RFK Legacy: A Tailgate Experience

Remember the magic of RFK Stadium? Relive the memories with live music, great food, family fun and legendary Washington, DC athletes sharing unforgettable stories. 

Saturday, Sept 5, 2026 | 1:00-5:00 PM  

The Fields at RFK Campus 

Free Admission

Register now!

Honoring a DC landmark

For more than six decades, RFK Stadium stood as the heart of sports, entertainment, and community in the nation's capital. From historic games to iconic concerts, it served as a gathering place for generations of Washingtonians, hosting moments that shaped the city's culture and identity. As RFK prepares for its next chapter, we invite the community to join us in honoring its legacy.

This FREE community event brings together the people who made those memories including local leaders, longtime fans, and the Washington, DC baseball, football, and soccer legends who once took the field. It's an opportunity to celebrate the past while looking forward to the future of this historic site.

Join us for an afternoon of fan experiences, live performances, and family-friendly activities, all designed to bring the community together in celebration of RFK Stadium's enduring impact.

“RFK Legacy: A Tailgate Experience is our way of celebrating those unforgettable memories with the community that made it all possible.”

— Angie M. Gates, President & CEO, Events DC

What to Expect

Food 

Local vendors and tailgate favorites

Live Music & Performances

Local acts and headline performances throughout the afternoon

Kids Zone & Family Fun

Activities and games for all ages.

Intramural Sports & Games

Get in on the action, tailgate-style

Autographs & Photo Ops

Meet DC baseball and football legends.

Community Leaders

Hear from local leaders and the people who shaped RFK's story.

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Event Schedule

12:40-1:05 PM: Eastern High School Marching Band parade

1:00 PM: Gates open

1:15-1:40 PM: Bongo District

1:40-2:05 PM: RFK Legacy Reflections / Trivia

2:08-2:32 PM: Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choirs

2:32-2:51 PM: RFK Legacy Reflections / Tailgating / Trivia

2:52-3:17 PM: HUE

3:17-3:22 PM: Eastern High School Marching Band

3:22-3:37 PM: RFK Video Tribute + Remarks

3:41-3:47 PM: Paxton Baker / Mike O’Connor

4:02-4:50 PM: Backyard Band

4:50-5:00 PM: Closing + DJ Dirty Rico

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Premiering at the Event

Echoes of RFK

A six-episode podcast series exploring the history and impact of RFK Stadium on Washington, DC

The RFK Soundscape

RFK Stadium served as the historic stage that united global icons like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, and U2 with D.C.’s own Wale, Rare Essence, Backyard Band, and the legendary HFStival.

Getting There

By Metro

Take the Blue, Orange, or Silver Line to the Stadium-Armory station.

From there, it is a 10-minute walk to Lot 6. Head north on 19th St SE. Turn right on C St NE. Turn left on 21st St NE. Follow Oklahoma Ave NE straight into the venue.

By Bus

Take the 96, 97, B2, or D6 bus line.

All of these routes drop off at the Stadium-Armory station. 

From the station, follow the walking paths north toward Oklahoma Ave NE to reach the tailgate at Lot 6.

By Car

The Fields at RFK Campus are easily accessible  from both I-295 and I-395. Whether you’re driving yourself or using a rideshare service.

Free parking begins at 12:00 PM in Lot 8 (2500 Independence Avenue SE), accessible via the Oklahoma Avenue / Exxon entrance, near the intersection of Oklahoma Avenue and Benning Road.

THE STADIUM

Six Decades on the scoreboard 

1961- RFK Stadium opens: Home to the Washington Senators and the Washington Commanders (formerly known as the Washington Redskins)
1994 - Hosts games for the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
1996 - Serves as a venue for the 1996 Olympics.
1996–2017 - Longtime home of D.C. United before their move to Audi Field.
2005 - Welcomes baseball back to DC with the first three seasons of the Washington Nationals.

2008–2012 - Becomes the original home of college football's annual Military Bowl.

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