Submitted by Washington Center for the Performing Arts
The Washington Center invites you to a season of laughter, drama, music and dance. The 2026/2027 season at the Washington Center features an expansive lineup spanning Broadway touring productions, nationally acclaimed comedians, jazz, Celtic rock, contemporary dance, family programming, literary evenings, and more. Subscription packages are available now, with tickets on sale to everyone July 16.
Executive Director, Jill Barnes says, “There’s nothing quite like the moment a punchline lands and the whole room erupts in laughter together, or when a melody hits you somewhere deep in your chest. We’ve built this season for people who love having something to look forward to, and who want to walk out feeling more alive than when they walked in. That’s the magic of live performance. This season is full of it.”
Broadway Comes to Olympia
The 26/27 season features two beloved Broadway touring productions. “Clue” brings the iconic murder mystery board game to theatrical life in a riotous whodunit full of surprises. The Tony-nominated musical “Waitress,” with its irresistible score by Grammy-award winner Sara Bareilles and warmhearted story, will delight fans of musical theater and first-time theatergoers alike.
A Season Loaded with Laughs
The Washington Center doubles down on comedy in 26/27, presenting an exceptional roster of stand-up, sketch, and improv. Highlights include:
- “Randy Rainbow: National Freakin’ Treasure” — the beloved political satirist and internet sensation brings his razor-sharp wit to the main stage
- “Tig Notaro: Out of Nowhere” — one of comedy’s most singular voices returns with a brand-new show
- “God Is A Scottish Drag Queen: A Christmas Special” —the most divine Christmas show you never knew you needed
- “Seattle International Comedy Competition” — the premier showcase for emerging stand-up talent in the Pacific Northwest
- Ladies of Laughter – three very funny ladies will take the stage
- Comedy Underground – our Black Box series returns with three different comedians each night
- BATSU! — four fearless comedians face off in improv challenges where failure means hilarious punishment
Music, Dance, and International Arts
From jazz to Celtic rock to contemporary dance, the 26/27 season features an extraordinary range of musical and movement-based performance. Skerryvore, the acclaimed Scottish Celtic rock band, returns to the Washington Center. International Guitar Night is back for another unforgettable evening of world guitar mastery, while Phat Cat Swinger and The Wellermen promise foot-stomping fun for music lovers of all ages.
Other music highlights include “The Ultimate Throwback Party: Dwayne Gretzky Live at the Center,” a high-energy celebration of the greatest hits of the ’80s and ’90s, Blind Boys of Alabama: Songs in the Key of Life — the Grammy–winning gospel legends celebrate 50 years of Stevie Wonder’s iconic album.
The dance and movement programming is equally impressive. “MOMIX: Botanica” brings the visually stunning MOMIX company to Olympia in a production inspired by the natural world. “Compagnie Hervé Koubi’s Sol Invictus” is an explosive and acrobatic performance unlike anything else on stage.
Literary Evenings, Thought Leaders, and Adventure
The Washington Center brings powerful voices and big ideas in the 26/27 season. “FDR’s Very Happy Hour” offers a spirited and entertaining look at history’s most charismatic president. “An Evening with Amy Tan” invites audiences into an intimate conversation with one of American literature’s most beloved storytellers. Journalist and historian Timothy Egan brings his celebrated perspective to the stage. Travel writer and television personality Rick Steves presents “Travel as a Political Act,” exploring the transformative power of experiencing the world. “Bill W. and Dr. Bob” brings a powerful stage drama about the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The Adventure Series returns with two extraordinary programs:
- “Among Wild Predators” with National Geographic explorer Casey Anderson – a powerful visual and emotional journey into the hearts and lives of what most people run from: grizzlies, mountain lions, tigers, and other dangerous predators.
- “Forces of Nature” with National Geographic photographer Keith Ladzinski – experience the breathtaking beauty and raw power of our planet like you never have before.
Family Programming and Special Events
Family audiences will delight in Lightwire Theater’s “The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Gen,” a magical electroluminescent puppetry show that wows all ages, and “The Little Mermaid Sing-Along,” an interactive cinematic event perfect for fans young and old. “Treasure Island Reimagined Jane Hawkins and the Pirate’s Gold — A Live-Action Graphic Novel,” is a fresh take on the beloved swashbuckling adventure featuring a bold new heroine, a stunning live-action graphic novel format, and performers bringing every voice and sound effect to life before your eyes.
The Silent Movie Series returns this season with High Rise Hijinks, featuring Laurel & Hardy’s Liberty and Harold Lloyed’s Safety Last! in September, as well as a rare screening of The Flying Ace in February. Dennis James will accompany both events and perform a celebration of the music of Fats Waller as part of the February event in celebration of Black History Month.
Subscriptions Now Available
Season Subscriptions (5 or more shows) are now on sale! Subscribers get the best deal on their tickets as well as getting pre-sale access to future events, and an invitation to our annual season preview event!
Subscribing is a way of saying yes — to great plans, to the version of yourself that leans forward and gets surprised, to events you’ll be talking about on the drive home. For more information and to subscribe, visit the Washington Center website.
A full list of 25-26 season events is available here.
The Washington Center offers military, low-income family (LIFT), and student rush discounts. More information can be found here.
