The Anacostia River Festival is a flagship event that will close the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC! The event will feature activities for the whole family, such as free kayaking and canoeing, musical performances, fishing and water filtration workshops, a live raptor demonstration, a photography exhibition, a bicycle parade and more. The free event will bring together people from across the region to celebrate the history, ecology, and communities along the banks of the Anacostia River.
This year’s festival celebrates “connecting people to parks” in recognition of the National Park Service’s Centennial celebration. The Anacostia River Festival is presented by the National Park Service and the 11th Street Bridge Park in collaboration with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Date and time: early April
Location: Anacostia Park. Good Hope Road and Anacostia Drive SE Washington DC. Free shuttle service available from Anacostia Subway Station (off Howard Rd), Eastern Market Subway Station, and free parking at Maritime Plaza (1201 M Street SE). Drop off and pick up along Good Hope Rd.
Parking: Free parking is available courtesy of the Corporate Office Properties Trust at Maritime Plaza (1201 M St SE) and paid parking is available at the Anacostia Subway Station (1101 Howard Road SE).
Entertainment highlights
- Performances with acts such as the National Hand Dance Association, the US Navy Ceremonial Band, and the Go-Go Symphony
- Live performances, art exhibits, studio tours and delicious food at the Anacostia Arts Center, Honfleur Galler, and Kraft Studio in historic Anacostia (1231-1241 Good Hope Road SE)
- Visit the Cold War Museum at the US Navy Yard from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Enter from Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. Access from SE 11th Street) and take a free boat cruise from 1 to 4 p.m. (Eastern Power Boat Club – 1301 Water Street SE).
Near Anacostia Park
Anacostia Park is an urban park in southeastern Washington DC that offers a wide range of recreational and educational opportunities. The National Park Service is working to make Anacostia Park a unique urban park that improves people’s lives and protects the quality and resilience of the Anacostia River ecosystem. Major sites and facilities within the park include Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, and Langston Golf Course. Read more about Anacostia Park.
On the 11th Street Bridge Park
As bridges old traffic 11th Street connecting the Capitol in Washington, DC and historic areas of Anacostia have aged, the bridge will soon become the first park highest of the city, providing a new place for recreation outdoors, environmental education and the arts. The OMA + OLIN design team was selected in October 2014 to build this new civic space. The DC government has committed $ 14.5 million to the project.
About the National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is Washington’s celebration of spring. The festival features a wide range of events that promote traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. View a calendar of events from the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
