September 19, 2025 – October 12, 2025
The American Five
In the face of surveillance, intimidation, arrests and life threats, five giants form a powerful coalition to advance civil rights and shape a defining moment in American history.
What’s Happening
We honor Lincoln’s love of the performing arts by producing theatre that captivates and entertains.
Experience a live performance in a historic theatre like no other. Join us for an American musical, a classic play, a history-based drama or a dynamic world premiere.
Since its reopening in 1968, Ford’s Theatre has produced plays and musicals celebrating the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and exploring the American experience. With commissions like The Guard and Lincoln-based premieres such as The Heavens Are Hung in Black and Necessary Sacrifices, Ford’s Theatre is making its mark on American theatre.
Up Next
Upcoming Programs and Events
Cabinet Conversation: Echoes from the Steps
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Explore some of the unsung heroes of the civil rights movement, the challenges of preserving their stories, and the enduring inspiration of the I Have a Dream speech at the Lincoln Memorial.
From Lincoln to MLK: A Walking Tour on the National Mall
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Join Ford’s Theatre and National Mall and Memorial Parks as we explore the legacies of the nation’s founding, the Civil War and the Civil Rights movement through an interpreted tour of the Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials.
Reading American Life Narratives: First Ladies
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Join us for a three-hour community workshop to explore unique insights into American history through life narratives of First Ladies.
Civil War Washington Forts: An Interpretive Hike of Civil War Defenses of Washington
Saturday, November 2, 2024
When the Civil War broke out, Washington, D.C. was surrounded by slave-holding states and confederate sympathizers. In the summer of 1861, 68 forts were hastily built to defend this city.
Ongoing Events
History on Foot Walking Tour
A walking tour that brings history to life! Join Detective McDevitt as he revisits the sites and reexamines the clues from the investigation into the Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy.
One Destiny: On Demand
Ford’s Theatre presents One Destiny: On Demand – a play that explores the fateful night of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination told from the perspectives of Ford’s Theatre owner Harry Ford and actor Harry Hawk.
Free and Discounted Tickets
We are committed to providing affordable ways for you to experience live performances at Ford’s Theatre. We offer discounted and free tickets throughout the season.We are committed to providing affordable ways for you to experience live performances at Ford’s Theatre. We offer discounted and free tickets throughout the season.
Gift Certificates
Treat friends and loved ones to a night out at the theatre. Or give them a chance to explore the history of Ford’s and Lincoln’s legacy.