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Olney Outdoors is back!

We're back for another great summer of music, laughter, friends, and fun.

This year we kick things off with a concert Broadway star Norm Lewis (July 25), to celebrate Olney Theatre's 86th Birthday. That's followed by six weeks of some of the best tribute bands, cabarets, comics, and drag queens in the regions. We've also got some special events just for kids. Check out the full schedule below.

Coming This Summer to the Root Family Stage at Omi's Pavilion

Outdoors

Schedule

All programs begin at 8:00 pm on the Root Family Stage at Omi’s Pavilion, except where noted.

View the Olney Outdoors Calendar

Week One: July 25 - July 28

  • Opening Night: A Night with Norm Lewis

    Thursday, July 25 at 8:00 pm
    Tickets: $86

    Celebrate the opening of Olney Outdoors and Olney Theatre’s 86th birthday with a special concert by Emmy, Tony, and SAG Award nominee Norm Lewis. In May of 2014 Norm made history as Phantom of the Opera’s first African-American Phantom on Broadway. Since then he’s earned a Tony Award nomination for his performance as Porgy in The Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess, along with a bevy of other Broadway credits including: Sondheim on Sondheim, The Little Mermaid, Les Misérables, Chicago, Amour, The Wild Party, Side Show, Miss Saigon, and The Who’s Tommy. In London’s West End he has appeared as Javert in Les Misérables and Les Misérables: The 25th Anniversary Concert, which aired on PBS.

  • Comedy: Glen Tickle and Guests

    Friday, July 26 at 8:00 pm
    Tickets: $40

    Glen Tickle (his real name) returns to Olney Outdoors to headline our first of three evenings of standup comedy. The veteran of DryBar Comedy, SiriusXM, and the TravelChannel is joined by DC Comic Winston Hodges, Gina Brown (runner-up on “Sherri’s Funny Over-50”), and Tanya Lewis (2x Church Stars Comedienne of the Year Award).

  • SummerFest

    SummerFest

    Saturday, July 27  
    1:00 pm - 6:30 pm

    Our annual free open house is the perfect way to kick off the first weekend of Olney Outdoors. Come by for backstage tours, workshops, costume and prop sales, games, giveaways, performances, food trucks, and more!

  • Concert: Better Off Dead

    Saturday, July 27 at 8:00 pm
    Tickets: $35

    For over 10 years, Better Off Dead have celebrated the music of The Grateful Dead with the same passion, energy, and exploration as their heroes. They play nearly every song in the Dead catalog, so each show is a unique concert experience for both new and devoted fans. And just like Jerry Garcia said, we “choose fun in this lifetime” so our concerts are filled with lots of dancing, love, smiles, and hugs.

  • Drag and Drinks

    Sunday, July 28 at 3:00 pm
    Tickets: $35

    Hosted by Evon Michelle Dior of SadBrunch
    Featured Queens: Qween Farrazz, Sapphire Dupree, Tiara Missou, Lulu Cavalli

    Join Baltimore’s Drag Queen of the Year for a Sunday afternoon cocktail and performances by fabulous queens bringing music, dance, and attitude.
     

Week Two: August 1-3

  • Concert: Olney Big Band Plays the Rat Pack

    Thursday, August 1, 8:00 pm
    Tickets: $30

    Our local DC musical theatre actors team up with hometown favorite Olney Big Band for this salute that evokes the smokey Vegas casinos and Hollywood nights of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.

  • Cabaret: Here You Come Again - A Salute to Dolly Parton

    Friday, August 2, 8:00 pm
    Tickets: $35  
     

    America’s most unifying and beloved artist is the focus of this cabaret. Join us for some of Dolly’s most popular hits like, Jolene, I Will Always Love You, Islands in the Stream, 9 to 5, and more!
     

  • Young Audiences: Magic with Reggie Rice

    Saturday, August 3
    Two performances at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm
    Tickets: $12

    Reggie Rice is a truly one-of-a-kind entertainer.  He is a 3-time Comedy Magician of the Year and has been the Opening Act for Jordin Sparks and The Former First Lady Of the United States Michelle Obama five times. A headliner on Luxury Cruise Liners, he has also been featured on the Travel Channel, performing his Comedy Magic for hundreds of thousands of people all over the world including Comedian Kevin Hart, Ryan Seacrest, and Shaquille O’Neal!  His foolish energetic approach to magic and comedy makes his show entertaining for audiences of all ages and is guaranteed to have them bursting into laughter.    
     

  • Concert: Eclipse - The Ultimate Journey Tribute

    Saturday, August 3, 8:00 pm
    Tickets: $35

    Don’t stop believing! We’ve got one of Baltimore’s favorite bands and one of the top Journey tribute bands anywhere. They’ll be rocking out on the Root Family Stage at Omi’s Pavilion with classic 80s hits like Anyway You Want It, Open Arms, Separate Ways, Oh Sherrie, and more!

Week Three: August 8-11

  • Cabaret: You Can Go Your Own Way - The Songs of Fleetwood Mac

    Thursday, August 8 at 8:00 pm
    Tickets: $35

    Our cadre of local DC artists can’t wait to go to town on the catalog of one of the most enduring bands from the 70s and 80s. Whether it is reliving the galloping rhythms of songs like Go Your Own Way, or the aching emotion of Landslide, the songs of Fleetwood Mac always make for a good time.
     

     

  • Comedy: James Lawson

    With Sherri Priester, Quincy Carr, Irwin Loring
    Friday, August 9 at 8:00 pm
    Tickets: $40

    James Lawson is a Richmond Virginia native known for being one of the funniest and diverse comedians on the come up. He's been seen on the TV One network, Comcast Cable's On Demand Feature, and opening for DL Hughley. He’ll be joined by Sherri Priester (Coast Comedy Live), Quincy Carr (The Quality Comedy Show), and Irwin Loring (Give A Hoot Comedy Club).
     

  • Concert: Rockabilly Rumble

    Saturday, August 10 at 8:00 pm
    Tickets: $40

    Get ready to Shake, Rattle and Roll with this one-of-a-kind, high-octane rockabilly concert experience! Rockabilly Rumble is a musical experience celebrating the southern rock music that exploded on the scene in the 1950s. The performance, which features six extraordinary musicians — all of whom have appeared in productions of “Million Dollar Quartet” and “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” — will have you dancing in your Blue Suede Shoes. The performance features songs made famous by Bo Ridley, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and more. Relive their most popular hits, along with some forgotten gems. “Rockabilly Rumble” is a dance-worthy, foot-stomping evening you’ll never forget!
     

  • Drag and Drinks

    Sunday, August 11 at 3:00 pm
    Tickets: $35

    Hosted by Evon Michelle of SadBrunch
    Featured Queens: Sapphire Dupree, Laylah Alexander, Siren Kelly, Crystal Edge

    Join Baltimore’s Drag Queen of the Year for a Sunday afternoon cocktail and performances by three fabulous queens bringing music, dance, and attitude.
     

Week Four: August 15 - 17

  • Rodgers and Hammerstein with Company E

    Thursday, August 15 at 8:00 pm
    Tickets: $40

    Part cabaret and part dance concert, join us for an extraordinary evening that will feature hits and hidden gems from the R&H catalog, plus Company E Dance troupe’s interpretation of the Dream Ballet from Oklahoma!

     

  • Cabaret: Salute to Joni Mitchell

    Friday, August 16 at 8:00 pm
    Tickets: $40

    Whether you are a Joni Mitchell fan or a Joni Mitchell fanatic this promises to be one of our most popular cabarets of the summer. Our ensemble of local DC-area performers tackles a repertoire of Joni’s classic songs including Chelsea Morning, Both Sides Now, Big Yellow Taxi, and River.

  • Young Audiences: Sing-Along with Disney Princesses

    Saturday, August 17
    Two performances at 10 am and 12:30 pm

    $12

    Calling all Ariels, Belles, Tianas, and Elsas! Get ready for this winter’s production of Disney’s Frozen with this sing-along of classic Disney tunes! 
     

  • Concert: The Moonlighters - A Tribute to Motown

    Saturday, August 17 at 8:00 pm
    Tickets: $35

    Since 1990, The Moonlighters have been performing throughout the United States as one of the country’s best-loved and most authentic Motown and variety dance bands. Just close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re in Motor City itself. But don’t close them for too long or you won’t be able to enjoy their outstanding dance moves and showmanship.
     

Week Five: August 22 - 25

  • Devotion: A Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire

    Thursday, August 22 at 8:00 pm
    Tickets: $50

    Devotion is a dedicated, seasoned self contained band. The Compelling All-Star Band continues to travel this Earth, like the Wind and Create Fire on stages with many famous Global acts that have changed the course of R&B, Funk, and Jazz History. The Band came together to bring you a musical experience of one of the greatest bands ever. Let your mind drift away, and reminisce about your favorite songs including: Shining Star, September, Can’t Hide Love, That’s the Way of the World, Let’s Groove, Be Ever Wonderful
     

  • Comedy: Patrice DeVeaux

    Friday, August 23 at 8:00 pm
    Tickets: $40

    With Anthony Oates, Dewayne White and Clarence Nixon
    Patrice DeVeaux has performed across the country. She has appeared at Helium Comedy Club In Philadelphia, Warm Daddy's Soul Comedy in Philadelphia, and The Richmond & Virginia Beach Funny Bone. Winner of The Clash of the Comics and a Grand Champion of the DC Improv's Kumite Competition. She’s joined by Dewayne White (USO) and Clarence Nixon
     

  • Concert: Almost Queen

    Saturday, August 24 at 8:00 pm
    Tickets: $50

    They don't just pay tribute to the legendary band, Almost Queen transports you back in time to experience the magic and essence of Queen themselves. This deliberate four piece band is "guaranteed to blow your mind" with iconic four-part harmonies and expertly executed musical interludes. Almost Queen's impressive tribute to the legendary band is nothing short of breathtaking. The band's authenticity shines through in their impeccable attention to detail and genuine costumes, while their live energy and precision will leave music fans of all ages with an unforgettable concert experience. Fans travel long distances just to experience Almost Queen's carefully curated setlist featuring Queen's best-loved songs, like Somebody to Love, Don't Stop Me Now, Fat Bottomed Girls, and Radio Ga Ga. 
     

  • Drag and Drinks

    Sunday, August 25 at 3:00 pm
    Tickets: $35

    Hosted by Evon Michelle of SadBrunch
    Featured Queens: Ada Vox (from RuPaul’s Drag Race), Sapphire Dupree, Enigma, Tiara Missou 

    Join Baltimore’s Drag Queen of the Year for a Sunday afternoon cocktail and performances by three fabulous queens bringing music, dance, and attitude.

Week Six: August 30 - 31

  • Cabaret: Fancy - The Songs of Reba McEntire

    Friday, August 30 at 8:00 pm
    Tickets: $40

    They don’t call Reba, “The Queen of Country” for nothing. Over the course of 50 years she’s had over 100 hits on the Billboard Country charts. While our intrepid performers won’t have time for all of them, you can bet they’ll give a tour of her highlights including Whoever’s In New England, Somebody Should Leave, Fancy, and You Lie.

  • Concert: Satisfaction: A Rolling Stones Tribute

    Saturday, August 31 at 8:00 pm
    Tickets: $35

    A tribute to The Rolling Stones, Satisfaction began as a collective love for the “Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World.”  A talented and experienced group of players brings you the sounds of the Stones like you have never experienced them before. 

Seating

For most events seating for Olney Outdoors is purchased by section. Those sections include:

  • Individual Seats - Olney Theatre-provided chairs in front of the stage
  • Bleacher Seats - Metal bleachers further back -- what they lack in back-support, make up for in sightlines.
  • Lawn - Areas for blankets and bring-your-own chair. Sightlines may be obscured.

Seating within sections is general admission. So arrive early to save your seat.

In case of severe weather, programs may have delayed start times, be moved to an indoor location, or be rescheduled for another evening. Patrons will be notified about any changes on the day of the program by email, and notices will be placed on our website and social media accounts. Refunds will only be issued if an event is canceled. Patrons unable to attend a rescheduled event may exchange their tickets for credit to be used towards another Olney Theatre Center program.  

All-Access Membership

If more than one or two events sound exciting, then you should consider purchasing our All-Access Membership. For only $125 you can see everything Olney Theatre produces and presents, including Mainstage performances from July 1 - September 30*.

Available for singles, couples, and households!

The All-Access membership goes on sale June 1.

Sponsors

Box Office: 301.924.3400

Open Wednesday - Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

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