News Release

The Carter Barron Amphitheater turns 75

black and white photo of a large crowd of people in a 4,000-seat amphitheater watching a theatrical performance on the stage
Premiere performance at the amphitheater on August 4, 1950

NPS / Abbie Rowe

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News Release Date: July 28, 2025

Contact: Autumn Cook, 771-215-6954

WASHINGTON — Rock Creek Park and Rock Creek Conservancy will host a special event to recognize the 75th anniversary of the Carter Barron Amphitheater. Visitors are invited to enjoy music, share memories, and immerse in history at this cherished venue within Rock Creek Park. 

When: Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. 
Where: Carter Barron Amphitheater (4850 Colorado Avenue NW, Washington, DC) 

The event will begin with welcome remarks from Rock Creek Park Superintendent Brian Joyner and Rock Creek Conservancy Executive Director Dan Puskar, followed by two hours of family-friendly activities inside and outside the gates of the amphitheater. 

Activities outside the gates, near the Box Office, will include music by DJ Lance Reynolds, kids’ games, commemorative button making and information about Recreating Responsibly in national parks. Activities inside the gate will feature a ranger program about the history of the amphitheater at 6:30 p.m., a screening of the film “DC's Heartbeat: A Carter Barron Amphitheater Story” at 7:15 p.m., an interactive timeline and opportunities for everyone to share memories—bring your photos and memorabilia from past performances to show off! 

About the Carter Barron Amphitheater 
The Carter Barron Amphitheater is a 4,000-plus seat open-air performance space built on a wooded hillside in Rock Creek Park. It was constructed in 1950 as part of the commemoration of the sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of the establishment of the District of Columbia as the nation’s capital in 1800. It closed after a 2017 inspection found that the stage’s substructure was not strong enough to handle the weight of performers and equipment onstage. The NPS is currently working on a comprehensive, conceptual design for rehabilitation of the amphitheater. 

About Rock Creek Park  
Rock Creek Park, one of the oldest urban parks in the nation, offers a vital green space for Washingtonians and visitors. The park protects natural resources and provides recreation, transportation, and cultural heritage experiences in the heart of the nation’s capital.   

About the National Park Service 
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for more than 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.       

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Last updated: July 28, 2025

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Mailing Address:

5200 Glover Rd, NW
Washington, DC 20015

Phone:

202-895-6000
Rock Creek Park's main phone line. On the weekends when the administrative offices are closed, call 202-895-6070 to reach the Nature Center.

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