Mayor Muriel Bowser is inviting residents and visitors alike to the District’s 21st annual DC Emancipation Day festivities on Sunday, April 19. The free, day-long celebration at Franklin Park in Downtown DC will feature a parade, festival, and concert featuring performances by world-renowned, three-time Grammy Award-winning rapper, actor, and record producer T.I.; DC’s own Grammy Award-winning singer Mýa; and three-time Grammy-winning gospel artist Tye Tribbett—as well as Backyard Band featuring Sugar Bear, Black Alley, 44 The Musical, and Souls of Kingsmen.
“DC Emancipation Day is one of the most meaningful days on our calendar — a moment for Washingtonians to come together, reflect on our history, celebrate the resilience that defines our city, and in doing so, strategize about our future,” said Mayor Bowser. “This year we are bringing the same energy to a new location, the beautiful Franklin Park in Downtown DC. So, take note of the new location, and we’ll see you there.”
Festival: 1:00pm (grounds open)
Parade: 1:30pm
Concert: 2:30pm
Grand Finale: 8:30pm
To RSVP and for more information and event updates, visit emancipation.dc.gov or subscribe to the Mayor’s newsletter to keep up with important news about Emancipation Day, other DC events, and more.