Washington DC Kennedy Center Dress Code?

[JNorris]

We are seeing the Lion King at the Kennedy Center this weekend, and I have no idea what the dress code would be. Anybody know?? I think it would be less dressy than a Broadway show in NYC, plus it is the Lion King, so lots of kids would be there. I'm thinking no jeans or shorts, but maybe capris or khaki pants and a nice top??? And DD10 could wear a summer dress or skirt with a nice top?

 

[Mickey&Donald]

I was just there on Saturday, though seeing the National Symphony Orchestra, not Lion King. Anyway, we are regulars at the Kennedy Center, and you'll see everything from jeans (though I personally wouldn't do that) to cocktail attire. Khakis and a nice top, or a sundress will suit you just fine.

 

[JNorris]

I was just there on Saturday, though seeing the National Symphony Orchestra, not Lion King. Anyway, we are regulars at the Kennedy Center, and you'll see everything from jeans (though I personally wouldn't do that) to cocktail attire. Khakis and a nice top, or a sundress will suit you just fine.

Great, thanks! We have been once before, but it was a children's music concert in the afternoon, so we were very casual. I was afraid I would have to pull out the cocktail attire!

 

[LukenDC]

Kennedy Center is more dressy than Broadway. Men should wear jacket and tie, or at the very least a nice pair of slacks and button down shirt. I ALWAYS wear a jacket and tie when I go to the Kennedy Center, as do most men.

 

[Mickey&Donald]

Kennedy Center is more dressy than Broadway. Men should wear jacket and tie, or at the very least a nice pair of slacks and button down shirt. I ALWAYS wear a jacket and tie when I go to the Kennedy Center, as do most men.

This is the rule of thumb my DH always adheres to as well, but you will always see men in far more casual clothing there. This past weekend, we went to see Leonard Slatkin's final NSO performance, and there was a man in my row wearing khaki shorts and running shoes. During the winter/spring, I saw a lot of guys in sweaters and jeans.

As far as female attire goes, I usually wear a nice pair of pants (capri-length or full-length) with a dressier top and stylish flats, but I have seen women in much more relaxed clothing, as well as floor-length formal dresses. I would prefer to wear a dress and heels, but we usually walk to the Kennedy Center from the Farragut North Metro station, and it's kind of a long way to go in fancy shoes.

Though Broadway tends to attract more tourists, and therefore more casual attire, Kennedy Center's "dress code" really isn't all that different.

 

[LadyyRedd]

I'm 99% certain that there's no actual "dress code", as in, they won't not allow you in if you're in jeans (I'd imagine if you show up in swim trunks or something, you'd be asked to go find better attire! ). But I personally wouldn't wear jeans or the like to a performance there. I always wear nice dressy black pants and a cute blouse or a skirt/blouse when I attend an event there.

Kimya