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!

Pull that curtain open and opt for an evening you won’t soon forget with an intimate performance at Logan Circle’s eclectic Studio Theatre.  Founded in 1978 with a passionate mission of bringing innovative theatre to the performing arts community, The Studio Theatre boasts quality performances with a provocative, spunky edge that's unique to Washington. With both American and European works performed in four intimate theatres, The Studio Theatre prides itself on setting the stage for an intimate interaction between actor and audience. From Mamet's American Buffalo to Nobel winning playwright Harold Pinter's Moonlight to portraying Joan Crawford in drag in The Passion of the Crawford, grab tickets to one of the Theatre’s one-of-a-kind performances and settle in to an eclectic evening full of incredible plays from some of the best playwrights in the world. Insider's Tip: Depending on the night, tickets range from about $35-$65.  For risky patrons looking to save a few travel dollars, take advantage of the Rush Tickets, available for certain performances for just $30, 30 minutes before the show (select performances listed on the website).  The Theatre also offers Pay What You Can deals for specific performances, 2 hours before the show (2 ticket limit).

Theatre lovers are in for a treat with the imaginative Shakespeare Theatre Company – DC’s national destination theatre that brings award-winning Shakespearean and other classic plays to the stages of downtown Washington’s Harman Center for the Arts, as well as several other performance centers across the country. Founded in 1985, The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s mission to creatively preserve traditional theatre is reflected in the modern reinterpretations of stage masterpieces such as William Shakespeare’s Richard II, As You Like It and Henry V. The Company also showcases a unique annual presentation, Will On The Hill, in which distinguished Washingtonians, such as Senators and Members of Congress star in Shakespearean performances, bringing a true Washingtonian cast to the stage. Insider Tip: Plan ahead and book one of the Shakespeare Theatre/Harman Center for the Arts hotel packages.  Found on the website, visitors can choose from a variety of the Harman Center’s partner hotel options and purchase a room and theatre tickets with one simple phone call.  Grab a great deal and cross off two things at once from that travel checklist!

For those looking to broaden their cultural horizons, schedule an evening full of the arts with a show-stopping performance by the internationally renowned Washington Ballet. TWB, as it's known, has developed a celebrated reputation for its repertoire of contemporary performances, as well as its interpretations of notable 19^th century pieces.  TWB has translated classic literary works such as Don Quixote, The Great Gatsby and the legendary Nutcracker into flawlessly choreographed modern ballets that continue to entertain the Washington community. With performances at The Kennedy Center, The Harman Center for the Arts, and its very own intimate Washington Ballet England Studio Theatre located just off Wisconsin Avenue, TWB always entertains its audience with a myriad of talented performers with roots from around the world, as well as a continuous calendar of exceptional shows. Insider Tip: Although TWB encourages all to attend performances for the betterment of the performing arts community, don’t forget to follow proper ballet etiquette, especially in Washington.  For inexperienced first timers, be sure to wear formal attire for Opening Night performances, and “business casual” for all other shows.

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.