What to Expect for the H Street Festival in September

Crowds are set to flood the H Street corridor for a day of alfresco drinking, eating and entertainment during the neighborhood’s biggest party next month.

The annual H Street Festival is scheduled to come back with beer and liquor gardens, Pokemon Go lounges, go-go music and BBQ, among other attractions, Saturday, Sept. 17.

Spanning between 4th and 14th streets NE on H Street, the celebration is slated to bring out more than 250 vendors from noon to 7 p.m.

According to the event’s organizers, here is some of what to expect:

• Food

The culinary offerings will span everything from American staples such as barbeque and fried chicken to exotic and unusual dishes from all corners of the globe.

• Beer and liquor gardens

  • The ModeloZone – The AutoZone parking lot will be transformed into the ModeloZone courtesy of this year’s official beer sponsor. (12 & H)

  • “Diageo” Liquor Garden – Hosted by the Festival’s liquor sponsor, the garden will offer drinks featuring some of the company’s best and most popular brands such as Ciroq, Tangeray and Crown Royal. (11 & H)

• Pokemon Go lounges

Want to hang out and catch Pikachu? We’ll have lounge areas set up at the intersection of two PokeStops and will be putting out lures all afternoon. The space will also be complete with comfortable seating, charging stations and beverages for purchase. (Multiple Locations)

• Music

The Festival will have a variety of shows, featuring some of the best local and regional performers in Go-Go music, rap, R&B, jazz, rock-n-roll, soul music, gospel and more.

• Karaoke
  

Those who are brave enough to become one of the Festival’s performers themselves are encouraged to come ready to sing! (9 & H)

• Superheroes

CW50 will be promoting their Flash, Super Girl, Arrow and DC Legends of Tomorrow shows by bringing a huge mural featuring the shows’ stars, a Flash-themed SUV and costumed performers. We’ll also be holding a Superhero Costume Contest. First prize is a brand new flat screen TV. (12 & H)

• Free professional portraits

Professional portrait photographer Randall Scott will bring his mobile portrait studio to the H Street Festival. Scott will offer free portrait sessions during the festival in his studio tent. (Location: TBD)

• Chess academy

Always wanted to learn how to play chess? Well this is your chance! Chess experts will offer free lessons on how to play and win. (Location: TBD)

• Fashion

This year’s Fashion Stage will be our biggest yet in size and shows. We’ll have more designers than ever, as well as the Festival’s first hair show. (12 & H)

Photo via Flickr/Ted Eytan