Rock Creek Park Day

This September, Rock Creek Park is turning up the volume for its 135th Anniversary with a one-of-a-kind celebration: Punk Rocks! Join us on September 20, 21, 27, and 28 for two weekends of music, history, science, and community as we celebrate the past, present, and future of one of the nation’s oldest urban parks.

Punk Rocks! blends DC’s legendary punk rock spirit with the park’s geologic, cultural, and cosmic stories. Visitors of all ages will discover why nature and green spaces matter—especially in cities like Washington, DC—through hands-on programs, live activities, and creative workshops.

Highlights include:

• Dig into History: Learn about archaeology and uncover hidden foundations and man-made stone features right beneath your feet.

• Exploring the Cosmos: Blast off in the park’s planetarium to explore distant planets and stars—or stop by our Chat with a Scientist station to discover the wild world of rocks, minerals, and geologic forces. You may even hold a rock from outer space!

• Battle Jacket Workshop: Unleash your inner punk! Create your own battle jacket with patches, pins, and art that tell your story and reflect what you stand for.

• Evening Picnic in the Park: As the sun sets, spread out a blanket, relax, and enjoy music, nature, and community under the evening sky.

• BARK Ranger Goes Punk Rock: Even four-legged friends can join the fun! Dress up your pup in their coolest punk gear, complete activities, and earn a special BARK Ranger badge while learning how you and your dog can help protect the park.

This anniversary isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about bringing people together through community, culture, and creativity. Punk Rocks! celebrates Rock Creek Park’s history, its role in our lives today, and the vibrant future we’re shaping together.

The event is free and open to the public. Families, music lovers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts alike are invited to join in this unforgettable anniversary celebration.

Stay tuned for more details!

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