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Ciudadano guía ciudadana · Washington, DC

Venues · Washington, DC

Nine stages and stadiums across the city

Washington's live-event map runs from riverside concert halls to century-old theatres and big downtown arenas. These nine venues cover most of what the city offers on a night out: rock and pop shows, historic stages on U Street and in Shaw, regional theatre, and the stadiums of the city's pro teams. Each page explains what to expect, a little history, and how to get there by Metro.

The pages below are arranged roughly by line of travel rather than by size: the U Street corridor in Northwest, downtown and Chinatown, the Southwest Waterfront and the stadium district along the Anacostia. Each one follows the same pattern, so you can compare them quickly: what the venue is, the kinds of events and atmosphere to expect, a short history, how to get there and a handful of practical tips.

A few habits apply everywhere. Check the venue’s own website for entry rules and bag policies before you leave, buy tickets only through official channels, and look up accessible seating or step-free entrances early if you need them. Plan the trip home too, because big events empty into the same few stations at once.

  1. The AnthemConcert hall · The Wharf, Southwest

    The Anthem brought a large-scale music hall to The Wharf in 2017. It is run by the same company as the 9:30 Club and draws major touring acts to the Southwest waterfront.

  2. 9:30 ClubMusic club · U Street, Northwest

    The 9:30 Club is a standing-room music club in the U Street area with roots going back to 1980. It remains one of the city's essential stops for touring bands.

  3. Lincoln TheatreHistoric theatre · U Street, Northwest

    The Lincoln Theatre is a seated historic theatre on U Street, a landmark of the neighborhood once known as Black Broadway. It hosts concerts, comedy and talks in an intimate, ornate room.

  4. The Howard TheatreHistoric theatre · Shaw, Northwest

    Opened in 1910 in Shaw, the Howard Theatre was one of the country's major stages for Black performers for decades. Restored and reopened in 2012, it once again hosts concerts and shows.

  5. Warner TheatreHistoric theatre · Downtown

    The Warner Theatre opened in 1924 as the Earle and today hosts concerts, comedy and dance in an ornate seated room. It is also home to a long-running holiday Nutcracker tradition.

  6. Arena StageTheatre company · Southwest Waterfront

    Founded in 1950, Arena Stage is one of the original companies of the US regional theatre movement. Its home, the Mead Center for American Theater, holds three stages under one glass roof.

  7. Capital One ArenaIndoor arena · Chinatown / Gallery Place

    Capital One Arena in Chinatown is home to the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards and hosts major concerts. It sits directly above the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station.

  8. Nationals ParkBallpark · Navy Yard / Capitol Riverfront, Southeast

    Nationals Park has been home to the Washington Nationals since 2008. Set in the Navy Yard neighborhood, it also hosts occasional concerts and special events.

  9. Audi FieldSoccer stadium · Buzzard Point, Southwest

    Audi Field opened in 2018 as home of MLS's D.C. United and is also used by the NWSL's Washington Spirit. It sits at Buzzard Point, near the meeting of the Anacostia and Potomac rivers.

We are not affiliated with any of these venues. Each page links to related neighborhood and planning guides.