Good, small venue. Simple one bar and small stage. The standing and mixed general admission is a nice and enjoyable entry. Overall, depending on the show, reasonably priced. For the bar the service charges are marked on wall but easily missed as already included, extra tips are what you are tapping on top of. Workers were pleasant and helpful for where to find things, like the somewhat narrow entrance to the basement restrooms. Enjoyable first time venue bounce-through. read more

Good sound, lighting was great but no live streamed on monitors to see the show from an accessible reserved seat since I'm not able to stand for hours. After my daughter complained two seats were brought up to railing and I was able to see the main show, thanks. We asked about the monitors they said it wasn't avail for this show, boo! read more

See all

It was my first time at the Howard Theatre. Oh my goodness! It's a beautiful place. I was there for Beyond the Mic with Clay & Reecie Live and I have a great time! The staff was so friendly and helpful. The restrooms were lovely and clean, eventhough they were in the basement. I had wonderful time and highly recommend coming for show/entertainment. read more

See all

Hey friends! This was my second time visiting Howard theatre. I came for a ballet performance. The venue is nice and the staff are friendly. I ordered a drink from the bar, it was similar to a rum punch, $16. It was delicious and strong! Bathrooms were clean. Not sure if the bathrooms are accessible to all as they are downstairs and I didn't see an elevator. I hope you enjoy! read more

See all

In honor of being a new Yelp All-Star, I'm thinking of the 1999 song, biggest hit, & arguably most iconic song by Smash Mouth "All Star" (although one could make an argument for "Walking on the Sun", and I saw Smash Mouth here at Howard Theater in November 2013. This was my only visit to Howard Theatre as I'm not a big concertgoer like 1-2 times a year on average. I had won the Smash Mouth tickets on the radio. I brought a date as my +1. We were friends before & after the few dates we went on in November-December 2013, but we didn't have much chemistry and ultimately just friends. As for the Howard Theatre, it's a historic building dating back to its opening in 1910, was originally movie theater often frequented by African-Americans in the 1910's & 1920's. In 1931 jazz artist Duke Ellington performed and cemented as a great venue for live concert performances. Fast forward 82 years later, and the great Smash Mouth performed. People watching Duke Ellington in 1931 couldn't have fathomed such a band as Smash Mouth debuting 66 years later. I was impressed with the interior, which had been recently remodeled in 2012. We viewed from the upper balcony. It's not a huge venue, but it's comfortable. We weren't completely crammed in there. It's a nice theater. It's not the best of DC, but it's very good. Best of DC would be in downtown like the National Theater, Warner Theater, or the Anthem in southwest or a place outside DC like Merriweather Post Pavilion or Hippodrome Theater. Parking is very limited, but I took Metro that night in 2013. I've been to 9:30 Club nearby and parked, but it's a bit challenging to find parking, and I like Howard Theatre slightly more than 9:30 Club. If given the opportunity, I'd be happy to come back to the Howard Theatre. read more

See all

We loved this venue! Great set up and atmosphere. Able to accommodate a big crowd without feeling too crowded or overwhelming. The AC was so nice and comfortable. Staff was also so great! So nice of them to hand out water bottles to those in pit. Bathrooms were very nice too! read more

The Howard Theatre - view from GA pit - Music Venues Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Decent area. Very close to the metro. Security was present. Upstairs balcony area, bar area as well. Minimal seating for VIP. Downstairs general admin area was packed. Sound system was good. Jacquees & DeJ Loaf performance was enjoyable. read more

The Howard Theatre - Music Venues Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I've attended two events here so far. It definitely feels like an older venue (which isn't a bad thing). But the main floor area is a total dive. The upstairs area with the booths seems nice, albeit far from the stage. Note: While the website says they take cash, they do NOT. It is a cashless venue. The staff vary, but mostly they seem like they'd rather be anywhere else doing anything else. Of the venues around the DMV, this is my least favorite. read more

Shaw-Howard metro. Take the Howard University exit, the Theatre is right around the corner (head towards the UPS store) Depending on the event, they will check your ID. Check your Bag. Scan you with a wind. Then go inside, to scan your ticket Drinks automatically include 15% gratuity. CARD only. NO CASH! Went to the bathroom an hour after the 8pm show was to start and there was NO paper towels at ALL in the women's bathroom. Not sure why this wasn't sure when cleaning the bathrooms before, GROSS! By the end of the night, there were paper towels Came to an event where the Show was to start at 8. The actual show with the performing didn't start until 9 until about 1030. We were actually in CHAIRS and it wasn't standing room. Not sure if I missed that when purchasing a ticket. Quite a few people ended up standing up because chairs were like 1 person only (and not enough for couples etc.) Kind of hot in there. Dress lightly read more

See all

My alma mater's world-fame historic namesake entertainment venue. Bank business partner was celebrating its 90th anniversary and the whole event was catered by CAROLINA KITCHEN. The food was really good even though I'm no fan of that particular restaurant, I give credit my credit is due. Open bar so the drinks were flowing and the food was fooding. CAROLINA KITCHEN even encouraged people to take home leftovers. Crab cakes, pork ribs, collard greens, dirty rice, sauteed salmon, and two dozen other dishes. Those are just the ones I can remember and actually ate. Desserts were catered by NOTHING BUT BUNDT CAKES. I wasn't able to sample however because I wasn't aware until later. The whole event was really nice. read more

See all

Had a great time with the wifey ova the weekend. We had the pleasure of seeing Case & Carl Thomas live. They also had two other acts, but I can't remember who they were. But we copp'd seats up top near the bar. On the floor doesn't have seats; You just stand, dance, and party in front of the stage. I'm too old for all that standing but we had a great time, and the drinks was on point read more

This venue rocks! I saw Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso here this weekend. This venue is the perfect size, it's not too too crowded, but the concert felt very full. The staff were super nice and the overall atmosphere was great. Very convenient-right next to Shaw-Howard Metro Stop. read more

Beautiful venue. There is standing room as well as balcony seating. My husband and I saw Elyanna perform here and this was the first time either of us had been to the Howard Theater. Overall is was a great experience. I'm giving the theater 4 stars instead of 5 because of the awkward placement of the merch table. At the end of the concert, a staff member yelled out at attendees to get in a line to the right if they were trying to get merch, but if they needed to use the bathroom then they could go through. It created a lot of confusion and awkwardness. But other than that, it was a good experience. I'd see another performance here again in the future. I'd just make sure to get merch before the show to avoid the rush and confusion of lines. read more

The Howard Theatre - Me and hubby just before the concert - Music Venues Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Pros: good venue for a show. I liked it a lot. Very convenient off the metro. Negatives: During Moontower's set (they were opening for Sub-radio), two of the mics seemed to not be working, we couldn't hear any backing vocals. Maybe it's where we were standing? 2) Whoever was working the lights needs to re-program them to not shine on the right side of the crowd so often.They blinded me countless times and I don't think either act asked for that (we've seen Sub-radio before at another venue and it wasn't the case). 3) WHY IN GOD'S NAME WAS THE FLOOR SO STICKY?? It felt like it hadn't been cleaned at all since the previous night's show and like a vat of sticky juice had been dumped onto the floor and then spread around. read more

This review is for a concert only. I haven't tried the cocktails, not sure if they serve food. My friends and I purchased tickets to the Durand Bernard concert March 2023. We purchased the seated tickets, I'm so glad we did, downstairs was a standing room only, body to body, no breathing room. The seats were extremely comfortable and roomy on both sides. We parked about 2 blocks away with no issues. Free parking on Sundays. Perfect! I'm sure on a Friday or Saturday you'd drive around a bit for parking. Although I didn't order a cocktail I glanced at the menu, average priced, nothing fancy? Long islands, cosmo, margaritas, beers. Our server was attentive and quick. No issues there either. A good time overall! read more

Pro's: Great staff, convenient parking garage. Con's: it's tooooo HOT! We went to the Connor Price concert last night and one of the first people in. No A/C on whatsoever! Now imagine 100''s of people in a tight space. Every single artist on stage said how hot it was. Couldn't even enjoy ourselves because there no air to breathe in there. It seems that many people have complained in the reviews and in person...they just don't care. So we're not returning. No point spending $$$ when you can't even enjoy yourself. read more

I have been here for concerts, workouts, and scholarship award shows! The venues is beautiful, historic, and the perfect size. They used to have a gospel brunch and the food would be soooooo good! I really wish they could bring that back. The space is also a nice size. They have their fair share of standing and seated events. The restrooms are always clean as well. I took away one star because I have seen them transition from one event to another and that is always a clunky process. Overall, if you want affordable entertainment at a great price, check out The Howard Theatre. read more

Had a great time. I highly recommend the seated balcony area that allows for drink orders. It's very comfortable and worth the extra charge. The sound system is great. I wouldn't bother ordering food. It's delivered from a restaurant down the street and not very good. The menu consisted of a fried chicken sandwich, hamburgers, and fries. All Ala carte and very expensive. The drinks are strong and good. Parking is tough. Uber is probably the best option. I will return! read more

There's never any good parking nearby. An event I went to in May 2025 did not have the option for mobile tickets, so I was limited to "will call". It was crowded outdoors, and indoors and people were busting in line. The drinks were expensive. I think I will pass on coming to any events here unless I have a table/vip with service. read more

The sound was terrible. Also, closing bathrooms immediately after the show ends is extremely unreasonable.

Was at the Dream concert Sunday. The theatre staff were helpful and attentive in their job. Only downside to the theatre is standing for the concert and the unevenness of the floor. read more

I've been to Howard Theatre several times over the years (2013-2014?) to see artists and comedy shows. This is my first time in 2019 I've been to Howard. I came to see Marsha Ambrosius and she was wonderful and amazing. However , Howard Theatre should be ASHAMED of themselves! Why isn't this more upscale and customer service driven like the other music halls in the city ? First, while, I noticed they have valet, I'm glad we Ubered because parking sucks . they say the doors open at 630pm for a 8pm show and they will have people waiting in cold to get in and in long lines. Next, I'm shocked as to how they seat people as their seating arrangements is horrible. You walk in to chairs like you are in a auditorium. No tables or anything to make for a comfortable experience. I spent over $140+ on 2 tickets just to be seated in a chair. Next, the bar. I ordered a Moscow mule and they didn't have ginger beer. They did have wine but they served it in a plastic cup !!! No Howard theatre cup or nicer cup ? Now the food options!!! It was only crab , vegetable or curry chicken rolls with rice and it was average. That was $10 a plate. It was like ordering food from the food court. They didn't have the heat on and I was freezing the entire night. So, I say this to say , don't go to Howard theatre for the food or drinks - pregame or have dinner before a show, then get there 2 hours before your show so you can be front in line. Also, make sure you have the tickets mobile ready with your confirmation number as their ticket master was down . It's a nice place to be and has potential to be one of the best venue in the city. But, they need to get their ticketing, seating arrangement, bar, and food game to compete with some of the places like Blues Alley, dc improv , Hamilton, Bethesda supper club. read more

See all

Howard Theatre has always and I mean always been a good time to me! First, I love that their bathrooms are downstairs and secluded. If you need some time away from the craziness you can just go downstairs and relax for a moment. Second, it's fun seeing your favorite artists here because you are really in the moment. They have tables surrounding the first and second floors but the dance floor stays open so you can work your way to the front. My most memorable events here would be an all white party for memorable day which tons of celebrities attended/hosted (this was when it used to always be the place to go) and Ginuwine's latest concert. Taking a picture with him in the Pepsi room was the highlight of my LIFE. My LIFE. Now the bartenders on the other hand, they are hit or miss. I patiently waited in a short line that took forever and come my turn I asked for a silver margarita. The first bartender kind of got snooty with me and said a what? I repeated myself, a silver margarita. What was I missing here? Did I stutter? She said I don't know what that is. I had to explain to her there is silver tequila and there is gold tequila. I prefer silver such as the 1800 silver sitting behind you next to the gold 1800. Needless to say, she didn't like that and I found another bartender for my second drink and THAT drink was great. I would expect just a little better customer service but I'm never surprised. All in all, I actually like coming here. The ambience is great, the lights are always dimmed just right and the mood is always set. I'll be back! read more

The Howard Theatre - GINUWINE was great! - Music Venues Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I went to the Laura Jane Grace show (with openers Thelma and the Sleaze and Dikembe) last night, and I had a really great experience. For this show, doors opened at 6:30. The staff had everything set up well before then. They started checking bags, wanding people, and giving wrist-bands before they actually allowed entry, which I appreciated and found efficient. All of the staff members that I encountered were kind and helpful. I also loved the venue itself. It's a gorgeous building and it's set up in a way so that it seems there are are no bad spots. Additionally, one of the staff members handed out bottles of water frequently. I don't know if this is common in other venues in the area, but I've never been to a show that did this and I thought it was great. Especially since there have been high profile incidents in recent years of fans having medical emergencies due to dehydration/heat. Overall, the concert, the staff, and the venue were great in my experience, and I would definitely go to another event here! read more

I had a fabulous experience here coming to see my fave Brandy perform. The sound check ran 45 minutes past the scheduled door time. And that was not the tea, but the staff apologized several times and after that everything was smooth sailing. The security check was efficent. They did their job, but they weren't rude, which I appreciate. During the show the lighting and sound was so much better than the Fillmore; Brandy did not have to stop to tell the people to get her sound right this time around. Haha Security and the theatre manager were also particularly nice during the meet and greet after the show, and they didn't rush everybody in and out as I've expierenced with other venues. Keep in mind that I didn't grab anything to eat/drink at the bar, so I can't comment on venue prices or food quality. But as for the show expierence I would definately go back to The Howard Theatre. This is probably my favorite venue I've seen Brandy at besides the Kennedy Center. Ps: If you wanna see the concert I recorded the whole thing. (Part I) https://youtu.be/V4X-Op0llrE (Part II) https://youtu.be/tXqjL8JTE6M read more

See all

This venue is a DISGRACE! They absolutely ruined an event for charity with the DC Cherry Fund! They suddenly changed their capacity numbers and forced 100s of ticket holders to wait outside and then eventually turned them away. For those that got in, the coat check process was a joke! When you have 500+ or so ppl coming to an event in early April you can't use clear plastic bags with a ticket stapled to it. It took ppl over 2 hours to get their bag at the end. In addition, the idiots working coat check out the ticket inside thebag with clothing instead of stapling. Therefore, making it nearly impossible to get a bag for someone. read more

Ok venue! BUT tell whoever is controlling the stage and house lights to stop shining then in the crowd's face every 6 seconds.. dear God

Went here for a concert and although the venue was beautiful, everything was poorly managed and set up. We had tickets for a photo, autograph session, and VIP, but honestly, it felt like first come first served. I had the wherewithal to push my way to my VIP seats, but honestly, there were plenty of people who didn't pay and sat right there. The staff treated me like I didn't understand English, but it was them who had no idea what was going on. RUDE. No directions for anything that was going on to include the concert start time and autograph session. It's a shame that such an historic venue is so poorly managed. The venue is so nice despite the mismanagement. read more

Owned by Howard Stern which is why people are so offended by this theatre. Really though, such a low star rating! The food sucks (kind of, but way overpriced) and the parking sucks, but shows here are amazing and it's such a grand old theatre, what's not to love? I can't give a place a five star though, when they have a food/drink minimum on some tickets for some shows. Nobody should be forced to buy stuff just to watch a show which they already paid for. Anyway, the theatre itself is legendary and gorgeous and perfect. How-ard is it to rate and review a theatre though? Not hard at all. read more

The Howard Theatre - Owned by Howard Stern - Music Venues Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The Howard Theatre, established in 1910, born-again in 2012. I've had the pleasure of visiting several times since its reopening. I've grooved with Dwele, Deborah Bond & Third Logic, Navasha Daya (formerly of Fertile Ground), Kenny "Koonga" Martin (one of the dopest percussionist I know) & DC's old school Go-Go bands like Experience Unlimited, Rare Essence, & JYB. The venue is nicely remodeled and the sound system is good. Screens on both sides of the stage enable you to see what's happening from any vantage point. The Howard offers general admission seating (first come/first seated) and a full dinner menu. The items that I've had were decent and I really enjoyed the bread pudding dessert. I split it with my brother to lessen the guilt. The specialty cocktails pay homage to African Americans who played a key role in the movement (i.e. The Ellington, Ella Fitz, Ray, Miles, Satchmo,...). You won't get twisted off one drink but you'll enjoy the flavor and light buzz. There's a $10 minimum per person that's enforced during sit down performances. Parking can be a little tricky so arrive early just in case you have to walk a few blocks. Valet is a viable option as well. Being aware of The Howard's rich history made my experiences even better. read more

See all

For someone who enjoys music but not large crowds, this venue is perfect for me. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience when I came here to see Tevin Campbell. 5 Stars for Tevin, alone. But another 5 stars for the food, service, and decor. The setup is caberet-style and the tickets are first come, first serve. Please arrive in enough time to order food and drinks before the performance. From my recollection, there was a $10 minimum pp/table. This was easy to fill because nothing on the menu was under $10. I am not sure what the venue looked like previously, but it is newly restored and very nice! There are floor and balcony seating so no matter where you sit, you have a great view of the stage. If you arrive in enough time, there should be street parking available. Otherwise, valet parking is at your service. After the show, the valet line practically wrapped around the building, so be prepared to wait awhile to get your vehicle if you choose this route. The ticket prices for the events are very reasonable and even though they have a minimum food charge, the food was amazing! Everyone at my table enjoyed their entrees and raved about the food selection. Can't wait to return for my next concert. read more

See all

The venue itself is cool. Great stage and seating and decent food and drinks (very, very, VERY overpriced, but decent). It's metro accessible and right next door to some great restaurants. However, we came here for the Gospel Brunch and would never return. The Gospel Brunch was nothing special in terms of performance, expensive, and their website promised a buffet, but instead made us pay too much for sub-par food. On top of that, the service was literally the worst I've ever experienced in DC. Our waiter forgot about us not once, not twice, not three times, but four times and never ever acknowledged it. Not cool. read more

I was at The Howard Theater for The Wailers concert last night, and I was really impressed by the venue and the staff. It is easy to get to, has ample close parking and is an amazing place for a concert. I would like to give a special shout-out to Janae for taking such good care of me and my friends. She was professional, friendly and very helpful. I will definitely be back for another show soon! read more

I came here for a show to see Les Nubians , two sisters a French speaking duo. I didn't have any food , however the drinks were good and very pricey . The venue itself is absolutely spectacular, they have a cleared floor for general admission so you stand and watch the reformers , it sucks if you cannot stand for a long time . read more

The Howard Theatre - Music Venues Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I just left the Scarface concert at the Howard Theatre and although he did his thang, I must say the theatre deserves 0 stars. First of all the air doesn't work and secondly they no longer serve food. How can you serve alcohol with no food? With no air??? Never Ever AGAIN !! read more

Came for the Harlem Choir Gospel Brunch. The choir was more like an ensemble with only 6 members. But they were outstanding! The food was southern inspired with items like shrimp & grits, gumbo, Mac & cheese, greens, fried chicken, French toast, salmon, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, salads, and waffles. The food wasn't labeled which would've been helpful for some of the items. The food was hit or miss depending on what you got. The dessert 'area' was terrible and disappointing! Overall it was a good experience witnessing the Harlem ensemble. The food was decent enough. Wish there were at least bottomless mimosas for the $55 we paid. But oh well. read more

The Howard Theatre - Music Venues Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

I've been here for concerts before. This past Sunday I was here for the DC record fair. I actually like the record shows more than the concerts here. It was clean and organized (somewhat) with a good amount of vendors here and such. The past few times they've had the fair at Penn Social which was a bit better (closer distance) but I don't mind driving a bit further to get some bargain deals on LPs. It's like a music swap meet; you'll find anything and everything here; some are bargains and some are ripoffs. You can be the judge of which ones. Tables and booths were set up as vendors who did their selling. I read some reviews that people were trying to get table service which turned into epic fails. Perhaps the tables and booths should be record vendors during their hours of business. I definitely wouldn't complain about that! read more

The Howard Theatre - Setting up for the fair; I'll take all the records please! - Music Venues Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

I came to the Toyota sponsored FREE Eephus tour to see Jenelle Monet, Jidenna, St Beauty, and two other artists. We sat in the mezzanine which in my opinion is the only place we should be for a concert at the Howard Theater. It beats standing in a hot crowd in front of the stage unless you like that of course. I like the option of sitting down when I want to and having the bar right behind me. But there's also a waitress. Our waitress was really slow tho, but I guess it was a busy night for her. I like the variety of events that they have here -from concerts to dances to special invite only events it's a great location and a great venue. I've tried the fries, Jamaican jerk chicken wings, a burger, and a pizza. My suggestion is get the wings and the fries. The food here isn't the greatest but the drinks are always nice. read more

See all

I was here for the Henny and waffle Brunch. I have to say it was nice. A little bit understaffed but still a great event. My hometown is Washington DC. I grew up going to the Howard Theatre for events when l was a teenager. I actually have not been there since. I called my Gf up which she also is from DC. We haven't been able to hook up since last year and she was all for it. Now the food for the brunch was very good and l mean tasteful. The Mimosas that they first started out giving was full of ice and l am not use to having my mimosas that way. A little to watered down for me but finally towards the end they gave it to you the way it should be served. Iceless and in a champagne glass. The seating and tables needed a serious update. Wow for all l know those might be the same chairs & tables from my high school years. Nevertheless it was safe to sit in so we did so cautiously lol. The food was so good that it took away any appearance issues. They had a DJ playing music. The Staff was nice and tried to be as helpful as possible. It reslly had a great turnout. The restrooms were located on the lower level which l thought was pretty odd. Especially after numerous drinks. I just hope that everyone could make it there on time. This event was free with the exception of purchasing your drinks. They did also offer unlimited Mimosas for $15.00. I enjoyed hanging out with my girlfriend and catching up on old times. Just be aware parking is a big hassle and l suggest riding the train which is right around the corner Howard/ Shaw station. Or if you prefer Uber or just being dropped off is another alternative. read more

See all

I came here to see Bruno Major play, first off I will say that I really enjoyed the concert however that's about all I can say about this place for the positive, I can not stress this enough that if you are injured or if you can not stand for long periods of time then do not come here, the seating is separate from the ticket to enter so unless you pay for an extra ticket to get a seat it's a standing room only and not to mention that the seats that they do have are incredibly small to pick from, I personally would not ever come here again read more