This season, we’re welcoming old friends and new to be part of Saturday Morning Live at The National – and that includes you! Join us on a journey around the world with this incredible lineup of artists, including some returning favorites. Every program is designed to inspire a spirit of play, teach cultural responsiveness, and foster social and emotional development. Whether you’re a long-time fan or first-time visitor, we can’t wait to welcome you to our historic venue on Pennsylvania Avenue. It’s a special place where friends gather to experience the transformational power of the arts.
“I first attended Saturday Morning Live as a child and now have a whole monthly routine built around it with my own kiddo and husband. It’s one of our favorite family traditions, and it feels extra special to have the continuity with my own childhood!”
A longtime Saturday Morning Live fan
We’ll start on September 12th with a Main Stage presentation by our new friends Choy Wun Lion Dance Troupe. This dynamic demonstration of traditional Chinese dance is the perfect way to start a trip around the world. Click here or scroll down for more information about how to pre-register.
After our visit to China, we’re off to Peru with Rompe Cajón, who’ll share some Afro-Peruvian beats with us on October 10th and 24th. We’ll kick off a busy holiday season with the return of Only Make Believe, this time performing Marvelous Mickey, Circus Star on November 14th and 21st. Then, wrap up your 2026 with us as we share a series of multicultural Holiday Stories on December 12th and 19th.
We’ll ring in 2027 with a bit of magic, courtesy of the magnificent Michael Chamberlin performing January 9th and 23rd. We’ll then welcome back Taratibu Youth Association with a showcase of Pan-African music and dance on our Main Stage on February 27th. Keep the music going as we return to the Helen Hayes with Ms. Niki and her fun, interactive children’s music playing March 13th and 27th.
With spring in full swing, it’s off to India with classical dance company Prakriti Dance, sharing nature stories with us on April 10th and 24th. Our fan-favorites at Happy Theater return with an imaginative tale about letters and words, playing May 8th and 22nd. And last but certainly not least, we close with a puppet-led trip to Puerto Rico with Callaloo: The Legend of the Golden Coquí, presented by the Canady Foundation for the Arts on June 12th and 26th.
Once again, performances will take place at 10am, with special encore performances at 11:30am on Main Stage days. We’re delighted to provide ASL interpretation at all programs and are looking forward to spreading out into the community with another cycle of The National Theatre Live at the Library in the spring.
We can’t wait to share our friends’ wonderful artistry with you this season. Please join us at The National for any and all (and bring a friend with you, too)!
Kick the Season Off Right
We’re delighted to kick of the 2026-27 Saturday Morning Live at The National season with this special Main Stage engagement! Join us as Choy Wun Lion Dance Troupe shares this Chinese dance practice aimed at celebrating auspicious occasions. Watch these incredible dancers and musicians at work and learn more about this vibrant cultural tradition. Performances at 10am and 11:30am on September 12th. Pre-registration is now live on Eventbrite; walk-ups are welcome, pending the availability of space.
For More Information…
Click the buttons below to learn more about our longest-running public program and follow us on Eventbrite. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more insights and highlights. We can’t wait to welcome you to The National Theatre!