Washington, DC’s arts and culture scene is in full motion this February, with major performances, world-premiere theater, museum events and community celebrations bringing creativity to every corner of the city.

Washington National Opera Announces Major Shift

In one of the most significant performing arts developments of the year, the Washington National Opera (WNO) has officially ended its 44-year partnership with the John F. Kennedy Center. The company will now stage upcoming productions at alternative venues, including George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium, as it seeks greater artistic and operational independence. The move marks a major shift in the capital’s performing arts landscape and signals a new chapter for one of the nation’s leading opera companies.

Ballet, Theater and Live Performance Take Center Stage

Several major productions are opening or running this week:

  • American Ballet Theatre’s The Winter’s Tale (Feb. 11–15, Kennedy Center) brings Shakespeare’s story to life through contemporary choreography and immersive design.
  • “On Beckett” at Shakespeare Theatre Company (Feb. 11–March 15) features Tony Award winner Bill Irwin in a one-man exploration of Samuel Beckett’s work.
  • At Woolly Mammoth Theatre, the world premiere of The World to Come (through March 1) gathers dozens of local artists in an ambitious production examining friendship, aging and resistance.

Museums Offer After-Hours Experiences and Major Exhibitions

The National Gallery of Art will host NGA Nights on February 12, transforming the East Building into an after-hours cultural experience inspired by its major exhibition of Australian Indigenous art — one of the largest displays of its kind in North America.

Meanwhile, the Hirshhorn Museum prepares to open “Big Things for Big Rooms” on February 20, a free exhibition featuring large-scale immersive works by contemporary art pioneers including Sam Gilliam, Lygia Pape and Robert Irwin.

Black History Month Programming Across the District

February’s cultural calendar is anchored by extensive Black History Month programming across the region, including festivals, panels and community events celebrating Black art, history and achievement.

Highlights later this month include the DC Black History Month Film Festival (Feb. 20–21 at the Lincoln Theatre), an annual event honoring Black storytelling through film, music and visual culture.

Community Festivals and Cultural Milestones

Looking ahead to Valentine’s Day weekend, the National Portrait Gallery will host the “250th Festival: Celebrating Our Story” on February 14. The free event launches a year-long celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with live performances, gallery tours and hands-on art activities for all ages.

A Season of Cultural Momentum

From major institutional changes to community-centered celebrations, February’s lineup reflects the diversity and energy of Washington’s creative ecosystem. With performances, exhibitions and festivals happening across the city, the nation’s capital continues to position itself as one of the country’s most dynamic cultural destinations in 2026.