Entertainment

Washington offers a broad spectrum of things to do and places to go. There are museums, concerts, theater, and nightlife. Many events are free. The two best sources of information about the various cultural opportunities are the Washington Post newspaper and the Washingtonian Magazine. On Fridays, the Post provides a supplement called "Weekend", which lists and describes cultural and recreational events in the Washington area for the upcoming weekend and the following week.

Theater and Music

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Six theaters comprise the most well known cultural center in Washington, the Kennedy Center. The vast facilities enable the Kennedy Center to offer a wide variety of entertainment from drama and dance, to music and comedy. In addition, it is also the home of the American Film Institute, which shows "classic" films.

For a recorded listing of shows, call 1-800-444-1324. Call 416-8000 to speak with a customer representative. The schedule of events at the Kennedy Center, as well as a listing of other theaters and concerts, can be found in the Friday edition "Weekend" and Sunday edition "Show" sections of the Washington Post.

The Kennedy Center is located at 2700 'F' Street, N.W. In order to get there, it is best to take the metro to Foggy Bottom - GWU, and then either take a taxi or one of the shuttles that the Kennedy Center provides to reach the Center.

In addition, the following local theaters feature regular performances:

National Theater: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Nearest Metro Stop: Metro Center. Popular Broadway plays and musicals are performed here. For schedule and ticket information you may call 628-6166.

Ford's Theater , 511 10th St., NW, Washington, D.C. Metro stop: Metro Center. The site where President Lincoln was assassinated, this restored 19th- century theater houses many musicals and dramas. There is a small museum commemorating the assassination of President Lincoln which is open to visitors free of charge when productions are not being performed. Call 638-2368 for further information. 

The Studio Theater , 1333 P St. NW, Washington, D.C. Nearest Metro stop: Dupont Circle. Different types of comedy and drama are performed on two stages. Call 332-3300 for ticket information.

The Shakespeare Theater , 450 7th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Nearest Metro Stop: Archives-Navy Memorial. Standing room tickets ($10) are available two hours before the show is performed. Call 393-2700 for ticket information.

Ticket services:

Ticketplace:At Ticketplace it is possible to purchase same-day performance tickets at a reduced rate, or tickets in advance. Same-day performance tickets are half-price, however please note that a commission fee of 10% of the full price of the ticket is charged. Tickets bought on the same day of the performance must be bought in person and with cash or travelers checks only.

At Ticketplace, you may also purchase advance tickets at full price for any performance. A commission fee of $1.00 is charged. Ticketplace accepts major credit cards for advance tickets, and it is possible to purchase tickets over the phone. Call 842-5387 for a recording of information and schedule of shows.

Hours: 12:00 Noon - 6:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday

Closed Sunday and Monday.

Location: Old Post Office Pavilion, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue

Tickets for Sporting Events

Washington’s NBA basketball team, the Wizards (formerly the Bullets) have recently moved to a new arena in downtown Washington known as the MCI Center, at 7^th & G Street, N.W. (Gallery Place metro). The Washington Mystics, a member of the WNBA (women’s team) also play at the MCI arena. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, at telephone 432-7328 (credit cards only). For schedule information, contact the Wizards Office at (301)622-3865. Tickets can be bought for $19, $32, $40, and $48.

The closest baseball team is the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles play at Camden Yards (about an hour from Washington), a very pleasant place to spend a spring or summer evening (besides the baseball diamond, there are many bars and restaurants in the Yards). Tickets can be obtained through Ticketmaster, 432-7328. For schedule information, contact the Orioles office at (410)685-9800 (this is a long-distance call).

For tickets to Washington’s soccer team, D.C. United, call (703)478-6600.

Cinema

There are numerous movie theaters in Washington where you may see the latest releases as well as the "classics". The entertainment pages of the Washington Post provide a complete listing of what is currently playing in the area. The closest movie theater to the Institute is Loews Georgetown 14, 3111 K Street, tel: 342-6441

Nightclubs

Unlike some other major U.S. cities, Washington does not have large night clubs where elaborate stage shows are performed. Our night spots are smaller and more intimate; much of the activity takes place at the bar, where customers mingle informally. Often the entertainment is recorded music for dancing or listening; a few feature live music. Following is a list of recommended nightspots, organized by neighborhood:

GEORGETOWN

Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.

Hours:

7:30 pm- 2 am, Monday-Thursday

7 pm- 3 am, Friday-Saturday

No dancing, but this converted stable is noted for offering the best jazz in town. Music starts at 9 p.m. There is a cover charge of $13-$37, depending on who is performing. There is also a two drink minimum. Dinner prices range between $14 and $19. For more information, call 337-4141.

Paper Moon, 1073 31st St. A perfect place for a romantic dinner for two during the day, it turns to a hip international club at night. Euro, Dance, Brazilian, Latin and music from all around the globe. $10 cover fee, proper attire required. Tel: 278-1603.

Hours: 10 pm - 3 am Friday-Saturday

DUPONT CIRCLE

Rumors, 1900 'M' Street, N.W., Telephone number: 466-7378. 

Hours: 11:30 am - 2:30 am, Monday-Thursday

11:30 am - 3 am, Friday-Saturday

11 am - 4 pm "Brunch", Sunday.

"Happy Hour" is from 4 pm to 7 pm everyday where customers are enticed with a free hors d'oeuvre buffet and drinks at a reduced price. Every night a disc jockey entertains dancers with recorded music from 9 pm until the wee hours of the morning.

Kramerbooks & Afterwards, 1517 Connecticut Ave., NW. tel: bookstore, 387-1400, cafe, 387-1462

Hours: 7:30 am to 1 am Monday - Friday and Sunday. Open 24 hours Friday and Saturday.

This eclectic bookstore has an interesting cafe in the back that serves sandwiches and entertains customers with a selection of jazz and folk bands on the weekend. It is a great place for a late-night snack.

Ireland's Four Provinces, 3412 Connecticut Ave. 

Call 244-0860 for a schedule of events and hours of operation as it varies. The Pub features folk and Irish bands. It is located in a quaint neighborhood that entices visitors to window-shop. Nearest Metro: Woodley Park

ADAMS-MORGAN

Chi-Cha Lounge, 1624 U St. Fusion of the Middle East and South American decor, candlelight, cozy couches and chairs, Latin jazz, various tapas and drinks.

Hours:

5:30 pm-2:30 am Friday - Saturday

5:30 pm-1:30 am Sunsay - Thursday