The region isn’t waiting until the summer to bring in the best talent from across the country. From legendary musicians and comedians to beloved musicals and ballets and everything in-between, your May planner is about to be jam-packed with spectacular performances.
Through May 8
The Mamalogues
Imagine the road for an unmarried Black mother. This satire follows three moms as they guide their children from diapers to college while challenging racial profiling on the playground in their predominantly white neighborhood. 1st Stage: 1524 Spring Hill Rd., Tysons, $15–$50
May 1
David Spade
The SNL alum is taking his comedy on the road with his Catch Me Inside tour. Whether you started following Spade in the ’90s with the release of Tommy Boy or became a fan after watching the Grown Ups franchise, you won’t want to miss the funny man take the stage again. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, $49.75–$218
May 6 & 7
Lewis Black
If you love a good rant, a seat at a Lewis Black show is a great place to be. The stand-up comedian, actor, and author, aka the King of Rant, brings his Off the Rails tour to DC to perform in front of the home crowd at The Warner Theatre. A regular on The Daily Show since 1996, you may have also seen Black in Man of the Year with Robin Williams or heard him as Anger in Pixar’s Inside Out. Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, Washington, DC, $45–$109.50
May 6 & 7
NSO Pops: Disney Princess—The Concert
Let’s be honest, you never truly grow out of your love for Disney princesses. Whether you have a little tyke or have matured into a Disney adult, join Broadway’s Belle, Jasmine, Nala, and Anastasia for a magical night of songs and stories. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $29–$99
May 6–8
Sesame Street Live!
Elmo and the rest of the Sesame Street gang are heading to NoVA for the ultimate block party. Join your favorite neighborhood friends for an afternoon full of singalongs with Oscar and Cookie Monster, magic with Abby, and dancing with Rosita. EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Cir., Fairfax, $20–$90
May 7
Running of the Chihuahuas
The Wharf is going to the dogs. Pooches of all shapes and sizes can join in on the Cinco de Mayo celebration, but the 10th annual Running of the Chihuahuas’ race is solely for the beloved ankle-biters. District Wharf: 760 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, DC, free
May 7
Spring Art Market
The return of warm spring weather means outdoor markets are back throughout the region. Kick off spring market season by browsing this one-day event. Whether you’re looking for the perfect jewelry set as a gift or want to add some handmade ceramics to your decor, grab one-of-a-kind finds from local artists. Del Ray Artisans Gallery: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, free
May 8
Northern Virginia Ballet & Academy of Russian Ballet: Sleeping Beauty
The classic fairy tale comes to life on the Hylton stage. Follow the beloved tale of Princess Aurora as the dancers bring her story to fruition through gorgeous costumes, incredible choreography, and larger-than-life sets. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $20–$30
May 10–15
Hairspray
Welcome back to 1960s Baltimore. The Tony Award–winning rendition of John Waters’s cult-classic film will have you singing along to “You Can’t Stop The Beat,” “Good Morning Baltimore,” and all your other favorites throughout the night. The National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, $50–$95
May 13
Dionne Warwick
When it comes to creating chart-topping songs, not many are better than the legendary Warwick, who’s found herself back in the cultural zeitgeist thanks to her quirky social-media persona as spoofed on SNL. With more than 40 songs to hit Billboard’s adult contemporary charts, including “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” and “That’s What Friends Are For,” the Grammy Hall-of-Famer is definitely in a league of her own. Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, Washington, DC, $45–$320
May 13 & 14
HAIM
The Grammy-nominated trio, consisting of sisters Danielle, Este, and Alana Haim, is bringing its One More HAIM tour to the DMV. Make sure to add “The Wire,” “Now I’m In It,” and the group’s latest single, “Lost Track,” to your playlist before you head over to the show. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, $55–$379
May 13–15
An Officer and a Gentleman
Based on the hit 1982 film starring Richard Gere and Debra Winger, this live performance brings the timeless love story front and center in Tysons Corner. Trainee Zack Mayo finds comfort with a local factory worker while struggling to balance relentless training exercises, constant badgering from Sergeant Foley, and his own childhood trauma. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, $49.50–$129.50
May 14
American Festival Pops Orchestra: Broadway’s Best
You don’t need to take a trip to New York to enjoy a night of Broadway hits. In Maestro Anthony Maiello’s final performance with the American Festival Pops Orchestra, lovers of the arts will enjoy a spectacular performance by Broadway star Lisa Vroman and the rest of the orchestra. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $36–$60
May 17
David Foster
The musician, composer, producer, and music exec is behind some of the biggest hits in all of music, from Céline Dion’s “The Power of Love” to Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing.” Head to the Birchmere for a night full of chart-toppers and piano ballads, including music from his latest album, Eleven Words. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $115
May 18–July 10
Nunsense
After the chef accidentally poisons 52 members of the convent, the Little Sisters of Hoboken must come up with a way to pay for their funerals. Deciding to throw a variety show to help raise the money, this crazy cast of characters puts on an unforgettable event in this perennial-favorite musical. Riverside Center for the Performing Arts: 95 Riverside Pkwy., Fredericksburg, $55–$75
May 20
Whitney Cummings
DC native Whitney Cummings is coming home. Playing off her recent Netflix special Can I Touch It?, the comedian extraordinaire will provide plenty of laughs as she celebrates the end of pandemic isolation with her Touch Me tour, the biggest party in NoVA. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, $42.50–$228
May 20–22
Manassas Ballet Theatre: Cinderella
Enter the magical world of Cinderella as the Manassas Ballet Theatre closes out its 2021–22 season. The ballet brings your favorite characters and the happily ever after tale to the stage through lush sets and a live orchestra. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $30–$70
May 22
The Roots Residency
The Roots are making their triumphant return to the Kennedy Center stage. After selling out their 2019 performance, make your way into the District for a one-night only event featuring Black Thought and Questlove. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $59–$149
May 28
Tim McGraw
Kick off Jiffy Lube’s summer concert series with country legend Tim McGraw. Topping the charts for the past 30 years, the Louisiana native has produced endless hits each decade, from “I Like It, I Love It” and “Live Like You Were Dying” to “Highway Don’t Care” and “7500 OBO.” Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow, $29.50–$536
May 28–November 13
Origami In The Garden
You’ve never seen origami like this. This monumental exhibit is taking over the garden at the Museum of the Shenandoah. Created by Santa Fe artist Kevin Box, the exhibit celebrates the story of origami, transforming paper creations into life-size works of art. Museum of the Shenandoah: 901 Amherst St., Winchester, $5–$15
Feature image courtesy The National Theatre
This story originally ran in our May issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
