SUMMER
CALENDAR OF
EVENTS
In our National
Capital Region Parks
New or updated
entries as of 5/31/12
Contact: Toni
Braxton
The Office of Communications
Springtime Calendar of Events highlights major events on the National Mall and
other National Park sites in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Interpretive park rangers have developed many programs,
biking and walking tours and other special events just for you!
All events are free and open to the
public except where noted. For more information please call (202)
619-7222. For national parks events outside the National Capital Region
area visit www.nps.gov and click on your park
of interest and learn more about your national parks.
All visitors are invited to visit the
websites listed or to call the phone numbers provided to confirm the event.
Enjoy!
SUMMER CONCERTS
Summertime
brings concerts to the National Parks. Bring your blankets, folding chairs or
just relax on the lawn and listen to music in the National Parks. Bring your
own picnic dinner. Remember no alcohol and no glass bottles. All
concerts are FREE except where noted.
FARRAGUT SQUARE PARK
17th & K Streets,
N.W., Washington, DC
GOLDEN
TRIANGLE SUMMER CONCERTS
5:30 TO 7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays, June 7-21, 2012
Golden
Triangle Summer Concerts, feature some of the most popular local bands in the
metropolitan area. The 2011 concert schedule includes:
June 7: Scott’s New Band (modern alternative)
June 14: Lloyd Dobler Effect (modern rock)
June 21: Down Wilson (top 40 & alternative)
FORT DUPONT PARK
Randle Circle and Minnesota Avenue SE, Washington, DC
202-426-7723
Fort Dupont Summer Concert
Series
8:00 p.m.
Saturdays,
July 14, 21, 28 and August 4, 11, 18, 2012
The
Fort Dupont Summer Theatre is held each year in Fort Dupont Park, an area of 376 rolling, wooded acres located
east of the Anacostia River. The Fort Dupont
Summer Theatre is a 39 year tradition in SE Washington, D.C. of free high
quality jazz and R&B performances that are primarily sponsored by the
National Park Service. The U.S. Park
Police will again this year close the venue to the public at 3:00 p.m. to allow
U.S. Park Police to do a security sweep of the area prior to the concerts.
Entry to the concert venue will open at 5:00 p.m. where all bags and coolers
will be inspected prior to entry into the concert area. Prohibited items-
Alcohol, glass containers,
barbeque grills, candles and incense (part of the ban on all open fires) and
Fireworks are prohibited in the park. Visitors arriving at checkpoints with
vending/sales items will be given the opportunity to take items back to their
vehicles or to voluntarily throw away items in trash containers prior to entry
into the concert area. Park staff or U.S. Park Police will not be responsible
for holding coolers or items at the checkpoint locations.
Ample parking is available in the park off of Minnesota Avenue
at F Street. This area provides direct access to the concert area and includes
better access for wheelchairs. Additionally there is a large parking lot on Ely
Place at the Fort Dupont Ice Skating Rink that is
available for concert parking. Both of these areas are short walks to the
concert area. Parking is not permitted on Fort Dupont
Drive in the park. All concerts are held rain or
shine. Concerts are only canceled in the event of electrical storms. Stay tuned for the line-up. For the most up
to date information, please call 202-426-5961.
FORT
HUNT PARK (A unit of George Washington Memorial Parkway)
Pavilion in area A - Fort Hunt, Alexandria, VA
The park is located approximately 6 miles south of Old Town
Alexandria in Virginia along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Visitor Information: 703-289-2553
www.nps.gov/gwmp/fort-hunt.htm
Fort Hunt Summer Concert Series
7:00 -8:00 p.m.
Sundays, June 3 –August 26, 2012
Come out and relax under
the stars at Fort Hunt Park to listen to the sounds of jazz, the rhythm of
rock, or folk. Enjoy community bands at Fort Hunt Park. Concerts are FREE and
open to the public. Parking is available inside the park. Sunday evening’s
concert lineup is:
June:
3- Cold Fusion Jazz Quartet
10- Shenandoah Sound (Drum and bugle choir)
17- Emy Tseng (Jazz and Brazilian vocals)
24- Main Street (Variety of music)
July:
1- American Balalaika Symphony (Eastern
European)
8- Black Moon Tonic (Pop and crossover country,
with some jazz)
15- Hot Society Orchestra of Washington (Music from 1920s through '40s)
22- National Concert Band
29- Cosine (Jazz, hip-hop, rock)
August:
5- Mount Vernon Concert Band (variety
of music)
12- Alte Kamaraden (German
band)
19- Elements (Cool jazz)
26- Mount Vernon Swing Band
"FRIDAY EVENING PARADES"
Marine
Barracks
8th
& I Streets SE, Washington, DC
Visitor
Information: (202) 433-4073 or 202-433-6060
8:45 p.m.,
Friday evenings, June 1 –August 31
2012
The Evening Parade, held Friday evening during the summer. Come out to enjoy a
concert by the U.S. Marine Band, Silent Drill Team & Bugle Corps. General
public seating is available starting at 8 p.m. Guests may park at Maritime
Plaza, where a free shuttle service is provided to and from the
Barracks. There are no public parking spaces available at the Barracks. Guests
with reservations are admitted beginning at 7:00 p.m. and should arrive no
later than 7:45 p.m. There is no charge for admission. At 8:00 p.m.,
guests without reservations who are waiting in the General Admission line
outside the Main Gate of the Barracks are offered the unclaimed seats. As a
security precaution, all guests entering the Barracks pass through magnetic
detection devices. No weapons of any kind, including knives, are allowed inside
the Barracks. For the most up to date information call 202-433-6060.
Harpers Ferry National Battlefield
171
Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Camp Hill, Mather
Training Center grounds
Visitor
Center: 304-535-6029
6:00 p.m.
Camp Hill
Saturday,
June 30, 2012
The Don Redman Heritage Concert celebrates its 11th Annual
performance, featuring special guests
alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson and bassist Ben Tucker accompanied by the Howard
Burns Quartet. The concert is free and open to the public. Come out for an
evening of relaxing music under the stars on the grounds of Mather Training
Center, the former Storer College Campus. For
direction to the concert or weather cancellations, please call the Visitor
Center.
MILITARY BAND
CONCERT
6:00 p.m.
Camp Hill
Saturday, July 9 and Saturday, September 3
Come out for an evening of relaxing
military music.
MILITARY
BAND CONCERTS
The
Military Bands perform at the Sylvan Theatre and the U.S. Capitol throughout
the summer. Check out the listing below for a night that’s good for you.
June 7 – August 9, 2012
8:00 p.m.
Sylvan Theatre (a unit of National
Mall and Memorial Parks)
National Mall, monument
grounds
Thursday-----------U.S.
Marine Band
June 1 -August 31
8:00 p.m.
U.S. Capitol (West Front) (No concerts July 3-6 due to the rehearsal schedule
for the “Capitol Fourth”)
Monday-----------U.S.
Navy Band
Tuesday-----------U.S.
Air Force Band
Wednesday------U.S.
Marine Band
Thursday----------U.S.
Army Band
Friday--------------U.S.
Army Band (there will be no concert on July 1)
Because most of the summer
concerts are held outdoors with no rain site, inclement weather can cause
cancellations. Up-to-date performance and cancellation information is available
by calling the listed phone numbers for each band. For information Army Band (703)-696-3718, Marine
Band (202) 433-4011, Navy Band (202)433-2525, Air Force Band (202)767-5658.
Weather cancellation, “Listen to WTOP Radio.”
NETHERLANDS CARILLON
On the grounds of the carillon at route 50 and the George
Washington Memorial parkway, Arlington, VA
Visitor Information: 703-289-2500/2552
SUMMER CONCERTS
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Saturdays
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
July 4, 14, 21, 28
August 4, 11, 18, 25 2012
2:00-4:00
p.m. July 4 - a special July 4th, Independence Day
2:00-4:00 p.m., Monday, September 3 in honor of Labor Day
Saturday evenings guest artist play the 50-bell carillon which was given to the U.S.
in appreciation for the liberation of Holland on May 5, 1945, during World War
II. Visitors are welcome to go up in the tower to watch the carillonneur
perform and view the city of Washington and other surrounding features.
ROCK
CREEK PARK
16th Street & Colorado Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Concert Line: 202-426-0486
The National
Park Service welcomes you to another season of music, theater, dance and spoken
word performances at your neighborhood national park. Carter Barron Amphitheatre provides an
opportunity to celebrate our vibrant and diverse culture while surrounded by
the natural beauty of Rock Creek Park. The Carter Barron Amphitheatre is
handicapped accessible with assistance. No photography, recording
devices, metal cans, glass bottles, hard coolers, picnic baskets or pets are
permitted within the Amphitheatre. Ample
free parking is available. Please respect our neighbors and our park.
For pay shows, advance tickets are available
at TicketMaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000 and
on-line at www.ticketmaster.com Carter Barron Box Office opens the day of
performance from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm.
All FREE shows are first come, first served. Gates open 30 minutes before the show. Due to the unpredictable nature of outdoor
events, we are unable to exchange or refund tickets. The Carter Barron Amphitheatre is
handicapped accessible with assistance.
No
photography, recording devices, metal cans, glass bottles, hard coolers, picnic
baskets or pets are permitted within the Amphitheatre. Free parking is available in a lot adjacent
to the Amphitheatre. Enter the lot from
16th Street at Morrow Drive or Colorado Avenue. Please respect the park and park neighbors.
CARTER
BARRON AMPHITHEATRE SUMMER CONCERTS:
June 15 The
Washington Post Going Out Guide Weekend Concerts
presents
Jazz
Night
Akua Allrich
Jolley Brothers
Jess Righthand Quintet
7:30 pm,
FREE, NO Tickets required
June 22 The
Washington Post Going Out Guide Weekend Concerts
presents
Reggae
Night
Image
Band
JohnStone Reggae Band
Akua Benjamin with Ilahvibez
7:30 pm,
FREE, NO Tickets required
June 29 The
Washington Post Going Out Guide Weekend Concerts
presents
Boogie
Blues Night
Daryl
Davis Band
The
Grandsons
7:30 pm,
FREE, NO Tickets required
June 30 The Stylistics
Ray Goodman
and Brown
Black
Ivory
7:30 pm,
$25
July 1 Joint
Service Jazz
U.S. Army
Blues, U.S. Navy Commodores, U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note
7:30
pm, FREE, NO tickets required
July 13 The
Washington Post Going Out Guide Weekend Concerts
presents
Neo Soul
Night
Yahzarah
Deborah
Bond
Tamika “Love”Jones
7:30 pm,
FREE, NO Tickets required
July 14 Angie Stone
Rahsaan Patterson
Black
Alley
7:30 pm,
$25
July 20 WAR
Plunky and Oneness
7:30 pm,
$25
July 21
8th Annual DC Poetry in the
Park
7:30
pm, FREE, NO tickets required
August 10
10th Annual Metro DC Dances
7:30
pm, FREE, NO tickets required
August 11
East Coast Dance Concert
Hosted
by Culture Shock
Featuring:
Culture
Shock, Future Shock, Mighty Shock, Afta Shock
7:30
pm, FREE, NO tickets required
September 124th Annual DC Blues Festival
Sugar Ray
and The Blue Tones
Sista Monica Parker
Clarence
“The Bluesman” Turner
The
Lionel Young Band
The DC
Blues Society Band & Much More!
12:00
Noon, FREE, NO tickets required
SYLVAN
THEATRE
Washington
Monument grounds, 15th and Constitution Ave. NW
U.S. ARMY BAND “PERSHING OWN- "The 1812 OVERTURE"
8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
“Pershing’s Own” is an ensemble of the U.S. Army
Band. Each year The United States Army Band performs its big summer concert
that concludes with the spirited Tchaikovsky’s “Overture 1812.” Come out and
hear the cannons of the 3rd Infantry Regiment “The Old Guard”
Presidential Salute Battery. This annual musical program features classical,
popular, and patriotic music for audiences of all ages. For recorded information
about upcoming concerts, please call 703-696-3399.
"TWILIGHT
TATTOO"
7:00 p.m. Wednesdays
June 6, 20, 27 –Fort
McNair
July 11, 18, 25
August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
New location in 2012
Summerall Field on Historic Fort Myer in Arlington, VA
Twilight Tattoo is an hour-long sunset
military pageant that features Soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The
Old Guard), troop, and ceremonial units: The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, The
U.S. Army Drill Team; The U.S. Army Blues, a soloist from The U.S. Army Chorus
or The U.S. Army Voices, and members of The U.S. Army Band Downrange. The 2012
Twilight Tattoo season has been extended and will run through the entire
summer! Please check back frequently for updates at: http://www.mdw.army.
mil/tlt/tlt.htm. For last-minute
inclement weather calls, sign up for our email list: http://www.usarmyband.com/events/subscribe.html
Performances are free and open to the
public. Bleacher seating is on a first-come, first served basis. For more information
on group reservations, contact the U.S. Army Military District of Washington at
(202) 685-2888 or email them at ncr.webeventsmail@jfhqncr.northcom.mil
U.S. MARINE CORPS WAR MEMORIAL (Iwo Jima)
Arlington, VA
www.nps.gov/gwmp/marinecorpswarmemorial.htm
“SUNSET PARADE”
7:00 p.m.,
Tuesdays, June 5- August 14, 2012
The Sunset Parades on August 7, 14 will begin at 6:30 p.m.
A one hour
performance, the Sunset Parade features the music of "The Commandant's
Own", The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and precision drill by
the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Visitors are welcome to bring lawn
chairs, blankets, strollers, and picnics. There are no public parking spaces
available at the Memorial grounds on Parade evenings. Guests may park at the
Arlington National Cemetery Visitors' Center for a small fee. Marine Barracks provides a free shuttle bus
service from the visitor center to the war memorial grounds from 5:30 p.m. to
6:30 p.m. before the parade and from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. following the
parade or you can take the Metro to Arlington Cemetery (blue line). For
additional information including cancellations, please call at 202-433-6060. An
inclement weather call will be made at 6:45 p.m.
U.S. CAPITOL
West lawn of the U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C.
NATIONAL
SYMPHONY LABOR DAY CONCERT
8:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
The
National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) performs the last of three outdoor holiday
concerts, sponsored by the National Park Service. The concert is free no tickets are
required. In case of inclement weather
the concert will be moved to the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Please call the
NSO Summer Concert Hotline at 202-416-8114 after 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, September
2 to find out if the performance has been moved.
U.S. NAVY MEMORIAL
701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
Visitor Information: 202-737-2300
“CONCERTS ON THE AVENUE”
-
8:00 p.m.
Tuesdays,
June 12, 26 July 24, 31 and August 14, 28, 2012
Navy Band Summer Concert
Series
- Come out to the U.S. Navy Memorial for an evening of relaxing music by the United
States Navy Band and its specialty groups. All concerts are FREE and open to
the public.
LABOR DAY CONCERT
1:00 p.m.
Monday, September 3, 2012
United States
Navy Concert Band performs an outdoor concert at the Navy Memorial.
WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL
17th Streets between Independence and Constitution Avenue,
Washington, DC
2012 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES- sponsored by
The Friends of the National World War II Memorial.” The concerts are free and
open to the public.
Friday,
June 1, 6:00-7:00PM
The Commodores the U.S. Naval Jazz
Ensemble
Saturday,
June 16, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
United States Air Force, “Airmen of
Note”
Saturday,
June 23, 6:00-7:00PM
Public Health Service Chorus
Wednesday,
June 27, 6:00-7:00PM
United States Air Force Concert Band
& the Singing Sergeants
Tuesday,
July 3, 6:30-7:30PM
U.S. Army National Guard 257th
Band (Washington, DC)
Wednesday,
July 4, 11:00 A.M.-12:00PM
United States Navy Band
Wednesday,
August 29, 6:00-7:00PM
United States Air Force, “Airmen of
Note”
“End of Summer Concerts”
National
Fishing and Boating Week
June
2-10, 2012
National
Fishing and Boating Week is a perfect reason to get out doors. Check with a
state near you for free fishing days.
Youth
Fishing
Constitution Gardens
Monday, June 4, 2012
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will celebrate the start of the
nationwide National Fishing and Boating Week with several hundred
schoolchildren who will drop their lines in the Constitution Gardens Pond for a
day of fishing on the National Mall. The Service leads the event in
coordination with the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation,
National Park Service and numerous other local, state and federal agencies,
nonprofit organizations and volunteers.
National
Trails Day® (NTD)
SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2012
“America’s Largest Trailgating
Party!”
National Trails Day is the first Saturday of June. This year is
the 20th annual National Trails Day!
Since, 1993, National Trails Day has inspired visitors to take part in
activities that promote healthy living. Saturday, June 2, trail enthusiasts are
encouraged to seek out to find a trail to walk, hike, or bike. Help care for
Park Trails. Events include the dedication of new trails, new exhibits, hikes,
horseback riding, bird watching, walks, workshops, trail maintenance, bike
rides and much more. National Park Service suggests celebrating National Trails
Day by volunteering! Contact a park ranger at one of the National Park Sites listed
below.
Free
Entrance Day in the National Parks
SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012
“Get Outdoors Day”
On Saturday, June 9, 2012, National
Parks will offer free Entrance to National Parks as an effect to provide
opportunities for visitors to experience healthy, active outdoor fun. The prime
goal of the day is to reconnect youth to the great outdoors. Contact a park ranger at
one of the National Park Sites listed below for outdoor activities and events.
Antietam
National Battlefield - 301-432-2243
Anacostia
Park
– 202-690-5185
Catoctin
Mountain Park - 301-663-9388
C&O
Canal National Historic Park 301-714-2218 or
301-745-8889
Fort
Chaplin and Dupont Garden area- 202-426-7723
Fort
Washington Park (Lighthouse)- 301-763-4600
Glen
Echo Park -301- 320-1404
Great
Falls Park
- 703-285-2965
Great
Falls Tavern-
301-767-3714
Greenbelt
Park - 301-344-3944
Harpers
Ferry National Historical Park- 304-535-5017 or 6029
Mary McCleod Bethune Council House NHS-
202-673-2402
Manassas
National Battlefield Park- 7 03-361-1339
Monocacy National Battlefield - 301-662-3515 or
301-662-6515
National Mall land Memorial Parks-
202-426-6841
Oxon Cove Park- 301-839-0211
Prince
William Forest Park - 703-221-7181
President’s Park- 202-208-1631
Rock
Creek Park(Pierce Mill) - 202-895-6o70 or 202-895-6224
Theodore
Roosevelt Island - 703-289-2555 or 2556
Wolf Trap
National Park For the Performing Arts- 703-255-1800
Independence Day Celebration
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
2012 Independence Celebration is the 236th
Anniversary of this nation’s independence. The National Park Service offers a
day full of fun and excitement!
Celebrate the 2012 annual Independence Day celebration of our nation’s
founding, with the continuing traditions of activities for all ages. Events on
the National Mall designed to highlight freedom and diversity include a parade,
the Folklife Festival, and concerts, all taking place
on and near national park land in the heart of the nation’s capital, on both
sides of the Potomac River. The day concludes with the traditional National
Park Service spectacular fireworks display near the Washington Monument grounds
beginning at 9:10 p.m. You don’t want
to miss this National celebration! FREE EVENT! For additional
information and activities, please call 202-619-7222. The day promises to be exciting and
fun-filled!' FREE EVENT listed below!!!!!!! Stay tune for additional
information on events.
ANTIETAM NATIONAL
BATTLEFIELD
5831
Dunker Church Road
Sharpsburg,
MD 21782
Visitor
Center 301-432-5124
Saturday, July 7, 2012
7:30 p.m.
Join the
Maryland Symphony Orchestra for their annual “Salute to Independence Concert.”
Come out and enjoy an evening of patriotic music for a special Independence Day
celebration followed by one of Western Maryland’s largest fireworks display. The
concert is FREE and open to the public.
HARPERS FERRY NATIONAL HISTORICAL
PARK
Lower
Town District
171 Shoreline Drive
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Visitor
Center: 304-535-6029
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 30- July 1, 2012
Lower Town
“CELEBRATING THE GLORIOUS FOURTH 1860” –Americans celebrate the nation’s
birthday with picnics, band concerts, honoring the founding fathers and the
glorious republic. Visitors are also invited
to see special programs to include “Reacting to the Raid: Gathering the
Militia” at 2:00 p.m. and “Our Home Town Defenders” at 3:00 p.m.
NATIONAL MALL AND MEMORIAL PARKS
National
Mall
Washington,
D.C.
202-426-6841
or 202-619-7222
Independence Day Parade
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
11:45 a.m.
The National Park Service “America’s
2012 Independence Day Parade” kicks off the excitement at 11:45 a.m., lasting approximately
two hours on Constitution Avenue. The
parade route moves westward from 7th Street to 17th Street, N.W. Viewing areas for this traditional July 4th
parade will be available along Constitution Avenue. More than 3000 performers,
dancers, cultural organizations, giant balloons, floats, and military personnel
from 13 states will participant in the parade. The parade is free and open to
the public. This is a patriotic celebration for everyone!
Smithsonian Folklife
Festival
National Mall, between 7th
and 14th Streets
11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The 2012 annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, co-sponsored by the NPS, continues its
run on the National Mall from 11:00
a.m. to 5:30 p.m. between 7th and 14th
streets. The Festival is held outdoors on the National Mall between the
Smithsonian museums. Find many exemplary practitioners of diverse, authentic, and
living traditions. The Folklife
Festival includes daily and evening music and dance performances, crafts and
cooking demonstrations, storytelling and discussions of cultural issues. The
themes of the 2012 program include: Campus and Community, and Creativity and
Crisis. Campus and community is a program commemorating the 150th
anniversary of the founding of land-grant universities and the USDA. Creativity and Crisis: Unfolding The AIDS
Memorial Quilt-This year 2012 marks the 25th anniversary of the AIDS
Memorial Quilt and 30 years of life with AIDS.
Admission is FREE! Visitors should dress for hot and humid weather.
Parking is extremely limited. The
National Park Service encourages all visitors to take METRO to and from the
National Mall. This is an opportunity to learn and understand better cultural
differences and similarities. Visitors For more information, please call
202-633-1000.
Interpretive Programs
Thomas Jefferson
Memorial, Tidal Basin
2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Independence Day Concert
Southwest corner of the
Washington Monument grounds, near the Intersection of 17th and Independence
Avenue, S.W.
6:00
p.m. - 9:10 p.m.
West Lawn of the U.S.
Capitol
8:00 p.m. -9:10 p.m.
The multi-award winning A CAPITOL FOURTH will feature unrivaled performances from some
of the country’s best-known musical names topped off by the greatest display of
fireworks anywhere in the nation. Stay
tuned for a list of 2012 performers. In celebration of America’s 236th
birthday, the show will be capped off with a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s
“1812 Overture” complete with live cannon fire provided by The U.S. Army
Presidential Salute Battery, an audience favorite and now an A CAPITOL FOURTH tradition. For additional information, please call
202-619-7222.
Fireworks
Washington
Monument grounds
9:10 p.m.
The
day concludes with the traditional NPS fireworks beginning at 9:10 p.m. and lasting until 9:27
p.m. Pyro Shows, Inc. of LaFollette, TN will provide this year’s visual
extravaganza. The rain date for the NPS
fireworks display is Thursday, July 5th at 9:10 p.m.
NETHERLANDS
CARILLON (a unit of the George Washington
Memorial Parkway)
On the grounds of the Carillon
U.S. Route 50 and the George Washington
Memorial Parkway, Arlington, VA
Main
Headquarters: 703-289-2500
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Celebrate Independence Day with a free
concert at the Netherlands Carillon.
Located next to the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, VA,
visitors will be able to watch and listen to a master carillonneur
play the Carillon’s bells. During the
concert visitors will have the opportunity to climb the tower stairs to see one
of the best views of Washington, D.C.
“end of Independence Day events”
Saturday, August 25
HAPPY 96th BIRTHDAY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
1916-2012
On August 25, 2012 the National Park Service (NPS)
will turn 96 years old, on what is also
known as Founders Day. August 25, 1916,
President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the National Park Service, a
new federal bureau in the Department of the Interior responsible for protecting
the 35 national parks and monuments then managed by the department and those yet
to be established. Today, the National
Park System comprises more than 397 areas. National Founders Day is celebrated
in National Parks across the Nation. The
National Park Service was directed “to conserve the scenery and the natural and
historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of
the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the
enjoyment of future generations.” Over the past 95 years the National Park
System has evolved to include a great diversity of park units.
Visitors
are invited to all National Parks on Saturday, August 25th, 2012 to help
celebrate the 96th birthday of the National Park Service.
In
celebration of the National Park Service’s birthday, National Parks within the
metropolitan area will play host too many interactive programs and events. The National Park
Service warmly welcomes all Americans and international visitors alike to visit
at one of our national parks outside of your state and become amazed at what
recreational experiences abound.
Summer Programs and Events
ANTIETAM NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
5831
Dunker Church Road
Sharpsburg,
MD 21782
Visitor
Center 301-432-5124
There is no cost for these
programs, but there is a park entry fee of $6.00 per family.
Artillery
Weekend
Saturday, June 9- 11:00 a.m.,
1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 10 2012-
11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Living history volunteers
portraying Colonel Stephen D. Lee’s Battalion will discuss the role of artillery at
Antietam. Located near the center of the Confederate line, the hill that the
visitor center is built on was a key Confederate artillery position. Firing
demonstrations will be held throughout the weekend. For additional information
contact the visitor center. Saturday,
9th Artillery Evening Program-Join our Living History Volunteers for a program
on Civil War artillery followed by a cannon firing demonstration! Program
starts at 8:15 p.m. at the New York State Monument. There is no charge for this
program. Please bring something to sit on and a flashlight.
Kentucky
Day
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Join
Antietam staff for a presentation by Historian Paul Chiles in the visitor center
theater at 2:00 p.m. He will discuss a battery from Kentucky, the only unit
from the state which served at Antietam.
Civil War Music Weekend
Saturday
and Sunday, June 23 and 24, 2012
Civil War music programs through the
weekend including two concerts by the Wildcat Band on Saturday. The concerts
are FREE and open to the public.
Antietam Salute to Independence
Celebration
Saturday,
July 7, 2012
Join the Maryland Symphony Orchestra for a special Independence
Day commemoration. The two hour concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and the fireworks
display will immediately follow. Note: Due to this special event, the visitor
center will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Several of the park roads
will not be available to tour after 3:00 p.m.
Kitchen
Garden Day
Saturday, July 7, 2012
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In honor of Kitchen Garden Day,
special talks on the importance of kitchen gardens during the 19th
century will take place as well as tours of the Pry Kitchen and Medicinal Garden. The Pry
House Field Hospital Museum is located in Keedysville,
MD. For more information, call 301-416-2395 or visit us online at www.civilwarmed.org.
Union Artillery at Antietam National Battlefield
Saturdays
11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
July 28
August 25, 2012
Living history volunteers
portray Battery B, 4th U.S. Artillery takes to the field for
demonstrations of loading and firing the cannons. Volunteers will also portray the 3rd
Maryland Infantry later in the day for musket firing demonstrations. For
additional information contact the visitor center.
Signal Corps Weekend
Saturday, August 4 and Sunday,
August 5, 2012
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Pry
House Field Hospital Museum will host live signaling demonstrations and talks
at Antietam National Battlefield. The 114th Signal Battalion, Fort Detrick, MD,
may join the weekend with a display, talks and demonstrate modern signal
communications. For more information, call 301-416-2395 or visit us online at www.civilwarmed.org.
CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN PARK
14707
Park Central Road
Thurmont,
MD 21788
Visitor
Center: 301-663-9388
Ranger’s Choice Campfire
Program
Saturday evenings,
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
July 7, 14, 21, 28
August 4, 11, 18, 25, 2012
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
9:00 p.m.to
10:00 p.m.
Come out and enjoy a 30-45 minute campfire program at the Owen’s
Creek Campground Amphitheater. Topics
will focus on the National Park Service and the natural and cultural history of
Catoctin Mountain Park. For GPS use only, the street address is 15882 Foxville-Dearfield Road, Sabillasville,
MD 21780. For directions to Owen’s
Creek Campground Amphitheater, call the park visitor center or visit the park’s
website at www.nps.gov/cato
C&O CANAL NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK
Georgetown
Visitor Center
1057
Thomas Jefferson St. N.W. (located south of M Street adjacent to the Canal)
Washington,
D.C.
Visitor
Center: 202-653-5190
Great
Falls Tavern
11710
MacArthur Blvd. (entrance located at the corner of MacArthur Blvd. & Falls
Road)
Potomac,
MD
Visitor
Center: 301-767-3714
Cumberland
Visitor Center
Western
Maryland Railway Station, Room 100, Canal Street, Cumberland, MD
Visitor
Center: 301-722-8226
Williamsport
Visitor Center
205
West Potomac Street Williamsport, MD 21795
Visitor
Center: 301-767-3714
June-October
Great Falls: Wednesday through Sunday; 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
Please call ahead as
special circumstances may affect this schedule.
Barge
rides on the C&O Canal
Take a trip back in time to the 1870’s! Ride along the historic C&O Canal in a boat pulled by mules. Experience rising 8-feet in a canal lock. Hear park rangers in period clothing describe what life was like for the families that lived and worked on the canal. Enjoy life at a slower pace. Cost for boat rides: $8.00 for adults (ages 15-61) seniors (ages 62 and over) and $5.00 for children (ages 4-14) children age three and under ride free. Groups of 10 or more are required to make advance reservations on either boat, as otherwise seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Boat visitor capacity is 70 people. The program lasts approximately one hour.
Great Falls Canal Boat schedule: Public boat rides are offered during the spring, summer, and fall months. The boat season usually lasts from early April through the end of October. Canal boat rides run five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Please call the visitor center for specific dates and times as well as for additional information. The Georgetown visitor center is closed Monday and Tuesday during the boat season. Please call the visitor centers for specific days and times, or refer to “The Canaller” newspaper for alternative programs.
Please
Note: This
schedule is subject to change without notice. There are no boat rides at Georgetown. Please
contact the Georgetown Visitor Center for the most up-to-date information
(202-653-5190). For the most up-to-date information for Great Falls, please
contact the Great Falls Visitor Center (301-767-3714).
FORT
WASHINGTON PARK
(Unit of National Capital Parks-East)
13551
Fort Washington Road
Fort
Washington, MD 20744
Visitor Center 301-763-4600
Civil War artillery demonstrations
One
Sunday a month during June, July and August 2012
1:00
p.m. -3:00 p.m.
Learn about Civil War artillery demonstrations when visiting Fort
Washington Park. See volunteers dressed
in period clothing showing visitors firing techniques. Call the Park’s Visitor
Center for dates.
GREAT
FALLS PARK (Unit of George Washington
Memorial Parkway)
9200
Old Dominion Drive (Use exit 43 off the Capital Beltway; proceed 4.5 miles
west)
McLean, VA 22102
Visitor Center 703-285-2965
“Fall Walks”
Saturdays
and Sundays
June
2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, and 24
July
1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, and 29
August
4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, and 26
11:00
a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Explore with a park
ranger the thrilling sites and angles seen during a 30-minute “Fall Walk” and learn
about the waterfall and explore the natural and cultural history of Great Falls
Park. Walking tours are free, and reservations can be made by calling the park
visitor center. Dress for the weather. All children must be
accompanied by an adult. Meet the ranger at the park visitor center.
GREENBELT
PARK
(Unit of National Capital Parks-East)
Sweetgum Picnic Area (located near the
entrance to Greenbelt Park)
6565 Greenbelt Road
Greenbelt,
MD 20770
Visitor
Center: 301-344-3944
Invasive Plant Removal Day
Saturday, June 2, July 7, August 4
11:00 a.m.
Join a park ranger to help remove invasive plants from Greenbelt
Park. This hands-on volunteer project is
a great way to help preserve Greenbelt Park for future generations. It is not a difficult or dangerous task.
Please bring insect and/or tick repellant. Wear sturdy shoes, long pants,
long-sleeved shirts and work gloves. You will be taught how to remove the
plants. Large groups, please call the
park Visitor Center. For directions to Sweetgum Picnic Area, call
the Visitor Center or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/gree
HARPERS FERRY NATIONAL HISTORICAL
PARK
171
Shoreline Drive
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Visitor
Center: 304-535-6029
Bolivar Heights Battlefield
Saturday and Sunday, June 23- 24 July
21-22, August 4-5
1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
Under Fire: The Battle of Bolivar
Heights 1862 - Harpers
Ferry National Historical Park staff will present an artillery demonstration
and program on the power and intimidation of field artillery. Visitors are
invited to witness the power of artillery that sealed the fate of the federal
soldiers.
Lower
Town
Saturday
and Sunday, August 18 and 19
11:00
a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Bringing in the Harvest - Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Interpretative rangers
invite visitors to come out and learn how summer time harvest foods were
preserved for winter consumption. Join
park rangers’ and 19th century Historic Food ways Expert Carol
Anderson for a
demonstration, pickling, drying, potting, and canning.
Murphy
Farm and Curtis Freewill Baptist Church, Hartzog
Road, Harpers Ferry, WV
Sunday,
August 19
8:00
a.m.
Retrace the 1906 footsteps of the men and women of
Niagara during a commemorative walk to the site of the John Brown’s Fort in
1906. Following the walk a 10:00 a.m. memorial service will take place at the
Curtis Freewill Baptist Church.
KENILWORTH PARK AND AQUATIC GARDENS (Unit
of National Capital Parks-East)
1550
Anacostia Avenue, N.E., Washington, D.C 20019
Visitor
Center- 202-472-2873
Saturday, July 21
10:00 a.m. to 3:00
p.m.
Annual
Water lily and Lotus-Asian Cultural Festival it’s that time of the year
again! Every 3rd Saturday of
July, visitors are invited to enjoy more than 75 varieties of blooming lilies
and lotus plants in a park setting that is of outstanding design and beauty. The
event celebrates the peak blooming season of water lily varieties and lotus
plants in the fresh water ponds that were created by Mr. W.B. Shaw in the
1920's along the Anacostia River. Take
part in a guided tour of the gardens, tour a greenhouse or take a stroll on the
boardwalk over the wetlands to view waterfowl and other wildlife in their
natural habitat. For further information call
202-472-2873.
MANASSAS NATONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK
12521
Lee Highway (I-66 West from Washington 28 miles; exit onto VA Rte.234)
Manassas,
VA 20109
Visitor
Center: 703-361-1339
151st Anniversary of the First Battle of Manassas
July 21 and 22
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Henry Hill Visitor Center
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Join park staff for the
annual commemoration of the first battle. This event will feature living
history demonstrations and historic weapons firings to reveal military tactics
and portray soldier life. Take the
special Ranger Tours of the battlefield; Join in the Ranger Talks on facets of
first battle and campaign; watch Military demonstrations of musket and
artillery firing.
Sunday, July 22
Henry Hill Visitor Center
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Join park staff for the
annual commemoration of the first battle. This event will feature living
history demonstrations of soldier life, infantry tactics, and musket firing.
Stonewall Brigade Virginia Infantry impressions, 11th New York “Fire
Zouaves” depictions, Confederate Military Forces
infantry impressions, Southern Grays Confederate infantry impressions, 2nd
Rhode Island Union infantry impressions, U.S. Marine Battalion (Marine Corps
Historical Company).
Sunday, July 22
Henry Hill Visitor Center
2:00 p.m.
Dr. Matthew Pinsker presents a lecture on President Abraham Lincoln’s
evolving policy on emancipation of the slaves in the summer of 1862.
August 25 – September 2, 2012: 150th Anniversary of the
Second Battle of Manassas
Saturday and Sunday,
August 25 and 26
Brawner Farm
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Join park staff to
commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Battle of Second Manassas (Bull Run).
This two day event will feature military
demonstrations of musketry and artillery firing; cavalry demonstrations of
maneuver, carbine firing; encampment of troops representing Union and
Confederate impressions describing soldier life and experience.
MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE COUNCIL HOUSE NATIONAL HISTORIC
SITE
(Unit of National Capital Parks-East)
Bethune Statue, Lincoln Park
located between
11th and 13th Street NE, Washington, D.C.
301-673-2402
Mary McLeod Bethune Birthday Celebration
Tuesday,
July 10
The National Park Service will
commemorate the 137th birthday celebration of Mary McLeod Bethune at
the Bethune Memorial Statue. The memorial is in Lincoln Park, located between 11th
and 13th Street, N.E., Washington, D.C.
July 10th is
the official birthday of Mary McLeod Bethune. This year's celebration will mark
the 38th anniversary of the wreath-laying ceremony and the erection
of the Bethune Memorial on July 10, 1974. For additional information, please
call the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site at (202)
673-2402.
Monocacy National Battlefield
5201 Urbana Pike (located three miles south of Frederick on
Maryland Rte. 355)
Frederick, MD 21704
Visitor Center: 301-662-3515
148th Anniversary of the
Battle of Monocacy
Monday and Tuesday, July 9 and July 10
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
On July 9, Union troops under General Lew Wallace met General
Jubal Early’s forces on the banks of the Monocacy. At Monocacy National
Battlefield, visitors can experience this and other stories of the past in a
landscape that has changed little since the 19th century.
Commemorate the 148th Anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy through the eyes of those who lived here at the
outbreak of the war. Interact with living history volunteers and experience the
life of children on one of the farms. Auto Tours are available of the
battlefield. Several walking trails are also available. To visit the
battlefield provides visitors the opportunity to understand and appreciate the
significance of the Battle of Monocacy.
NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL PARKS
National
Mall
Washington,
D.C.
202-426-6841
or 202-619-7222
Children’s Programs
Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday in June,
11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., each program 30 minutes long
Survey Lodge Ranger Station, located one block west of the intersection of 15th
St. and Independence Ave. SW.
Programs are ranger’s choice about anything on the National Mall: nature,
history, and always fun. Please meet at
Survey Lodge Ranger Station. Programs are outdoors in all safe weather.
Interpretive
Ranger Talks
Daily
10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln
Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Old Post Office Tower Observation
deck, World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, U.S. Navy Memorial, Freedom Plaza fountain,
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Martin Luther King, Jr.
Memorial
NPS
park rangers will present daily interpretive talks at various monuments and
memorials every hour on the hour between 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
BIKE TOURS
Saturday,
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Sunday,
June 3, 10, 17, 24, 2012
Meet at
the Jefferson Memorial
11:00
a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. to 4:00
p.m., 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Join the National Park Service rangers for FREE bike tours.
Think about how many more buildings we could have in Washington if we paved
over all the parkland. Throughout the
city's history many people wanted to do exactly that. Join Park Rangers on a trip through some of
the parkland that almost never was. All bike tours meet at the Thomas Jefferson
Memorial. All riders MUST provide their own bike, helmet, and water.
RUNNING TOURS
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Meet at the Washington Monument book store
8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Come explore the National Mall in the
quiet of the morning with a National Park Ranger on a run through the park. The
route include stops highlighting many different aspects of the National
Mall. Learn of D.C.’s past at scandal,
power struggles, and wealthy intentions. Meet at the Washington Monument bookstore.
ANNUAL
SMITHSONIAN FESTIVAL OF AMERICAN FOLKLIFE
June
30-July 4
July
7-11
11:00
a.m. to 5:30 p.m.,
5:30
p.m. – 9:00 p.m., evening events
The National Park
Service co-sponsors with the Smithsonian Institution, the 2011 Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall. Find many exemplary practitioners of diverse,
authentic, and living traditions. The Smithsonian Folklife
Festival is a special annual event sponsored each June-July celebrating
cultural traditions around the world. The Folklife
Festival includes daily and evening music and dance performances, crafts and
cooking demonstrations, storytelling and discussions of cultural issues. The
themes of the 2011 program will be: Colombia, Peace Corps and Rhythm and Blues.
Admission is FREE! Visitors should dress for hot and humid weather. Parking is
extremely limited. The National Park
Service encourages all visitors to take METRO to and from the National Mall.
This is an opportunity to learn and understand better cultural differences and
similarities. Visitors For more information, please call 202-633-1000.
KOREAN
WAR ARMISTICE DAY CEREMONY
10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 27
Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC
This year marks the 61st
Anniversary of the Korean War. On June 25, 1950, the North Korean Army-organized, equipped, and
was abetted by the Soviet Union-lunged, to cross the 38th Parallel
to subdue its countrymen to the south. This year also marks the 15th
Anniversary of the dedication of the Korean War Veterans Memorial. This ceremony is observed on the same day and
time the cease fire took effect in Korea.
A formal wreath-laying ceremony will take place with presentations by
government and military personnel. Veterans and service organizations will
attend.
PRESIDENT’S
PARK
White House Visitor Center
1450 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C.
202-208-1631
11:30 a.m.
to 12: 30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Daily,
June- August, 2012
Join park rangers for daily walks and talks
about various aspects of President's Park. Program topics vary
daily; previous ranger programs have covered White
House and presidential history, the history of President's Park, memorials and
monuments located within the park, the people who have lived in the White House
neighborhood and the many events held within the park.
PRINCE WILLIAM FOREST PARK
18170 Park
Entrance Road
Triangle, VA
22172
Visitor Center: 703-221-7181
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day
Ranger-led Programs at Prince William
Forest Park
June-August
Call 703-221-7181 for more
information
Ranger-led
programs and activities are held throughout the year. The visitor center
features exhibits on the park’s historic and natural resources.
ROCK CREEK PARK
5200
Glover Road, N.W.
Washington,
D.C. 20015
Nature
Center: 202-895-6070
Wednesday-Sunday (daily)
9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
Rock Creek
Nature Center is the major information center and focal point for activities
related to Rock Creek Park's natural and cultural history. Exhibits tell about
the park's wildlife and forest, and a library, open to all, has many books on
natural history. A Discovery Room will encourage hands-on activities. An
observation beehive is located on the back wall of the exhibit room. Visitors
can watch the bees at work in the hive, visible through glass panes. The hive
is connected to the outdoors by a plastic tube. Advance group reservations are
required.
Ranger-led Programs at Rock Creek
Park sites
June-August
Call 202-895-6070 for more
information
WOLF TRAP NATIONAL
PARK FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
1551 Trap Road
Vienna, VA 22182
703-225-1824
The only national park dedicated to
presenting the performing arts
No matter what
your age or taste in shows, you'll find something you like onstage at Wolf
Trap. From May through September, multiple amphitheaters in the park present
performances such as musicals, dance, opera, jazz, and popular and country
music. Call the park for additional information.
Summer Ranger Programs
June-August
Join a park ranger for an
interpretive program and learn about the arts in the park. Two
different ranger programs are offered at 12:15 pm and 12:30 pm, every Tuesday
through Saturday* during our Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods season. Meet park rangers at the kiosk in the meadow.
The program should last approximately 20 minutes Check the information board at
the footbridge or call (703) 255-1824 to find out which Ranger
Programs will be available on the day of your visit. Programs are
free and recommended for kids five and older. Ranger programs are canceled for
rain or if the day has been determined to have "Code Red" Air
Quality. For directions to the meadow or to get further information on the
ranger programs, please call 703-225-1824.
LINKS
For a complete listing of ranger-led programs/
special activities/ in our National Capital Region park sites visit:
Programs and activities
vary throughout the year, with a variety of ranger programs. Programs are
offered by rangers and at special events in coordination with Living History volunteers.
For more information about these programs and activities, contact the park or
visit the park website listed below.