D.C.’s Women’s March 2018: What you should know before you go

The historic Women’s March on Washington is here once again, this time with an estimated crowd of approximately 5,500 people with over 9,600 marked as going on the Facebook event page. As usual, expect delays on the roads as well as the Metro due to the influx of people.

In preparation for the event, Curbed DC has put together this quick guide on what to know before you go to the event, from when and where it will start to what items are not allowed.

When will the 2018 Women’s March on Washington take place?

On Saturday, January 20, the rally will begin at 11 a.m. with the march commencing around 1 p.m. In the event of a government shutdown, the march will continue.

Some of the speakers that will be at the event include President of the Woman’s National Democratic Club Nuchhi Currier, the first Special Advisor for International Disability Rights at the U.S. Department of State in the Obama Administration Judith Heumann, President of the Fairfax County NAACP Kofi Annan, and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine. There will also be professional soccer player Joanna Lohman and Virginia Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler.

What’s the route for the Women’s March on Washington?

Unfortunately, the route for this year’s Women’s March on Washington has not been released ahead of time. Marshals will direct marchers on the day of the event.

The rally will begin at the reflecting pool facing the Lincoln Memorial with the march leading to the White House.

What’s the best way to get to the Women’s March on Washington?

Public transportation is your best bet with the nearest Metro station being the Smithsonian station.

It’s recommended to download a free app that will keep you in the loop on what the Metrorail and Metrobus schedule will be like. Riders can also subscribe to alerts via email or text here.

For visitors coming from Virginia, there will be buses to the march, leaving around 5:30 a.m. that day.

Any other last-minute tips?

If bringing posters or signs, be sure that they are made of cardboard. No metal or wood posts are allowed to hold up the signs. Additionally, according to the Facebook event, tripods, chairs and tables are not allowed due to a National Park Service policy.

Washingtonian also has a helpful map of nearby events focused on the march, including a sign-making happy hour at Slipstream and free cupcakes outside the Partisan.