Kennedy Center Opera House Rules

To plan your visit to the John F. Kennedy Center Opera House, you need to understand the rules to prevent any issues upon entry. The Opera House follows predominantly the same rules as the other venues inside the Kennedy Center. You can expect similar policies to most other opera houses or theaters in the U.S. 

Prohibited Items

Item policies can vary between venues at the Kennedy Center. For example, if you’re attending an outdoor show in the pavilion or simply visiting the park, the rules vary greatly from the indoor Opera House. In the Opera House, you cannot bring in the following:

» Outside food
» Outside drinks
» Professional photography equipment
» Weapons of any kind

The Opera House typically does not conduct bag checks, so you may be able to bring a purse or large personal item into the theater. The bag policy can vary based on the event, as larger showings like Hamilton could have stricter bag policies and security protocols. We recommend reading the policies on your ticket or calling the Box Office before the event for more specific information. 

Photography Policies 

The Opera House strictly prohibits professional photography during events. The Kennedy Center also urges guests to turn off their phones, which means no amateur photography during shows, either. Taking photos on your phone or using other electronics can ruin the show’s ambiance, so we recommend leaving your phone in your bag so the event can have its full intended effect. 

Dress Code 

The Kennedy Center recommends that you dress thoughtfully for the event you’re attending. The Opera House itself does not have a dress code, so you’re welcome to arrive in casual, comfortable attire suitable to the show. You’re also welcome to dress up, but be prepared with a sweater, as the venue can have a slight chill.

Plan to dress accordingly if you’re attending an opera or another formal event. In some scenarios, you may want to wear black tie or formal gown attire, though this is not required. Either way, use your best discretion.

Food and Drinks

As mentioned, you cannot bring food or drinks into the venue. The Kennedy Center has multiple refreshment locations, including the Roof Terrace Restaurant, which accepts reservations, and the KC Café. 

You should not bring food into the Opera House or eat during your show as this can disturb other guests or the performers. Instead, be sure to enjoy all amenities before your show or during the intermission. Some longer shows can have as many as two intermissions where you can use the restroom, stretch your legs, and get a quick bite to eat. 

Entry and Exit Policies

The Kennedy Center recommends arriving early for your scheduled performance. For the smoothest experience, you should arrive at least 30 minutes early. To avoid overcrowding in the lobby, you can head directly to your seat unless you plan on enjoying some refreshments first.

After the show ends, you should expect the exit process to take a while, as there can be some congestion in the exits. We recommend locating your nearest exit in advance and promptly exiting the lobby to avoid congestion. 

Mask Policies, Contact-Free Transactions, and Rescheduling Shows

Masks are optional for Kennedy Center guests. The Kennedy Center encourages guests to do what is more comfortable for their needs while respecting the choices of other guests. Staff and guests may choose to wear masks, but they are not required to do so. 

The Kennedy Center offers multiple sanitization points throughout venues and in the bathrooms. After every performance, the Kennedy Center conducts professional cleaning and sanitization throughout all sites, bathrooms, and high-touch areas to ensure a clean experience for guests. You may also use contactless payments for mobile tickets, parking, and Gift Shops. 

The Kennedy Center urges you to stay home if you have exhibited signs of COVID-19 or other illnesses within seven days prior to the event. If you cannot attend your scheduled show, you can contact the Box Office to potentially exchange your tickets for a new showing. To do so, you must contact the Box Office more than 24 hours in advance of your scheduled showing. 

Ticket Policies:
Read the Kennedy Center Opera House Tickets information page for rules and ticket policies of our recommended ticket marketplace.