Lincoln Theatre DC: Concerts, Parking, Metro & Venue Guide

Lincoln Theatre is a restored 1922 movie palace on U Street NW, right next to Ben’s Chili Bowl. Once the heart of the neighborhood known as Black Broadway, it now hosts concerts, comedy, and talks booked by I.M.P., the company behind the 9:30 Club and The Anthem.

Here’s what you need to know about tickets, seating, parking, and Metro before a show.

Lincoln Theatre Venue Information

• Address: 1215 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
• Location: U Street Corridor, across from the U Street Metro station
• Capacity: About 1,225
• Age policy: All ages unless otherwise posted
• Format: Theater seating with an orchestra level and balcony; some shows open the floor for standing
• Tickets: Ticketmaster

Upcoming Concerts and Tickets at Lincoln Theatre

See upcoming shows on our Lincoln Theatre event listings or browse the full DC Social Guide concert calendar. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster and the I.M.P. box offices. Visit the official Lincoln Theatre website for announcements.

Who Books Shows at Lincoln Theatre?

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities owns the building, and I.M.P. has operated it since 2013. Expect singer-songwriters, indie and soul acts, comedians, and podcast tapings.

Parking at Lincoln Theatre

The theater does not have its own lot. The Reeves Center garage at 1425 U St NW is the closest garage, and paid lots sit along U Street between 13th and 14th Streets and on 12th Street between U and V. Garages fill on busy nights, so reserve ahead.

Metro and Rideshare

The U Street station on the Green and Yellow lines is across the street; use the 13th Street exit. Rideshare drop-off works on U Street or 12th Street, though traffic on U Street can crawl on weekend nights.

What to Expect at Lincoln Theatre

The room is an ornate, classical-revival theater with a balcony and good sightlines. Many shows are fully seated; if you have a general admission ticket, seating is limited, so arrive at doors if you want a seat which is a pain! Out of town visitors don’t know this and often arrive at the venue only to find scattered single seats.

There are bars in the lobby. ID is required if you plan to buy alcohol.

Lincoln Theatre History

Lincoln Theatre opened on January 22, 1922, showing silent films and vaudeville to the city’s Black community and hosting performers like Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. It declined after the 1968 riots, was restored with District support in the early 1990s, and reopened in 1994. It is part of the Greater U Street Historic District on the National Register.

Lincoln Theatre FAQ

Is Lincoln Theatre all ages?

Yes, unless a show is posted otherwise.

Is Lincoln Theatre seated?

Most shows are seated. Some general admission shows have limited seating.

What Metro station is closest?

U Street on the Green and Yellow lines, directly across the street.

Where can I park?

The Reeves Center garage at 1425 U St NW and nearby paid lots on U and 12th Streets.

Who runs Lincoln Theatre?

I.M.P. operates the theater for the District of Columbia.

Also nearby: The Atlantis and The Howard Theatre.

Hours, policies, and parking details can change. Check the official venue website before you go.

Map and Directions

Lincoln Theatre
1215 U St NW
Washington, DC 20009

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