Very small town but very urban, very international but very American—Barracks Row Main Street’s Fall Festival this Saturday September 24th is both edgy and sweetly homespun. Admittance is free, and the festival is easy to find: take Eastern Market Metro (Orange-Blue-Silver). Walk ahead 60 feet from METRO escalator and look right—you’ll spot over 100 tents nestled near Marine Barracks Washington. Spend the afternoon on a well-curated shopping adventure or take the docent-lead barracks tours!

Screech, the Washington Nationals Bald Eagle mascot lands Center Stage 11AM. He’ll roam the midway ‘til noon. Jack Russels perform at 12:45PM. Come 2:00PM it’s Batala, DC’s all-female African-Brazilian drummers. Mayor Bowser visits at 2:30PM—the exact same time Max Major, Mentalist & Escape Artist begins his first set. Then at 3:00PM, world famous Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon performs.

For more information, check out the festival timeline here!

A reflection Capitol Hill’s diverse community, the Fall Festival is visually dominated by Trapeze School NY’s performing tower, which is positioned at the imposing Shakespeare Theatre building. Aerialists will perform all day—cheered on by sidewalk café crowds. And more flying will happen at the live butterfly releases! Monarchs will be launched from 3rd floor roof deck at Taoti Creative, 530 8th Street, at 12:30 and 3:45PM. Just-for-Kids butterfly launch at 709 8th Street—1:30 and 3:45PM. Then visit the Drones!

Walk on! You could encounter Petting Zoo donkeys out strolling, or Chesty the Marine Corps’ bull dog mascot with his trainer walking the midway. Heidi the Stilt Walker leads the Wrap Parade down to The Brig beer garden at 4:45!

We hope you’re ready to dust off your best fall sweater!

This post is brought to you by Barracks Row Main Street.