The Howard Theatre
Shaw, Washington DC
A storied DC landmark that has hosted legends from Duke Ellington to Marvin Gaye, fully restored for a new generation.
Founded
1910
Capacity
650
Hours
Event nights
Area
Shaw
About The Howard Theatre
The Howard Theatre is one of the most historically significant entertainment venues in the United States. Originally opened in 1910 as the first large theatre built for Black audiences in DC, it hosted virtually every major African-American musical artist of the 20th century. Following a meticulous restoration, it reopened in 2012 as a premier live music and events destination, blending its rich heritage with a modern dining and performance experience.
History
The Howard Theatre opened in 1910 and became the cultural heart of DC's African-American community, hosting Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, The Temptations and countless others before closing in 1980. Its 2012 restoration returned the landmark to its rightful place in the city's cultural life.
