HEIST x Kennedy Center is the first-in-the-nation collaboration bringing socially responsible nightlife programming to an iconic US cultural center

The weekend pop-up begins Saturday, October 3rd

(Washington D.C.) September 28, 2020 -- Vibrant nightlife and cultural offerings finally return to Washington with the launch of a new socially distant pop-up lounge on the iconic rooftop of the Kennedy Center. HEIST x Kennedy Center is a grand, socially responsible experiment in restoring much-needed life to the Washington scene, opening October 3rd and featuring outdoor experiences, a unique bottle service offering, and a hit-music playlist curated by the hottest DJs in the country.

This new enterprise from Versus—the parent company behind Castas Rum Bar, Morris American Bar and HEIST—marks the first-ever nightclub to make a splash on the rooftop of the world-class D.C. cultural institution. HEIST is experienced at taking nightlife to new and unexpected locales, popping up at the SXSW festival, Austin City Limits Live, Baltimore’s Preakness Stakes, and more. Emmy-nominated producer Robert Pullen—whose past work has included the Kennedy Center Honors, Mark Twain Awards and President Barack Obama’s 2009 inaugural swearing-in ceremony—will produce the series.

“We’re so excited to bring back culture and nightlife experiences for our community here in Washington, which is so in need of uplift this year,” says Versus principal Vinoda Basnayake. “I’m beyond thrilled with the surprise elements we have planned for our guests and can’t wait to see this cultural landmark that I personally grew up visiting alight with the energy of HEIST.”

With a glamorous and exclusive design echoing the sleek sophistication of the original HEIST location, the sprawling outdoor terrace lounge will play home to 20 Ultra VIP cabanas and 40 VIP tables boasting unparalleled views of the Potomac River, Georgetown waterfront, and more. Each VIP cabana includes priority admission for up to 6 guests, private elevator access, snack tray, dessert platter and a Red Bull package. VIP tables start at $240 and come with admission for up to 6 guests, snack platter and a bottle of Moet champagne.

Reservations and food + beverage orders must be booked in advance to ensure contactless set-up at each table. HEIST x Kennedy Center will enforce the following precautions for utmost safety:

All staff will be in masks and food and beverage delivery will be contactless
Hand sanitizer will be readily available at each table
Temperature checks for ticketed patrons, artists, and staff
Socially distanced table placement
Single-use mixers and nonalcoholic beverages
Masks required inside Kennedy Center and at tables when not eating/drinking
Maximum group size for reservations limited to 6 people
Elevator trips will be limited to groups attending together

Following the October 3rd launch, HEIST x Kennedy Center will be open on Saturdays from 8pm to 12am. The pop-up’s duration is weather-dependent. To browse the full menu, reserve a table and pre-order food + bottle service, please visit heistxkennedycenter.com. Reservation sign-ups will go live every Tuesday at 10am.

PRESS CONTACT: For interviews, high-resolution imagery, or additional details, please contact Dannia Hakki of MoKi Media | @dannia.hakki@mokimedia.com | 202.257.9911.

ABOUT HEIST: HEIST is Washington’s premier luxury nightlife venue that has attracted the likes of Michelle Obama, Lebron James, Adam Levine, Drake and more. The 2018 Washington Capitals and 2019 Washington Nationals celebrated their Stanley Cup and World Series victories at the Dupont Circle nightclub. With a nod to the great thieves of the world, this subterranean secret in Dupont Circle promises grandeur fun and light-hearted delinquency. At HEIST, you can let go of your inhibitions and prepare to be spirited away into an intimate and elegant underworld where sleek sophistication and cool awaits. HEIST was named “#1 Lounge in America” at the annual Nightclub & Bar Awards in 2018 and has popped up at national events and festivals including SXSW, Austin City Limits Live, Baltimore’s Preakness Stakes and more. For more information, visit www.HeistDC.com.

ABOUT VERSUS: Versus is a lifestyle and entertainment company focused on developing innovative concepts that will excite audiences and deliver unparalleled experiences. Bold creatives, disruptive visionaries and leading players in the industry are brought together at Versus, comprising a team that lives on the cusp of the next big thing. Beyond its own thriving collection of ventures within the hospitality, beauty and lifestyle industries, Versus has also gained recognition for its expertise in venue management and lifestyle/brand consulting. Versus is not for the conventional- in fact, we pride ourselves in pushing every boundary we can find.

The Kennedy Center’s rooftop terrace at night \\ Photo credit: The Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center x Heist rooftop terrace \\ Photo credit: The Kennedy Center

HEIST x Kennedy Center: Responsible nightlife programming returns to Washington at iconic cultural center