So many great community fall events coming up at The Parks at Walter Reed
/The Parks at Walter Reed hosts a ton of free events for the community, from a Farmers’ Market to outdoor movie night, to yoga and the upcoming Down in the Reeds Festival and avant garde theater.
Here’s a rundown of what you can enjoy!
Movies on the Lawn: Respect, September 17
The Parks presents Movies on the Lawn, the second season of our film series in partnership with the Home Rule Music and Film Preservation Foundation.
Respect: (2021, PG-13) follows the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom, Respect is the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice; starring Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker and Marlon Wayans.
The fun begins at 6pm, Sept. 17, with DJ tunes, and the film starts at dark (around 7:30 pm). Bring your blankets and chairs for a fun evening. There will be craft drinks from Anxo Cider and delicious tacos and quesadillas from J&J Taqueria.
Details: The event is free, and all are welcome.
Location: The Great Lawn, 1010 Butternut Street NW. Walking or biking is highly recommended. $10 parking will be available in Abrams Hall (west of the Hoff Memorial Fountain Circle: follow the signs). FREE, all ages.
Can’t make it on the 17th? Mark your calendars for the October 15th screening of Encanto. It will get dark earlier, so the film will start before 7 pm. Reserve your free tickets to Encanto >
Farmers Market: Sundays, September 18 & 25
The Parks at Walter Reed Farmers Market has only two more weeks left in the season! The market runs through September 25, each Sunday from 9am to 1pm. Grab your morning coffee from Blue's Coffee & Tea Co., pick up some Burt's Microgreens for weekday salads, and don't miss the breads, veggies, fruits, and natural handmade bath and body products.
Location: The market is at a new spot on the Arts Plaza, 6310 Cameron Drive NW, right next to the dog park. View a full list of details and vendors.
Art All Night: Sept. 23
Join Upper Georgia Avenue Main Street for their second annual Art All Night, with a film showing hosted at The Parks at Walter Reed. Enjoy two locally made documentaries on the Great Lawn on Friday, September 23, 2022 from 6-9:30pm. Learn about the history of some of the DC music scene with the Black Fire Records documentary and Punk the Capital. There will also be an interactive dance installation, produced by Pan Underground, from artist and engineer Kwabena Slaughter, in collaboration with internationally renowned tap dancer Baakari Wilder. Learn more >
80s Night on the Plaza: Sept. 30
It's time for a blast to the past! Come prepared to dance and mingle to all your favorite '80s tunes as DJ Harry Hotter takes everyone back in time. Neighbors DC will again present delightful local makers, including Karmel's Nectars & Liqueurs (drinks on site and to take home), Tequeño World (Venezuelan cuisine), Stars On Her Mind(handmade gifts inspired by nature), and Patreats Boutique (bath and body products). Anxo Cider will provide the beverages.
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Location: Arts Plaza at The Parks, 6310 Cameron Drive NW.
$5 Yoga Classes Each Week, Sundays & Thursdays
Yoga continues twice each week with $5 community classes every Sunday and Thursday on the Great Lawn. These welcoming classes are brought to you by Yoga Heights. No experience is necessary, and all are encouraged to join in for some movement, breath, and stress-relieving yoga.
Dates:
Sundays through September 25, 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Thursdays through September 29, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Down in the Reeds Music Festival
The third Annual Down in the Reeds Festival is taking place on Saturday, October 8th at The Parks at Walter Reed on the grounds of the historic Walter Reed Army Medical Center from 11am to 7pm.
The 2022 music festival line-up celebrates the power of music to heal across community and culture. This year, the universal power of drumming and rhythm will resonate throughout the festival, with the inclusion of Bhangra, Eastern indigenous powwow drumming, Go Go, funk, West African drumming, traditional Bolivian dance, jazz and world folk.
The 2022 festival will also feature an array of amazing art activations and games for attendees of all ages. Activations, food trucks, art vendors, community partners, local business vendors, and breweries will all be announced in the coming weeks at www.downinthereeds.com
Featured Performances and Workshops Include:
Red Baraat, Medicine Singers with Yonatan Gat, Mary-eL, Sound of the City, Project Locrea, Alison Crockett, Bele Bele Rhythm Collective, IMKA, FFC Morenada Bolivia USA Washington Jazz Arts Institute Youth Ensemble, Lucid District, Hands on Drums workshops, House of Musical Traditions workshops and more to be announced. Full schedule on their website.
Rorschach Theatre Presents Dracula: This Fall
The Parks at Walter Reed is thrilled to welcome back Rorschach Theatre, presenting a fresh adaptation of Dracula by Playwright of the Year Kate Hamill, from the novel by Bram Stoker. “Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really” will take place in the historic (and likely haunted?) firehouse from October 14th to November 6th. Pay-What-You-Can Previews take place October 14-16.
