The streets of this Northeast D.C. neighborhood will be packed with thousands of people on Saturday for the annual H Street Festival. What started as a small neighborhood block party 20 years ago has grown into a major local event, drawing in people from across the DMV.
The massive celebration stretches across 12 blocks and features 15 themed stages with something for everyone. Attendees can expect to experience live music, dance performances, fashion shows, heritage arts, poetry and more.
There will also be plenty of vendors representing local restaurants and shops.
If you want to experience one of D.C.’s signature neighborhood celebrations, plan to attend on Sept. 19.
Things to do:
Catch a Show at the Atlas Performing Arts Center: This nonprofit performing arts venue is home to a diverse set of performances in film, dance, music, theater, spoken word and much more. There are often free events in the lobby and opportunities to perform yourself at their open mic nights. Visit their website to find workshops and upcoming events to attend.
Discover local murals: Along Linden Court alley, between H Street Country Club and Atlas Performing Arts Center, you will find bright, colorful murals celebrating the history and culture of the city.
Savor and sing at The Pie Shop: On the first floor of the Pie Shop, you’ll find a menu filled with options for sweet or savory pies. Try the barbecue pulled pork pie which includes pork that has been slow roasted for 18 hours. If you're in the mood for something sweet, get into the fall spirit with a pumpkin pie or an apple crumble pie. The upstairs of the Pie Shop is a live music venue that brings different artists every week. Tickets usually range around $15.
Explore the H Street Farmers' Market: The farmers' market is held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m .on Saturdays. The market is open year-round. You can find everything from organic fruits and vegetables to grass-fed meats and pastured eggs. Local vendors also sell sweet and savory baked goods, locally roasted coffee and much more.
Try traditional Ethiopian coffee at Sidamo Coffee & Tea: Traditional Ethiopian coffee is made by slow roasting and grinding coffee beans that are then brewed in a clay pot with a narrow spout called a jebena. The coffee is then served in small, brightly decorated cups called a sini. The practice is an important part of Ethiopian culture and can be experienced at Sidamo Coffee. The coffee shop also serves smoothies, teas, lattes and breakfast staples.
Where to eat:
Cane: This Caribbean restaurant specializes in Trinidad street food. Try the popular jerk wings, which are marinated for 12 hours. The menu also features other popular dishes including oxtails, curried beef or chicken. Entrees are around $20.
Copycat Co.: This Chinese restaurant serves up delicious dishes inspired by classic street foods, like their flavorful chicken or beef skewers. The menu features soups, dumplings, noodles and rice-based dishes. The entrees at Copycat Co. range from around $20 to $25.
Toki Underground: This popular ramen bar serves up rich, flavorful bowls of broth and noodles. Also on the menu are steamed buns, dumplings, and other Japanese-inspired small plates, offering a variety of tasty options to try. Entrees at Toki Underground range from around $20.
Tiki Garden Thai Street Food: This Thai restaurant features classic dishes like pad thai, panang curry and drunken noodles. Don’t forget to try their crispy Thai donuts or mango sticky rice for dessert. Entrees at Tiki Garden range from around $15 to $20.
Milk and Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen: If you’re looking for a new brunch destination, give Milk and Honey a visit. This restaurant has an all day-brunch menu of classic dishes like their berries and cream French toast or their award-winning shrimp and grits. Menu items range from around $15 to $25.
How to get there:
From Foggy Bottom
- Metrorail: Take the Blue, Orange or Silver line train from Foggy Bottom toward New Carrolton or Largo. Get off at the McPherson Square Metrorail Station. Then catch the D20 bus heading toward Minnesota Station at H and 14th streets NW. Hop off at H and 3rd streets NE.
- Metrobus: Take the D10 or D1X toward Southern Avenue from 23rd and I streets NW. Hop off at H Street NW and Madison Place NW. Then take the D20 going toward Minnesota Avenue Station. Ride 11 stops until you reach H and 3rd streets NE.
From Mount Vernon
- Campus Shuttles: Take the Vern Express from the Mount Vernon campus to the Foggy Bottom campus. Then, use the Metrorail or Metrobus directions above.
