The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts Board of Trustees voted unanimously to temporarily close the Center for a comprehensive revitalization project. Following an Independence Day Celebration, the Center will close for approximately two years, with a Grand Re-Opening to follow.
Connected to this announcement comes the uncertainty of the currently-scheduled touring productions that have engagements scheduled to take place following the July 4th celebration and subsequent closure.
As of publication, Back to the Future (July 7-19, 2026), Mrs. Doubtfire (July 14–August 2, 2026) and The Outsiders (July 28–August 16, 2026) are still listed on the events page of the Center’s site. However, with this news, we anticipate that these touring productions will either cancel their engagements altogether or find an alternate location nearby.
Currently, neither Back to the Future nor Mrs. Doubtfire have any engagements immediately before or after the stops at the Trump Kennedy Center. So, this could provide additional vacation time or an opportunity to play at another location. However, given that there have been no scheduled engagements at this time, it appears that the current tour of Back to the Future will end following its engagement in Portland, OR, and will therefore cancel its engagement in DC.
One possibility to consider for The Outsiders is to have their prior engagement in Toronto extend beyond the current July 26 end date. However, a change in venue would have to take place as the Princess of Wales Theatre is booked with another show starting July 28.
As this is a fluid situation, we will provide updates as information becomes public.
“From day one, our mission was to make the Trump Kennedy Center a place every American could be proud of, and this renovation is the fulfillment of that promise,” said Ambassador Richard Grenell. “I am grateful to Chairman Trump for his visionary leadership and to the Board of Trustees for their support. What comes next will be worth the wait, and I am confident that Matt Floca will oversee this next chapter with the dedication and excellence this Center deserves.”
Chairman President Trump secured a historic $257 million from Congress to address decades of deferred maintenance. The Board’s decision to temporarily pause operations will allow for the most comprehensive and efficient renovation effort, setting the stage for a revitalized National Cultural and Entertainment Complex for all Americans to enjoy.
“President Trump and Ambassador Grenell set a bold new course for the Trump Kennedy Center, and today’s unanimous vote sets the stage for an exciting new chapter,” said Roma Daravi, Vice President of Public Relations. “This project will transform the Center into a world-class destination worthy of the nation’s legacy and future — a landmark where every American is welcome to experience artistic excellence and premiere entertainment.”
ABOUT THE TRUMP KENNEDY CENTER
The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts is America’s living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, attracting millions of visitors each year to more than 2,000 performances, events, and exhibits. With its artistic affiliate, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Center is one of the nation’s most prestigious performing arts centers, dedicated to providing world-class art, powerful education, and outstanding memorial experiences to the broadest possible constituency.
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