Special Events, Awards, Banquets, and Galas

Current & Future

• National Symphony Orchestra Season Opening Ball September 21, 2014

  Each year, the National Symphony Orchestra Season Opening Ball kicks off the NSO season with a spectacular concert. The performance, conducted by Christoph Eschenbach, is followed by an elegant dinner and dancing on the South Plaza, and is widely attended by prominent business and social leaders in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

• Marian Anderson Award October 6, 2014
  

  A career grant for American singers in mid-career in honor of Marian Anderson and her musical and humanitarian accomplishments. The recital will be in the Terrace Theater as part of Millennium Stage.

• The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor October 19, 2014

  The Mark Twain Prize is America's foremost award for humor, presented annually by the Kennedy Center to an individual who has made an indelible imprint on the American comedic landscape. Each year, the recipient is feted by an all-star cast of peers, treating the audience to personal anecdotes and priceless punch lines. The presentation of the Prize is followed by an exclusive reception with the cast.

• The Kennedy Center Honors
  December 7, 2014

  The annual Honors Gala has become the highlight of the Washington cultural year. In a star-studded celebration on the Kennedy Center Opera House stage, the 2014 Honorees will be saluted by great performers from New York, Hollywood, and the arts capitals of the world. Seated with the President of the United States and the First Lady, the Honorees will accept the thanks of their peers and fans through performances and heartfelt tributes.

• 2015 Kennedy Center Spring Gala
  May 3, 2015
  

  One of Washington's premier benefit engagements, the Kennedy Center Spring Gala is a highly anticipated tradition. The event begins with a lovely reception on the River Terrace, followed by an elegant dinner on the Center's Roof Terrace level and a spectacular performance in the Concert Hall, and culminates with music and dancing on the Roof Terrace at the 'Til Midnight Party.

• The Opera Ball
  June 2015

  This spectacular and always stunning annual event is the highlight of the WNO event calendar. Washington's social elite, government officials, and opera patrons gather together to celebrate WNO's season. Pre-Ball dinners and receptions are typically hosted in various embassies and ambassadors' homes, making this elaborate event truly a night to remember. The evening culminates with all guests gathering for dessert and dancing.

Past

• The Opera Ball Saturday, June 7, 2014

  This spectacular and always stunning annual event is the highlight of the WNO event calendar. Washington's social elite, government officials, and opera patrons gather together to celebrate WNO's season. Pre-Ball dinners and receptions are typically hosted in various embassies and ambassadors' homes, making this elaborate event truly a night to remember. The evening culminates with all guests gathering for dessert and dancing.

• 2014 Kennedy Center Spring Gala May 4, 2014

  One of Washington's premier benefit engagements, the Kennedy Center Spring Gala is a highly anticipated tradition. The event begins with a lovely reception on the River Terrace, followed by an elegant dinner on the Center's Roof Terrace level and a spectacular performance in the Concert Hall, and culminates with music and dancing on the Roof Terrace at the 'Til Midnight Party.

• The Kennedy Center Honors December 8, 2013

  The annual Honors Gala has become the highlight of the Washington cultural year. In a star-studded celebration on the Kennedy Center Opera House stage, the 2013 Honorees will be saluted by great performers from New York, Hollywood, and the arts capitals of the world. Seated with the President of the United States and the First Lady, the Honorees will accept the thanks of their peers and fans through performances and heartfelt tributes.

• The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor October 20, 2013

  The Mark Twain Prize is America's foremost award for humor, presented annually by the Kennedy Center to an individual who has made an indelible imprint on the American comedic landscape. Each year, the recipient is feted by an all-star cast of peers, treating the audience to personal anecdotes and priceless punch lines. The Presentation of the Prize is followed by an exclusive reception dinner with the cast.

• Washington National Opera Season Opening Gala
  October 12, 2013

  This intimate, black tie affair serves as the annual kick-off of Washington National Opera's season. Gala guests will enjoy an elegant dinner with the artists at the Kennedy Center following the performance.

• National Symphony Orchestra Season Opening Ball September 29, 2013

  Each year, the National Symphony Orchestra Season Opening Ball kicks off the NSO season with a spectacular concert. The performance, conducted by Christoph Eschenbach, is followed by an elegant dinner and dancing on the South Plaza, and is widely attended by prominent business and social leaders in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

• 2013 Kennedy Center Spring Gala May 5, 2013
  

  An annual fundraiser for the artistic, educational, and outreach programs nationwide for the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony Orchestra.

• The Opera Ball
  April 6, 2013

  Washington National Opera's annual Opera Ball celebrates the close of the Opera's 2012-13 season.

• The Kennedy Center Honors December 2, 2012

  An annual televised celebration recognizing the talents and lifetime achievements of the world's greatest performing artists.

• The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor October 22, 2012

  The Mark Twain Prize recognizes people who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th century novelist and essayist best known as Mark Twain.

• National Symphony Orchestra Season Opening Ball September 30, 2012

  The NSO marks its 80th anniversary with this gala event led by Music Director Christoph Eschenbach with guest violinist Joshua Bell on a program to include works by Dvořàk, Bruch, Smetana, and Ravel as well as a film celebrating this milestone.

• The Opera Ball
  June 2, 2012

  Washington National Opera's annual Opera Ball celebrates the close of the Opera's 2011-12 season.

• 2012 Kennedy Center Spring Gala May 6, 2012

  An annual fundraiser for the artistic, educational, and outreach programs nationwide for the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony Orchestra.

• The Kennedy Center Honors December 4, 2011

  An annual televised celebration recognizing the talents and lifetime achievements of the world's greatest performing artists.

• The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor October 23, 2011

  A cast of top entertainers will salute Will Ferrell in the Concert Hall at the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

• National Symphony Orchestra Season Opening Ball September 25, 2011

  The NSO marks its 80th anniversary with this gala event led by Music Director Christoph Eschenbach with guest violinist Joshua Bell on a program to include works by Dvořàk, Bruch, Smetana, and Ravel as well as a film celebrating this milestone.

• 2011 Kennedy Center Spring Gala April 3, 2011

  An annual fundraiser for the artistic, educational, and outreach programs nationwide for the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony Orchestra.

• The Kennedy Center Honors

  December 5, 2010
  An annual televised celebration recognizing the talents and lifetime achievements of the world's greatest performing artists

• The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor November 9, 2010

  Comedian Tina Fey will be the 2010 recipient for the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center.

• Marian Anderson Award Monday October 4, 2010

  A career grant for American singers in mid-career in honor of Marian Anderson and her musical and humanitarian accomplishments. Submissions due in January 2010. A Recital in the Fall of 2010 in the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater will feature the winner of the award.

• National Symphony Orchestra Season Opening Ball September 25, 2010
  

  In his inaugural performance as Music Director of the NSO and the Kennedy Center, Christoph Eschenbach conducts a program of music by Richard Strauss, Johann Strauss Jr, and Liszt with pianist Lang Lang and soprano Renée Fleming. This premier black-tie event, a highlight of the Washington social scene, benefits the education programs of the NSO.

• 2010 Kennedy Center Spring Gala May 2, 2010
  

  An annual fundraiser for the artistic, educational, and outreach programs nationwide for the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony Orchestra.