DC has also several performing art institutions, including the National Symphony Orchestra, National Opera, and Washington Ballet, all at the John F. Kennedy for the Performing Arts.

Another great venue is the Wolf Trap National Park for Performing Arts. It is the only performing arts center that is also a national park in the United States. The Filene Center is an indoor and outdoor venue for 7,000 people and regularly hosts concerts of all genres.

There is also a thriving local music and theatrical arts scene, including the Arena Stage, Shakespeare Theatre Company, and Tivoli Theater. Evenings in Georgetown are punctuated with fantastic music drifting from the world renowned jazz clubs of the area.