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D.C.’s first open streets event is this weekend. Here’s what to expect.

Roughly three miles of Georgia Avenue NW will close to traffic

By Andrew Giambrone Updated
A modern building along a city street. Cars and a truck drive on the street outside.
Georgia Avenue NW
The Washington Post/Getty Images

Original post, October 1:

This Saturday will mark the District’s first-ever open streets event, taking place along three miles of Georgia Avenue NW, between Barry Place NW and Missouri Avenue NW. The city will close the avenue to cars from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. so pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders can enjoy the road. Parking restrictions on Georgia Avenue NW are set to begin at midnight.

Streets that cross the avenue will also be closed to vehicular traffic, although drivers will be allowed to access side streets, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. Detours for drivers and Metro buses—including the 62, 63, 64, 70, 79, E4, H2, H4, H8 routes—will be in effect. The event itself will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is being organized by the District Department of Transportation. Other American and foreign cities have held similar events.

The event is free and will occur rain or shine. (It’s currently forecast to be partly cloudy and cool.) The suite of activities, including exercise, rock climbing, dancing, and music, is below.

A Google Maps map of three miles of city streets.
Map of the October 5 open streets event
Google Maps
A schedule of activities for an open street event.
Schedule of October 5 open street event fitness activities
D.C. government
A schedule of activities for an open street event.
Schedule of October 5 open street event activities
D.C. government

Update, October 2:

Capital Bikeshare says it will offer free 24-hour passes Saturday so people can ride during the open streets event. The service will provide three corrals along Georgia Avenue NW that will permit riders to drop off their bikes without needing to dock them: New Hampshire Avenue NW (Petworth Metro station) and Fairmont and Emerson streets NW. Rides last 30 minutes before incurring time fees, and the passes must be downloaded via the Capital Bikeshare app.

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