A scene from Hamnet, running now at Harman Hall
Warmer weather, blooming flowers, and extra daylight aren’t the only seasonal delights to enjoy this spring. There’s also a whole new crop of live entertainment! Here’s what you can see on stages now and in the upcoming months. Happy viewing!
Cinderella
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Through April 19
Tickets: $16
Rod puppets convey the classic tale of rags to riches, love at first sight (twice!), and getting what we all deserve. Don’t miss this fan favorite production, or your magical midnight curfew!
Good Morning, Good Night
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Through April 19
Tickets: $25
In this brand-new show, very young children will discover the beauty of the world during daytime and nighttime. They will watch — and help — Winnie and August work the “day shift:” waking the birds, putting dew in the grass, and baking fresh clouds; and the “night shift:” releasing the fireflies, shining the stars, and banishing nightmares. Using gentle, multi-sensory storytelling and incorporating audience participation.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Through April 5
Tickets: $45+
This enchanting and timeless tale, filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love, has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts the Oscar®-winning and Tony Award®-nominated score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Recommended for ages 6+.
Saturday Morning Live!: Adventures in Time
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: March 28, 10am
Tickets: Free!
Join National Theatre at their free entertainment series for kids as they take audiences on an interactive, musical journey into the past. Writing Stories! Wowser Bowser! introduces you to Washington, DC, icons Helen Hayes and Benjamin Banneker. Learn about their important contributions and discover how to write your own stories. Be sure to register for free tickets!
Tiny Tots
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Most Saturdays & Sundays at 10am
Tickets: $8
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.
Inherit the Wind
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Through April 5
Tickets: $73-118 (find discount)
Based on the real-life Scopes “Monkey” Trial, this electrifying courtroom drama pits two towering legal minds against each other in a small-town battle over science, religion, and the right to think freely. As the town becomes a stage for national attention, personal conviction clashes with public opinion in a trial that transcends its time. Inherit the Wind, the American classic byJerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, is a searing, deeply human portrait of a country still wrestling with the cost—and courage—of progress. Recommended for teens and older.
Hamnet
Where: Harman Hall | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Through April 12
Tickets: $39-193 (find discount)
When the plague steals 11-year-old Hamnet from his loving parents, Agnes and William, they must each confront their loss alone. And yet, out of the greatest suffering, something of extraordinary wonder is born. Experience the U.S. premiere of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s stage adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s best-selling novel. Recommended for teens and older.
As You Like It
Where: Folger Shakespeare Theatre | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Through April 19
Tickets: $20-109 (find discount)
Rosalind and her cousin Celia are forced to leave the court where they find respite and adventure in nature, inevitably succumbing to the madness of love and delightfully unpredictable circumstances. This production offers a love note to DC, imbuing the forest of Arden with the familiar vibes, culture, and characters that mark the District as a singular, resilient, and redemptive place of belonging. Recommended for teens and older.
1776
Where: Ford’s Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Through May 16
Tickets: $38-95 (find discount)
This popular American musical is an insightful, vibrant and humorous take on our founding fathers’ determination to do the right thing for their fledgling nation. As members of the Second Continental Congress struggle to reach consensus, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson argue for independence from the British monarchy. The ensuing debates defined our country. As we explore this historical moment through the evolving identity of America today, this robust, award-winning musical boldly brings our country’s beginnings to blazing life.
Washington Capitals
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 31 | April 4 & 12
Tickets: Varies (check for deals)
See some live entertainment, sports-style! The Washington Capitals will finish their season, ut have a few regular season games during spring — and hopefully some play-offs, too. Check for discount tickets here.
The Spirit of Women’s Soccer
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: March 25 | April 24 & 29 | May 20
Admission: Tickets start at $25 (check for deals)
Spring is a great time to enjoy some soccer action as the weather warms up, and the Washington Spirit has several matches at home during that time. I highly recommend going to a game — you’ll get to see some amazing play on the pitch and support women in sports! Check for theme nights when there is extra fun to enjoy.
Washington Wizards
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: April 1, 7, 9, & 10
Tickets: Varies (check for deals)
See some basketball action while you can. The Wizards wind down the season in spring, but have a few games left on the schedule. Check here for possible discounts.
DC United
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: April 4 & 25 | May 13, 16, & 23
Admission: Varies (check for deals)
Spring will be a good time to see a DC United match before they pause in June while the World Cup is happening. Games are always fun and a great way to enjoy a day or evening outdoors. Concessions are at the stadium, but you can make a longer outing of it and grab a bite before or after matches. There are a lot good dining options in the Capitol Riverfront area, just a short walk away, for family-friendly recommendations see this round-up on KidFriendly DC.
Dog Man The Musical
Where: Capital One Hall | Tysons, VA
When: April 4
Tickets: $41.90
Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure.
Aesop’s Fables
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: April 24- May 24
Tickets: $28
This vibrant, theatrical adventure brings timeless tales to life with wit, warmth, and whimsy. The fast-paced production features a lovable troupe of traveling storytellers — Wolfie, Syd, Harriet, and Barry — who use humor and imagination to retell five classic fables: The Tortoise and the Hare, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, The Wind and the Sun, The Lion and the Mouse, and The Wolf and the Jackdaw. Each story delivers a valuable life lesson on patience, honesty, kindness, and perseverance, making it a delightful experience that entertains while inspiring young audiences to think, feel, and grow.
The Wiz
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: April 7-12
Tickets: $59-218
This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world.
44: The Musical
Where: Klein Theatre
When: April 18 – May 10
Tickets: $39-185
Barack Obama’s election changed history. And as we can clearly see, it also ended racism forever! But 44: The Musical is the story of Obama you won’t read about in history books… because history books are now banned in most states. But also because 44 is the story of Obama as Joe Biden kinda sorta remembers it…
The Book of Mormon
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: April 28 – May 3
Tickets: $89-380+
This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. With standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, The Book of Mormon has truly become an international sensation.
PAW Patrol Live!
Where: EagleBank Arena | Fairfax, VA
When: May 1-3
Tickets: 58+
Get ready to PAW-ty like never before in a fantastic new PAW Patrol Adventure! After Chase, Marshall, Skye and the gang save Adventure City with their Mighty Pup Powers, it’s time for the paw-some-est street party ever. But when Supervillain Scientist Victoria Vance feels left out of the festivities, she unleashes her latest invention to crash the party and steal the spotlight for herself! Can the Mighty Pups, armed with their super-charged powers, outsmart Victoria to ensure Adventure City’s biggest bash goes off without a hitch? It’ll take the power of paw-sitivity and mighty teamwork to foil her plans and keep the party pumping. With heroic action, catchy tunes and bark-loads of interactive fun, PAW Patrol’s electrifying new adventure is sure to leave tails wagging and audiences cheering!
The Forest of the Witch
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: May 2-24
Tickets: $18
With a 700-year history, Turkish shadow theatre is one of the world’s oldest shadow play traditions, brought to the stage through Ayhan Hulagu’s original solo performance. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Karagöz is reimagined here through The Forest of the Witch, blending tradition with contemporary storytelling. This performance brings the past and present together in a surprising and playful way—traditional, modern, unexpected, and delightfully entertaining.
Cinderella
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: May 8-10
Tickets: $76+
Join The Washington Ballet for a powerful reimagining of a timeless story: Sergei Prokofiev’s Cinderella. This production dives deep into the heart of the tale, revealing a Cinderella defined by her strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit. The choreography offers a blend of classical artistry and contemporary sensibility, creating a stunning showcase for our company and student dancers alike. It’s an emotional journey that mirrors the complexities of modern life, reminding us all that even in the darkest moments, change is within reach.
Saturday Morning Live!: 123 Andrés
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: May 9 & 23
Tickets: Free!
Join National Theatre at their free entertainment series for kids as they present a concert by GRAMMY winners 123 Andrés — “rock stars for little language learners.” Be sure to register in advance.
The Great Gatsby
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: May 12 – 24
Tickets: $84-128
Based on the classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Tony Award-winning new musical is an unforgettable journey of love, wealth and tragedy that brings the Roaring Twenties to life on stage.
Dare to Dream Jr.
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Center | Arlington, VA
When: May 29 – June 7
Tickets: $16/adult, $13/child
This production is a high-energy musical revue that follows a group of trainees on their first day at the Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. Featuring songs from The Princess and the Frog, Coco, Encanto, and Frozen II, the trainees discover the power of dreams to unite and inspire as they journey through iconic Disney moments. It’s a magical celebration for all Disney fans! Recommended for ages 4 and older.
Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Got the Moves
Where: Capital One Hall | Tysons, VA
When: June 5
Tickets: $47+
Families will discover fun and playful ways to move—from yoga and jumping rope to cartwheeling and silly dance moves, all in a welcoming environment that brings the magic of Sesame Street from the screen to the stage. More than just a show, Elmo’s Got the Moves is a shared moment of laughter and learning, an experience to treasure long after the final song.
celebrating Valentine’s Day with your little (and big) sweeties? If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the occasion, leading up to it and on the day, here are some ideas with something for everyone to love. Happy V-Day!
