Symphonic Tales, Art Premieres, and the 2026 Auto Show: What’s On in D.C. Today

A Saturday of Masterpieces and New Discoveries

Washington D.C. is alive with a vibrant mix of world-class music, groundbreaking art debuts, and community traditions this Saturday, January 24, 2026. Whether you are looking for family-friendly symphonies, sharp-witted comedy, or the latest in automotive innovation, the District offers a full slate of verified events across its most iconic venues.

Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a major hub of activity today. Families can head to the Family Theater for the National Symphony Orchestra's Musical Tails, featuring a piano quintet performing Ravel's Mother Goose Suite and Saint-Saëns' The Carnival of the Animals at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. In the evening, the Concert Hall hosts the NSO and the Washington Chorus for Songs of Destiny & Fate at 8:00 p.m., a powerful program of choral works by Brahms and Schumann. For those seeking lighter entertainment, the Millennium Stage presents Unofficial Late Night at 6:00 p.m., showcasing emerging comedic voices in a theatrical stand-up format.

Major Museum Openings and Exhibitions

Today marks the opening of two significant exhibitions on the National Mall. The National Portrait Gallery debuts The Outwin 2025: American Portraiture Today, showcasing 35 portraits selected from a national competition of emerging artists. Simultaneously, the National Museum of Asian Art opens Into the Waters with Senju and Bingyi, a hypnotic comparison of how two contemporary Japanese painters visualize the power of water. Additionally, the National Gallery of Art is hosting a special talk titled Finding Awe focusing on Sir Edwin Landseer’s Alpine Mastiffs, with sessions at 10:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.

Community Festivals and Traditions

• The Washington Auto Show: Held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, this massive annual event continues today, highlighting the future of electric vehicles and 250 years of automotive innovation.
• The Reading Room Festival: The Folger Shakespeare Library’s fourth annual festival continues today, featuring new plays and music inspired by the Bard’s enduring legacy.
• Eastern Market: A Saturday staple, the outdoor market on Capitol Hill is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., featuring local artisans, farmers, and vintage finds.
• Burns Night at Fish Shop DC: Celebrate the life of Robert Burns at the Wharf with Scottish-inspired cuisine, live bagpipes, and spoken word poetry starting at 6:00 p.m.