It’s hard to imagine a world in which nightclubs fully reopen and offer $1,000 bottle service, VIP tables, and sweaty dancing. But here in D.C., Heist is doing just that by bringing a pop-up nightclub to the Kennedy Center’s rooftop, starting this Saturday.

There’s a reason all this might sound familiar: The popular Dupont Circle nightclub of the same name — which has been closed temporarily since March 2020 — tried unsuccessfully to bring a rooftop version to the Kennedy Center last September. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser had granted waivers to six venues, including the Kennedy Center, through a live entertainment pilot, allowing them to host live music events with a limited audience of 50 people. Heist, however, offered up more than 350 tickets for its opening night on the rooftop terrace and quickly sold out the event. After receiving backlash and stirring up confusion, the Kennedy Center released a statement saying more time was needed to assess its plans, and the club pop up never launched.

Nightlife entrepreneur Vinoda Basnayake, principal of Versus Equity — the company behind Casta’s Rum Bar, Morris American Bar, and Heist’s Dupont lounge —  says last summer wasn’t the right time to launch the rooftop series. The time is now, he says.

“We were looking for the best, most iconic views and outdoor space,” Basnayake says. “All roads lead to the Kennedy Center.”

But even with a COVID protocol specialist he hired last summer, “the event would have been muted,” he says. “It wouldn’t have been as impactful as it’s going to be now.” (For example, last year’s planned event wouldn’t have had a live DJ, just a set playlist of club songs.)

This time, from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. over eight consecutive Saturdays, Heist will rent the Kennedy Center rooftop terrace to host 60 VIP tables and cabanas for a capacity of up to 500 guests. The club is situated on the corner of the building that faces the Washington Monument.

It won’t just be bottles and EDM hits — Emmy-nominated producer Robert Pullen, who’s behind major award shows and ceremonies like former President Barack Obama’s 2009 inaugural swearing in and the Kennedy Center Honors, will produce the events.

“The views of the water and monuments is so perfect that its almost hard to mess that up,” Basnayake says. “So [Pullen] is highlighting what’s already there and adding elements of a nightclub.”

A DJ booth sits at the apex of an upside-down-L-shaped arrangement of tables and cabanas.

A quick look at the bottle menu: Johnny Walker Black Label will cost you $300. Tables and cabanas range from $240 to $1,000 and offer things like Grey Goose and expensive champagnes, dessert platters, Red Bull packs, access to a private elevator, and early admission to the roof.

If it seems like this is an upscale event, well, that’s because it kind of is. In its heydey in Dupont, Heist — which had a robbery theme, by the way — was known for hosting Michelle Obama, LeBron James, Adam Levine, and the Stanley Cup-winning Washington Capitals. On the event’s website, the guidance on dress code is simply: “You will be at the Kennedy Center. Make an effort!”

The club’s mastermind, Basnayake, is “Down” singer Jay Sean’s friend and former tour manager. He’s also the local lawyer, lobbyist, and Georgetown University alum who acquired Kanye West’s childhood art collection. DCist asked Basnayake whether any big-name celebrities would be making an appearance at the opening night at the Kennedy Center.

“One thing that Heist prides itself in is that we’ve been kind of a celebrity hot spot,” Basnayake says. “We have a couple of celebrities that we know will be in town and attending. I think part of the reason that they feel comfortable coming to our club is that we don’t advertise [their names].”

A rotating list of DJs will provide the club’s soundtrack each weekend; opening night will feature Biks, Jay Sean’s official DJ. Basnayake says a list of surprise “special performers” will also provide entertainment.

The organizers say they are following all federal and local health and safety guidelines. Guests will be required to wear masks inside the Kennedy Center, but will not be required to do so on the terrace.

For those wondering about the original Heist nightclub, Basnayake says the Dupont spot will open “the minute the summer ends.” He adds that Versus is opening two new venues in Tyson’s Corner and Mt. Vernon Triangle.

In the meantime, Heist’s rooftop spot is once again booking tables with ease.

“Last I checked, we have three tables left,” Basnayake says. “I’m anticipating a sellout today, which is exciting.”

Heist Summer Series is located at 2700 F St. NW, on the rooftop. Open on Saturdays June 26-Aug. 14 from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. On June 29, reservations will open for the following four Saturdays.