National Parks Along the Potomac

September 13 | 9:30am | Dentzel carousel

Join a Park Ranger for a four mile, guided circuit hike through Glen Echo Park, along the C&O Canal National Historical Park and MacArthur Boulevard to Clara Barton National Historic Site. Meeting at the Dentzel Carousel. Please note, this hike is for the physically fit walker, with some elevation changes and sections of uneven trail.

To register, email: kevin_patti@nps.gov

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DanceFit: Shake Your Soul

September 13 | 11:15am - 12:15pm | Ballroom Back Room

Experience the JOY of dance through Shake Your Soul, a dynamic movement practice that energizes your body, relaxes your nervous system, and awakens your soul through a dance repertoire set to world music. Absolutely no dance experience is needed to experience this body mind connection. This class is appropriate for all levels and welcomes all movers and music lovers.

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Opening Reception: Planetary Computation

September 13 | 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Photoworks Gallery

Photoworks is pleased to announce the opening exhibition of their 2025 Artist-in-Residence, Ashton Reeder: Planetary Computation an exhibition exploring how our digital environments are shaping our physical world. An opening reception will be held Saturday, September 13 in the Photoworks Gallery. Reeder will host an artist talk titled “Planetary Computation: Fusing Photography with Research” on Saturday, September 20. The exhibition will be on view in the Photoworks Gallery from September 13 to October 19.  

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WCM Pressenda Chamber Players Kennedy Center Debut and “After Glow” Reception

September 13 | 6:00pm | OFFSITE: The Kennedy Center

Join the Washington Conservatory of Music's Pressenda Chamber Players for a live performance at The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. This free concert features an unforgettable program performed by some of the region’s most accomplished chamber musicians. After the performance, you’re invited to continue the celebration at our After Glow VIP Reception at Tazza Cafe, beginning at 7:30 PM.

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Exhibition by Janice Tippett and Melissa Gryder

September 13 & 14 | 12:00pm – 5;00pm | Yellow Barn Gallery

Visit the Yellow Barn Gallery to view an exhibition by Janice Tippett and Melissa Gryder. Each weekend, from early spring through late winter, the Yellow Barn Gallery presents exhibitions showcasing local artists.

Learn More About Yellow Barn Weekend Exhibitions >>

Back Room Salsa Nights

September 19 | 7:30pm - 11:00pm | Ballroom Back Room

Join us for a sizzling hot night of Salsa in the air-conditioned Ballroom Back Room! We'll start at 7:30pm with a one-hour beginner lesson (free with the price of admission) followed by dancing with a DJ from 8:30-11pm. No need to bring a partner. All levels welcome, ages 18+! Save the date: Back Room Salsa Nights are always on the third Friday of the month!

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ACO Artist Discussion with Elaine Wilson

September 20 | 10:30am - 11:30am | ONLINE

Join us for an online discussion with artist Elaine Wilson. Wilson’s direct, light-filled landscapes reveal the specific nature of a place through repeated encounters with a site. She values slow looking to discover what is going on there and to find its unexpected lyricism. She often chooses sites related to issues of displacement, disruption and inequity.

Learn More & Meeting Link >>

A Bouquet of Summer Dances

September 20 | 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Spanish Ballroom

Join Word Dance Theater at the iconic Spanish Ballroom in Glen Echo Park for a delightful celebration of summer. Enjoy uplifting dances performed by professional dancers, beautiful music, and all within the elegance of this historic venue. Make it a full day, bring the kids and take a spin on the famous Glen Echo carousel!

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Bachata y más (Bachata & more)

September 20 | 7:30pm - midnight | Ballroom Back Room

Come experience the magic of Bachata and discover why it's the dance that's sweeping the world. Bachata, a playful Latin dance originating from the Dominican Republic, is known for its hip movements, footwork, and close partner interaction. No prior experience needed and you don't need to bring a partner. Beer, wine, soft drinks "y más" available onsite at Praline cafe.

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Sensory-Friendly Day at the Dentzel carousel

September 21 | 11:00am -1:00pm | Dentzel carousel

Ride the Dentzel carousel on a sensory-friendly day with: 

• No lights
• Recorded music at a lower volume
• Slower AND shorter rides
• More time between rides, allowing extra time to get on and off the carousel and to get settled and accustomed to the carousel

Doors will open at 10:45am, 15 minutes before regular opening time, allowing time to walk around the carousel, touch the animals, and get familiar with the setting. 

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Echo Arts Festival

September 28 | 12:00pm - 5:00pm | Throughout the Park

The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture is pleased to present the fourth annual Echo Arts Festival: a fall celebration of the visual & performing arts! Join us for an interactive showcase of all the park's offerings across several disciplines of art, as well as the final day of the 2025 carousel season.

Learn More >> | RSVP (Preferred, not required) >>

Tiny Tots

Ongoing | the Puppet Co.

Designed for children 18 months to 4 years old, ongoing Tiny Tots shows offer a viewing atmosphere especially suited for young theatre patrons. All Tiny Tots shows feature: 30 minute runtime, no dark room, no loud noises, and open theater doors.

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Bits 'N Pieces Puppet Theatre presents: The Selfish Giant's Garden

August 23 - September 14 | the Puppet Co.

Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre’s The Selfish Giant’s Garden is based on Oscar Wilde’s famous fairy tale about a giant who learns it’s never too late to share. The production features lathe-turned wooden marionettes. The puppet’s simple wooden surface is left so children can use their imagination. The hair is made of rope, the eyes of shiny brads. The string puppet children are round and smooth while the Giant is boxy and rough. The musical show contrasts selfishness and sharing. How does a Selfish Giant learn to share?

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Not Your Mother’s Goose!

October 3 - November 2 | Adventure Theatre MTC

A high-energy, laugh-out-loud romp through Gooseville, where nursery rhymes come to life—and fall apart in the most delightful way! Full of clever wordplay, wild schemes, magical mishaps, and heartwarming lessons about friendship and community, Not Your Mother’s Goose! is a fast-paced theatrical adventure that turns childhood classics upside down—and right-side up again. 

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