June is here, which means it’s time to start planning your summer lineup. You’ll have no excuse for having no plans as the funniest comedians, awe-inspiring performances, and, of course, fireworks fill up the calendar this month.
June 3
Chelsea Handler: Vaccinated and Horny Tour
The New Jersey native is bringing her late-night antics on the road. While you probably got hooked on the comedian during her time hosting Chelsea Lately, Handler’s stand-up will make you love her even more. Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, Washington, DC, livenation.com, $67-$317
June 3-November 13
Lives Worth Celebrating: Stories of Resilience, Rebellion, and Freedom
Celebrate the lives of slaves at this three-part exhibition. Visitors will be able to learn about African-American leaders, self-liberation, and the families of free and enslaved workers at the Lee-Fendall House. As part of the exhibit, the museum will also be hosting a variety of lectures discussing themes within the museum. Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden: 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria, leefendallhouse.org, free with admission
June 3-26
Afros and Abstract
That’s right, hair is art. And the latest Del Ray Artisan exhibit celebrates your luscious locks and body. Featuring a variety of pieces by local artists, you’ll feel like your best self walking through the abstract exhibit. Del Ray Artisans Gallery: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, delrayartisans.org, free
June 4 & 5
Occoquan RiverFest & Craft Show
Everyone’s favorite crafts festival is back just in time for summer. Take a drive out to Occoquan to peruse over 200 vendor booths along Main Street. From crafters and local artisans to river recreations and concerts, the whole family will be able to enjoy the beloved festival. Historic Occoquan: Mill St., Occoquan, occoquanva.gov, free
June 5
Ravel Dance Company Presents “Cinderella”
One of your favorite fairy tales is hitting the main stage. Grab a seat to see the happily-ever-after ending come to life as Cinderella begins her journey, stumbles into magic, and eventually finds her true love. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, capitalonehall.com, $35-$45
June 8
Ben Rector
You may not know the name, but you know the songs. The Nashville-based singer burst onto the scene back in 2007 and has since released hits “Brand New” and “Love Like This.” You’ll want to brush up on his 2022 album The Joy of Music, which features songs with both Kenny G and Snoop Dogg. Filene Center: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, wolftrap.org, $32-$77
June 10-12
Mount Vernon Summerfest
Kick off a summer full of fun with a night of drinks at Mount Vernon. Head to the after-hour experience to sample craft beers from across the region, enjoy live music by the Potomac, and taste dishes made with traditional ingredients by the Half Crown Bakehouse. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, mountvernon.org, $40-$48
June 11
Colin Jost
The Saturday Night Live Weekend Update anchor is bringing his 10-city tour to the District. We can only hope that the man with the very punchable face surprises the audience with a few of his favorite late-night topics while on stage. Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, Washington, DC, livenation.com, $39.50-$192
June 11-July 10
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird
The iconic Pulitzer-Prize winning book is getting a run on the Kennedy Center stage. The adaptation by Academy Award-winner Aaron Sorkin brings the 1960 classic into the 21st century, engaging and inspiring live theater audiences. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, kennedy-center.org, $49-$199
Through June 12
A Monster Calls
Patrick Ness’ beloved novel is getting the Kennedy Center treatment. In this book-turned-play, life for 13-year-old Conor hasn’t been the best. With his mom going through chemotherapy, his dad off in the United States, and constant bullying at school, a consistent nightmare has been plaguing him. Then one night, at 12:07, a monster stops by the boy’s window and changes everything in this burgeoning classic. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, kennedy-center.org, $45-$139
Through June 12
The Upstairs Department
For the theater’s 60th world premiere, the Arlington staple presents playwright Chelsea Marcantel’s latest work. The latest Heidi Thomas Writers’ Initiative play follows Luke, who after a serious illness wakes up believing he can talk to the dead. When his skeptical sister takes him to test his new abilities, they realize there is more than meets the eye at the Lily Dale Spiritualist community. Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, sigtheatre.org, $40-$90
June 16 & 17
Sheryl Crow and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
All you’ll want to do is sing, dance, and soak up the sun at this double-bill performance. Guests will not only be entertained by the folksy sounds of alt-country’s Jason Isbell, but also Crow’s generation-defining hits of the ’90s. Filene Center: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, wolftrap.org, $49-$127
June 17 & 18
The Daily Show Writers Stand Up Tour
Sure, The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah steals the spotlight, but what about the funny people behind the camera? Comedians Matt Koff, Joseph Opio, Randall Otis, and Kat Radley are bringing their own gut-busting material on the road. From failed dating experiences to talking Trump, this show will have a little bit of everything. Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, arlingtondrafthouse.com, $25-$30
June 21 & 22
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Relive the inspiring life of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Tony- and Grammy- winning legend. Based on the true story of Carole King’s rise to stardom, you’ll be dancing and singing along right from your seat as “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got A Friend,” and “Beautiful” are belted by the talented cast. Filene Center: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, wolftrap.org, $32-$87
June 23
Xuejuan Dance Ensemble
Experience Chinese history and folklore through the art of dance. Combining Tibetan, Mongolian, Uyghur, Dai, Wa, Yi, Korean, and Miao dances, audience members of all ages will appreciate the traditional music, exuberant costumes, and artistic storytelling. Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, wolftrap.org, $12
June 23-25
Josh Blue
You saw him performing on your TV on America’s Got Talent, and now you can see him live. Since winning Last Comic Standing in 2006, the comedian has been busy touring the country, appearing on a variety of talk shows, including The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, arlingtondrafthouse.com, $25-$30
June 24
Broadway in the Park
Broadway in the Park is back by popular demand for its second annual performance. Featuring The Gilded Age’s Kelli O’Hara and Tony Award-winning (and Virginia native) Adrienne Warren, it is sure to be an unforgettable night of show tunes and Broadway classics. Filene Center: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, wolftrap.org, $30- $150
June 24 & 25
Independence Fireworks
Let freedom ring with the crack of the annual fireworks show of the historic Mount Vernon estate. Watch the night sky light up with beautiful red, white, and blue sparks as patriotic music drifts across the manor. Before the show starts, take a tour of the mansion, visit George Washington’s tomb, and learn how to make ice cream, 18th-century-style. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, mountvernon.org, $22-$50
June 25
Sarah Sherman
While you were probably introduced to the jokester when she made her SNL debut last fall, Sherman has definitely made a name for herself in the comedy world. Better known to her fans as Sarah Squirm, the Long Island native brings an extra level of surrealism and body horror comedy to her shows. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, kennedy-center.org, $25
Opening June 25
Ancient Yemen: Incense, Art, and Trade
Explore how Yemen became a major trade hub during the first century BCE through its remaining art at this new permanent exhibit. The incense trade through the Mediterranean, ancient Iran, and South Asia filled the country with new wealth, luxuries, and art and defined the region’s artistic and cultural cosmopolitanism. National Museum of Asian Art: 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC, si.edu, free
Feature image courtesy George Washington’s Mount Vernon
This story originally ran in our June issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
