In March, the Kennedy Center created a new all-time attendance record for a public event, even with being boycotted by the Democrats since President Donald Trump’s was elected for the second time.
The public event that broke the attendance record was the Kennedy Center’s “EARTH to SPACE: Arts Breaking the Sky” fireworks show, which drew more than 11,000 attendees.
GO WOKE, GO BROKE: The Kennedy Center went broke when it was hosting drag shows for kids, now after Trump ended the woke nonsense it’s setting all-time attendance records. https://t.co/vGsIAty1eT pic.twitter.com/E0BP7xtmhT
— @amuse (@amuse) April 10, 2025
The Daily Caller reports:
The history-making moment was celebrated amid a flurry of criticism from liberals about President Donald Trump’s takeover of the entertainment facility. Critics voiced concerns about Trump’s understanding and appreciation for the arts when he took control of the Kennedy Center. However, attendance numbers have told a different story. With a focus on shifting away from politically-charged programming, the facility experienced tremendous success with a widely-attended fireworks show.
A Kennedy Center representative noted that 76% of all attendees at the fireworks show had never stepped foot in the venue before. The event was open to the public, with free first-come, first-served tickets available on the Kennedy Center website.
Visitors took in the show on the 360-degree rooftop terrace and flocked to the riverwalk to take in the magic of art as the fireworks filled the skies above the Potomac River. The first 800 visitors were treated to a VIP experience by having the opportunity to send an individual firework into the sky through the cAITM — Cai Guo-Qiang’s custom AI model — web interface.
As far as future shows, Roma Daravi, VP of PR for the Kennedy Center revealed that the center will be offering similar programs in the future.
“It was wonderful to have so many new visitors at the Kennedy Center for Cai Guo-Qiang’s firework showcase. We look forward to their return for more wonderful programming soon. Everyone is welcome here!” Daravi exclaimed.