Comedian Chelsea Handler Returns to DC

Chelsea Handler is bringing her stand-up back to Washington, DC when she takes the stage at DAR Constitution Hall on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. The night is part of her High and Mighty Tour, giving DC audiences a chance to see Handler’s sharp, candid comedy in one of the city’s biggest and most storied venues.

Chelsea Handler at DAR Constitution Hall

Handler rose to fame as the host of the late-night talk show Chelsea Lately on E!, where she fearlessly skewered celebrities and pop culture from 2007 to 2014 across more than a thousand episodes. Her unconventional approach to late-night television, featuring a rotating roundtable of comedians and deliberately courting low-grade celebrities alongside A-list guests, made her a standout voice in a male-dominated landscape. She became only the second woman to host a late-night talk show in the United States, following in the footsteps of Joan Rivers.

Beyond television, Handler has established herself as a six-time New York Times bestselling author with titles like "My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One Night Stands," "Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea," and "Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang." Her 2019 memoir "Life Will Be the Death of Me:…and You Too!" chronicled what she called her year of self-discovery, while her most recent book "I'll Have What She's Having" hit shelves in 2025. Handler's willingness to discuss taboo subjects with humor and honesty has resonated with readers who appreciate her no-holds-barred approach to life's messier moments.

In recent years, Handler has continued to evolve as a performer and cultural commentator. Her 2020 HBO Max comedy special "Evolution" earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album, while her 2022 Netflix special "Revolution" showcased her signature blend of personal storytelling and social commentary. She followed that success with "The Feeling" in 2025, further cementing her status as one of the most prolific stand-up comedians working today. Handler's comedy tackles everything from relationships and dating frustrations to her rowdy rescue dogs and her vision for how society should function, all delivered with her characteristic boldness and self-deprecating humor.

Handler has also used her platform to address serious topics, including white privilege, women's reproductive rights, and political activism. Her 2019 documentary "Hello, Privilege. It's Me, Chelsea" explored the impact of white privilege on American culture through an introspective lens, demonstrating her willingness to examine uncomfortable truths. She has collaborated with organizations like EMILY's List to support Democratic women candidates and has been vocal about her own personal experiences, including speaking openly about having an abortion at age sixteen. This combination of comedy and advocacy has made Handler a distinctive voice who refuses to separate entertainment from meaningful social discourse.

For DC comedy fans looking for an alternative to typical Valentine's weekend plans, Handler's February 13th show offers something decidedly unconventional. Her comedy is earthy, bawdy, and unapologetically honest, reflecting her philosophy that the best humor comes from leaning into discomfort and speaking uncomfortable truths. Whether discussing her personal life, dissecting current events, or sharing the kind of stories that make audiences simultaneously cringe and laugh, Handler brings an energy and authenticity that sets her apart from more conventional comedians.