The Howard Theatre
Category: Live Music Venues, Concert Halls, Historic
Neighborhood: U Street
Price: $$$
Address: 620 T St NW, Washington, DC 20001
✨ Vibe
A stunning and soulful landmark where the rich history of DC’s jazz age meets world-class modern production in an intimate, storied theater setting.
🍸 Best For
Live music lovers, historic sightseeing, high-energy concerts, intimate performances, and fans of soul, jazz, and hip-hop.
🔥 Highlights
- Iconic Legacy: Feel the history of a stage that has hosted legendary performers like Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and Marvin Gaye, as well as modern icons like Kendrick Lamar and Lauryn Hill.
- Top-Tier Production: Experience incredible acoustics and a state-of-the-art lighting system that ensures every performance feels immersive and high-quality.
- Premier Hospitality: Enjoy a seamless night out with friendly, professional staff, efficient entry, and convenient amenities like a coat check and free water service at the bar.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- While most shows are general admission standing room, you can reserve a table on the second-floor balcony for a more premium, seated experience.
- The venue is incredibly easy to access, located just steps from the Shaw–Howard University Metro station on the Green Line.
🔄 Weekly Events
The Jazz Room: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans
The Howard Theatre 21+
📰 In the News
Historic Howard Theatre in D.C. adds 106-kW rooftop solar array
The historic Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. recently installed a 106.82-kW rooftop solar array and battery storage system to improve energy efficiency. This project, which also included major HVAC upgrades, was funded through a combination of green energy loans and civil rights grants to support the sustainable preservation of the landmark venue.
Live Review: Swans @ Howard Theatre -- 9/5/25 | Parklife DC
The Howard Theatre hosted a performance by the experimental rock band Swans on September 5, 2025, featuring a dynamic two-and-a-half-hour set led by Michael Gira. The evening began with a delicate cabaret opening by Little Annie and transitioned into a powerful performance that balanced the band's signature sonic intensity with newfound musical subtlety.
Inside The Howard Theatre: The D.C. Venue That Survived Segregation, Riots, And 32 Years of Abandonment
The Howard Theatre is a historic Washington, D.C. venue that has survived segregation, the 1968 riots, and over three decades of abandonment to remain a cultural landmark. This profile explores the theatre's resilient legacy and its enduring significance as a cornerstone of the city's performing arts scene.
Recent Reviews from Google
The Howard Theatre is such a beautiful and historic venue. You can truly feel the legacy the moment you walk in—this is the same stage where legends like Etta James, Marvin Gaye, Ella Fitzgerald, and...
Small theater not to be confused with Howard University theater which is what I did exactly. Basically standing room only unless you happen to reserve the few tables they have. It is a bar there, the...
Such a cool, intimate venue! The sound system and lighting were absolutely top-tier and really elevated the entire show. Every staff member I interacted with—security, ticket takers, bartenders—was...
nice venue, staff passed out water bottles to people in the front/middle of the general admission that couldn’t get to the bar for water (water at the bar is free too). parking was difficult, but it...
Beautiful Place for Concerts! It was my first at The Howard Theater! Went to see The Sons of the east concerts! Loved it. Stuffs were helpful. Floor, Upstairs and The booths were very comfortable!
