In addition to stumbling upon Fiesta DC, we intentionally went to D.C. Brewfest this weekend.
The festival was at the Bullpen, a venue near Nationals Park. It was a good time because we were with friends, but I don’t think any of us will go again next year — an “unlimited beer tasting” special isn’t worth it when the lines are 30 minutes long.
We stumbled upon a cultural festival this weekend while walking the dogs along the National Mall.
The festival is Fiesta DC — a Latino festival which features a parade of people dressed in the traditional costumes of various countries. We haven’t attempted to keep up with all of the events going on the National Mall and the Capital One Arena, so everyday is a surprise.
We decided to walk the dogs along the National Mall this weekend. It was Veterans’ Day, so the monuments were packed with all sorts of tourists and servicemen.
As we made our way through the crowds of veterans and tour buses, we heard the thump thump of house music. It seemed like an unusual choice for a Veterans’ Day celebration, so we decided to drift towards the beat.
First we saw a kickball team associated with Cobalt, a local gay bar. But the music was actually coming from a massive dragon-shaped DJ stage behind the kickball game. The DJs were hosting a random women’s dance party in front of the Washington Monument.
A dance party at Decorated helmets at Catharsis on the Mall in Washington. D.C. (right in front of the Washington Monument.)
A school bus-turned dragon at Catharsis on the Mall in Washington. D.C.
Catharsis on the Mall is a burning-man-inspired festival that’s held every year on the National Mall. In addition to the dance party, there was yoga, a panel discussion, and several lounges throughout the area which looked like psychedelic Dothraki tents.
I haven’t been good about going to monuments or museums, but festivals are another story.
Michael and I recently went to the H Street Festival, which is Washington’s version of Grand Old Day. The festival spanned about a dozen blocks and had plenty of food, crafts, dancing and dogs.
A dog and festival goers at the H-Street Festival.
A recycling-themed car at the H Street Festival.
Dancing at the H Street Festival in Washington D.C.
The crowd at the H Street Festival in Washington D.C.