This year’s upcoming Washington DC theater season is packed with spectacular live performances.
Broadway Hits Arrive in the Heart of DC
The biggest shows are heading straight to our city. Broadway at The National has a truly stunning lineup, starting with Hadestown (November 18–23, 2025), followed by the spectacular Water for Elephants (December 9–14, 2025). In the spring, see the new imagining of The Great Gatsby (May 12–24, 2026), and then the powerful story of SUFFS (June 16–28, 2026).
Landmark Performances at The Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center is bringing in a massive 2025-2026 season filled with Broadway’s biggest hits. The excitement begins next summer with the 10-time Tony Award-winning Moulin Rouge! The Musical (June 16 – July 5, 2026). It’s followed immediately by the hilarious Mrs. Doubtfire (July 14 – August 2, 2026) and the new Best Musical winner The Outsiders (July 28 – August 16, 2026).
Classic Tales on Historic Stages
There is nothing like seeing a timeless story brought to life on DC’s most historic stages. Ford’s Theatre: Get ready for the beloved Washington tradition, A Christmas Carol (November 20 – December 31, 2025), and the American classic 1776 (March 13 – May 16, 2026). Shakespeare Theatre Company: The brilliant season starts with the beloved musical Guys and Dolls (December 2, 2025 – January 4, 2026), followed by the acclaimed Hamnet (March 17 – April 12, 2026) and the tragic Othello (May 19 – June 21, 2026). Folger Theatre: This spring, catch Shakespeare’s charming As You Like It (March 10 – April 12, 2026).
Groundbreaking Local Productions
Our city’s own prestigious production houses are staging must-see shows! Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company: Always pushing boundaries, Woolly’s season includes the clown-led comedy ho ho ho ha ha ha ha (November 13 – December 21, 2025), the apocalyptic senior living story The World to Come (February 3 – March 1, 2026), and Sasha Velour’s new show TRAVESTY (March 24 – April 12, 2026). Arena Stage: Don’t miss the classic play Inherit the Wind (February 27 – April 5, 2026) or the highly anticipated world premiere of CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical (June 12 – August 9, 2026). Studio Theatre: The 2025-2026 season features Paula Vogel’s Mother Play (beginning November 2025) and the celebrated Purlie Victorious (starting May 2026). Keegan Theatre: This fall, catch the punk-rock Lizzie the Musical (October 31 – November 30, 2025), and get ready to laugh with The Play That Goes Wrong (June 6 – July 12, 2026).
Community and University Stages
From vital community theaters like Dominion Stage presenting Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit (October 24 – November 8, 2025) to the rising talent at Catholic University’s performing arts staging Jesus Christ Superstar (November 20–23, 2025), there are great shows in every corner of the city. Seeing a live performance is a fantastic gift and a perfect way to enjoy the Washington DC arts scene!
