by Maya Gold

After its inaugural success in 2019, Open Streets returns to Georgia Avenue on Saturday, October 2nd from 10am to 3pm. Three miles of Georgia Avenue — between Barry Place NW and Missouri Avenue — will be closed to cars. Instead, residents can walk, bike, run and scooter in the street. It’ll be the first of a series of Open Streets events that will be held across all eight wards in 2021-2022.

“We know now more than ever the value and health benefits of creating more space for residents to be active and enjoy our communities outside of their cars,” said DDOT Acting Director Everett Lott in a statement. “The Georgia Avenue Open Streets event – and the others we are planning for across all eight wards – offer a glimpse of how District Streets can possibly look when we depend less on cars and more on sustainable, active transportation.”

Rain or shine, there will be a multitude of events including dance and fitness classes all up and down Georgia Avenue, a Howard University marching band will perform, there will be Go-Go music, kids music, a bike safety clinic, a rock wall and more. See the Open Streets website for full list of activities.

Local businesses are also activating the space in front of their business for the day to display merchandise and to provide fun activities, live music, and outdoor dining. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau and Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George will be attending.

All side streets adjacent to the Open Streets route will be closed to vehicles. Individuals needing to cross the route should do so by bike or walking. Detours for vehicles will be provided. Parking restrictions on Georgia Avenue begin on Saturday, October 2nd at 2am and end at 5pm — they’ll start towing cars (a “courtesy tow”) at 6am to a vacant spot nearby.