Start your engines! Union Market District will be abuzz all year with the roar of excitement unique to F1 aficionados. For the first time in Washington, DC, multiple watch parties over several weeks will take place in one destination, hosted in partnership with Events DC and DC Motorsport Community (DCMC).
These experiences, designed for fans and newcomers alike, will continue through the end of the year, enlivening all corners of Union Market District with participation from numerous local businesses as venues.
Leading into Red Bull Showrun on Pennsylvania Avenue on April 20, legendary driver David Coulthard will make a pit stop at Union Market on Neal Place to help kick off the event weekend. This community event will take place on Friday, April 19, from 2pm to 7pm in front of The Market, which will transform into a vibrant fan fest, featuring a live appearance by Coulthard and opportunities to view an F1 race car up-close.
“I am excited to showcase Washington, D.C. as the ultimate destination for Formula 1 fans through a series of unforgettable events and activations in the vibrant Union Market District,” said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. “For the first time ever in the nation’s capital, fans will experience several exclusive events and a dynamic F1 Arcade that captures the excitement of international racing. This will also be an incredible opportunity to support local businesses, restaurants, and hotels in the neighborhood, while having fun.”
The programming continues with a full series of free Sprint Race and Qualifying Session watch parties throughout Union Market District in partnership with DC Motorsport Community (DCMC), including the Miami Sprint Race and Qualifying Session at La Cosecha (May 4) and Lambrusco specials by Stellina for the Imola, Italy, Qualifying Session (May 18), among many more fun collaborations. Super fans can gather at AutoShop for a ticketed Monaco Race Watch party and VIP brunch on Sunday, May 26. Each event is uniquely themed to deliver unparalleled entertainment for motorsport fans and hosted by a Union Market District retail partner, transforming the neighborhood into DC’s own racing village.
"Our partnership with Union Market District strengthens our mission of bringing motorsport into the forefront of sporting entertainment, building upon the grassroots efforts of dedicated and passionate people across the DC metro area," said Zac Hoffman, COO, DCMC. "Bringing our diverse and inclusive community together with the resources and commitments of Union Market District will accentuate our continued efforts to build the most accessible and enjoyable motorsport environment in the US.”
These activations are the perfect warm-up for the much-anticipated opening of F1 Arcade, opening this fall at Union Market District in its 17,500-square-feet space at 440 Penn St. NE, also known as The MO.
“Union Market District is one DC’s fastest growing neighborhoods—a destination-worthy spot for shopping, dining, art and entertainment,” said Jodie W. McLean, CEO, EDENS. “With 3.5 million visitors annually, we are DC’s place for connecting and creating community. These exclusive events are the perfect prequel to the arrival of F1 Arcade, building a fanbase for cutting-edge culture and fast-paced engagement.”
For an updated list of Union Market District events inspired by Formula 1, visit unionmarketdc.com/race-the-district/
About Union Market District:
One of Washington, DC’s fastest growing neighborhoods, Union Market District is a unique fusion of heritage and innovation. The historic Market is the 20,000-square-foot home to dozens of merchants and purveyors of food and drink alongside a dynamic, 45-acre streetscape of independent shops and services, nationally recognized brands and highly rated restaurants. La Cosecha is a contemporary Latin American marketplace and culinary embassy that celebrates centuries of heritage. There is a palpable sense of discovery and connection on every corner, creating a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, art, entertainment and community engagement. The open-air Plaza at the Dock below one of DC’s largest public rooftops with a 360-degree vista further distinguishes Union Market District as a true gem within a world-class city.
About Events DC:
As the official convention and sports authority for Washington, DC, we create experiences that engage, excite and entertain visitors from around the world and benefit our local economy and community. Events DC generates economic and community benefits for the residents and businesses of the District of Columbia by creating premier event experiences in the nation’s capital, and through the promotion of Washington, DC as a world-class destination. https://eventsdc.com.
About DC Motorsport:
DC Motorsport Community (DCMC) was founded by Niki Lang and Zachary Hoffman in 2023. DCMC builds community in the DC metro area for motorsport fans; creating inclusive, engaging events and promotions that facilitate our members’ need for speed. DCMC created our F1 fan group, “#DCF1”, as lifelong fans of Formula 1 Racing with a desire to promote the sport and make it accessible to everyone, at all levels of engagement. Niki and Zac bonded over their shared passion for motorsport after watching F1 racing together around DC, ultimately culminating with a partnership with Duke’s Grocery in Navy Yard to cultivate the motorsport community. The dedication to show every single Grand Prix live earned them the loyalty of die-hard fans. Within just three months, #DCF1 went from a small group to over 500 members hosted at multiple locations across the DMV. You can learn more about DCMC by visiting DCMotorsportCommunity.com or following us on Instagram @dc_motorsportcommunity
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For more information, please contact:
Amr Shehata, Senior Manager, Communications + PR, EDENS
571-373-7885; ashehata@edens.com.
Shayne Wells, Vice President, Communications Affairs, Events DC
202-893-2358; Shayne.Wells@eventsdc.com
Zac Hoffman, COO, DC Motorsport Community zac@dcmotorsportcommunity.com
