RFK Campus: May 2022 Newsletter
Recap: Day of Play at RFK
Events DC hosted the inaugural Day of Play at RFK on Tuesday, April 12 at The Fields at RFK during DCPS spring break. Day of Play was an opportunity for area youth and families from Wards 5, 6, 7 and beyond to enjoy a safe and fun afternoon of organized games, music and entertainment. There were nearly 3,000 attendees who were able to play with the pros in organized sports of rugby with the Old Glory Rugby team, soccer with DC United’s Steve Birnbaum, and flag football with former Washington Commanders Brian Mitchell. There were also pick-up games of dodgeball, kickball, wiffleball, capture the flag, and more! Teams were broken up into blue, green, red, and yellow and by age group during the organized sports.
Some of DC’s favorite and newest food trucks also took part in Day of Play, such as Ward 5’s Jerk at Nite with Caribbean food, Ward 7’s Langston Grille with soul food, DC’s Glizzy’s with vegan food, and DC Slices with pizza.
Day of Play also connected the community with organizations throughout DC, such as:
East of the River Steel Band, DC Fray, Dance Place, Leveling the Playing Field, Metropolitan Police Department, Monumental’s Capital City Go-Go and Washington Mystics, Pepco, the STAND Foundation, and Washington Gas.
Community Spotlight: Life Pieces to Masterpieces
Serving as a beacon as an artistic outlet for youth aged three to 20, Life Pieces to Masterpieces (LPTM) is a youth development and mentoring organization that develops the growth of young men since 1996. As an Events DC Community Grant awardee (FY2022, Cycle 1), they were granted for their Arts and Education Mentoring Afterschool Program that addresses the need for lack of positive role models in Wards 7 & 8, access to essential resources and cultural exposure, and the academic achievement gap. This arts-based program serves nearly 80 youth.
Nestled in Ward 7’s Lincoln Heights neighborhood, LPTM has helped to shape the life of more than 1,000 underserved youth in Wards 7 and 8. Beyond the Arts and Education Mentoring Afterschool Program, LPTM hosts a Saturday Academy, Connecting Communities Across the Globe Summer program, and Color Me Community. If you are interested in enrolling a young man into their programming, learn more about Life Pieces to Masterpieces on their website here.
DC World Reggae Festival
On Saturday, August 20th & Sunday, August 21st, Events DC and the RFK Campus Festival Grounds will welcome back scores of reggae and world music lovers at the annual DC World Reggae Festival. The festival, which grew from four years of 'Caribbean Live' theater performers in Washington, DC will feature many International Reggae Music, World Music, SOCA Music and Afrobeat Music Acts. Hosted by Top Tier Management Group and Pumpstation Entertainment, the DC World Reggae Festival caters not only to Jamaican natives but extends to Caribbean, African and Urban audiences. All are welcome to attend and enjoy the vibe. The Caribbean cultured event aims to promote diversity and unity through music among the relatable diasporas. The event's debut theme: ‘Let there be Peace on Earth’ revels in the topics of love, unity, spiritual rejuvenation, and health awareness through music.
Things to do in May
Afro – Atlantic Histories at the National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art has now opened Afro- Atlantic Histories exhibit. This exhibit holds experiences that take an in depth look into historical experiences and cultural formations of Black and African people since the 17th century. The exhibition includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, mixed media by artists from South and North America, Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean.
Head over to Navy Yard to enjoy the 2019 World Champions the Washington Nationals as the season is in full swing! This month is filled with home games against teams like the New York Mets, LA Dodgers, Colorado Rockies and more!
Celebrate the Lincoln Memorial’s Centennial
May 30 will mark the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial, one of the most recognizable landmarks in DC. The National Park Service and its partners will honor the occasion with events throughout the month with the ceremonial centennial celebration on May 22.
Grab a drink at Brew at the Zoo
DC’s favorite beer festival returns to Smithsonian’s National Zoo. The night-time event for ages 21 and over allows for the enjoyment of unlimited free beer tastings from more than 45 breweries. There will also be live music, food trucks and of course, a zoo to explore. Tickets will sell quickly.
Enjoy hoops with the Washington Mystics
The 2022 season marks the 25th Anniversary of the Washington Mystics. The 25th anniversary season will include celebration of past players, highlights of top moments in franchise history, and recognition of a loyal fan base. We look forward to seeing you at the Entertainment & Sports Arena, home of the Washington Mystics. Throughout the month of May, the Mystics have games at the Arena against the Chicago Sky, Atlanta Dream, New York Liberty and many more
Open Streets festivals are back in 2022, kicking off with a smaller event in Anacostia in May and a longer stretch of road closing in Shaw in June. The Anacostia event will take place on May 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s the first of several smaller Open Streets events across all eight wards.
Passport DC presented by Events DC
During the month of May, Cultural Tourism DC is holding a month-long programming to celebrate DC's thriving international diplomatic community and its lively and varied culture. Programs like a Flower Mart at all Hallows Guild, Around the World Embassy7 Tour, European Union Open House and Fiesta Asia Street Fair. Programming will run all month long.