Editor’s note: Below is the current status of the reopening of certain venues in the Northern Virginia metro area. We will update this list as things change and/or more venues open.
As spring weather takes hold in Northern Virginia it is hard to not think about outdoor concerts, sporting events and large social gatherings which have all been on hold for the past year due to the pandemic. When will things reopen?
Let’s take a look at some important factors.
- Virginia’s vaccine roll-out is ahead of schedule and residents 16 and older will be able to register for the vaccine on April 18th.
- A new COVID-19 mass vaccination site opened on March 29th in Alexandria. The site, located at 5001 Eisenhower Avenue, while technically in the City of Alexandria, will serve all Fairfax County residents and it is anticipated it will administer thousands of doses a day.
- On April 1st, Governor Northam announced some easing of previous restrictions for private social gatherings which increase limits to 50 people for indoor settings and 100 people for outdoor settings.
All signs point to a continued easing of Covid restrictions. But if we have learned anything over the past year – it is that things can change very quickly. Keeping that in mind, we have done some research to determine if and when some of our favorite activities and entertainment venues in Northern Virginia will resume operations.
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals will open its gates to a limited number of fans for the beginning of the 2021 season. This will begin at a reduced capacity of 5,000 fans – prioritizing bringing our Season Plan Holders back to the ballpark first while seating capacity remains extremely limited.
UPDATED 4/12/21– Capacity has increased to 25%, now allowing approximately 10,000 fans.
Camden Yards
The Baltimore Orioles will open at 25% capacity, allowing approximately 11,000 fans to begin the season, with all attendees required to wear masks covering their face and nose at all times except when eating or drinking at their assigned seats.
Capital One Arena
Capital One Arena is Closed. Following the recommendations of the DC Government and suspending all public events at Capital One Arena until further notice. Though the NBA and NHL have resumed games in home arenas for the 2020-2021 season, local D.C. ordinances have deemed that the teams must begin their respective schedules without fans in attendance.
UPDATED 4/12/21 – Capital One Arena will open at 10 percent capacity, hosting around 2,100 fans for Capitals and Wizards home games.
DC Convention Center – Closed to the public until further notice
Kennedy Center
Currently, the Kennedy Center has canceled all previously scheduled full-capacity programs through the summer due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
UPDATED – The Kennedy Center will welcome back guest beginning October 13, 2021 for its 2021-2022 season.
Kennedy Center Victura Park at the Reach Open weekends beginning April 9th
The family and pet friendly outdoor beer and wine garden at the Kennedy Center serving beer, wine and cocktails along with food to order.
Smithsonian Reopening’s
May is a great month for folks wanting to visit the Smithsonian museums. Many will be reopening in May:
Steven Udvar Hazy Center – open May 5th
National Portrait Gallery – reopens May 14th
American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery – Reopen May 14th
National Museum of African American History and Culture – Reopens May 14th
National Museum of American History – reopens May 21st
National Zoo – reopens May 21st
National Museum of the American Indian – Reopens May 21st
National Building Museum – Opens April 9th
Museum is open Friday through Sunday 11am–4 pm
Kings Dominion
Kings Dominion will open to the general public on Saturday, May 22. Soak City water park will open on Saturday, May 29. All 2020 Season Passes have been extended through 2021.
Wolf Trap
Wolf Trap has canceled all 2020 summer performances due to the ongoing effects of the coronavirus throughout the Washington DC metro area.
The Anthem Theater (as well as 9:30 Club, Lincoln Theatre, Merriweather Post Pavilion)
Due to the ongoing public health crisis and the continued limitations on large gatherings, many events at 9:30 Club, Lincoln Theatre, Merriweather Post Pavilion, and The Anthem, as well as 9:30 Club Presents at U Street Music Hall shows, have been impacted. If you have tickets to an upcoming show, we will make you aware of any changes to that show and advise about refund options via email.
Movie Theaters
Angelika at Mosaic – Open to the public
Regal Theaters – Temporarily closed but planning to reopen late April or May.
Cinemark Theaters – Fairfax Corner and Centreville – Open to the public
Cinema Arts Theater – Open to the public
AMC Theater – Shirlington and Worldgate
These theatres are now open 3 days a week with new AMC Safe & Clean policies and procedures. The theatre is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
AMC Courthouse Plaza and Tysons Corner 16 – Open to the public
University Mall Theatres – Open to the public
Arlington Cinema Drafthouse
Open at reduced capacity. Capacity has been reduced to 30% to accommodate social distancing practices. Seating will be in compliance with social distancing Virginia phase 3 mandates
Airbus IMAX Theater – Temporarily Closed
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Open to the public with enhanced Covid precautions
Mount Vernon – Open to the public from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., daily with enhanced safety protocols.
Fairfax County Parks
All Fairfax County Park Authority parks are open; some facilities and amenities may be limited in order to remain in compliance with current COVID-19 safety guidance. FCPA asks that all visitors follow proper social distancing and safety protocols.
WMATA Metro has restored most rail and bus service to pre-Covid levels across the region.
Northern Virginia Swim League (NVSL)
NVSL has announced that they are moving ahead with a swim season this summer and have seeded teams for Summer 2021. Their website notes “This is a fluid situation and we are closely monitoring the state and local health guidelines that govern youth sports. These guidelines will help us determine the type of season we are able to have. We ask for your patience while we work on the details. We will share more information about the season in the weeks ahead and as guidelines change and decisions are made.”
Private Community Pool -Most of the pools we checked with plan to open this summer. Contact your neighborhood pool for more information.
