South Pacific (One Night Only) @ Olney Theatre
2025-07-31 20:00 - 22:00 UTC | Olney Theatre, 2001 Olney Sandy Spring Rd, Olney, Maryland, 20832
William Michals returns to Olney Theatre Center, to reprise his 2018 performance as Emile de Becque along with his co-star Jessica Lauren Ball, who played Nellie Forbush, in a one-night concert version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific on Thursday, July 31 at 8:00 pm on the Root Family Stage at Omi’s Pavilion. They will be joined by Rayanne Gonzales (Bloody Mary), Justine “Icy” Moral (Liat), Ben Lurye (Lt. Joseph Cable), Calvin McCullough (Luther Billis), and Bobby Smith (Brackett). The chorus and remaining roles will be filled by members of the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, performing under the musical direction of Anthony Blake Clark. Tickets for the concert are $60 – $75 and can be purchased at olneytheatre.org/outdoors or by calling 301-924-3400.
The concert is the first event in Olney Outdoors, Olney Theatre’s summer program on the Root Family Stage at Omi’s Pavilion, which runs July 31 – August 24, 2025. In addition to South Pacific, two other musicals will receive concert performances: Jason Robert Brown’s Songs For A New World will be performed for two nights, August 14-15; and U.S. audiences will get their first taste of To Wong Foo – The Musical (Adapted by original screenwriter Douglas Carter Beane, with Lyrics and Music by Lewis Flinn) on August 21. In addition to musical theatre, Olney Outdoors features concerts by leading tribute bands, drag shows, cabarets (including a special performance by Broadway star Tituss Burgess on August 7), family programs, and more.
Olney Theatre continues to offer a limited number of All-Access Passes for the summer. Starting at $175, these passes provide entry to almost all the events on the schedule and deep discounts to the few that aren’t already included. The passes are on sale at: olneytheatre.org/all-access.

Film Night at Hillwood: Sylvia Scarlett
2025-07-24 17:30 - 21:00 | Hillwood Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Enjoy a summer evening at Hillwood with a classic film!
Tour Hillwood’s mansion, gardens, greenhouse, and special exhibition From Exile to Avant-Garde: The Life of Princess Natalie Paley, eat a delicious meal at Merriweather Café*, and view Sylvia Scarlett (1935), featuring Katharine Hepburn and the exhibition’s own Natalie Paley.
Thursday, July 24, 2025
5:30-9 p.m. (Film begins at 7:30 p.m.)

*For guests who have a dinner reservation for full-service dining at Merriweather Café, dress up in 1930s period-themed attire or Sylvia Scarlett-specific costumes to receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine with your meal.

$22; $12 Hillwood member. As with all festivals and programs, members do not receive free admission to Dinnertime Classics and guest passes are not accepted. To enjoy Hillwood member pricing, sign up for membership online or call 202.686.5807.

Dinnertime Classics | Sylvia Scarlett (1935)
2025-07-24 17:30 - 21:00 | Hillwood Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Dinnertime Classics | Sylvia Scarlett (1935)
Thursday, July 24, 2025, 5:30-9 p.m. (Film begins at 7:30 p.m.)
Enjoy a summer evening at Hillwood with a classic film! Tour Hillwood’s mansion, gardens, greenhouse, and special exhibition From Exile to Avant-Garde: The Life of Princess Natalie Paley; eat a delicious meal at Merriweather Café; and view Sylvia Scarlett (1935), featuring Katharine Hepburn and the exhibition’s own Natalie Paley.
www.HillwoodMuseum.org
4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008

Artist in Conversation: Alison Saar
2025-06-22 16:00 - 18:00 | National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 20005
On Sunday, June 22, 2025 from 4 to 6 pm, the National Museum of Women in the Arts is hosting a public conversation with acclaimed artist Alison Saar on the intersection of art, literature, social change and how image making can amplify storytelling. Artist in Conversation: Alison Saar will explore Saar’s collaboration with Arion Press, the last printer in the United States to make books entirely by hand, to create a new edition of Octavia Butler’s groundbreaking novel Kindred (1979).

Saar’s limited-run artist’s book reimagines Butler’s iconic neo-slave narrative, which blends speculative fiction with powerful social critique. Saar’s striking linoleum block prints explore themes of identity, endurance and the African American experience.
Presented in partnership with Arion Press, the event coincides with the anniversary of Octavia Butler’s birthday. Butler died in 2006 at the age of 58, but her books continue to present timely perspectives on topics of racism and history.
The talk will be moderated by Elizabeth Ajunwa, director of the Betty Boyd Dettre Library and Research Center at the National Museum of Women in the Arts.
About Alison Saar
Through her sculptures, installations, drawings, prints and found object assemblages, Alison Saar (b. 1956) explores the subjects of racism, sexism, ageism, heritage, history and the specific challenges of being biracial in America. Saar studied studio art and art history at Scripps College in Claremont, California and earned her MFA from the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. Saar’s work is included in museums and private collections across the United States.
Event Sponsors
Artist in Conversation: Alison Saar is part of an ongoing series that reflects NMWA’s commitment to championing the transformative work of women artists. The program is sponsored by Amanda Minami and the Minami Legacy Fund for the Arts. The talk’s reception is generously sponsored by Fred Levin and the Shenson Foundation. Additional support for the Women, Arts, and Social Change public programs initiative is made possible through leadership gifts from Denise Littlefield Sobel and the Davis/Dauray Family Fund with additional support provided by Anne N. Edwards, the Revada Foundation of the Logan Family, and the Susan and Jim Swartz Public Programs Fund.
Tickets and Reservations
Registration required.
General admission: $25
Students, seniors, DC residents: $22
Members: $20
Reserve Your Spot
When
Sunday, June 22, 2025
4 to 6 pm ET
Where
Performance Hall, 5th floor
National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20005

A League of Their Own on Hillwood's Lunar Lawn
2025-06-12 18:00 - 22:45 | Hillwood Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Revel in a summer evening in Hillwood’s gardens, participate in the picnic competition, and enjoy the iconic film A League of Their Own on the Lunar Lawn.
Thursday, June 12, 2025
6-10:45 p.m. (Film begins at 8:45 p.m.)

Register

Gates open at 6 p.m. The mansion, gardens, and special exhibition From Exile to Avant-Garde: The Life of Princess Natalie Paley will be open for self-guided touring until 8:30 p.m. The film begins at 8:45 p.m. Light fare and beverages can be purchased from Merriweather To Go until 9:30 p.m.

$20; $10 Hillwood member. As with all festivals and programs, members do not receive free admission to Divas Outdoors and guest passes are not accepted.

Fresh Talk: Gender & Performance
2025-06-11 18:00 - 20:30 | National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 20005
On Wednesday, June 11, 2025 from 6 to 8:30 pm, the National Museum of Women in the Arts is hosting Fresh Talk: Gender & Performance, a discussion around the bold and creative world of drag, where artistry and activism collide. The program spotlights four exceptional drag performers, Citrine the Queen (she/her in drag), Evry Pleasure (she/her in drag; he/him out of drag), Sweet Pickles (she/they in drag) and King Molasses (they/them in and out of drag), who use their craft to challenge societal norms, foster inclusive communities and redefine artistic expression.
Through a conversation moderated by Tyler Cargill, the performers share their perspectives on drag’s transformative power to disrupt conventional ideas of gender and identity. They also discuss the role of drag in building connections and creating spaces of belonging, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community. The event highlights drag as a multifaceted art form that weaves together elements of fashion, makeup, performance and storytelling, showcasing its power to inspire and connect.
Following the discussion, attendees are invited to a salon-style cocktail hour to continue the conversation.
The event takes place within 2025’s combined World Pride and Capital Pride in Washington, D.C. The museum will also offer a Tour: Celebrating Pride on Saturday, June 21 from 12 noon to 1 pm, which invites visitors to explore the creative contributions of LGBTQIA+ artists in NMWA’s collection. Free with admission, registration required.
About the Speakers
Citrine the Queen is a Washington, DC based drag queen, nominated makeup artist, theatre producer, and model known for her conceptual and creative fashions. After debuting in 2018, Citrine continues to regularly host and perform at a variety of events all throughout the DMV. Currently, she serves as show director for all drag shows at the historic JRs Bar in Dupont Circle and as Executive Producer for the theatre group Highball Productions DC who bring to life live drag parodies of popular musicals.
Evry Pleasure is a Puerto Rican plus-size diva making waves in Washington, DC’s drag scene. Known for blending glamour, dance, and comedy, Evry was voted DC’s Best Drag Queen in 2023. Passionate about uplifting fellow performers and fostering a sense of community, Evry hosts the award-winning all-Latinx drag show Con Acento and the celebrated all-BIPOC showcase Brown Sugar, while regularly performing and hosting at venues across the DMV. Evry’s style is a fusion of Puerto Rican culture and DC’s performance flair, creating a unique, larger-than-life persona.
Sweet Pickles is a drag artist, event host, and content creator based in Richmond, Virginia. For the past seven years, she has been working as a full-time artist, performing on stages all across the DMV. Known as the Technicolored Troll Doll, her drag is heavily inspired by the colorful toys and media of her childhood. Her love of whimsy led her to the creation of her handmade yarn and ribbon wigs, which have become a signature part of her aesthetic. Some of her favorite moments of her drag career thus far include getting to host Youth Pride at Virginia PrideFest for the past three years, performing on the Anthem stage alongside Kesha during her Only Love tour, and opening up for Chappell Roan on three separate shows during her Midwest Princess tour. When she is not performing for a live audience, she is actively engaging with her online audience, creating drag-centric content for all of her social media platforms.
King Molasses is an award-winning drag king and performing artist based in Washington, DC. They consecutively reigned as DC’s Best Drag King from 2022 through 2025 and were voted Best Gender Non-Conforming Artist 2024-2025 by the DC Drag Awards. They have been featured on Bravo, The Washington Post, Good Morning America, and NPR. A DMV native from Prince George’s County, Maryland, Molasses debuted in 2018 and has since become a fixture in the district’s performing arts scene. Their work has been commissioned in venues nationwide, including the John F. Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts, the Smithsonian, and Sasha Velour’s acclaimed NYC drag revue, NightGowns. Their drag is a call to mindfulness, black surrealism, and heritage-based movements that dare to create images of self-liberation.
Tyler Cargill is a dynamic genderfluid educator, anthropologist, and advocate with over 18 years of experience specializing in fostering cultural understanding and engagement. Passionate about building bridges and creating opportunities across diverse communities, he has led transformative training programs, developed innovative outreach strategies, and built meaningful partnerships to advance human rights and promote a sense of belonging in both private and public sectors. A dedicated advocate for gender and queer rights, Tyler harnesses the power of art, fashion, and policy to address the complexities of intersectional human rights. Their work is driven by a commitment to ensuring that marginalized voices are not only heard but celebrated in every sphere.
Event Sponsors
The Women, Arts, and Social Change public programs initiative is made possible through leadership gifts from Denise Littlefield Sobel and the Davis/Dauray Family Fund with additional support provided by Anne N. Edwards, the Revada Foundation of the Logan Family, and the Susan and Jim Swartz Public Programs Fund.
Tickets and Reservations
Registration required.
General admission: $25
Students, seniors, DC residents: $22
Members: $20
Reserve Your Spot
When
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
6 to 8 :30 pm ET
Where
Performance Hall, 5th floor
National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20005

Picnic Theatre Co: Heaven Can Wait
2025-06-10 18:30 - 21:00 | Embassy of France, 4101 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC, 20007
Join Picnic Theatre Company as it presents a parody of Heaven Can Wait, a beloved 1940s and 1970s classic. The company will perform at three classic DC venues: Tudor Place garden (outdoor performances June 4 and 6), Dupont Underground art space (indoors June 5) and the Embassy of France’s gorgeous modern theatre (indoors June 10).
A Washington Post investigative reporter is mistakenly taken from his body by a rookie angel — but he was supposed to win a Pulitzer, not die! Now he’s stuck in the wrong body with the biggest scoop of his afterlife! He gets another chance in the body of a recently murdered millionaire. How will he adjust to his predicament, avoid treacherous adversaries, and find his way back to his life and vocation?
Tue., June 10 Embassy of France, Georgetown
6:30 cocktails & music, 7:30 performance (90 min.)
La Maison Française Theatre
4101 Reservoir Rd NW (map)
ALL TICKETS $20: linktr.ee/picnictheatre
All proceeds benefit arts charities.
Heaven Can Wait
A Picnic Theatre Company parody
Directed by Steve Rochlin
Cast: Sara Cook • Nova Daly • Chris Fowler • Jennifer Goldsmith-Grinspoon • Bruce Kieloch • Alexa Newlin • Daniela McInerney • Antonio Olivo • Steve Rochlin • Kevin Rooney • Amirah Sequeira • Christina Sevilla • Hugo Verges • David White

Picnic Theatre Co: Heaven Can Wait
2025-06-06 17:30 - 21:00 | Tudor Place Garden, 1644 31st Street NW, Washington, DC, 20007
Join Picnic Theatre Company as it presents a parody of Heaven Can Wait, a beloved 1940s and 1970s classic. The company will perform at three classic DC venues: Tudor Place garden (outdoor performances June 4 and 6), Dupont Underground art space (indoors June 5) and the Embassy of France’s gorgeous modern theatre (indoors June 10).
A Washington Post investigative reporter is mistakenly taken from his body by a rookie angel — but he was supposed to win a Pulitzer, not die! Now he’s stuck in the wrong body with the biggest scoop of his afterlife! He gets another chance in the body of a recently murdered millionaire. How will he adjust to his predicament, avoid treacherous adversaries, and find his way back to his life and vocation?
Fri., June 6 Tudor Place Garden, Georgetown
5:30 gates open, 7pm performance (90 min.)
Outdoor show ONLY! Bring your picnics and blankets.
1644 31st St NW, DC (map)
ALL TICKETS $20: linktr.ee/picnictheatre
All proceeds benefit arts charities.
Heaven Can Wait
A Picnic Theatre Company parody
Directed by Steve Rochlin
Cast: Sara Cook • Nova Daly • Chris Fowler • Jennifer Goldsmith-Grinspoon • Bruce Kieloch • Alexa Newlin • Daniela McInerney • Antonio Olivo • Steve Rochlin • Kevin Rooney • Amirah Sequeira • Christina Sevilla • Hugo Verges • David White

Picnic Theatre Co: Heaven Can Wait
2025-06-06 05:30 - 21:00 | Dupont Underground, 19 Dupont Cir NW,, Washington,, DC, 20036
Join Picnic Theatre Company as it presents a parody of Heaven Can Wait, a beloved 1940s and 1970s classic. The company will perform at three classic DC venues: Tudor Place garden (outdoor performances June 4 and 6), Dupont Underground art space (indoors June 5) and the Embassy of France’s gorgeous modern theatre (indoors June 10).
A Washington Post investigative reporter is mistakenly taken from his body by a rookie angel — but he was supposed to win a Pulitzer, not die! Now he’s stuck in the wrong body with the biggest scoop of his afterlife! He gets another chance in the body of a recently murdered millionaire. How will he adjust to his predicament, avoid treacherous adversaries, and find his way back to his life and vocation?
Thur., June 5 Dupont Underground
6pm cocktails & music, 7pm performance (90 min.)
Come early for drinks and music, and enjoy Berlin’s spirit of expression, resistance, and creativity in the Berlin Underground exhibition.
19 Dupont Circle NW DC (map)
ALL TICKETS $20: linktr.ee/picnictheatre
All proceeds benefit arts charities.
Heaven Can Wait
A Picnic Theatre Company parody
Directed by Steve Rochlin
Cast: Sara Cook • Nova Daly • Chris Fowler • Jennifer Goldsmith-Grinspoon • Bruce Kieloch • Alexa Newlin • Daniela McInerney • Antonio Olivo • Steve Rochlin • Kevin Rooney • Amirah Sequeira • Christina Sevilla • Hugo Verges • David White

Picnic Theatre Co: Heaven Can Wait
2025-06-04 17:30 - 21:00 | Tudor Place Garden, 1644 31st Street NW, Washington, DC, 20007
Join Picnic Theatre Company as it presents a parody of Heaven Can Wait, a beloved 1940s and 1970s classic. The company will perform at three classic DC venues: Tudor Place garden (outdoor performances June 4 and 6), Dupont Underground art space (indoors June 5) and the Embassy of France’s gorgeous modern theatre (indoors June 10).
A Washington Post investigative reporter is mistakenly taken from his body by a rookie angel — but he was supposed to win a Pulitzer, not die! Now he’s stuck in the wrong body with the biggest scoop of his afterlife! He gets another chance in the body of a recently murdered millionaire. How will he adjust to his predicament, avoid treacherous adversaries, and find his way back to his life and vocation?
Wed., June 4 Tudor Place Garden, Georgetown
5:30 gates open, 7pm performance
Outdoor show ONLY! Bring your picnics and blankets.
1644 31st St NW, DC (map)
ALL TICKETS $20: linktr.ee/picnictheatre
All proceeds benefit arts charities.
Heaven Can Wait
A Picnic Theatre Company parody
Directed by Steve Rochlin
Cast: Sara Cook • Nova Daly • Chris Fowler • Jennifer Goldsmith-Grinspoon • Bruce Kieloch • Alexa Newlin • Daniela McInerney • Antonio Olivo • Steve Rochlin • Kevin Rooney • Amirah Sequeira • Christina Sevilla • Hugo Verges • David White

Noche de Estrellas 2025
2025-06-02 18:30 - 22:00 | National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 20005
Join in this year for Noche de Estrellas 2025, GALA Hispanic Theatre’s annual celebration of arts, culture, and community—taking place on Monday, June 2, 2025 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts!
This year, we are proud to honor two exceptional individuals for their powerful contributions to the arts and Latino representation: Fernanda Castillo, acclaimed Mexican actress and advocate, and Michael Ruiz, visionary Economic Development Leader.
Noche de Estrellas benefit is a celebration of GALA’s dedication to artistic vision and commitment to youth education programs. This special evening also honors remarkable individuals in the arts, philanthropy, and community who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to enriching the Latino community and fostering cultural opportunities for young minds. The funds raised during our initiative will play a crucial role in bolstering GALA’s Paso Nuevo youth education program. This program serves as a nurturing and creative space, empowering young individuals to explore their cultural identity while simultaneously honing their artistic and academic skills to pave the way for future success.
Noche de Estrellas 2025 will be held on June 2, from 6:30 to 10 pm, at the National Museum of Women in the Arts (1250 New York Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20005).

Jane Franklin Dance: Farewell Athenaeum
2025-05-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
Jane Franklin Dance and Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association at the Athenaeum Present Farewell Athenaeum
Featuring: Jane Franklin Dance:
Philip Baraoidan, Michala Conroy, Kelsey Rohr, Amy Scaringe, Kevin White with Simone Nasry, Jameel Salahuddin, Kate Walker.
Reunion performers: Reunion performers: Cait McAfee, Sandra Atkinson, Stefanie Quinones Bass, Emily Crews, Andie deVaulx, Katie Tuebner Dick, Wayles Stapor Haynes, Brianne Barrow Little,
Nellie Rainwater, Roxann Morgan Rowley, Erika Surma
Choreography: Ryan Carlough, Michala Conroy, Emily Crews, Jane Franklin, Kelsey Rohr, Kevin White
Location:
The Athenaeum, home to Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association
201 Prince Street, Alexandria VA 22314
Performance Date/Time: Thursday May 29, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
Tickets: $23 thru May 27 (a ticket purchase supports JFD & NVFAA)
$25 starting May 28, $28 at the door

Jane Franklin Dance: Farewell Athenaeum
Jane Franklin Dance presents a farewell performance at the Athenaeum, Alexandria. Celebrate 28 years of artistic creativity with works by Jane Franklin, a Forty+ Project premier by Emily Crews, dances in response to visual art by Elsabe Johnson Dixon and Sharon Fishel, and a reunion piece featuring former JFD company members. The evening concludes with a celebratory reception.

Experience the real, personal journeys of the people and ecosystems in our midst in Barrier (2017) excerpts, by Jane Franklin. Stories by a fisherman hobbyist, a bird watcher, a Park Naturalist, and a home gardener are layered with movement and sound that translate across familiar observation and memory.

Ryan Carlough’s Together is a new work for 4 dancers to The Wilhelm Scream by English musician James Blake.

Forty+ Project, an ongoing program of Jane Franklin Dance, celebrates the collective creativity of people past the age of 40. For this performance JFD is happy to present movement choreographed by Emily Crews, Dance and Events Program Director at Glen Echo Park.

Silkworm is a premier work that highlights the artistic process and materials of the exhibiting artists, Elsabe Dixon and Sharon Fishel. The artist’s statements flow with music and sound to guide a design by Jane Franklin with movement choreographed by Michala Conroy, Kelsey Rohr, and Kevin White.

Voices of Now Festival
2025-05-10 11:30 - 20:30 | Arena Stage, 1101 6th St SW, Washington, DC, 20024
Join in on Saturday, May 10 at Arena Stage for the 2025 Voices of Now Festival, a full day of original theater, hands-on creativity, and powerful conversations—all created and led by youth from across the DC region.
This free day-long building-wide event—spanning 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM—will be a dynamic celebration of art, action, and self-expression. Experience powerful performances featuring student ensembles from local schools, military-connected youth organizations, and loss and healing-focused organizations.

LEARN MORE

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE FESTIVAL:
ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCES
Original works from seven Voices of Now ensembles—each one deeply personal, beautifully devised—followed by a live talkback. The festival is free and open to the public, but seating for the performances is limited—reserve your performance tickets here.
ART, ACTIVISM, AND EXPRESSION

Mini-Zine Lab with DC Zinefest
Next Gen Expo featuring local arts organizations
Collective Reflections interactive stations for festival goers to add their voice to a growing art piece

PANELS & WORKSHOPS
Engage in dialogue with experts and teens on advocacy, wellness, and the power of storytelling to create change.
CLOSING CELEBRATION
Poetry, refreshments, community connection, and a joyful send-off to a day you won’t forget.

WHAT IS VOICES OF NOW?

Voices of Now (VON) is Arena Stage’s acclaimed devised theater program that amplifies the voices of middle and high school artists. In collaboration with professional teaching artists, these young performers create original autobiographical plays that explore the issues shaping their lives today. The result? Urgent, moving, and joyful performances that invite audiences to see the world through a new lens.

STC Annual Gala: All the World’s a Stage
2025-04-27 18:00 - 23:00 | Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20240
Monday, April 7, 2025
STC Annual Gala: All the World’s a Stage
Honoring Hugh Bonneville
STC Artistic Director Simon Godwin and renowned journalist Katty Kay join forces for a spectacular celebration at the beautifully restored Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in support of STC’s world-class theatre and education programs.
At this year’s gala STC will honor acclaimed stage and screen actor Hugh Bonneville, known worldwide for his leading role in Downton Abbey, with the William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre (Will Award). STC’s Will Award celebrates outstanding achievement in classical theatre, and the recipients represent the greatest artists of our time: Jeremy Irons, Ralph Fiennes, Morgan Freeman, Dame Maggie Smith, Kenneth Branagh, Dame Judi Dench, Phylicia Rashad, and so many more. Bonneville will soon be on the Harman stage in Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, directed by Simon in April.

National Museum of Women in the Arts Spring Gala
2025-04-11 18:30 - 22:00 | National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 20005
What
National Museum of Women in the Arts’ 2025 Spring Gala
On Friday, April 11, 2025, the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) hosts its annual black-tie gala. Join gala co-chairs Ashley Davis, Susan Dunlevy and Alethia Jackson and NMWA patrons for a special night at the museum’s largest annual fundraising event, which supports NMWA’s special exhibitions and diverse education and public programming initiatives.
The event features a seated dinner, award ceremony and entertainment. Luminaries from Washington’s diplomatic, governmental and social communities are expected to attend. Guests are also invited to preview the new special exhibition Guerrilla Girls: Making Trouble, organized on the occasion of the Guerrilla Girls’ 40th anniversary as a showcase of prints and objects from throughout their body of work, and enjoy Uncanny, a special exhibition of haunting and visionary art by modern and contemporary artists.
This year’s gala will honor Bisa Butler, an interdisciplinary artist known for her psychologically nuanced portraits composed of vibrantly colored fabrics, and the Guerrilla Girls, the indefatigable activist-artist collective and self-described “conscience of the art world.”
Through her celebratory quilted works, Bisa Butler investigates the purposes and potential of portraiture within the Black historical narrative. Drawing on influences ranging from personal family scrapbooks to American folk traditions, she invites viewers to invest in the lives of her subjects, while simultaneously expanding art-historical narratives about American quilt-making.
Since they burst into the art world in 1985 with provocative text- and graphic-based prints denouncing discrimination, the Guerrilla Girls became a global force for change. To protect their identities, the group’s anonymous members adopt as pseudonyms the names of historical women artists, such as Alma Thomas and Käthe Kollwitz, and wear gorilla masks during public appearances. Many of the topics that the Guerrilla Girls addressed in the 1980s and ’90s—reproductive rights, the environment and gender equity in the arts, to name a few—are still pressing today.
When
Friday, April 11, 2025
Cocktails: 6:30 p.m.
Dinner and Entertainment: 7:30 p.m.
Where
National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20005
Tickets
Sponsors at these levels will receive special VIP opportunities, as well as public recognition in print and online:
Diamond Patron $100,000
Gold Patron $50,000
Pearl Patron $25,000
Silver Patron $15,000
Crystal Patron $5,000
Individual tickets are $2,000 per person.

2025-03-16 18:00 - 20:00 | National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 20005
On Sunday, March 16, 2025, the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) will present a Creative’s Keynote with Sandra Jackson-Dumont, Director and CEO of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, to discuss the power of visual storytelling. Attendees will learn about the role of narrative art in influencing societies, innovative approaches to curating projects, and ways to create space for a wide range of perspectives and ideas.
Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is the first museum dedicated to the art of illustrated stories across cultures and times. The Lucas Museum’s mission is to inspire and connect people through the exploration of visual stories and their influences in society.
The talk will be followed by a salon-style cocktail hour from 7 to 8 pm.
About Sandra Jackson-Dumont
Sandra Jackson-Dumont is a curator, author, educator, administrator, and public advocate for reimagining the role of art museums in society. She is currently the director and chief executive officer of the new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, where she oversees all curatorial, educational, public, and operational affairs for the fast-developing institution.
Throughout her roles in some of the country’s most renowned museums, she has collaborated with living artists, communities, creatives, and historical materials. Her work catalyzes the presence of increasingly dynamic and diverse audiences in cultural spaces while exploring issues of relevance. Under Jackson-Dumont’s leadership, the Lucas Museum will explore the potential of narrative art to inspire community and move people to think about the impact of images on our world.
When
Sunday, March 16, 2025
6 to 8 pm ET
Where
National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20005
Price
Registration required.
General admission: $25
Students, seniors, DC residents: $22
Members: $20
To register: https://nmwa.org/whats-on/calendar/creatives-keynote-sandra-jackson-dumont/
National Museum of Women in the Arts
The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) is the first museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts. With its collections, exhibitions, programs and online content, the museum inspires dynamic exchanges about art and ideas. NMWA advocates for better representation of women and nonbinary artists and serves as a vital center for thought leadership, community engagement and social change. NMWA addresses the gender imbalance in the presentation of art by bringing to light important women artists of the past while promoting great women artists working today. The collection highlights a wide range of works in a variety of mediums by artists including Rosa Bonheur, Louise Bourgeois, Lalla Essaydi, Lavinia Fontana, Frida Kahlo, Hung Liu, Zanele Muholi, Faith Ringgold, Niki de Saint Phalle and Amy Sherald.
NMWA is located at 1250 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. It is open Tues.–Sun., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and closed on Mondays and select holidays. Admission is $16 for adults, $13 for D.C. residents and visitors 70 and over, and free for visitors 21 and under. Admission is free the first Sunday and second Wednesday of each month. For information, call 202-783-5000, visit nmwa.org, Broad Strokes blog, Facebook or Instagram.

20th Annual Retro Prom Benefit
2025-03-15 19:00 - 23:00 | William Talley Recreation Center, 121 N. Bentz St., Frederick, MD, 21701
Dance the night away with Maryland Ensemble Theatre for their 20th annual Retro Prom fundraiser! Inspired by decades of fabulous prom attire, Retro Prom encourages guests to dress their best for prom of any time period or special interest. Attendees will dance to music by Benefactor Events, enjoy dinner & desserts by The Savory Spoon Catering Co., drinks served by MET Ensemble Members at the Retro Prom Cash Bar, and taking fun prom photos with Spence Photographics. Donate to MET to support performance and education programs and enter a raffle to win cool prizes!
Rona Mensah, MET Ensemble Member, and longtime Retro Prom organizer, shared, “It’s hard to believe that we have had this much fun for 20 years! It’s really wonderful to have an event that not only supports Maryland Ensemble Theatre, but is truly a FUN –raiser!”
Maryland Ensemble Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and regional ensemble theatre company serving over 13,000 patrons and students—residents of Frederick County and throughout the region—through performing arts and arts education programs. All proceeds from this event support MET’s mission to bring accessible performances and performing arts education programs to Frederick.
TICKETS AND TABLES
Retro Prom will be held at the William Talley Recreation Center at 121 North Bentz Street, Frederick, MD on Saturday, March 15th from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m..
General admission tickets are priced at $70 and will increase to $80 on March 13th. Tables for 4 are available at $340, tables for 8 at $680, tables for 10 at $850, and tables for 12 at $1,020. Tickets and tables can be purchased by phone at (301) 694-4744, online at www.marylandensemble.org, or in person at the MET box office, open Tuesday to Thursday, 12 – 6 p.m., Fridays 12 – 4 p.m. and one hour before performances.
Admission to this event is 21+ only. Attendees must bring a government issued identification and be prepared to show it at the door before entry.

Mixology: Game Night with Luis Carazo
2025-02-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E Capital Street NE, Washington, DC, DC, 20002
Mixology: Game Night with Luis Carazo, in partnership with Labyrinth Games & Puzzles
February 28, 6pm doors; 7pm trivia
$25 | Great Hall & Reading Room

Welcome! Wand’rer, to Mixology: Game Night! Join actor and avid gamer Luis Carazo and our neighbors at Labyrinth Games and Puzzles for a truly unique playthrough of our 5E adventure, “Folger Foe-lios: A Night at the Library.” Not ready to commit to a full RPG playthrough? No problem! Use your ticket to join us in Quill & Crumb, where we’ll have a variety of board games available to play. All tickets include a complimentary mixology cocktail. Cosplay is highly encouraged!

Cocktails and Conversation with Luis Carazo
2025-02-27 19:00 - 20:00 | Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E Capital Street NE, Washington, DC, DC, 20002
Cocktails and Conversation with Luis Carazo
February 27, 7pm
FREE, registration requested | Great Hall

Engage your imagination and take a walk along the hero’s path with Luis Carazo! During his talk, actor (Amazon’s The Legend of Vox Machina) and avid gamer Luis will discuss role-playing games, their place within the broader spectrum of storytelling, and their impact as community- and empathy-building tools. The talk will be followed by Q&A and space for open conversation with Luis.

NMWA Nights
2025-02-19 17:30 - 20:00 | National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 20005
NMWA Nights
Join the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) for its popular evening program series. This month, join a museum-wide scavenger hunt that uncovers new narratives within the collection. DJ Alex Love and DJ Lauren Jay will duel in the Great Hall, spinning tunes for guests as they explore exhibitions.
Admission includes two drink tickets (mocktails available) and access to the museum’s collection and special exhibitions, including Samantha Box: Confluences, featuring the artist’s powerful photographs exploring race, gender, class and sexuality; and In Focus: Artists at Work, a close-up glimpse into the practices and perspectives of four contemporary collection artists via short documentary-style videos.
Where
National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20005
When
Wednesday, February 19, 5:30–8 p.m.
Price
$25 general; $22 students, seniors and D.C. residents; $20 members. Includes two drink tickets; additional beverages and food for purchase. Registration required.

Hillwood's Come Sail Away Benefit
2025-02-13 19:00 - 22:00 | Hillwood Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Event Co-Chairs
Lizzy Conroy, Lauren Cummings, and Whitney Hubbard

and Hillwood Executive Director
Kate Markert

invite you to join Hillwood for Come Sail Away, a Valentine’s celebration and benefit, on Thursday, February 13, 2024.

Preview the special exhibition Setting Sail: The Story of Sea Cloud, explore the magic of Hillwood, and bid on choice items in the silent auction.
Sponsorships and tickets may be purchased online or by calling 202.243.3974.
Sponsorships: $300 to $10,000
Hillwood Member Ticket: $150 | Public Ticket: $175

Your support is vital to Hillwood’s mission to inspire and educate the public, continuing the legacy of Marjorie Merriweather Post. Gifts will support the development of innovative new programming, educational opportunities, and special exhibitions.

Folger’s Annual Emily Dickinson Birthday Tribute
2024-12-10 19:30 - 21:00 | Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E Capital Street NE, Washington, DC, DC, 20002
The O.B. Hardison Poetry series hosts its annual celebration of Emily Dickinson with a reading by the Poetry Foundation’s Ruth Lilly Lifetime Achievement Award winner Kimiko Hahn.
Hahn is the author of ten collections of poetry, including The Ghost Forest: New & Selected Poems. From the political to the personal, and from science to the journals of Matsuo Bashō, the celebrated Haiku poet of Japan, Hahn brings a lyrical gaze to all these subjects and more.
Poet and civil rights lawyer Sunu Chandy moderates the post-reading conversation with a book selling and signing to follow the reading.
Emily Dickinson’s famous black cake, specially prepared by SugaChef, will be shared for the occasion.

‘Valley of the Dolls…and Beyond’ with Picnic Theatre Co
2024-11-15 18:30 - 21:30 | La Maison Francaise, 4101 Reservoir Rd NW,, Washington, DC, DC, 20007
Picnic Theatre Company returns with ‘Valley of the Dolls…and Beyond’, an original parody performance of the 1970s camp cult classic film!
An encore will be held on Friday, November 15 at the beautiful Embassy of France – La Maison Française theater
6:30 Cocktails, 7:30 Performance
Four ambitious women reach the highest echelons of ultra wealthy New York society, pill-popping their way to fame and fortune in the eternal quest for love, money, career and happiness. Be transported with live action, video, and music to the private worlds of the psychedelic 70s in this hilarious satire of the rich and the pitfalls of excess!
TICKETS $20 all shows at: linktr.ee/picnictheatre

The Cartiers and Pearls
2024-11-15 17:30 - 20:30 | Hillwood Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Join Francesca Cartier Brickell for a journey through Cartier’s natural pearl history, from extravagance to near extinction. Hear tales of her ancestors’ exploits, from adventurous voyages in search of the best pearls on the planet and the infamous exchange of a pearl necklace for a Fifth Avenue mansion, to surviving the natural pearl crash that almost bankrupted Cartier. Francesca, who has recently followed her great-grandfather’s century-old pearl diaries through the Middle East, will also share her own unexpected experiences.
There will be time for a Q&A session at the end of the lecture.
This necklace is on view in Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean.
Firm of Cartier (French, 1847 – Present)
New York, 1900s
Pearls, diamonds, platinum
HYBRID PROGRAM
This lecture will be presented in the theater in the Ellen MacNeille Charles Visitor Center and will be livestreamed via Zoom. Visitors can submit questions for the speaker from any location.
IN-PERSON TIMELINE
5:30–7:00 p.m. | Explore Hillwood

Enjoy Hillwood’s mansion, gardens, and greenhouse, and exhibition, Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean, on view in the Adirondack building
Find the perfect memento from your visit at the museum shop

7:00–8:00 p.m. | Lecture in Ellen MacNeille Charles Visitor Center Theater.
8:00 p.m. | Book signing. Francesca’s book The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family behind the Jewelry Empire will be available for purchase in the museum store.

‘Valley of the Dolls…and Beyond’ with Picnic Theatre Co
2024-11-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Dupont Underground, 19 Dupont Cir NW,, Washington,, DC, 20036
Picnic Theatre Company returns with ‘Valley of the Dolls…and Beyond’, an original parody performance of the 1970s camp cult classic film!
November 12, 13 and 14 (Tues, Wed, Thurs) at the exciting urban art space Dupont Underground.
6pm Cocktails, 7pm Performance
Plus an encore on Friday, November 15 at the beautiful Embassy of France – La Maison Française theater
6:30 Cocktails, 7:30 Performance
Four ambitious women reach the highest echelons of ultra wealthy New York society, pill-popping their way to fame and fortune in the eternal quest for love, money, career and happiness. Be transported with live action, video, and music to the private worlds of the psychedelic 70s in this hilarious satire of the rich and the pitfalls of excess!
TICKETS $20 all shows at: linktr.ee/picnictheatre

'Valley of the Dolls...and Beyond' with Picnic Theatre Co
2024-11-13 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-11-12 18:00 - 21:00 | Dupont Underground, 19 Dupont Cir NW,, Washington,, DC, 20036

Treasures of the Sea | Curator Lecture
2024-11-07 17:30 - 19:30 | Hillwood Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Hillwood’s founder, Marjorie Merriweather Post (1887–1973), lived near water in many of her homes, loved sailing aboard her yacht, and collected beautiful works of art made of precious materials found in the ocean or inspired by the beauty and mystery of the sea.
This lecture will explore the stories behind magnificent pieces from Hillwood’s collection from a monumental painting after Hans Makart to a series of seascapes by Ivan Aivazovsky, and other treasures.
There will be time for a Q&A session at the end of the lecture.
HYBRID PROGRAM
This lecture will be presented in the theater in the Ellen MacNeille Charles Visitor Center and will be livestreamed via Zoom. Visitors can submit questions for the speaker from any location.
IN-PERSON TIMELINE
5:30–6:30 p.m. | Explore Hillwood

Enjoy Hillwood’s mansion, gardens, and greenhouse, and exhibition, Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean, on view in the Adirondack building
Find the perfect memento from your visit at the museum shop

6:30–7:30 p.m. | Lecture in Ellen MacNeille Charles Visitor Center Theater.

Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean Exhibition Lecture
2024-10-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Hillwood Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Hillwood has partnered with the James Renwick Alliance for Craft and their Distinguished Artists Series to present artist Courtney Mattison, as part of a public program at Hillwood. A contemporary ceramic artist featured in the Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean exhibition, Courtney will give a presentation detailing her artistic process and vision. After the lecture, participants can enjoy this special Hillwood exhibition with the artist and Wilfried Zeisler, Hillwood’s chief curator and deputy director.
Four times a year, the James Renwick Alliance brings notable American craft artists from around the country to Washington, D.C. for the Distinguished Artist Series.
There will be time for a Q&A session at the end of the lecture.
Image credit: ©Courtney Mattison
Please note that when tickets are available, registration and ticketing for this event will be done through the James Renwick Alliance for Craft website. Hillwood members should select the “member” option when purchasing tickets.
PROGRAM TIMELINE
10:00-11:00 a.m. | Lecture by Courtney Mattison in Ellen MacNeille Charles Visitor Center Theater.
11:00-12:00 p.m. | Visit the exhibition with Wilfried Zeisler and Courtney Mattison.
12:00 p.m. | Explore Hillwood

Enjoy Hillwood’s mansion, gardens, and greenhouse, and exhibition, Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean, on view in the Adirondack building
Find the perfect memento from your visit at the museum shop

An Evening with Nat Geo Explorer Tara Roberts
2024-10-22 17:30 - 20:00 | Hillwood Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Join National Geographic Explorer in Residence Tara Roberts for this evening as part of the Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean series!
Tara Roberts shares her experiences telling the stories of Black scuba divers searching and documenting slave shipwrecks, and explores the connections between these stories and themes in the Fragile Beauty exhibition.
There will be time for a Q&A session at the end of the lecture.
Images are courtesy of Tara Roberts and National Geographic.
HYBRID PROGRAM
This lecture will be presented in the theater in the Ellen MacNeille Charles Visitor Center and will be livestreamed via Zoom. Visitors can submit questions for the speaker from any location.
IN-PERSON TIMELINE
5:30–6:30 p.m. | Explore Hillwood

Enjoy Hillwood’s mansion, gardens, and greenhouse, and exhibition, Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean, on view in the Adirondack building
Find the perfect memento from your visit at the museum shop

6:30–7:30 p.m. | Lecture in Ellen MacNeille Charles Visitor Center Theater.
