Press Release: Franklin Park Block Party to Celebrate Grand Reopening with Live Art, Music and More

News Release — DowntownDC Business Improvement District

For Immediate Release: September 21, 2021

CONTACT: Narrean Marsden

The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) and No Kings Collective present the Franklin Park Block Party to celebrate the grand reopening of the park after a much anticipated renovation. The Block Party takes place this Saturday, September 25, 2021, in conjunction with Art All Night and features live painting, musical performances and more.

Curated by Listen Local First, the mainstage will feature a DC Funk Brass Versus between Too Much Talent Band and Dream City Brass. Additional acts include New York-based artist, rapper, poet, and thinker KAMAUU, in addition to local artists Ikey, Layla Khepri, Dreamcast Moe and Reesa Renee. Mainstage festivities kick off at 6pm.

In celebration of Art All Night, a district-wide overnight arts festival, the Block Party will feature live painting and installations. Local artists Kate Campagna, Mas Paz, Rose Jaffe, and TrapBob will be painting murals throughout the park. Studio Sonic will present an interactive projection art installation – Visions of Humanity.

Other activities include a Lions of Zion 25th Anniversary Bboy/Bgirl Battle, Silk screening by Soul and Ink, games from DC Fray, and food trucks.

The day will start at 12 noon with family friendly programming developed in partnership with Planet Word Museum and National Children’s Museum featuring musicians, jugglers, a photobooth and other fun activities for kids of all ages.

The redesigned park, located between 13th and 14th streets NW and K and I streets NW, includes space for a future outdoor café with seating and restrooms, a children’s play area, a repaired and interactive historic fountain, new seating, an improved tree canopy and more.

“The redesigned Franklin Park will be a major destination for visitors, residents and workers alike and we look forward to welcoming all guests to experience this DowntownDC amenity,” said BID President & CEO Neil Albert.

The event is free and open to all ages.

Learn more about the event here.

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