That’s when Elmo teams up with Abby and Justin, embarking on an amazing journey where Elmo will discover the “power of yet” — the lesson of perseverance no matter what stands between you and your dream. Along the way, Elmo and Abby, joined by their friends Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Grover, Rosita and Count von Count, discover many magical moments in everyday life.

PJ Masks Live!
Where: UMBC Event Center | Baltimore, MD
When: May 4
Tickets: $34-59+
PJ Masks Live is back with an all new super-heroic, live musical show, PJ Masks Live! Save the Day, featuring the heroic trio from your favorite series: The PJ Masks! Watch Catboy, Owlette and Gekko along with their new friend PJ Robot, as they try to save the day from the sneaky villains – Romeo, Night Ninja and Luna Girl! Fluttering Feathers! Leaping Lizards! What a CAT-tastrophe! Leaping, flipping and climbing – live on stage! Complete with your favorite music and brand new songs you’ve never heard before! Don’t sleep through it – watch the PJ Masks save the day, live on stage!

Junie B. Jones
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: May 4-5
Tickets: $20 (look for a discount)
Junie B.’s made it to First Grade and is having all sorts of adventures meeting new friends, becoming the boss of lunch, and creating a halftime show for the kickball game. Recommended for children in K – 5th grade.

Tigers, Dragons, and Other Wise ‘Tails’
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: May 7-10
Tickets: $3-8
From ancient to modern, these tales come alive with the culture of the Asian countryside. The sumptuous and mythic creation story The Four Dragon Rivers of China features beautiful flying puppets. The natural innocence of childhood outwits the villain in the Vietnamese story The Boy and the Fly. The Tiger, the Thief, and the Dried Persimmon from Korea features a trickster tiger whose antics recall the teachings of Anansi. In the Japanese tale The Wise Mole, true love takes charge, complete with cellphones and iPods.

Rumpelstiltskin
Where: Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center | Rockville, MD
When: May 11-12
Tickets:
This Mother’s Day weekend, experience the enchanted adventures of Rumpelstiltskin! Watch as the mysterious elf helps a miller’s daughter turn straw into gold…for a price. Maryland Youth Ballet brings this classic fairy tale to life through the magic of dance. Also presenting, Christopher Doyle’s award winning contemporary piece Summer and excerpts from the classic, Don Quixote, one of ballet’s most joyful and festive romantic comedies. A program to delight all ages; a perfect family Mother’s Day experience!

The Reluctant Dragon
Where: Keegan Theatre | Dupont Circle, DC
When: May 11-26
Tickets: $25-27/adult, $20-23/child
The village of Guildermere blames the dragon who lives upon the downs for their dying crops and sour milk. But this dragon is a peace-loving, poetry-spouting fellow who would much prefer a cup of tea to a battle. When Saint George arrives, the dragon and his young friend, Glaston, face quite a challenge indeed. A charming tale of an unlikely friendship, this play for young people and families embraces the dramatic power of what happens when misunderstanding escalates into prejudice and violence.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: King for a Day
Where: The Modell Lyric | Baltimore, MD
When: May 11
Tickets: $20-$75+ (look for a discount)
The grr-ific musical for little tigers and grown-ups alike is back! The hugely popular Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE! has delighted audiences on stages across the country. Now, in its fourth year of touring, your favorite characters are hopping back on board Trolley and coming to your town. Daniel and all of his friends invite you to an adventure in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe where Daniel learns just what it takes to be King. The beloved characters come alive on stage to captivate you with songs to sing along to, magical moments, and SURPRISE guests along the way! It’s an event filled with tigertastic fun, teaching the valuable lessons of kindness, helping others, and being a friend. Don’t miss Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE: King for a Day… a royally great time!

Jojo’s Backyard Safari
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: May 15-17
Tickets: $3-8
It’s time for high adventure as Jojo goes on the lookout for all kinds of fascinating creatures in the wilds of his very own yard. What will he find hidden in plain sight? Come along on the trek as we learn, create, and play in this musical mini-travelogue about the hidden natural world that’s so close to home.

Colors
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: May 15-19
Tickets: $20
Enter a world where colors become a place of relationships and emotions. Italy’s Compagnia Tpo and Teatro Metastasio explore children’s perceptive, emotional, and creative relationships to colors with a physical dance piece. Dancers maneuver a set brought to life with fabric, projections, and sensors for exciting movements and sounds. Performers will interact with audience members—and some may even have the chance to get up on the stage and join in the colorful landscape! Recommended for ages 5+.

Black Diamond
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: May 22-24
Tickets: $3-8
This spirit-rousing musical play chronicles the struggles and triumphs of pioneering African American baseball players. The all-star lineup of heroes includes Moses “Fleet” Walker, who became the game’s first black pro in the 1880s; power hitter Josh “Spitfire” Gibson; athlete-philosopher Satchel Paige; and young Jackie Robinson, who first integrated the major leagues. You’ll stand up and cheer for the players who made sports history—and American history, too!

The Talented Clementine
Where: Gunston Arts Center | Arlington, VA
When: May 31 – June 9
Tickets: $15/adult, $12//child
It’e theatre by kids for kids at this production from Encore Stage & Studio. Clementine gets nervous when her third grade teacher announces that her class will be putting on a talent show to raise money for the spring trip. She can’t sing or dance or play an instrument like her super talented friend Margaret, and what talents she does have would not work on a stage. Clementine must find an act, any act, to perform before the night of the big show. But with only a few days to do so, can she put it together in time? Recommended for ages 6+.

Hello, Dolly!
here: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: June 4-7
Tickets: $49-159
Tony Award-winning Broadway legend Betty Buckley stars in Hello, Dolly! — the universally acclaimed smash that NPR calls “the best show of the year!” This Hello, Dolly! pays tribute to the original work of legendary director/choreographer Gower Champion—hailed both then and now as one of the greatest stagings in musical theater history. Rolling Stone calls it “a must-see event. A musical comedy dream. If you’re lucky enough to score a ticket, you’ll be seeing something historic. Wow, wow, wow, indeed!” Recommended for ages 10+.

Cinderella
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: May 9 – June 23
Tickets: $12
The elegance of 17th-century France, combining elaborate costumes of the Comédie-Française and Offenbach’s “Gaiety Parisian” to adorn the tale of the cinder girl who captures the heart of the handsome prince. The production was acclaimed at the 1997 National Puppet Festival, and performed by invitation at the Center for Puppetry Arts, in Atlanta. Recommended for ages 5+.

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Is there a great show running soon that you don’t see listed here? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll add it!