Fire dancers perform at 2017’s Art All Night. (Photo by Victoria Pickering)
This Saturday, 100 artists will perform in eight neighborhoods across the District for one night only.
Now in its eighth year, Art All Night: Made in D.C. is a free overnight (at least until 3 a.m.) arts festival. There’s plenty of art to see, live music to hear, and neighbors to meet, at different hubs around town, including Deanwood and Congress Heights for the first time. Here’s what this 8-hour festival of art has to offer across the city.
Go here for: International art and cuisine
Can’t miss: The performers from Peculiarity Productions will perform fire juggling, fire breathing, fire dancing, and even fighting with flaming weapons. (Dupont Circle north side, 9 p.m.-9:45 p.m.)
Also check out: The other 19 events happening in the neighborhood include performances inside the Peruvian, Bolivian, Costa Rican, and Guatemalan embassies.
When to go: Most events start at 7 p.m. and end at 12 a.m.
Go here for: Lots of live music
Can’t miss: All you have to do to see live performances on Saturday is hop on a streetcar. Every other car will host a performance as it travels down H Street, including spoken word poet Cara-Lynn Blount, vocalist Naimah Muhammad, and guitarist Philippe Celestine. (H Street, 7 p.m.-1 a.m.)
Also check out: For acts you can hear on solid ground, check out live music performances at the neighborhood’s Starburst Plaza, where the theme for the night is the “Art of Rhythm”. (1501 Maryland Ave., 7 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.)
When to go: 7 p.m.-2 a.m.
Go here for: Old-school 60’s and 70’s art with family-friendly events
Can’t miss: Marvin Gaye Park hosts Around the World with Kidz, featuring dance performances from … well, around the world. You can also shop around at an open air craft market and take in live jazz. (601 Division Ave. NE, 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.)
Also check out: The Riverside Center several programs, including a cooking demonstration, poetry slam, and an art and photography exhibition. (601 Division Ave. NE, 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.)
When to go: All Deanwood Heights events start at 5 p.m. and last until 3 a.m.
Go here for: Art from your neighbors
Can’t miss: Local printing company CarrotsDC will host Airbrush Time! Guests can come check out airbrushing displays and local art. (4057 Minnesota Ave. NE, 7 p.m.)
Also check out: The Benning Neighborhood Library will have booths featuring jewelry artists, photography exhibits, and quilt art. (3935 Benning Road NE, 7 p.m.)
When to go: Most events start at 7 or 8 p.m.
Go here for: Shopping and experimental art
Can’t miss: At the #NorthCapontheMap Arts Market, you can support small shops and meet local artists. (1600 North Capitol St. NW, 7 p.m.-3 a.m.)
Also check out: At the corner of Randolph and North Capitol streets NW, The Foam Collective will be projecting experimental art. The group specializes in green energy art installations that take inspiration from 1960s D.C. artists and ’90s film. (1700 North Capitol St. NW, 7 p.m.-midnight)
When to go: 7 p.m. -3 a.m.
Go here for: Nightlife
Can’t miss: Blagden Alley’s creative agency Nobody will host a tribute to D.C. art-punk performance artist Susan Mumford, who died earlier this month. There’ll be live music from Heterodyne Music, video, photography, and poetry. (926 N St. NW, 8 p.m.-2 a.m.)
Also check out: “Respect: An Aretha Franklin Tribute” will include live local performances honoring the Queen of Soul. (The Cornerstone, 625 T St. NW, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)
When to go: Most events start around 7 or 8, but plenty of gatherings, including a glow-in-the-dark party at The Shop at Shaw, will go on late for night owls.
Go here for: Celebrations of the District’s African-American art and culture
Can’t miss: At the Chocolate City Threauxdown and Midnight Brunch Live Mix Tape, come to eat, drink, and dance to a variety of live music, from reggae to funk to R&B to hip-hop. (Congress Heights Plaza, 3109 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. & 5th St. SE, 7 p.m.-3 a.m.)
Also check out: Learn how to create healthy meals based in African, Caribbean, and African-American cuisine at the Jabari Tribe Feast: Art of Cuisine Experience. (3100 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, 6 p.m.-11 p.m.)
When to go: The neighborhood will have events starting at 4 p.m. through 3 a.m.
Go here for: Family-friendly events with kids.
Can’t miss: Bring a picnic to Bluegrass on the Lawn at Janney Elementary. You can also grab some free lemonade provided by the school’s 5th grade class (4130 Albemarle St. NW, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.)
Also check out: Outside the Tenleytown Metro Station, the Crush Funk Brass Band hosts a dance party, performing classic and modern songs with a funky twist. (Tenleytown Metro Plaza, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.)
When to go: Most events kick off at 7 or 8 p.m.
