Live Entertainment Around DC this Spring

With the new season comes a whole new line-up of shows on local stages! Here’s a round-up of live entertainment you can catch throughout spring, with shows listed in order of start date. Tickets are available for all of the shows, and discounts are noted where available. Happy viewing!

Mother Goose
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Through April 13
Tickets: $19.50  (find discount)
Through innovative puppets, props, and original music, eight classic Mother Goose rhymes come gently and tunefully to life. The magical Mother Goose invites the children in the audience to join in with each rhyme’s story, teaching them that the very best way to do what needs to be done is to do it together. Among the rhymes the children will experience are “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” “Old King Cole,” and “Humpty Dumpty.” Recommended for ages 1-5.

In the Heights
Where: Signature Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: Through May 4
Tickets: $40-103 (find discount)
Lights up on Washington Heights, NYC where the streets are full of music, and everybody’s got a dream. With the neighborhood on the brink of gentrification, and a life-changing winning lottery ticket somewhere in their midst, the vibrant inhabitants share hope, loss and love as they plan their futures while cherishing their home. Recommended for ages 8+.

The Age of Innocence
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Through March 30
Tickets: $59-99 (find discount)
When Countess Ellen Olenska escapes Europe and a cruel past, only to find herself trapped behind the suffocating gilded cage of New York society and in love with the man engaged to her cousin May, she battles privilege, desire, and tradition in pursuit of her own destiny. Recommended for teens and older.

A Room in the Castle
Where: Folger Shakespeare Theatre | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Through April 6
Tickets: $20-84 (find discount)
How does a woman survive the court of Denmark? How does anyone? A Room in the Castle finds Ophelia, her handmaid, and Queen Gertrude on the other end of a wild prince’s antics and realizing just how dangerous life in this castle has become. A universal thriller that explores how we help one another through harrowing times, what mothering a potential madman means, and what responsibilities generations have to each other, A Room in the Castle rebrands the stories of the women of Shakespeare’s Hamlet into a hilarious and heart-rending drama with music and defiant hope for the future. Recommended for teens and older.

Sister Act
Where: Ford’s Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 14 – May 17
Tickets: $58-95 (find discount)
This riotous musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet. To escape the mob, a nightclub singer hides in a convent. While there, she helps her new sisters to discover their powerful voices while she finds her own.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: March 21-23
Tickets: $15
Ichabod Crane arrives in the quiet town of Sleepy Hollow; a valley town filled with ghosts and legends. As he tries to win the heart of Katrina Van Tassel, he faces a rugged rival, Brom Bones. Their rivalry escalates until one fateful night Icabod’s dreams turn to nightmares. Perhaps he should have heeded the town’s warnings of the Headless Horseman after all… Recommended for all ages.

Sleepova
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: March 26 – April 27
Tickets: $46-95
Whether or not sleepover parties with friends were part of your upbringing, you’re invited to join Elle, Shan, Funmi, and Rey at theirs. These four Black British teenagers are growing up fast, each coping with unique challenges. But even these issues — whether living with sickle cell disease, coming out to family, a crisis of faith, or a romantic misadventure, are confronted with humor, sincerity, and optimism. Most of all, Sleepova is a testament to the joys of friendship, centering a quartet of young women finding strength in each other, as they face the world together. Recommended for teens and older.

Sesame Street Live!
Where: Warner Theatre | Downtown DC
When: March 28
Tickets: $37-116 (find discount)
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! At Sesame Street Live! Say Hello, sing, dance, and play alongside your favorite furry friends, all while you follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide & seek. So put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street!

Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: March 28 – April 6
Tickets: $25.30 (find discount)
Leonardo is a terrible monster. He tries so hard to be scary, but he just… isn’t. Then Leonardo finds Sam, the most scaredy-cat kid in the world. Will Leonardo finally get to scare the tuna salad out of someone? Or will it be the start of an unlikely friendship? Watch what happens when a terrible, not-so-scary monster meets the most scaredy-cat kid, bringing Mo Willems’ book to life.

Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Where: Eagle Bank Arena | Fairfax, VA
When: March 28 – April 6
Tickets: Start at $20
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey returns with a reimagined edition of The Greatest Show On Earth. This iconic production, designed to entertain today’s families, brings together 75 performers from 18 different nationalities, showcasing over 50 exhilarating circus acts in a fast-paced, action-packed two-hour show.

Make It Wow!
Where: Strathmore | Bethesda, MD
When: March 29
Tickets: $30-130
Hosted by Mindy Thomas of the Wow in the World podcast and Carly Q. Ciarrocchi of Who, When, Wow: Mystery Edition, Make it Wow! is a fast-paced, science-packed, laughter-inducing, interactive live game show where real kids are the stars! Make it Wow! features two teams of Wowzer contestants who — with the help of the live audience — will wow the world with their own inventions that they make live on stage.

NSO Family Concert: Earth to Space
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: March 30
Tickets: $25.30
Explore the vastness of space with music inspired by the planets, stars, and beyond! In anticipation of the upcoming voyage of Artemis II, the National Symphony Orchestra celebrates the discoveries and beauty of space through music and images. Following the performance, young audience members can ask questions and hear stories from the show’s artists and creative team including Kennedy Center Youth Ambassador for the Arts and Environment Aneeshwar Kunchala and astronaut and textile artist Karen Nyberg. Recommended for ages 5+.

Bad Books
Where: Round House Theatre | Bethesda, MD
When: April 2-27
Tickets: $50-89
When a troubled teen is given a controversial book, his mother visits the local library to discuss “appropriate” reading material with the librarian. However, their reasonable discussion quickly turns into a heated confrontation, sparking a dramatic chain reaction of unexpected consequences. With both heartbreak and humor, Sharyn Rothstein offers compassion and empathy as an antidote to the deep debates that divide us. Staged in the round, this brilliant world premiere challenges us to see past our political divisions and first impressions, and asks us what it truly means to care for our children. Recommended for teens and older.

Mother Earth & Me
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: April 2-4
Tickets: $3-9
The magic of earth science takes center stage in this fun, interactive Discovery Theater original. Explore the origins of our planet, sing about the water cycle, and understand our vital role to protect the ecosystem. Science and folklore about the “big blue marble” we call home kick off Earth Month, and audiences become Earth Superheroes and take home some great ideas to start right away! Recommended for children in grades K-2.

Annie
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: April 11-20
Tickets: $49-139 
Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most.

Charlotte’s Web
Where: Adventure Theatre | Bethesda, MD
When: April 25 – May 25
Tickets: $25
Charlotte’s mission to save Wilbur unfolds with the unveiling of her miraculous web, adorned with the proclamation “Some pig.” Thus begins a triumphant crusade, culminating in Wilbur’s salvation and a poignant gesture honoring Charlotte’s legacy. This timeless tale celebrates the power of friendship and the enduring impact of kindness, promising both actors and audience an enchanting afternoon filled with warmth and wonder. Recommended for all ages.

Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: A Discovery Play
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: April 23-25
Tickets: $3-9
Join  an adventure through the neighborhood led by our favorite community helpers. We’ll meet the crossing guard, the librarian, and all become volunteer firefighters. Recycled crafting and interactive songs make this community day the perfect blend of learning and just plain fun! One of our Discovery Plays for your youngest learners.

ALICE (in wonderland)
Where: Capital One Hall | Tysons, VA
When: April 24-27
Tickets: $25 – $100
The Washington Ballet brings his fantastical adventure will come to life with familiar characters from Lewis Carroll’s stories. Journey alongside Alice as she tumbles into the whimsical wonderland, encountering curious creatures, magical transformations, and the elusive White Rabbit. With vibrant costumes, playful puppetry and zany choreography, this production will entertain the whole family with an unforgettable escape into a world where imagination knows no bounds. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary adventure!

Matilda in Concert
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: April 25-26
Tickets: $29-109 (find discount)
Hosted and narrated by Matilda director and star Danny DeVito, the beloved modern fairytale comes to life on the big screen as David Newman conducts his enchanting score live-to-picture! Based on the book by Roald Dahl, Matilda tells the larger-than-life story of a little girl gifted with genius intelligence and magical powers—which she uses to survive her self-absorbed parents and an evil headmistress.

Dog Man: The Musical
Where: Warner Theatre | Downtown DC
When: April 26
Tickets: $35-118
Dog Man:The Musical is a hilarious production based on the worldwide bestselling series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club.
Best buds George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re in 5th grade, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favorite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!! How hard could it be?

Falu
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: April 26, 11am & 1L30pm
Tickets: $25.30
Grammy Award–winning and internationally recognized artist,Falu introduces children to the wonders of the world. Her songs take families on musical journeys through South Asia and the day-to-day of a child’s wonder. Each concert is a celebration of how music can beautifully express both difference and connection across cultures. Recommended for ages 5+.

Mother Earth & Me
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: April 29-30
Tickets: $3-9
The magic of earth science takes center stage in this fun, interactive Discovery Theater original. Explore the origins of our planet, sing about the water cycle, and understand our vital role to protect the ecosystem. Science and folklore about the “big blue marble” we call home kick off Earth Month, and audiences become Earth Superheroes and take home some great ideas to start right away! Recommended for children in grades 3-5.

Marooned: A Space Comedy
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: May 3-4
Tickets: $25.30
Help a stranded astronaut find her way home in this innovative new puppet show. Internationally acclaimed company Alex and Olmsted presents this Jim Henson Foundation grant-awarded production with music from the Voyager Golden Record. Recommended for ages 7+.

Minty Fresh Circus
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: May 8, 7pm
Tickets: $25.30
With an Afro-futuristic vibe and a steam-punk look, Minty Fresh Circus features movement, music, and circus arts in a time-bending journey of redemption. Watch as the artists perform a range of spectacular circus and dance skills sourced from the African Diaspora, including vernacular dance, Lindy, hip hop, percussive hand games, and more. Recommended for all ages.

Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: May 9-11
Tickets: $25.30 (find discount)
Ten unique perspectives are brilliantly woven into one funny, piercingly poignant look at the detours we face on the walk home, and in life. Washington, D.C.–area native, New York Times best-selling author, and Kennedy Center Next 50 leader Jason Reynolds conjures 10 tales (1 per block) about what happens after the dismissal bell rings.

The Big Jam
Where: Capitol One Hall | Tysons, VA
When: May 10, 7-9pm
Tickets: $15-25
Support young musicians & celebrate the power of music! The Vienna Jammers, a non-profit marimba and steel pan musical ensemble for kids ages 7-18, will take the stage, showcasing the incredible talent, dedication, and passion of local youth. Joined by world-renowned musician Etienne Charles, these young percussionists will bring an electrifying performance filled with rhythm, culture, and high-energy beats. By attending, you’re not just enjoying an unforgettable show, you’re investing in music education and supporting the next generation of artists.

Twelfth Night
Where: Folger Shakespeare Theatre | Capitol Hill, DC
When: May 13 – June 22
Tickets: $20-84
Viola washes up on the shore after losing her twin brother in a shipwreck. In disguise as her twin brother, she lands in the world of Duke Orsino. A playful interpretation of a beloved Shakespeare comedy that brings gender fluidity, mistaken identities, and what it means to move between worlds into a joyful discovery of love. Recommended for teens and older.

Senior Class
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: May 16 – June 22
Tickets: $26-101
When budget cuts to the arts program mean their high school theatre can’t pay for My Fair Lady, Colin and G.B., two Broadway-obsessed students, decide to stage their own original musical version of Shaw’s Pygmalion. The search for an actress to play Eliza Doolittle leads them to a Harlem-born-and-bred subway dancer who just might be perfect — but artistic egos and culture clashes threaten to undermine the production before the big opening night. Can the Senior Class musical be saved? (And will Colin score his much-wished-for “Jimmy” Award to launch his meteoric rise to stardom as the first-ever J-EGOT?) Amy Anders Corcoran (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) directs this World Premiere musical-lovers’ musical full of dancing and comedy, dedicated to the timeless belief that the show must go on! Recommended for teens and older.

Kimberly Akimbo
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: May 20 – June 1
Tickets: $69-169
A new musical about growing up and growing old (in no particular order), Kimberly Akimbo is the winner of 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Kimberly is about to turn 16 and recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. In this “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show” (The New Yorker), Kim is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush … and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure. Recommended for ages 13+.

Frankenstein
Where: Klein Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC
When: May 27 – June 22
Tickets: $39-142 (find discount)
Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production reimagines Mary Shelley’s romantic gothic science fiction masterpiece as a chilling exploration of what it means to create a new life. Visceral and provocative, this production reveals the inner lives of Elizabeth and Victor Frankenstein in bold new ways. Riding the edge of cinematic thriller and intense drama, Frankenstein redefines the legend we know, the name we fear, and the monstrous act at the heart of the story. Recommended for teens and older.

Jojo’s Backyard Safari
Where: Discovery Theater | National Mall, DC
When: May 28-30
Tickets: $3-9
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 close to home. One of our Discovery Plays for your youngest learners. Recommended for ages 3-6.

The Wizard of Oz
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: May 30 – June 8
Tickets: $15/adult, $13/child
Encore Stage & Studio presents this theatre by kids for kids show… When a tornado rips through Kansas, young Dorothy is whisked away to the magical land of Oz. She bravely embarks on a journey to Emerald City where she encounters a host of whimsical characters: good witches, bad witches, animals that talk, scarecrows that walk, and things magical to behold. Will Dorothy prevail over evil and make it back home? Follow the yellow brick road and find out with us! We recommend this production for ages 4+.

Les Misérables
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: June 11 – July 13
Tickets: $49-219 (find discount)
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Seen by over 130 million people worldwide in 53 countries, 438 cities, and 22 languages, Les Misérables is unquestionably one of the world’s most popular musicals. Recommended for teens and older.

A Wrinkle in Time
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: June 12 – July 20
Tickets: $69-119 (find discount)
Meg Murry’s father was experimenting with time travel and the fifth dimension when he mysteriously disappeared. Now, Meg, her friend Calvin, and her younger brother Charles Wallace must race to rescue him. Can they outwit the forces of evil they will encounter on their heart-stopping journey through space? Join Meg on this epic quest in an adventurous new musical adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s Newbery Medal-winning classic novel that will energize your spirit, expand your imagination, and inspire you to believe that love, friendship, and courage can conquer all.

Legally Blond
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: June 13-22
Tickets: $59-325 (find discount)
The fabulous, feminist modern classic! When the effervescent Elle Woods is dumped by her boyfriend, she follows him to Harvard Law School, determined to win him back. But what starts as a plot to regain her relationship turns into much more as Elle realizes her true potential—in law, love, and life. Legally Blonde is a hilarious, inspirational romp that proves you don’t have to change who you are to achieve your dreams. Recommended for ages 12+.

Kendrick Lamar & Sza
Where: Northwest Stadium | Landover, MD
When: June 18
Tickets: Check for resale here
One of the biggest concerts coming to the area in the next few months. Northwest Stadium is formerly Commander Field and Fed Ex Field. While tickets are sold out, plenty of resale tickets are still available.

What’s your family excited to see this spring?