Read More
+
To be or not to be at the Folger Shakespeare Library
The Folger Shakespeare Library is home to the world’s largest and finest collection of Shakespeare materials and to major collections of other rare Renaissance books, manuscripts, and works of art. It proudly serves as the primary repository for rare materials from the early modern period (1500-1750).
Not only is this a world-renowned research center and a leading conservation lab, the Folger Library is also known for its plays, concerts, literary readings, exhibitions, and family activities year-round!
The Folger Shakespeare for Kids program offers beginners’ activities, while local family workshops introduce the world of Shakespeare to kids and parents together. Believing that learning has no age limits, Shakespeare for Seniors strives to engage senior citizens with activities of the Elizabethan style.
Most notably, the biggest event is hosted on the Sunday closest to Shakespeare’s Birthday where the whole Folger is open to visitors with cakes, entertainments, crafts and tours!
Read More
+
The Phillips Collection: Have Cocktails with Renoir
For a more cultured look at the city, take a trip to popular Dupont Circle to America’s first museum of modern art, the Phillips Collection. Opened in 1921 and housed in the former home of the collection’s founder, Duncan Phillips, the Phillips Collection combines the charm of an intimate, private art institution with awe-inspiring works found typically at larger, government-run galleries (think stumbling upon Renoir’s “Luncheon of the Boating Party” while having tea with a friend).
With priceless modern and impressionist works from both American and European artists, the Phillips Collection houses an impressive permanent collection with several works from Mark Rothko, Georgia O’Keefe, Renoir and van Gogh. The museum also includes works from contemporary, living artists to add to its diverse exhibits. Despite its size, the Phillips Collection seems to always be rotating new special exhibits to accentuate their impressive permanent collection.
Insider Tip: Visit the gallery on the first Thursday of every month for their entertaining, “Phillips After 5” event from 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM. With live jazz, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, as well as gallery lectures and films, this artisanal party attracts young, cultured patrons from around the city looking to enjoy the gallery in a more social atmosphere!
*Note: The Phillips Collection is closed on Mondays and holidays.
Read More
+
Rock Out Live at the 9:30 Club
Looking for some of the best live music in the District? Head to the 9:30 Club, DC’s premiere live music venue featuring a variety of acts throughout the year. With a bit of a divey vibe, and appropriately situated near trendy U Street, the 9:30 Club brings a punk edge to traditionally conservative DC.
Featuring all genres, from Lady Gaga and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones to electronica DJ’s and Bloc Party, 9:30 is sure to please. Buy tickets in advance and stake a spot in this standing room only venue (all areas of the club provide great views of the stage, so don’t worry if you’re running a little late!). With four bars and a pretty extensive menu, there’s no reason not to make an evening out of a trip to this rock hub.
Insider Tip: To purchase tickets in advance, visit www.ticketfly.com or call 1.877.4.FLY.TIX.
Read More
+
Fresh Entertainment at Historical DAR Constitution Hall
Only in town for a bit? Get a double dose of 
history and quality entertainment at DAR Constitution Hall – DC’s largest concert hall. Host to a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, operas, high-profile lecturers and comedians, Constitution Hall is no stuffy federal building. As a Registered National Historical Landmark and owned by the elite Daughter’s of the American Revolution organization, this gorgeous venue has hosted every US President since Calvin Coolidge with performers from across the map – from Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Duke Ellington to Billy Joel, U2, Aerosmith and Jimmy Buffet. Needless to say, for such a prestigious structure, the entertainment factor is definitely not lacking.
Insider's Tip: Purchase all DAR tickets through ticketmaster.com, as the DAR does not handle ticket sales.
history and quality entertainment at DAR Constitution Hall – DC’s largest concert hall. Host to a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, operas, high-profile lecturers and comedians, Constitution Hall is no stuffy federal building. As a Registered National Historical Landmark and owned by the elite Daughter’s of the American Revolution organization, this gorgeous venue has hosted every US President since Calvin Coolidge with performers from across the map – from Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Duke Ellington to Billy Joel, U2, Aerosmith and Jimmy Buffet. Needless to say, for such a prestigious structure, the entertainment factor is definitely not lacking.
Insider's Tip: Purchase all DAR tickets through ticketmaster.com, as the DAR does not handle ticket sales.
Read More
+
Legendary Domingo Leads the Washington National Opera
Absorb all Washington has to offer with an elegant evening at the Washington National Opera (WNO). Founded in 1956 and recently bestowed with the distinction of “The National Opera” by Congress, WNO brings updated classics to the Kennedy Center’s Opera House stage. Led by none other than operatic legend, Placido Domingo himself, WNO brings exceptional performances with standards envied by some of the top houses in the world.
Grab a ticket or two and make it a formal evening out at the infamously standing-room-only Kennedy Center Opera House for a truly unique Washington experience. The world class company performs classic and contemporary pieces with an emphasis on Mozart, Beethoven, Verdi and Puccini. Popular past performances include: The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart), Madama Butterfly (Puccini) and Rigoletto (Verdi).
Insider Tip: Although many patrons associate the opera with black tie attire, WNO audiences tend to lean towards business attire, with semi-formal and formal patrons intermixed throughout, so dress to impress as you like!
Read More
+
Eats and Early Seats at DC Improv
Need a little comic relief? Head to the District’s premier comedy venue, DC Improv, host to a variety of nationally touring jokesters, local celebrity headliners, and a full restaurant and bar. As the perfect alternative to the typical night out on the town, DC Improv offers Happy Hour Trivia Nights, free of charge, as well as nightly comedy acts, Tuesday through Sunday.
Seats to early shows (around 8:00pm) 
are offered on a first come, first serve basis so be sure to grab a ticket online beforehand and arrive early when the doors open, usually 90 minutes prior to the show. Don’t worry about killing time before the cracks begin – the theater’s restaurant offers a variety of bar bites perfect for a casual night out. After all, all shows require a two item minimum per person, anyway.
For night owls looking to laugh, grab a seat at one of the later weekend shows. Doors open at 10:00 PM for 10:30 PM performances on Fridays and Saturdays, with assigned seating based on reservation number meaning the earlier you book, the better the seat.
Insider Tip: Take advantage of DC Improv’s recession-proof, “Pay What You Can” night – a monthly series that caters to those looking to save a buck on a fun night out. Tickets are the standard $17.00; however, guests are encouraged to pay whatever they can afford for some quality entertainment. “Pay What You Can” tickets are only available the night of the show, on a first come, first serve basis.
are offered on a first come, first serve basis so be sure to grab a ticket online beforehand and arrive early when the doors open, usually 90 minutes prior to the show. Don’t worry about killing time before the cracks begin – the theater’s restaurant offers a variety of bar bites perfect for a casual night out. After all, all shows require a two item minimum per person, anyway.
For night owls looking to laugh, grab a seat at one of the later weekend shows. Doors open at 10:00 PM for 10:30 PM performances on Fridays and Saturdays, with assigned seating based on reservation number meaning the earlier you book, the better the seat.
Insider Tip: Take advantage of DC Improv’s recession-proof, “Pay What You Can” night – a monthly series that caters to those looking to save a buck on a fun night out. Tickets are the standard $17.00; however, guests are encouraged to pay whatever they can afford for some quality entertainment. “Pay What You Can” tickets are only available the night of the show, on a first come, first serve basis.
Read More
+
Fine-Tune Your Cultural Side at The National Symphony Orchestra
For a true taste of Washington sophistication, claim a coveted seat at a show-stopping performance by the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO). Officially founded in 1936, this world-renowned fleet of over 100 musicians calls the landmark Kennedy Center home, bringing musical bliss to dedicated patrons year round with over 175 concerts a year.
Feeling a little culturally void? Add some refinement to your life and open your ears to the profound talent of a significantly well-tuned group of musicians. Led by Music Director Christoph Eschenbach, the NSO brings both traditional and contemporary pieces to the Kennedy Center stage. With talent spanning from around the globe, the NSO’s performers bring true excellence to a variety of shows at prestigious state and inaugural occasions, special pops and holiday performances, as well as several international concerts, representing the nation’s capital with exceptional instrumental fortes. Click here for more information.
Read More
+
DC’s Best Indie at The Black Cat
Kings of Leon. Death Cab. The Strokes. The
Black Cat's mission is to bring D.C. locals and visitors the best in live independent music and it's been succeeding since its opening in 1993. Located in the famous U Street Corridor, the club has served as a staple in Washington DC's alternative music scene and draws large crowds with its live bands and DJ sets.
Nightly, The Black Cat hosts bands on the local, national, and international levels. Major names include Arcade Fire, Beck, Andrew WK, Korn, Moby, The Killers, Jamiroqui, Foo Fighters, and the list could continue all night. With its cool atmosphere and even cooler bands, The Black Cat is always on the forefront of alternative, independent music.
Black Cat's mission is to bring D.C. locals and visitors the best in live independent music and it's been succeeding since its opening in 1993. Located in the famous U Street Corridor, the club has served as a staple in Washington DC's alternative music scene and draws large crowds with its live bands and DJ sets.
Nightly, The Black Cat hosts bands on the local, national, and international levels. Major names include Arcade Fire, Beck, Andrew WK, Korn, Moby, The Killers, Jamiroqui, Foo Fighters, and the list could continue all night. With its cool atmosphere and even cooler bands, The Black Cat is always on the forefront of alternative, independent music.
Read More
+
Period Chic Meets Euro Beats at Eighteenth Street Lounge
What happens when you open a hip, Euro-infused lounge in the former home of Teddy Roosevelt? You end up with the ultra chic, super unique hotspot known as Eighteenth Street Lounge. Situated just south of trendy Dupont, ESL is known for its velvet ropes and hipster crowd that packs the luxe top three floors of the old school mansion club.
Chic Washingtonians and sophisticated European partiers sit, mingle and sip as DJ’s spin hip Middle Eastern, Italian and Indian-centric beats that echo from the dark, narrow hallways of the comfortably posh venue. Studded with functional antique fireplaces, gilded sconces and twinkling chandeliers that cast a soft glow, ESL exhibits modern glamour with touches of period décor to showcase the mansion’s turn of the century roots.
As the beats increase and the drinks flow, patrons crowd the living room-esque dance floor and overflow to the spacious outdoor roof patio in the warmer months. Wander onto different floors for a change of scenery and music varieties – there tends to be a DJ on one floor and a jazz band or live performer on another.
Insider Tip: With live performances almost every day of the week and the lounge’s urban chic vibe, there’s usually a cover charge between $5-$15 after 10PM, Wednesday and Saturday. Be sure to dress to impress – the discerning bouncers don’t put up with shorts, sandals or baseball caps.
Chic Washingtonians and sophisticated European partiers sit, mingle and sip as DJ’s spin hip Middle Eastern, Italian and Indian-centric beats that echo from the dark, narrow hallways of the comfortably posh venue. Studded with functional antique fireplaces, gilded sconces and twinkling chandeliers that cast a soft glow, ESL exhibits modern glamour with touches of period décor to showcase the mansion’s turn of the century roots.
As the beats increase and the drinks flow, patrons crowd the living room-esque dance floor and overflow to the spacious outdoor roof patio in the warmer months. Wander onto different floors for a change of scenery and music varieties – there tends to be a DJ on one floor and a jazz band or live performer on another.
Insider Tip: With live performances almost every day of the week and the lounge’s urban chic vibe, there’s usually a cover charge between $5-$15 after 10PM, Wednesday and Saturday. Be sure to dress to impress – the discerning bouncers don’t put up with shorts, sandals or baseball caps.
Read More
+
Busy Bees at JFK Center for the Performing Arts
Created in 1971, this memorial to President
John F. Kennedy highlights more than 3,000 multimedia performances a year, making it the busiest arts facility in the nation. Complete with an Opera House, Concert Hall, Family Theater, Atrium, Terrace Gallery, Rehearsal Room and more, the facility offers workshops, family performances, ballets, musical events and festivals.
For the holiday season you can catch the famous Nutcracker ballet here and it seems for every other national holiday there is a performance, or two, at the JFK Center.
The JFK Center is more than a massive performance arts venue, it is also a living memorial, with sculptures and special exhibits to the beloved President.
John F. Kennedy highlights more than 3,000 multimedia performances a year, making it the busiest arts facility in the nation. Complete with an Opera House, Concert Hall, Family Theater, Atrium, Terrace Gallery, Rehearsal Room and more, the facility offers workshops, family performances, ballets, musical events and festivals.
For the holiday season you can catch the famous Nutcracker ballet here and it seems for every other national holiday there is a performance, or two, at the JFK Center.
The JFK Center is more than a massive performance arts venue, it is also a living memorial, with sculptures and special exhibits to the beloved President.
Read More
+
Get Some Rhythm at Georgetown’s Blues Alley
For a little rhythm and blues, take a trip back in time to the na
tion’s oldest jazz supper club, Blues Alley, hidden between the quaint streets of historic Georgetown in an 18th century, brick carriage house. With saxophones and bass guitars echoing off the intimate, exposed brick interior, you can’t help but tap your foot as talented artists from around the country liven up the nearly 45 year-old nightclub.
Enjoy a leisurely, Creole-style meal (the menu has hardly changed since 1965) and a glass of wine while you are blown away by old school tunes that will have you scrambling for a CD on your way out. Over the years, Blues Alley has hosted jazz movers and shakers such as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Byrd and Eva Cassidy, so you’ll get a little taste of history along with your dinner.
Insider Tip: Blues Alley is open 7 days a week, but fills to the brim right before shows. Be sure to make a reservation and get there a little early – pre-show tickets are available online.
tion’s oldest jazz supper club, Blues Alley, hidden between the quaint streets of historic Georgetown in an 18th century, brick carriage house. With saxophones and bass guitars echoing off the intimate, exposed brick interior, you can’t help but tap your foot as talented artists from around the country liven up the nearly 45 year-old nightclub.
Enjoy a leisurely, Creole-style meal (the menu has hardly changed since 1965) and a glass of wine while you are blown away by old school tunes that will have you scrambling for a CD on your way out. Over the years, Blues Alley has hosted jazz movers and shakers such as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Byrd and Eva Cassidy, so you’ll get a little taste of history along with your dinner.
Insider Tip: Blues Alley is open 7 days a week, but fills to the brim right before shows. Be sure to make a reservation and get there a little early – pre-show tickets are available online.
Read More
+
Members Only Rock ‘N Roll at The Rookery
Say goodbye to the grimy, Journey-blasting dives of old 
and hello to "The Rookery," an upscale live music hotspot that hosts a variety of talent every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Located just beyond Georgetown in DC's West End, The Rookery is an exclusive, "member's only" hang-out where Washington's young creme de la creme congregate over the tunes of local cover bands and national touring classic rockers - all beneath the simple elegance of crystal chandeliers, of course.
A semi-private hotspot for the 30-something conservative Preppy (Luke Russert and the Bush twins have been known to frequent the bar), The Rookery boasts a heated outdoor patio and two floors of rich, dark decor, complete with sport coat-clad patrons. Grab a bourbon and some dancing shoes (preferably loafers) and get ready for a true Washingtonian-style jam session. Just remember, collared shirt required.
Insider Tip: Go early and grab a bite to eat before you stake out your place near the stage. The Rookery has an impressive menu to fuel some serious dance moves. Shows usually start around 10:00 PM with a $5.00 entrance fee.
and hello to "The Rookery," an upscale live music hotspot that hosts a variety of talent every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Located just beyond Georgetown in DC's West End, The Rookery is an exclusive, "member's only" hang-out where Washington's young creme de la creme congregate over the tunes of local cover bands and national touring classic rockers - all beneath the simple elegance of crystal chandeliers, of course.
A semi-private hotspot for the 30-something conservative Preppy (Luke Russert and the Bush twins have been known to frequent the bar), The Rookery boasts a heated outdoor patio and two floors of rich, dark decor, complete with sport coat-clad patrons. Grab a bourbon and some dancing shoes (preferably loafers) and get ready for a true Washingtonian-style jam session. Just remember, collared shirt required.
Insider Tip: Go early and grab a bite to eat before you stake out your place near the stage. The Rookery has an impressive menu to fuel some serious dance moves. Shows usually start around 10:00 PM with a $5.00 entrance fee.
Read More
+
The Bohemian Caverns: The Sole Home of Soul Jazz
After closing for decades, this hotspot for live cool jazz is back and better 
than ever. The Boehmian Caverns is the self-proclaimed sole home of soul jazz, and by boasting legends like Bill Cosby and Billy Holiday, we believe them.
When stepping into the basement lounge it feels more like a bat cave than a smoky, stereotypical jazz lounge, but that's what makes this place unique. The petrified wood tables and sparkly quartz covered walls make you feel like you are literally and metaphorically about to listen to cool, never been heard, underground music. There's a different band playing almost every night, but each of them are of the highest quality when it comes to proper jazz music. Before the show, grab some grub named after some legends like John Coltrane and Billie Holiday.
than ever. The Boehmian Caverns is the self-proclaimed sole home of soul jazz, and by boasting legends like Bill Cosby and Billy Holiday, we believe them.
When stepping into the basement lounge it feels more like a bat cave than a smoky, stereotypical jazz lounge, but that's what makes this place unique. The petrified wood tables and sparkly quartz covered walls make you feel like you are literally and metaphorically about to listen to cool, never been heard, underground music. There's a different band playing almost every night, but each of them are of the highest quality when it comes to proper jazz music. Before the show, grab some grub named after some legends like John Coltrane and Billie Holiday.
Read More
+
Strathmore’s Elegant Acoustics and Diverse Artists
Rolling hills in an intimate, park-like setting. If this sounds like the description of an outdoor concert, you’re wrong. This is actually what the architects of the new Strathmore Music Center tried to recreate, and they have succeeded in creating an artistic haven for musicians, dancers and every other kind of artist.
With 1,976 seats wrapping around the stage under the undulating roof and curving balconies, the concert hall is beautiful and elegant. It’s not just about looks either. There are 43 individually controlled acoustical reflector panels as well as a ceiling that slopes upward from the stage, allowing for rich and full acoustics for any kind of performance. And these aren’t just any kind of performances.
Having hosted many famous artists, from Yo-Yo Ma to Wilco, the Music Center is also home to the famous Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The Strathmore presents affordable and accessible artistic performances all year-round. There are also more intimate performances, as well as art exhibits and lectures, at the 100-seat Strathmore Mansion (located next to the Music Center), which can be rented for weddings and other events.
It may be in Maryland, but the Strathmore Theatre is just minutes from the Beltway. For an amazing artistic experience, this is the place to go.