Mayor Bowser Invites Residents to Kick Off DC250 Celebration with Free Events, Announces Star-Studded Lineup for 21st Annual DC Emancipation Day Concert

(Washington, DC) - Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser is inviting residents of all ages to join in the official kickoff to this year's DC250 celebration with exciting events, including the annual Day of Play at RFK, the DC250 Kids Ball, and the 21st Annual DC Emancipation Day parade, festival, and concert. Today, the Mayor and the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) also announced the exciting, star-studded lineup for the Emancipation Day concert taking place on Sunday, April 19 at Franklin Park in Downtown DC.

This year's concert is guaranteed to be an event to remember, featuring performances by world-renowned, three-time Grammy Award-winning rapper, actor, and record producer T.I.; DC's own Grammy Award-winning singer Mýa; and three-time Grammy-winning gospel artist Tye Tribbett-as well as Backyard Band featuring Sugar Bear, Black Alley, 44 The Musical, and Souls of Kingsmen.

There is no better place than Washington, DC to celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, and this week the District is putting on a party like no other to get the celebration started.

"Washington, DC has always been at the center of America's story - and this week, we're kicking off our celebrations like only DC can," said Mayor Bowser. "From the fields at RFK to Franklin Park in the heart of Downtown, we have something for everyone. So come out, bring your friends and family, enjoy a beautiful week in DC, and be part of history."

Residents are invited to register now to attend the following celebratory events:

Day of Play at RFK
Now in its fifth year, the Day of Play at RFK is a free, community-oriented event for families and guests of all ages featuring competitive field games, live music, food trucks, and fun activities for all ages-all during DC Public Schools spring break. In honor of DC250, this year's Day of Play will feature red, white, and blue team colors, branded giveaways and promotional items, and a taste of DC with signature foods like mumbo sauce and half-smokes in Food Truck Row.

• When: Thursday, April 16 at 12 pm
• Where: The Fields at RFK Campus, 401 Oklahoma Ave NE
• Register: eventsdc.com/dayofplay (onsite registration available beginning at 11:30 am)

DC250 Kids Ball
Hosted by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, the DC 250 Kids Ball is a free, high-energy celebration for children ages 12 and under, featuring music, dancing, fun activities, and kid-friendly treats in a safe and festive environment. Young residents are encouraged to dress to impress, hit the dance floor, and be part of this historic milestone celebration. Space is limited, register today.

• When: Saturday, April 18 at 4 pm
• Where: Planet Word, 925 13th Street NW (Entrance on K Street NW)
• Register: 250kidsball.splashthat.com (advance registration required)

DC Emancipation Day Parade and Festival
The 21st Annual DC Emancipation Day Parade and Festival mark the signing of the DC Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862, which freed more than 3,100 enslaved people and made Washington, DC the first place in the nation where emancipation became law. This year's parade will feature community groups, marching bands, cheer teams, dance troupes, and more. And the festival will be a lively affair, with music, food, and entertainment for all ages. This year's celebration will take place at historic Franklin Park in Downtown DC, representing a return to the holiday's roots: the first major post-Civil War DC Emancipation Day celebration took place at Franklin Park-then called Franklin Square-on April 19, 1866, exactly 160 years to the day before Sunday's festivities.

• When:
  • Festival gates open Sunday, April 19 at 1 pm
  • Parade kicks off Sunday, April 19 at 1:30 pm
• Where: Franklin Park, 1332 I Street NW (parade steps off at 14th Street NW and New York Avenue NW)
• Register: emancipation.dc.gov

DC Emancipation Day Concert
Cap off DC Emancipation Day with a free concert featuring world-renowned talent at Franklin Park in the heart of Downtown DC. In addition to the amazing lineup of performers, hosts Dominique Da Diva (WKYS 93.9), Vic Jagger (WMMJ 102.3), Asia (WMMJ 102.3), EZ Street (WHUR 96.3), and Poet (WPGC 95.5) will work the crowd, introduce the night's performers, and bring the energy from start to finish. And DJ Phunatic and CoCo Spinelle will keep the party going, spinning great tunes between sets.

OCTFME hosts will also join the stage to kick-off the concert, including John Avery, Emmy Award-winning host of Raiding the Crates (DC Radio); Troy Pinckney and Dion Dove, hosts of Hip Hop Corridor (DC Radio); and Cecily Fernandez, host and producer of District Dash and We Are Washington (DCN). Don't miss your chance to be part of this historic celebration. Come out to Franklin Park on April 19 to help ring in America's 250th and celebrate our city's history.

• When: Sunday, April 19 at 2:30 pm
• Where: Franklin Park, 1332 I Street NW
• Register: emancipation.dc.gov

In addition to these free, public events, the District is also holding an invite-only DC250 Full Democracy Luncheon on Friday, April 17. This annual gathering commemorates DC Emancipation Day, and this year the program will also recognize DC250, placing our local history of emancipation and the ongoing pursuit of full democracy within the broader national commemoration of America's 250th anniversary. This luncheon will bring together civic leaders, scholars, advocates, and honored guests to reflect on the legacy of DC emancipation, commemorate 250 years of progress, and reaffirm our shared commitment to ensuring equity, representation, and democratic participation for all residents of the District.

For more information on these and other exciting events celebrating America's 250th birthday in Washington, DC all summer long, visit 250.dc.gov.

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