Shakespeare, Symphonies, and Sudan Archives: A Grand Sunday in D.C.
Musical Magic and Culinary Feasts: What’s On in D.C. Today
Welcome to a bustling Sunday in the nation’s capital. Whether you are looking for family-friendly symphonies, a deep dive into Shakespearean adaptations, or the final bites of the city’s premier dining event, Washington D.C. has a packed schedule for Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Theater and Performance
Today marks the final day of the Folger Theatre’s Fourth Annual Reading Room Festival. This four-day event at the Folger Shakespeare Library has been a celebration of how the Bard’s work continues to be translated and reimagined for the modern stage. Today’s sessions focus on the intersection of Shakespeare and music, offering a fascinating look at the playwright’s enduring legacy in American musicals.
Over at the Kennedy Center, the National Symphony Orchestra presents Musical Tails in the Family Theater. This performance is designed for young audiences, featuring an NSO piano quintet performing selections from Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite and Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival of the Animals. Shows are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., with the later performance being sensory-friendly.
For those looking for a classic musical experience, today is the closing performance of Fiddler on the Roof at Signature Theatre. Catch the final bows of this iconic production centered on community and tradition in a changing world.
Live Music and Spectacles
The 9:30 Club welcomes the immensely talented Sudan Archives tonight at 7:00 p.m. Known for her unique blend of pop, R&B, and virtuoso violin-playing, Brittney Denise Parks (performing as Sudan Archives) brings her latest tour to D.C. for a highly anticipated set.
If you prefer massive machinery to musical instruments, the Washington DC Auto Show is in full swing at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Doors open at 10:00 a.m., showcasing the latest in automotive innovation, design, and electric vehicle technology.
Exhibitions and Dining
Art lovers should head to the National Gallery of Art to view the major exhibition The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art. This collection showcases contemporary and historic works that provide a transfixing look at landscape and culture through Indigenous perspectives. While at the National Mall, you can also enjoy a loop around the Ice Rink at the Sculpture Garden, which remains open for its popular winter season.
Finally, don’t forget that today is the final day of Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week. Over 200 participating eateries across the district are offering special multi-course menus. It is the perfect opportunity to visit that high-end spot you’ve been eyeing or to rediscover a local neighborhood favorite before the winter specials conclude.