Pickleball seems to be everywhere these days, and soon, “America’s front yard” — the National Mall — will be no exception. Pickleball newbies and fanatics alike will have the chance to join clinics, participate in open play, and cheer on the pros during a three-day event this month.

From Sept. 28-30, the National Mall of Pickleball will take over the JFK Hockey Fields, a swath of lawn adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The program, organized by the Trust for the National Mall and health insurance company Humana, is intended to promote athletic activity among Americans over the age of 55 (who make up more than half the core group of pickleballers) and raise awareness for preservation efforts on the National Mall, according to a news release. The event comes as the Trust is also hosting its inaugural art exhibit outdoors on the Mall, “Beyond Granite.”

Whether you find pickleball annoying or addictive, there will be a chance for you to engage with the sport that’s spreading like wildfire across the U.S.

The free event will feature nine temporary courts, where community play will be available for players of all ages and skill levels, with advanced registration. Various pre-registered teams will face off at different points throughout the weekend; for example, local seniors who are ambassadors for USA Pickleball, volunteers for the Trust, and local D.C. rec-league players will all have matches.

Members of the professional D.C. Pickleball Team, of Major League Pickleball, will teach lessons on how to dink, dive, and rally before showing off their skills in scrimmage matches — they’ll even offer fans a chance to play against them.

Celebrity appearances will include Katie Couric and comedian Rob Riggle, and a to-be-announced “notable chef” will lead a healthy cooking demo on Sept. 29. Plus, members of the media can sign up for a “Media Match” in a round-robin doubles tournament. (I’m already sensing some rivalries as I type this.)

“I’m looking forward to joining all of the pickleball players courtside for some friendly competition and maybe even a little bit of heckling,” Riggle said in a statement.

Free online reservations will be available starting Thursday, Sept. 14 at noon. Participants can reserve an hour of court time for two players, who will be matched with another duo at the on-site registration table. Walk-ons will also be welcomed. The event organizers will provide the paddles and balls, though players who prefer their own equipment are encouraged to bring it.