The annual 17th Street Festival will return to Dupont later this month with a few new features.
The street celebration is slated to bring artisans, vendors and performers to roughly four blocks of 17th Street NW on Saturday, Aug. 27. But it may look a little different this time around, organizers say.
The festival will include a “few new things this year,” like a costumed dog parade, a mariachi band and a Chinese dragon dancer, said Bill McLeod, executive director of Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets, the organization putting on this year’s event.
This year’s event will also have parades for babies and kids and a play area with a moon bounce, face painting and a ball crawl, McLeod said. Additionally, attendees can buy a wristband to get discounts at businesses along the 17th Street corridor.
But perhaps the biggest change coming to the annual festival will be the lack of a main stage area, where local musicians and drag queens usually performed.
Instead of a stage, this year’s festival will have acoustic musical acts that roam up and down 17th Street, McLeod said. The idea is to put on a good show while keeping the volume down.
“It’s great if you like listening to music, but if you’re a vendor near the stage, you’re blasted all day,” he said. “It will be a more moderate sound [this year].”
Despite the changes, however, the annual celebration is still aimed at promoting the restaurants, bars and shops on 17th Street.
“That’s really the goal of the festival,” McLeod said. “To remind everybody that 17th Street is loads of fun.”
Photo courtesy of Luis Gomez
Crowds braved the wet weather and flocked to the annual 17th Street Festival this Saturday. And although some left with soaked shirts and soggy socks, it’s safe to assume all had a good time.
From Drag City Divas to dozens of vendors, here’s what went down at this year’s 17th Street Festival.
Crowd and band photos courtesy of Luis Gomez
Local art, live music and activities for kids and pets will take over a stretch of 17th Street NW near Dupont Circle on Sept. 12 for the sixth 17th Street Festival.
The festival, which runs from noon to 6 p.m., will be similar to previous years’ festivals and will include more than 50 local artists and special zones for kids and pets.
Artists and other vendors will set up on 17th Street between P and R streets NW. Most of the vendor spots have been filled but submissions to fill the few remaining spots will be accepted until Friday.
Lee Granados, founder and co-chair of the festival, says that the festival tries to have a wide variety of art styles represented.
“We really try to push the envelope a little bit and bring in a pretty extensive variety to touch a lot of interests,” Granados said. “We have our typical traditional paintings and photography, but some of the applications I’ve seen have been for comic book graphic designers and some computer-generated work. There’s definitely a range from very contemporary to very traditional artists.”
While their parents peruse the art, children can enjoy storytelling, moon-bounces and other activities in the “kids zone” located at Stead Park on P Street. There will also be a “pet zone” sponsored by Dupont pet boutique The Cheeky Puppy.
Organizers are still finalizing entertainment for the main stage, but Granados says the festival plans to continue its annual tradition of including performances by local drag queens in the day’s entertainment. Several high-profile LGBT organizations have signed on as sponsors of the festival, including Capitol Pride and the Washington Blade newspaper.
Granados says she is also working with businesses around 17th Street to incorporate them into the celebration. The festival, which is put on by Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets, has a policy of excluding any vendors who might compete directly with area businesses.
“We have something for everyone and we hope that people come and enjoy a variety of entertainment and vendors and learn about some of the nonprofits in this area,” Granados said. “We also hope that people will support our local businesses while they’re here.”
Photo via Facebook/ 17th Street Festival
Tuesday: 17th Street Festival Kick Off & Fundraiser. (Courtesy of Festival)
September might sound very far away but Tuesday, April 2, the 17th Street Festival will have its Kick Off & Fundraiser event at Cobalt from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
Come out and get involved with the 4th Annual 17th Street Festival while enjoying $1 Rail Drinks during the event, at 17th and R Streets NW. The tentative date for the 2013 festival is Saturday, September 21.
The 17th Street Festival is planned by the Urban Neighborhood Alliance (UNA), which brings businesses and residents together to develop innovative solutions to community challenges.
Additional details — including information on becoming a vendor and sponsor — will soon be available on the organization’s website.
- What: 17th Street Festival Kickoff and Fundraiser
- When: Tuesday, April 2. From 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
- Where: Cobalt, 1639 R Street NW
We hope to see you there!
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From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
(Courtesy of UNA)
On Tuesday, February 12, the Urban Neighborhood Alliance (UNA) will host an informal reception beginning at 7 pm at the Dupont Circle Business Incubator at 1638 R Street NW.
The reception provides an opportunity for residents and neighbors to come together to begin to discuss and plan they year’s upcoming activities, including the Council special election, the community clean up and the Annual 17th Street Festival. The UNA is also looking to expand its Board and will talk with those interested in a leadership position.
For more information on the meeting, visit the Facebook event page.
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At Transformer: Armando Lopez-Bircann. (Courtesy of Transformer and Darren Santos)
From ArtSee. Email contact[AT]artseedc.com and follow ArtSee@ArtSeeinDC on Twitter.
This year was a successful year in the DC art world, but just as, if not more successful for the artists of our beloved Borderstan. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights and looking forward, places/people that we hope will repeat their success in 2013!
Contemporary Wing started this year off with bang and officially opened their 14th Street location. BRAVO! They opened the year with the Next Generation show, a collection of work by artists chosen by those artists that participated in the 30 Americans show at the Corcoran. It was an incredible first show for the gallery that took over the Irvine Contemporary space in the prime Logan Circle Location.
As we have previously reported, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty shook up the gallery scene by bringing art to the walls of their 14th Street office space. In 2012 the realty experts showcased three emerging artists; Joel D’Orazio, Blair Sutton and now featuring Mark Parascandola. They will continue to show artwork in the year to come and hope to engage the local community through art.
As in year’s past, the 17th Street Festival was full of some of the area’s most eager and talented artists. In addition to the live music, talent and the pet and kid zones, artists were once again given the chance to show their work in a fun and fresh way. Many local artists consider the festival a great opportunity to sell their affordable work. In its third year, the festival featured over 50 different artists, which we hope will continue to grow in the year to come.
Our favorite group of local artists that either live and/or work in Borderstan is the Mid City Artists. This year they hosted two very successful studio tours, giving the community an opportunity to travel to and browse the work of these incredible artists in their working space. The studios of these artists span the Borderstan region but it is well worth the walk. In addition to getting the opportunity to speak to these talented creatives, you never know what kind of hidden gems can be found in their studios.
“Call Collect” at Hamiltonian was a smashing success giving 100 artists a three week-long exhibition opportunity. Participating artists were pulled from throughout DC’s four corners and featured those chosen by the Hamiltonian’s most esteemed fellows. The show was capped off with the Call Collect Benefit, which auctioned off the work in the show, with the twist that you were allowed to select your work in the order in which you purchased your ticket. So creative (and successful)!
Last but certainly not least, Transformer was able to end their year with their annual live auction and benefit party. The event, hosted at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, was a great accomplishment with over 160 artists participating and a party that was not to be missed. The true STAR of the show was performance artist, Armando López-Bircann, who shined brighter than any diamond in the room!
I certainly thank and applaud our Borderstan community for giving us so much to look at and experience in the last year. Here is to an even more successful and art filled 2013 ahead!
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Photos from the The 2011 17th Street Festival. This year’s festival is this Saturday. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
Attention: Dog lovers. This Saturday’s 17th Street Festival has something just for you and your four-legged friend — it’s an entire PET ZONE, sponsored by City Dogs Rescue. The PET ZONE will feature dog-friendly games, treats, the annual blessing of the animals and the annual Walk-A-Dog-Athon.
The Walk-A-Dog-Athon will support Charlie’s Place, a homeless outreach program at Saint Margaret’s Church that works to feed the homeless and place people in jobs and housing. Registration for the Walk-A-Dog-Athon will be at the Charlie’s Place table (on 17th Street NW between R and S Streets NW); the cost is $30 for adults and $15 for kids.
Don’t have a dog to bring to the fun? Don’t worry, there will be dogs available for adoption at the PET ZONE.
The 17th Street Festival takes place on Saturday, September 22 from noon until 6 pm. In addition to activities for pets, the festival includes musical performances, a KID ZONE, local art, exposure for non-profit groups and appearances by city officials to celebrate the community and businesses.
The festival is planned by the Urban Neighborhood Alliance (UNA), which “brings businesses and residents together to develop innovative solutions to community challenges.” Additional details are available on the organization’s website.
Borderstan.com is proud to be among this year’s festival sponsors — check out the list of 2012 sponsors.
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Brian Petro is one local artist exhibiting his work at this year’s 17th Street Festival this Saturday, September 22. (Rachel Nania)
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
One major component of this Saturday’s third annual 17th Street Festival is the festival’s yearly Art Show, which covers two street blocks and features the work of 50-plus local artists. The collection of exhibited art ranges from pottery to photography and even body paint.
There is even a sneak preview this Friday, September 21, at Century 21, 17th and Q NW –with six artists, live music and food from 6 to 9 pm. On Friday, September 21, catch the art work of Nataliya Andreyeva, Shaun Rabah, Dana Rene, Al Pellenberg, Jost Houk and Susanne Kasielke. Andrew Grossman will even be on-hand to provide live music to attendees.
The 17th Street Festival take place on Saturday, September 22 from noon until 6 pm. In addition to art, the festival includes musical performances, a pet zone, a kids zone, exposure for non-profit groups and appearances by city officials to celebrate the community and businesses.
The festival is planned by the Urban Neighborhood Alliance (UNA), which brings businesses and residents together to develop innovative solutions to community challenges. Additional details are available on the organization’s website.
Borderstan.com is proud to be among this year’s festival sponsors –check out the list of 2012 sponsors.
Get an RSS Feed for all Borderstan stories or subscribe to Borderstan’s daily email newsletter.
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
Allison Sheren of Neighborsations. (Courtesy of Allison Sheren)
Urban living is sometimes associated with a lifestyle that lacks a sense of community and neighborliness; but Allison Sheren is here to prove that stereotype wrong.
As the Founder of Neighborsations, a company that connects neighbors based on common interests, Sheren is working hard to make sure that neighbors meet and create lasting and meaningful relationships.
“I love my neighborhood, my block and my neighbors,” said Sheren, who is piloting Neighborsations in DC and primarily in the Borderstan area. “The people are great, but I’m only friends with one of my neighbors. A few months ago, I was thinking about why this neighbor and I became friends, and it hit me. When he and I met, we were both wearing Michigan apparel.
“We had our ‘Go Blue’ moment and we knew we had something in common, therefore making it easy to start a conversation. I wanted to create a platform that enabled more people to have that experience. Neighborsations is about bringing neighbors together to create lasting friendships and meaningful offline interactions. It allows you to meet the neighbors you want to know, and it gives you an easy way to start the conversation.”
If you’re looking to join in on the conversation, Neighborsations will make its debut at this year’s 17th Street Festival on September 22 from noon until 6 pm.
“It’s a great opportunity to match neighbors based on common interests and have them meet while at the festival,” said Sheren, who is partnering on the event with the Urban Neighborhood Alliance.
So, How Does it Work?
Interested individuals can sign-up for Neighborsations to be connected with others in the area who share common interests.
“As opposed to walking down the street and knocking on every door, users are given a specific person to meet and an easy way to start a conversation,” explained Sheren.
Neighborsations is currently in the process of building its full website in order to better match neighbors online for offline experiences, and people have already begun to register to be matched at the 17th Street Festival. Neighbors interested in being matched up at the Festival should complete this online form. Neighborsations will then follow-up with information on who you will meet and where.
For more information on Neighborsations, visit the website and Facebook page, or follow the group on Twitter @neighborsations.
Local artists and vendors exhibit at the 2011 17th Street Festival. (Borderstan)
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
See photos from the 2011 17th Street Festival.
Local artists and vendors are an integral part of the Annual 17th Street Festival. So if you are a DC-based artist, establishment or business, don’t miss your opportunity to showcase your work to over 10,000 participants at this year’s event.
Organizers of the third annual neighborhood celebration are currently seeking artists and vendors to participate in the Festival. The 2012 17th Street Festival will take place on Saturday, September 22 from noon until 6 pm.
Interested? Local artists should fill out the Artist Application on the website by September 1. Businesses and organizations wishing to participate in this year’s Festival are also encouraged to complete the Vendor Application onlineby September 9.
The 2012 Festival is Saturday, September 22 on the 17th Street corridor. (Courtesy of Festival)
The cost for a 10’x10′ booth is $100, including a tent. For more information, visit the festival website or email stephen[AT]17thstreetfestival.org. The festival is organized by the Urban Neighborhood Alliance and all proceeds from the festival go toward 17th Street projects and next year’s festival.
The day-long celebration includes live musical performances, artist vendors, a pet zone, a kids zone, exposure for non-profit groups and appearances by city officials to celebrate the community and businesses.
Borderstan.com will again be among the sponsors of the 17th Street Festival.
The 17th Street Festival is seeking new sponsors for the third annual event. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
See photos from the 2011 17th Street Festival.
The Third Annual 17th Street Festival is rapidly approaching, and festival organizers are currently seeking new sponsors for the September event.
Don’t miss out on an opportunity to connect with more than 10,000 community participants, spectators and volunteers. All proceeds from the festival go toward 17th Street projects and next year’s festival.
The 2012 17th Street Festival will take place on Saturday, September 22, from noon until 6 pm. The day-long celebration includes live musical performances, artist vendors, a pet zone, a kids zone, exposure for non-profit groups and appearances by city officials to celebrate the community and businesses.
Festival sponsors can choose from various levels of commitment. For more information on becoming a sponsor, visit the website to download a sponsorship packet or contact [email protected].
Borderstan.com is proud to again be among the sponsors of the 17th Street Festival.
Photos from the 2011 17th Streets Festival. The Third Annual Festival is September 22. (Luis Gomez Photos).
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
See photos from the 2011 17th Street Festival.
We know September seems like it’s light-years away; but really, it’s right around the corner. Yes, it’s true — before you know it the pool will be closed, the Hill will be back in session and the kids will be back in school.
So before your September schedule fills up, make sure to mark your calendar for the day that celebrates businesses, schools, restaurants, community organizations, clubs, bars, parks and art in the community: The 17th Street Festival on the the fourth Saturday in September.
This year’s third annual event will take place on Saturday, September 22 from noon until 6 pm, and will include musical performances throughout the afternoon, artist vendors, a pet zone, a kids zone, exposure for non-profit groups and appearances by city officials to celebrate the community and businesses. Moreover, since last year’s event was such a success, this year’s Festival will last two hours longer.
The 17th Street Festival is planned by the Urban Neighborhood Alliance (UNA), which brings businesses and residents together to develop innovative solutions to community challenges. Additional details — including information on becoming a vendor and sponsoring the festival — are available on the organization’s website.
We hope to see you there!
Disclosure: Borderstan.com will again be among the sponsors of the 17th Street Festival.
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Featured photo from the 2011 17th Street Festival by Luis Gomez Photos.
The monthly meeting of the Urban Neighborhood Alliance (UNA) is tonight, Tuesday, May 8. Time is 7 pm at the offices of the Washington Blade at 1712 14th Street NW, Second Floor (different site this month).
(Courtesy UNA)
All meetings are open to the public and are held on the second Tuesday of the month.
3rd Annual 17th Street Festival
The 3rd Annual 17th Street Festival is coming up Saturday, September 22. UNA says they are looking for volunteers who want to help with the festival.
Disclosure: Borderstan.com is a supporter of UNA and participates with them in special events, including the 17th Street Festival.
Related Posts
- Saturday Rummage Sale, Recycling Event Brings Neighbors to Ross
- Urban Neighborhood Alliance Seeking Volunteers for 2012 Projects
- 2011 17th Street Festival Photos: Did We See You There?
- New Kid on the Block: Urban Neighborhood Alliance
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(Image courtesy UNA)
The following column is from Stephen Rutgers, vice president of the Urban Neighborhood Alliance. Borderstan is a member of the UNA. We welcome similar columns — you can reach us at [email protected].
From Stephen Rutgers
We know there are a lot of New Year’s resolutions out there, but how about adding one to help change the community and bridge the gap between businesses and residents?
If this sounds like something you want to do, then come join the Urban Neighborhood Alliance (UNA, like the game UNO but with an A at the end). The Urban Neighborhood Alliance is the new kid on the block, but in less then a year we have made a positive impact on the community.
Some folks learned about us early on and have been wondering where we’ve been. We have been raising money to pay legal fees to acquire non-profit status, building relationships with other organizations, supporting other groups through planning and media, and running the 17th Street Festival. Every member is a volunteer and many have intense full-time jobs. Our work comes from a passion to move our community forward in a collaborative way with all!
UNA has a lot of things planned for 2012:
- 3rd Annual 17th Street Festival
- co-sponsoring a city council candidate forum
- helping reform the DC taxicab regulations
- exploring strong, viable school options for every family in DC
- organizing a spring community cleanup and community rummage sale
We are looking for residents, business owners, local workers who want to get involved in the process of making DC a better place to live. We meet on the second Tuesday of every month at Century 21 Redwood Realty. We are looking for people who want to be on the Board of Directors, help with social media, or just be apart of the process. Membership is free to anyone who wants to get involved. Of course; any donation is also appreciated, as it helps us to support other causes, forums and festivals.
More Information on UNA
If this sound likes something you may be interested in check out the UNA website, our Facebook Page, follow us on Twitter @unadc, or contract me at [email protected].
You can also come check UNA out at our next monthly meeting on Tuesday January 10. Time is 7 pm at Century 21 Redwood Realty, 1701 Q Street NW. We want you to be involved. So why not start off 2012 right by helping the community become a better place to live?
About UNA
The Urban Neighborhood Alliance (UNA), 501(c)(3), brings businesses and residents together to develop innovative solutions to community challenges. We seek to create a livable and prosperous neighborhood by working to affect positive change in our dynamic downtown environment, in which we have chosen to live. An Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRS Form 1023) has been filed with the IRS. The Urban Neighborhood Alliance’s tax exemption is expected to be retroactive to the date of incorporation. Donors will receive receipts reflecting the Urban Neighborhood Alliance 501(c)(3) status as soon as it is approved.
Related Posts
The 2nd Annual 17th Street Festival is Saturday, September 24, from 2 to 6 pm. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Laura Herman of LauraLikesThis. Laura is also a contributor over at Brightest Young Things and you can find her on Twitter @Lmhhabs. Email her at [email protected].
We interrupt our usual weekend picks to bring you the Ultimate Guide to the 2nd Annual 17th Street Festival, right here in the heart of Borderstan. Last year’s festival was a great success and this year’s festival takes place THIS SATURDAY, September 24, on the 17th Street NW corridor — along 17th Street between P and Riggs and on R Street between 17th and New Hampshire Avenue NW — between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Festival Map: Print a copy of the map with a list of all the business specials and events. The Festival includes an Art Show, Kids Zone and Pet Zone. And be sure to check out the 2011 sponsors.
The street will be sectioned off into a pet zone, a three-block long market place with a main stage in the middle, two blocks of an art show, a kid zone, and a beer garden at JR’s. There will be a ton of different live performances, music, business specials and general merriment throughout the day. To help you plot your course through the festival, here are our top picks for things to check out. Oh, and don’t forget about the people watching.
17th Street businesses are offering specials during the Festival. (Luis Gomez Photos)
Entertainment
The entertainment stage is at 17th and Corcoran near Safeway.
- 2 pm: Deb Felz Band
- 2:20 pm: VIDA Fitness – ZUMBA
- 2:35 pm: Sherry Vine
- 2:45 pm: Eric Scott & Company Dance Crew
- 3:20 pm: The Silver Liners
- 3:55 pm: Drag City:DC
- 4:15 pm: Raw with DJs Shea Van Horn and Bil Todd
- 5 pm: Recording artist Inaya Day
Must-Hit Business Specials
The festival map includes the list of business specials.
- Agora- $3 Miller Lights, $3 rail drinks all day
- Cafe Green- 50 percent off all cocktails, with vegan food specials inside
- Dito’s Bar- $5 sangria, $3 beer, $5 onion rings or calamari all day
- Floriana- debuting a new brunch menu with half-price bottles of wine between 2 and 6 pm
- Grubb’s NW Pharmacy- 20% off all overt the counter products for their grand opening
- Hank’s Oyster Bar and Lounge- $15 gift certificate for $10, with all proceeds going to Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets
- Level One- $10 sandwich and chip special
- Pizza No. 17- $10 pizza, $4 Bud Lights all day
- Tranquil Space- $50 unlimited one month pass for new students
- True Value – 20% off purchase between 2 and 6 pm with coupon
Don’t Miss
- Art show where local artists will display and sell their works, between P and Q Streets
- JR’s Bar & Grill will celebrate its 25th Anniversary by bringing back last year’s popular beer garden at 17th and Church Streets. There is a $5 cover to enter the beer garden, with the proceeds benefiting the Festival.
- Ross Elementary PTA and the DC Jewish Community Center will sponsor the Kids’ Zone, which will be held in front of Ross School on the 1700 block of R Street NW.
- The Pet Zone will be located between R Street NW and Riggs Place NW. In addition to other activities, MPD will be doing a K9 demonstration.
AND DON’T FORGET: Stop by and visit us at the Borderstan tent! We’ll be next to Salon Rouge on 17th Street (north of Safeway, south of R Street). We’ll see you there!
Borderstan.com and Luis Gomez Photos are among this year’s sponsors.
Previous Festival Posts
- 17th Street Festival Announces “Wide Variety” of Artists
- 17th Street Festival Announces Lineup of Bands, Peformers, DJs
- 17th Street Festival Partners with Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets
- 2nd Annual 17th Street Festival Seeking Local Artists, Vendors
