Experience a Harry Potter adventure at National Theatre
Stay entertained all summer with a great lineup of live shows around the DC area. Not only is seeing a show a fun activity with kids while they’re on break from school, it’s a great way to stay cool on hot summer days or, at some venues, to spend time outside on nice ones. Here is what’s currently running and what’s coming in the next few months. Happy viewing!
Outdoor Summer Concert Series
Where: Throughout the area
When: Various day and times
Tickets: Almost always FREE
Free music in the fresh air has become a staple of the season, and there are opportunities to enjoy just about every genre regularly at outdoor venues all around the DC-Metro. From Jazz on the National Mall to riverside entertainment to music amid the nature of local parks to shows in local shopping centers, the 2025 KFDC Summer Guide has a round-up of where and when you can enjoy the sounds of summer.
Twisted Tales: The Three Goldilocks Gruff
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Through June 29
Tickets: $16
Dive into a whirlwind of imagination with Twisted Tales—a magical, mischievous play where sibling rivalry meets fairy tale mayhem! When siblings Bailey and Frank spend the summer at the theater with their eccentric Aunt Ingrid, they must learn to work together to bring their hilariously twisted versions of classic tales to life. From grumpy goats to plucky pigs, nothing goes according to the storybooks in this laugh-out-loud adventure full of heart, humor, and handmade chaos brought to you by the creative team at the Puppet Co. Recommended for ages 4+.
Frankenstein
Where: Klein Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Through June 29
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.
Senior Class
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: Through June 22
Tickets: $26-101
This World Premiere musical-lovers’ musical is full of dancing and comedy and dedicated to the timeless belief that the show must go on… 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?) Recommended for teens and older.
Twelfth Night
Where: Folger Shakespeare Theatre | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Through June 22
Admission: $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.
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.
Friday Family Happy Hour Concerts
Where: The Hill Center | Capitol Hill, DC
When: July 13 – August 15
Tickets: $7/adult, $14/child, $50/family
Bring the family out to the Hill Center on Friday evenings to start your summer weekends with live music + fun! The shows are 5-7pm, perfect for young concert-goers, and take place outdoors, so kids and run around and play. Beer, wine, cheese, and pizza are always for sale, too.
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+.
Dory Fantasmagory
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: June 18 – August 3
Tickets: $15-39
Bring kids to this laugh-out-loud comedy bursting with imagination… It’s tough being the youngest. Dory’s siblings won’t play with her and there are monsters to battle all over the house, like the hair-raising Mrs. Gobble Gracker. With the help of her fairy godfather, Mr. Nuggy, her monster-friend, Mary, and her mighty imagination, Dory sets out to win what she wants most: her family’s attention. Recommended for ages 3+.
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.
Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
Where: Wolf Trap | Vienna, VA
When: June 20 – August 9
Tickets: $12
From late June through early August, Wolf Trap presents Children’s Theater-in-the-Woods, family-friendly performances at 10:30am Tuesdays through Saturdays. Amidst 117 rolling wooded acres and nestled in a shady grove, the stage is set for lively adventures in music, dance, storytelling, puppetry, and theater. The productions welcome all ages, though most are geared toward younger children. The full schedule of shows is available on the Wolf Trap website. And you can read a KFDC review of the series from a past summer here (it’s an old post, but the beloved series is still very much the same).
The Lightening Thief
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: June 28 – August 17
Tickets: $27
This dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling book opened on Broadway in 2019. When teenager Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod, he and his friends embark on an epic journey to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods.
Duel Reality
Where: Harman Hall | Penn Quarter, DC
When: July 1-29
Tickets: $39-117, $35/age 17 & under (find discount)
Shakespeare Theatre Company presents this international, high-flying, aerial and circus show based on Romeo and Juliet. Duel Reality distills Shakespeare’s epic love story down to the core of its conflict. Fusing circus, theatre, and dance, two feuding families face off in an acrobatic sporting arena where death-defying stunts are challenged by life-affirming passion in this action-packed retelling of Romeo and Juliet.This international spectacular will thrill the whole family. Ticket prices vary, but youth tickets are available for ages 17 and under for $35 with the purchase of an adult ticket (by phone only).
The Frog Prince
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: July 5-20
Tickets: $16
Great Lakes National Puppet Theater presents another classic fairytale. “The Frog Prince”, was first published in Germany, in 1812 by the Brothers Grimm. It is the story of a prince, who is placed under a spell by a wicked witch and can only be restored by the kiss of a beautiful princess. Performed using brilliantly crafted marionettes, as well as theatrical lighting and special effects, this production is perfect for school, library, theaters, and family series programming. Recommended for ages 4+.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: July 8-22
Tickets: Start at $100
Experience the wizarding world like never before at this record-breaking hit and winner of six Tony Awards. When Harry Potter’s head-strong son Albus befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy, it sparks an unbelievable new journey for them all—with the power to change the past and future forever. Prepare for a mind-blowing race through time, spectacular spells, and an epic battle, all brought to life with the most astonishing theatrical magic ever seen on stage.
Sesame Street the Musical
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: July 10 – August 31
Tickets: $40+ (find discount)
Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and your favorite Sesame Street friends are bringing the TV show’s iconic songs and stories to the Kennedy Center stage. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy the Muppets from Sesame Street in an intimate, joyous theatrical setting. Don’t miss sing-alongs of the classic songs you know and love, music that will have you dancing in your seat, and lots of furry fun. Recommended for ages 2+
The Taming of the Shrew, Or, Petruchio is Kated
Where: Klein Theatre | Penn Quater, DC
When: July 16-26
Tickets: $20
Shakespeare Theatre Company Academy puts a spin on this sharp-tongued Shakespeare classic as the tables are turned and the taming gets tangled. Petruchio may arrive ready to dominate, but Kate’s no easy prey—and might just be holding the reins all along. Meanwhile, Lucentia poses as a tutor and schemes to woo the radiant Bianca with help from her quick-witted servant Trania, who’s playing Lucenti-o in public and pulling strings in secret. Gender bends. Power flips. Love gets messy. Nothing is what it first appears. Recommended for teens and older.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert
Where: Wolf Trap | Vienna, VA
When: July 17
Tickets: $57+
“You must feel the Force around you…” as the battle for the galaxy reaches new heights in this thrilling chapter of the epic saga. Experience Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back like never before as the National Symphony Orchestra brings John Williams’ iconic, Oscar-nominated score to life in a powerful multimedia event.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: July 17 – August 10
Tickets: $26-101 (find discount)
Synetic Theatre brings one of their most acclaimed, groundbreaking productions (I can vouch it’s excellent!) to the Olney stage, a playful adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream that features Synetic’s trademark wordless storytelling. Love-drunk teens stumble upon a troupe of wannabe actors and find themselves caught in a war between the Fairy King and Queen…and that’s before one wily sprite intent on mischief-making sprinkles a little fairy dust. What could possibly go wrong?!
Footloose
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: July 18-27
Tickets: $15/adult, $13/child
Encore Stage & Studio presents this theatre by kids for kids show… After moving from Chicago, newcomer Ren is in shock when he discovers the new town he calls home has banned dancing and rock music! As he struggles to fit in, he musters up the courage to challenge the status quo. Let loose with us in this big summer musical!
Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: July 22 – August 3
Tickets: $45+
The global phenomenon that is DUNGEONS & DRAGONS is now live on-stage in an experience that Nerdist calls “Rip-roaring funny,” and “Truly a wonder to behold!” Join us for an interactive fantasy adventure where you choose your heroes, battle monsters and help three adventurers on an epic quest to save the world. A blend of theatre, gaming and one of a kind storytelling, this show is for you whether you are curious about D&D, a die-hard gamer or a lover of adventure. No matter what quest you conquer, this experience will never be the same twice!
School of Rock AllStars
Where: Jammin Java | Vienna, VA
When: July 23, 6:30pm
Tickets: $20-40
Bring the kids to see their peers perform! The School of Rock AllStars Tour takes the very best students from around the world and sends them on a country-wide summer tour, playing classic and modern rock and roll hits across the US. Becoming an AllStar is the highest level of achievement for a School of Rock student — less than 1% of School of Rock students are selected each year to represent School of Rock as an AllStar. Who knows? You might be seeing the next big act!
Disney ’80s-’90s Celebration in Concert
Where: Wolf Trap | Vienna, VA
When: July 26
Tickets: $51+
Highlighting unforgettable songs and clips from iconic Disney and Pixar films of the ’80s and ’90s—like The Little Mermaid, Toy Story, A Goofy Movie, and more. Special guest singers join the National Symphony Orchestra at Wolf Trap. Experience “A Whole New World” with stage and screen stars and special guest Bill Farmer, the official voice of Goofy!
Back to the Future in Concert
Where: Wolf Trap | Vienna, VA
When: August 2
Tickets: $51+
Recharge your flux capacitor… and get ready to celebrate this unforgettable movie classic as you’ve never seen or heard it before! Join Marty McFly, Doc Brown, and a time-traveling DeLorean for the adventure of a lifetime as they travel to the past, present, and future, setting off a time-shattering chain reaction that disrupts the space-time continuum! Fans old and new will experience the thrill of Back to the Future like never before with approximately twenty minutes of brand-new music added to the film’s score by award-winning composer Silvestri for these unique live orchestra presentations.
Jonas Brothers x Marshmello
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: August 12
Tickets: Start at $30
A few acts that kids probably like will be playing a concert at Nationals Park. Along with the Jonas Brothers and Marshmello headlining, the Great American Rejects will bethe special guests. Looks like plenty of tickets are still available.
Are there any shows you’re excited to see this summer that you don’t see listed here? Let us know in the comments!
