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Festivals

Current & Future

Renée Fleming: American Voices
November 22-24, 2013
Curated by the world-renowned American opera singer, the festival of master sessions, concerts, and seminars celebrates the rich diversity of American vocal performance with stars of classical, country, gospel, jazz, musical theater, and pop.
You're Home for the Holidays
Winter 2013
Whether you're a Washingtonian or visiting from far away, you'll feel at home with these performances full of holiday cheer!
International Theater Festival 2014
March 10-30, 2014
The Kennedy Center highlights various traditions of theatrical expression with works from across the world. From puppetry to innovative perspectives on old classics, the festival offers an array of theatrical works and complementary programming.
One Mic: Hip-Hop Culture Worldwide
March 28-April 7, 2014
The Kennedy Center, in collaboration with Hi-ARTS, the producers of the Hip-Hop Theater Festival, presents a festival celebrating this uniquely American art form.
Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival
April 14-19, 2014
Through state, regional, and national festivals, KCACTF participants celebrate the creative process, see one another's work, and share experiences and insights within the community of theater artists.
Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival
May 23 & 24, 2014
Celebrate the life, legacy, and career of legendary pianist and composer Mary Lou Williams with the Kennedy Center's 19th annual Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival.
Voices of Our Nation: Celebrating the Choral Tradition
June 9-15, 2014
The Kennedy Center presents a free weeklong initiative celebrating the rich diversity of choral artistry and featuring more than 50 choruses from across the nation.

Past

Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival
May 16–18, 2013
The 18th annual Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival features today's top jazz artists over three nights. The Washington Post says the festival "speaks volumes about the contributions women have made to jazz."
Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival
April 15-21, 2013
Through state, regional, and national festivals, KCACTF participants celebrate the creative process, see one another's work, and share experiences and insights within the community of theater artists.
Nordic Cool 2013
February 19 – March 17, 2013
International festival of theater, dance, music, visual arts, literature, design, and film to highlight the diverse cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden as well as Territories of Greenland, the Faroe and Åland Islands.
You're Home for the Holidays
November & December 2012
Whether you're a Washingtonian or visiting from far away, you'll feel at home with these performances full of holiday cheer!
Look Both Ways: Street Arts Across America
May 6–12, 2012
Part of the Kennedy Center's new Rubenstein Arts Access program, Look Both Ways supports the timeless tradition of street art, shedding light on artists and companies who are producing extraordinary work in non-traditional spaces, with free performances at the Center and throughout the city.
The Music of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna
February 25 – March 29, 2012
The Kennedy Center highlights the rich musical heritage of three European cities whose contributions to the arts world have been appreciated for centuries.
Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival
April 16–21, 2012
Through state, regional, and national festivals, KCACTF participants celebrate the creative process, see one another's work, and share experiences and insights within the community of theater artists.
Swing, Swing, Swing
November 11–26, 2011
The Kennedy Center highlights Swing—the lilting, rhythmic beat that drives jazz still today, nearly 90 years after its emergence during the roaring stride jazz period of the 20s—with performances including a star-studded tribute to the late Dr. Billy Taylor and 16 days of free swing dancing in the KC Dance Hall. Explore Swing and how it is still alive today in dance halls, clubs and movies.
CHINA: The Art of a Nation
September–October 2011
In cooperation with the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China, the Kennedy Center revisits the flourishing arts of one of the 21st century's world powers with nearly 300 artists spanning all genres of the performing arts.
Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival
April 19–23, 2011
Through state, regional, and national festivals, KCACTF participants celebrate the creative process, see one another's work, and share experiences and insights within the community of theater artists.
maximum India
March 1-20, 2011
The Kennedy Center presents maximum India, an unprecedented celebration of Indian arts and culture that includes events and performances in music, dance, theater, film, and literature as well as exhibitions featuring art installations, cuisine, and more.
The Presidency of John F. Kennedy: A 50th Anniversary Celebration
January 18 - February 6, 2011
January 20, 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy. As a fitting commemoration for the president who led the United States into the modern era of global participation, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts hosts a series of performances and events.
On The Fringe: Eye on Edinburgh
October 28 - November 13, 2010
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a crucible for the creation of new and experimental work, a place where talent is often unveiled and artists can experiment, challenge ideas, and work freely. On The Fringe: Eye on Edinburgh aims to bring the excitement, energy, and community of artistic entrepreneurship that exists in Edinburgh each summer to the Kennedy Center. These performances may be considered on the fringe today but they will redefine the mainstream of tomorrow.
Celebrate Mexico 2010
September 11 – October 1, 2010
The Kennedy Center commemorates Mexico's 200 years of Independence (1810) from the Spanish Crown, and 100 years since the 1910 Revolution with Celebrate Mexico 2010, featuring both ticketed and free performances and exhibitions that cover the vast breadth of Mexico's contributions to the arts world, including pre-Hispanic, Spanish, modern, and contemporary Mexican art.
26th Annual Open House Arts Festival
September 11, 2010
The Kennedy Center Open House Arts Festival kicks off the Center's three-week-long Celebrate Mexico 2010 with a free day of fun for everyone in the family.
Multicultural Children's Book Festival
September 11, 2010
Books come to life in this annual event featuring readings, book signings, and other activities with special guests. Books are available for purchase.
2010 International VSA Festival
June 6 - 12, 2010
VSA brings together artists, educators, researchers, and policy makers with disabilities from around the world for a multicultural celebration of the arts and arts education. The citywide 2010 International VSA Festival features visual, performing, literary, and media artists, as well as a guest list that includes more than 2,000 participants from all corners of the globe.
Joyful Sounds: Gospel Across America
April 18 - 25, 2010
An in-depth look at gospel music with a mixture of free and ticketed events featuring Richard Smallwood, Shirley Caesar, Take 6, Kirk Franklin, Marietta Simpson, Mavis Staples, and others.
Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival
April 14 - 18, 2010
Through state, regional, and national festivals, KCACTF participants celebrate the creative process, see one another's work, and share experiences and insights within the community of theater artists.
25th Annual Open House Arts Festival
September 12, 2009
The Kennedy Center Open House Arts Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary with a free day of fun for everyone in the family; this year the theme is Stage and Street Spectacular.
Multicultural Children's Book Festival
September 12, 2009
Books come to life in this annual event featuring readings, book signings, and other activities with special guests. Books are available for purchase.
CrossCurrents: Contemporary Music Week
May 1 - 10, 2009
Curated by composer and conductor Oliver Knussen and Joseph Kalichstein, Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Fortas Chamber Music Concerts, CrossCurrents presents 17 orchestral, chamber orchestra, and chamber music events celebrating 15 of today's finest living composers.
Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival
April 14 - 18, 2009
Through state, regional, and national festivals, KCACTF participants celebrate the creative process, see one another's work, and share experiences and insights within the community of theater artists.
ARABESQUE: Arts of the Arab World
February 23 - March 15, 2009
The Kennedy Center presents three weeks of theater, dance, music, design, fashion and food imported from 22 Arab countries.
Multicultural Children's Book Festival
November 1, 2008
Books come to life in this afternoon-long series of readings, book signings and other activities with special guests.
The Seventh Annual Prelude
August 30 - October 5 2008
Our 7th annual pre-season Prelude celebration - this year showcasing outstanding performing arts from all 50 states!
24th Annual Open House Arts Festival
September 13 2008
The Kennedy Center is kicking off its 37th birthday with a free day of fun for everyone in the family celebrating American innovators and artists carrying on and developing traditions.
A Cappella: Singing Solo
May & June 2008
The Kennedy Center celebrates the power of the human voice with performances by artists from all around the world, including many free concerts on the Millennium Stage.
Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival
April 14 - 20, 2008
Started in 1969 by Roger L. Stevens, the Kennedy Center's founding chairman, the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) is a national theater program involving 18,000 students from colleges and universities nationwide which has served as a catalyst in improving the quality of college theater in the United States.
JAPAN! culture + hyperculture
February 2008
Experience the richness and diversity of the arts of Japan! Over 2 weeks, more than 450 artists will be featured in nearly 50 performances of music, dance, and theater, plus many exhibits, lectures, and free events.
Multicultural Children's Book Festival
November 3, 2007
Books come to life in this afternoon-long series of readings, book signings and other activities with special guest stars.
The Sixth Annual Prelude
September 2007
The sixth annual festival is a spectacular pre-season celebration of the best performing arts from Washington and the world.
23nd Annual Open House Arts Festival
September 8 2007
This annual, daylong indoor and outdoor event celebrates the Kennedy Center's birthday with more than 30 free performances of music, dance, and theater, plus many other events and activities for the whole family.
12th Annual Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival
May 10-12, 2007
Lynn Arriale, Hiromi, Stephanie Jordan, Karen Briggs, and many others perform at the festival, featuring ticketed concerts and free events.
Shakespeare in Washington
January - June 2007
More than 70 arts organizations from Washington and the world celebrate the Bard's life and work through performances, films, exhibits, and more at the Kennedy Center and other D.C. venues.
The Kennedy Center's 11th Annual Multicultural Children's Book Festival
November 4, 2006
Books come to life in this afternoon-long series of readings, book signings, and other activities featuring many special guests, including celebrity authors, illustrators, and performers.
Arts of Japan Celebration
March 25-April 9, 2006
The Kennedy Center commemorates its longtime relationship with Japan through performances by Japanese artists during D.C.'s Cherry Blossom Festival.
Country: A Celebration of America's Music
March 20–April 9
Presented in partnership with the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Festival of China
October 2005
The single largest celebration of Chinese performing arts in American history. A four-week showcase of China's best and brightest musicians, dancers, puppeteers, actors, directors, choreographers, acrobats, and more.
Masters of African American Choreography
April 21-26, 2005
The Kennedy Center presents an unprecedented exploration of African American choreographers' contributions to the world of modern dance in six programs shared by multiple companies.
A New America: The 1940s and the Arts
The Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Series for Artistic Excellence
January-June 2005
The Kennedy Center embarks upon the largest festival in its history with an in-depth look at one of our nation's most artistically prolific and significant decades.
AmericArtes: Espíritu de Puerto Rico
September 7-26, 2004
The fourth exciting year of this Kennedy Center festival celebrates the vibrant spirit of la Isla del Encanto—the enchanted island—with premier Puerto Rican music, dance, theater, literature, and visual arts.
Tennessee Williams Explored
April-August 2004
The Kennedy Center honors one of America's greatest playwrights with brand-new productions of A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Glass Menagerie, and more.
Festival of France
January-April 2004
Featuring Opéra Comique, Théâtre National de Chaillot, Théâtre de l'Atelier, and Les Arts Florissants.
Tchaikovsky Festival
December 2003
The Kirov Ballet, the Kirov Opera with Valery Gergiev, Yo-Yo Ma, Yefim Bronfman, and many more celebrate this revered Russian composer.
Soundtracks: Music and Film
January 2003
Along with the National Symphony Orchestra, festival co-directors Leonard Slatkin and John Williams bring the music of the movies to the Concert Hall.
Sondheim Celebration
May-August 2002
The Kennedy Center hosted an unprecedented four-month festival that looked into the mind of a modern genius by exploring the works of Stephen Sondheim.