Summer 2024 Arts Preview
By • May 8, 2024 0 665
Summer is here! Enjoy the warm weather and outdoor performances at places like Wolf Trap and the National Mall. And don’t miss one-night-only events, like the world premiere of “Portraits” at the Kennedy Center.
Wolf Trap’s Summer Extravaganza
Gladys Knight will be performing at Wolf Trap this June, along with Patti LaBelle. Photo Courtesy of Wolf Trap.
June through early September
There’s just something about summertime and Wolf Trap. Coming up: performances by the Beach Boys, John Legend, Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight, Roger Daltrey and Wilco — and that’s just June’s lineup. The complete summer 2024 schedule is available at wolftrap.org/calendar.
DC/DOX Film Festival
June 13 to 16
This international film festival, which started in June of 2023, is dedicated to promoting documentary film as a leading art form. Expect to see a lineup of over 70 feature and short documentaries at various venues around the city, including E Street Cinema and the U.S. Navy Memorial.
World Premiere of ‘Portraits’
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington will premiere “Portraits.” Courtesy Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington.
June 16, 5 p.m.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and 17th Street Dance will present the world premiere of “Portraits” at the Kennedy Center on June 16. The performance, incorporating visual art, music and dance, will bring nine artworks to life. The nine visual artists, nine composers and nine choreographers represent a span of sexual, gender, ethnic, cultural and racial identities.
Fête de la Musique
Fête de la Musique. Courtesy Georgetown BID.
June 21, 5 to 8 p.m.
Thousands of cities all over the world host music celebrations on the summer solstice. The Georgetown Business Improvement District and the Embassy of France-Villa Albertine are presenting “Fête de la Musique – World Music Day” in Georgetown for the first time. This evening event, by and for singers, will showcase everything from glee clubs to church choirs and mariachis to marching bands.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Sonia De Los Santos at the 2019 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Photo by Jeff Malet.
June 26 to July 1
This year’s Folklife Festival will celebrate Indigenous artists and makers, chefs, musicians and storytellers. There will be stories, songs, dance and ancestral foods like the “three sisters” (beans, corn and squash). This multigenerational, family-friendly event is a great place to check out tradition and see how it’s interwoven into new and innovative approaches to cultural expression.
Capital Fringe Festival
The Capital Fringe Fest is back later this summer.
July 11 to 21
The Capital Fringe Festival was founded 19 years ago to celebrate cultural democracy and access to art and artistic expression for all. This year’s festival, taking place in the Golden Triangle neighborhood, will feature 150 cast and crew members, with 83 percent from the D.C., Maryland and Virginia region.
DC JazzFest
The DC JazzFest. Georgetowner photo.
Aug. 30 to Sept. 1
With its mission to celebrate jazz, unify diverse communities, enable connections between artists and audiences and advance jazz and music education, the DC JazzFest is celebrating 20 years in 2024. The headliners on opening night, Friday, Aug. 30, are Grammy Award winner Samara Joy and DJ and record producer D-Nice.
