Tomorrow, thousands will flock to the 7th annual H Street Festival in Washington for a day of live music, art, shopping and more.
Organized by H Street Main Street, a nonprofit organization, as a way to expose the dynamic D.C. community and revive the neighborhood as a destination for arts and entertainment.
Even though the festival is located on the opposite side of Union Station from the frequently-traveled tourist spots like the National Mall, the free festival attracted approximately 20,000 people last year
However, the H Street corridor was not always a popular area. After years of as a neighborhood of abandoned buildings, in recent years a number of performing arts venues have reopened, including the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hotel and the Atlas Performing Arts Center. As a result, the community has blossomed into a home for artists, one-of-a-kind shops and delicious restaurants sought out by Washingtonians.
“Nothing you see on H Street is a duplication of what you see from one quadrant [of Washington] to another quadrant,” said Anwer Saleem, executive director of HSMS.
Musicians will be performing throughout the day at either the 10th Street or the 14th Street stage, including seminal punk-reggae band Bad Brains.
While most performers are from this state or Virginia, they may not always perform in Washington. The two stages allow “the festival to not only support local artists but also artists who would not normally perform in the District,” Saleem said.
One of the highlights is the fashion show at 3 p.m. previewing D.C. Fashion Week, which starts Monday. The theme for this year’s preshow is urban renewal, and it will feature six local designers’ fall 2010 collections.
Art enthusiasts can check out the tents showcasing local artists’ works, as well as the art cars exhibit, both of which are sponsored by Gallery OonH.
According to Saleem, the art cars were one of the most popular exhibits last year, and can be likened to modern sculptures on wheels. They are actually functioning automobiles decorated in countless styles with a wide variety of items to express the owner’s creative vision.
Local boutiques will also be showcasing their items by opening their doors and featuring sidewalk sales.
“Shoppers can expect unique businesses to come outside to the sidewalk and show what they have,” Saleem said. This is also true for the area’s restaurants, cafes and taverns, which will expand their businesses into the street to become sidewalk cafes.
While the emphasis may be on prompting local business and artists, classic festival fun can also be expected. Those who like a challenge are encouraged to sign up for the pie or sandwich eating contests. The sandwiches will be provided by Taylor’s Gourmet, an Italian deli located on H Street.
Those with tattoos — prized or regrettable — should participate in the festival’s tattoo contest, which gives awards for the best and worst tattoos. The winner of the worst tattoo will be awarded a chance to have it corrected. Participants for all competitions can register on the morning of the festival.
Competitions aside, there are also countless other activities to amuse attendees. People can either watch or participate in boxing, speed chess, moon bounce, face painting and more. There is also a green living exhibit for information and tips to leading an environmentally friendly lifestyle.
H Street is well on its way to becoming the District’s next trendy area.
Tomorrow is the area’s open house and the streets will be bustling and with entertainment on every corner.
In a neighborhood on the verge of thriving, Saleem said the next step is to “draw the people who live in the community out to the festival and … bring the warmth from the community into the festival.”
The H Street Festival will be held tomorrow between 8th and 14th streets. It begins at 12 p.m., and the last musical performance is at 6 p.m. For the music line-up and schedule of events and activities, visit www.hstreetfestival2010.com/Festival.html.
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