Please join the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for a virtual community meeting regarding the upcoming capital construction projects coming to the Ward 4 community.
Meeting details:
Date: Thursday, September 17 , 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Virtual
For more information and to RSVP, please visit:
By Edwin Washington, Executive Director of The Parks Main Street
Riggs Park Neighbors & Friends,
As many of you may remember, the outdoor portion of the Riggs Park Art Walk, originally scheduled for July 18, was canceled due to poor air quality. We’re excited to bring this community experience back and invite you to join us on Saturday, September 12.
Kick off the day with The Parks Main Street’s Guided Riggs Park Art Walk, led by Walk Ward 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Beginning outside the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library, 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE, the tour will highlight public art, murals, sculptures, and artist-designed traffic control boxes that showcase the creativity, history, and spirit of the Riggs Park community.
Participants can pick up an Art Walk Passport at the start of the guided tour. Prefer to explore on your own? Self-guided participants may pick up a passport at the Art Place Pop-Up Market, open from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with passport distribution available until 3:00 p.m.
The Art Place Pop-Up Market will feature local makers, artisans, and vendors offering unique handcrafted goods, artwork, and creative products. Be sure to submit your completed Art Walk Passport by 4:00 p.m. for a chance to win a prize. Prize details and winner announcements will be shared at a later date.
After completing the Art Walk, spend the afternoon exploring the Art Place Pop-Up Market, supporting local makers and small businesses, and enjoying the creative energy of the neighborhood.
Then, return for Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents Art All Night, hosted by The Parks Main Street, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the UDC Community College Lamond-Riggs Campus Parking Lot. The evening celebration will feature live performances, visual artists, food vendors, interactive art experiences, and family-friendly activities.
Make September 12 a full day of art, culture, and community, from the Riggs Park Art Walk and Art Place Pop-Up Market to an unforgettable evening at Art All Night.
The Parks Main Street and Greater Washington Urban League look forward to seeing you there!
From University of the District of Columbia (UDC)
The University of the District of Columbia will be joined by community members and local leaders on Friday, Sept. 11 to unveil a memorial plaque honoring Sarah Clark and Asia Cottom, a teacher and student at the former Bertie Backus school who were killed aboard American Airlines Flight 77 on Sept. 11, 2001. The event will include remarks from community leaders and invited guests, a moment of silence and the dedication of the plaque. Light refreshments to follow.
The plaque will be permanently installed at the former Bertie Backus school, now home to UDC Community College at Lamond-Riggs. The memorial was created through a partnership among community members, ANC 5A and UDC staff.
What: Memorial plaque unveiling honoring Sarah Clark and Asia Cottom
When: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at 9 a.m.
Where: UDC Community College, 5171 South Dakota Ave. NE
Who: Community members and leaders, UDC representatives and members of the Bertie Backus community
Come celebrate Ward 5 Week 2026!
All events listed below are free and open to the public except for one—the Commanders Watch Party with National Links Trust at the Langston Golf Course for the Commanders season-opening game. CM Parker’s office has a very limited set of tickets to give away for free to neighbors, so if you are interested in attending the Watch Party on Sunday, September 13 at 4:00 p.m., sign up here now!
Check out the lineup of select neighborhood events this September. Pop-up guests & a new run club at Tz’ikin Cafe; lots of events on September 12 (including Art Place Pop-Up Vendor Market, Riggs Michigan Park Reunion Cookout, and Art All Night by The Parks Main Street); and more.
Location: 395 Ingraham Street NE
Sessions run August 24 – December 6
Pre-Ballet | Ages 3-5 | Mondays, 5pm
Baby & Me | Ages 1-3 | Saturdays, 10am
Pre-Ballet | Ages 3-5 | Saturdays, 11am
Bilingual Creative Movement | Ages 4-6 | Saturdays, 12pm
Registration links: Dance Loft Fort Totten Youth Classes
Every Friday through November | 4:00pm-8:00pm | 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE
| September 4 | Art Place at Fort Totten Summer Concert Series: Ahzay and the Squad 6:00pm-8:00pm Maryland based Hip-Hop band fusing the sounds of Rap, Soul, R&B and more Location: South Dakota Avenue & Galloway Street NE |
| September 5 | Cafe Con Salsa at Tz’ikin Cafe 8:00am-10:00am 475 Ingraham Street NE Schedule of Events 8:00am: Beginner friendly Salsa Workshop 9:00am: Contemporary Salsa Choreography (Intermediate) 9:35am: Feature Performance by Tentacion Dance Company 9:45am: Social Gathering Open to all ages and skill levels. Tickets: $20 – RSVP. Your ticket comes with one complimentary drink from Tz’ikin. |
| September 11 | Unveiling of New 9/11 Bertie Backus Memorial at UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus 9:00am 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE Memorial plaque unveiling honoring Sarah Clark and Asia Cottom, teacher and student at the former Bertie Backus Middle School, who lost their lives aboard American Airlines Flight 77 on Sept. 11, 2001 Open to the community |
| September 12 | Riggs Michigan Park Reunion Cookout 10:00am-7:00pm Fort Circle Park |
| Tz’ikin Cafe Sip & Paint 11:00am-1:00pm 475 Ingraham Street NE | |
| Art Place Pop-Up Vendor Market 12:00pm-4:00pm 5198 South Dakota Avenue NE Interested vendors should complete the Art Place Market Vendor Interest Application. | |
| Art All Night by The Parks Main Street | Various times & locations Happy Violet DC | 11:00am-4:00pm | 305 Riggs Road NE Unitees | 1:00pm-7:00pm | 5776 2nd Street NE UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus | 5:00pm-10:00pm | 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE | |
| September 13 | Matelna Bakes Cinnamon Rolls Pop-Up at Tz’ikin Cafe 9:00am-1:00pm 475 Ingraham Street NE |
| September 20 | Sugar Bomb Cakery Pop-Up at Tz’ikin Cafe 9:00am-12:00pm 475 Ingraham Street NE |
| September 25 | Art Place at Fort Totten Summer Concert Series: Justin Trawick 6:00pm-8:00pm Blend of folk, Americana, and indie influences Location: South Dakota Avenue & Galloway Street NE |
| September 26 | Glo’s Goodies | 9:00am-2:00pm Pilates | 2:00pm-3:30pm Location: Tz’ikin Cafe, 475 Ingraham Street NE |
| September 27 | Hijos del Maiz Pop-Up at Tz’ikin Cafe Hijos del Maíz pops up serving handcrafted tacos, quesadillas, and more! 9:00am-2:00pm Casa Sol Matcha Pop-Up at Tz’ikin Café 9:00am-2:00pm Tz’ikin Cafe Run Club 9:00am-2:00pm Location: Tz’ikin Cafe, 475 Ingraham Street NE |
From University of the District of Columbia (UDC)
The University of the District of Columbia will be joined by community members and local leaders on Friday, Sept. 11 to unveil a memorial plaque honoring Sarah Clark and Asia Cottom, a teacher and student at the former Bertie Backus school who were killed aboard American Airlines Flight 77 on Sept. 11, 2001. The event will include remarks from community leaders and invited guests, a moment of silence and the dedication of the plaque. Light refreshments to follow.
The plaque will be permanently installed at the former Bertie Backus school, now home to UDC Community College at Lamond-Riggs. The memorial was created through a partnership among community members, ANC 5A and UDC staff.
What: Memorial plaque unveiling honoring Sarah Clark and Asia Cottom
When: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at 9 a.m.
Where: UDC Community College, 5171 South Dakota Ave. NE
Who: Community members and leaders, UDC representatives and members of the Bertie Backus community
From North Michigan Park Civic Association
North Michigan Park Civic Association Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
VIRTUAL ONLY
Virtual Meeting
Meeting ID 882 7345 2110
Pass code 930240
Call In 1-301-715-8592
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88273452110?pwd=dmZ3R1liOTRKY1FyS3hlYlBqWnBWUT09
Meeting Agenda
· Call to Order
· Welcome/Invocation
· Roll Call of Officers
Meeting Protocol
· Meeting Protocol is Robert’s Rules of Order
· Respect others when speaking
· Respect our guest.
· Raise your hand if you have a question and wait to be acknowledged.
North Michigan Park Civic Association Business
· Committee Reports
· Finance – Treasurer – Debra Whitford
· Membership – Financial Secretary – Aritha Willoughby
GUEST SPEAKERS
Former Mayor Sharon Pratt – Premier of The Capital
Q & A
Jordan Franks – Autonomous Vehicles (currently before the City Council)
Q & A
McDonalds – Mr. Gavignano, Owner, Mr. Christian, Vice President
Q & A
Community Leader Reports
· Mayor’s Office – MOCR – Christian Starghill
· Ward 5 Council Member’s Office – Adrianna Lovelace / Oliver Stoute
· ANC Commissioners – Commissioners 5A02, 5A03, 5A08, 5A09
· Faith United Church – Pastor Joseph K. Williams, Sr.
Adjourn
Link to NMPCA – https://sites.google.com/view/nmpcivicassoc/about
From ANC 5A
Monday, August 31, 2026 at 6:30 pm
Join us over Zoom
https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/84578041023Call In Number
+1 305 224 1968 US
Webinar ID: 845 7804 1023
Agenda
Celebrate the start of a new school year!
August 29, 2026, 10am – 1:30pm
Location: The Modern, 400 Galloway Street NE
Free registration
Food & Treats
* Uncle Fred’s BBQ (first 100 meals FREE)
* Sweetest Surrender Ice Cream (first 50 scoops FREE)
School Supply Giveaways
* Back to School Kits
Giveaways and Secret Surprises
Activities for Kids and Families
* Decorate-your-own pencil pouch
* Bounce House
* DJ dance party
* Lawn games
Location: UDC Community College, Lamond-Riggs Campus, 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE
Art All Night is always a good time. Come out & enjoy arts and local businesses with neighbors!
Full day event details and free tickets at the link: Art All Night 2026 Hosted by The Parks Main Street.
Happy Violet DC Natural Nail Salon | 305 Riggs Road NE
11:00am-4:00pm: Nail Art, Salon tour, with light refreshments
Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library | 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE
11:30am-12:30pm: Guided Art Walk
UniTees Screen-Print & Embroidery | 5776 2nd Street NE
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Interactive DIY Silk Screen T-Shirt Workshop
1:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Pop-Up Shopping
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Honoring Our Local Trailblazers
Riggs Park Welcome Center – UDC Community College | 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Vendor Marketplace, Live Artists, Interactive Community Mural by Tim Kime Art
5:00 PM & 7:00 PM: DJ Sets by Damu the Fudgemunk (Multi-Instrumentalist | Producer)
5:30 PM: Live To Love Family (LTLF) Youth Hip-Hop Performance
7:15 PM: Double-Dutch Demonstration by DC Retro Jumpers
7:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Fire Dancing, Fire Eating, and Aerial Acrobatics by Jordan Seitz / FahrenSeitz Entertainment
8:30 PM: Headliner Performance – District Kings (Go-Go & R&B)
Manor Park Welcome Center – The VIP Room | 6201 3rd Street NW
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Live Artist
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: DJ Set by DC Radio Legend Lonnie C
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Live Music by Sharon Thomas & Da Juke Joint (Eclectic Jazz & Funk)
Performance updates will be posted on eventbrite through September 12.
Fall dance classes at Dance Loft Fort Totten begin the week of August 24, 2026. Registration links below.
Location: 395 Ingraham Street NE
Pre-Ballet | Mondays, 5 pm
Baby & Me | Saturdays, 10 am
Pre-Ballet | Saturdays, 11 am
Bilingual Creative Movement | Saturdays, 12 pm
Note: Scholarships are available. Email office@danceloft14.org for more information.
Plymouth Congregational and New Hope Baptist United Churches of Christ host a food pantry 10am-12noon on the fourth Saturday of each month at 5301 North Capitol Street NE. Register at the link.
As a reminder, there are several other food pantries in and around the neighborhood.
DC Bilingual Public Charter School Family Food Market (1st Friday monthly, October through June)
33 Riggs Road NE
11:00 am-1:00 pm
Produce & shelf stable items
For more information, email uejimofor@dcbilingual.org
Sponsored by Capital Area Food Bank
Impact DMV Church (1st Saturday monthly)
5335 1st Place NE
11:00 am-1:00 pm
Groceries
Faith United Church of Christ (3rd Wednesday monthly)
4900 10th Street NE
9:00 am (food usually runs out by 11:30 am)
Produce market and diaper bank
For more information, contact faithuccdc@gmail.com or 202-635-7777.
LaSalle-Backus Elementary School Family Food Market (Typically 3rd Thursday monthly, October through June)
501 Riggs Road NE (enter on Madison Street side of campus)
3:30 pm-5:30 pm (people start lining up as early as 2:30)
Produce & shelf stable items
Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (3rd Saturday monthly)
501 Riggs Road NE (enter on Nicholson Street side)
11:00 am
Fresh produce, canned goods, & fresh quarter chicken
Sponsored by Andre Lee (Lee Little League)/Feed My People Ministry
Join the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA), Friends of Riggs-Lasalle Recreation Center (FORLR), Office of Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, DC Prevention Center Wards 3 & 4, Faith Moravian Church, Pepco, Friends of the Lamond-Riggs Library, and the Department of Parks and Recreation for a backpack giveaway to help kids ensure they are ready for school.
The backpack giveaway will be held on Saturday, August 22 from 11am to 1pm at Riggs-Lasalle Recreation Center (501-B Riggs Rd NE). There will be free backpacks, school supplies, snacks, and ice cream. Please note that a student must be present to pick up a backpack, and you must verify that you are a DC resident.
The 2026 Main Street Jazz Series continues with Shirleta Settles & Friends this Thursday August 20 at 6pm at the Lamond-Riggs Library.
Hosted by The Parks Main Street and presented by the Greater Washington Urban League.
Earlier this week, National Park Service (NPS) installed two new trash cans at Fort Circle Park along Galloway Street NE at 7th and 8th streets NE. As noted in this these posts, ANC Commissioner Keith Sellars (5A01) has been working with NPS to address issues in the park. The parkland is not actually in his single member district, but it is part of the neighborhood where we live, so he has taken the initiative to work with NPS on maintenance and upkeep issues.
One request from residents was for more trash cans. The field is used a lot for youth and adult sports. Also, sometimes people just hang out. Unfortunately enough people litter and leave their trash around instead of taking it with them and disposing of it. Neighbors often pick up trash around the park. (Commissioner Sellars was just out this morning picking up trash). Hopefully the new trash cans will cut down on the amount of litter left on the field.
From ANC 5A
Wednesday, August 19th 2026 at 6:30 pm
Join us over Zoom
https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/89897173248Call In Number
+1 305 224 1968 US
Webinar ID: 865 8430 4162
Agenda
Slots available for this Friday August 14. Register on eventbrite. Let your neighbors know!
Download 4-H Youth Farm-to-Table Workshop Series Flyer
—
From UDC CAUSES
Youth ages 6–18 discover the journey from urban farm to table — learning nutrition, sustainability, and real cooking skills along the way.
Does your child enjoy gardening, healthy foods, or hands-on activities? Join UDC-CAUSES at the Lamond-Riggs Farmers Market and Urban Food Hub to explore the world of herbs through interactive monthly workshops, located at the UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus parking lot at 5171 South Dakota Ave NE, Washington, D.C.
What Your Child Will Experience:
Event Details:
Workshop Dates:
Available Time Slots:
Give your child the opportunity to dig, discover, and taste fresh flavors from the garden while learning skills they can use at home!
For more information, contact causes@udc.edu or 202-274-7124.
From DC Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR)
The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the DC Department of General Services (DGS) would like to inform the community that Riggs and South Dakota Park (Corner of Riggs Road NE and South Dakota Ave NE) will close to the public starting Monday, August 17, 2026, for park renovations. Construction is scheduled to be completed in late fall/early winter 2026.
More information about the project scope and plans can be found at:
https://dgs.dc.gov/page/riggs-south-dakota-park1-0
Please visit https://dpr.dc.gov/stakeholder to sign up for project updates.
Residents are welcome to contact DPR’s Customer Care Center at (202) 673‑7647 during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.). The call line is closed on weekends and holidays. You may also email us at dprcustomercare@dc.gov.
August 15, 2026
11:00 am-3:00 pm
Parking Lot at Fort Totten Station
Hosted by Metro Transit Police Community Services Bureau. Children of all ages are welcome from elementary to high school.
• Free School Supplies
• Free haircuts
• DJ and Music
• Games and Fun
• Petting Zoo
Check out the lineup of events this August at Art Place at Fort Totten, including pop-up guests at Tz’ikin Cafe and a back to school event at the end of the month.
Tz’ikin Cafe X Sam’s Favorite Things
Sam’s Favorite Things is popping up with pound cakes and more!
Time: 9:00am-2:00pm
Location: 475 Ingraham Street NE
Hijos del Maíz pops up serving handcrafted tacos, quesadillas, and more!
Time: 5:00pm-8:30pm
Tz’ikin Cafe X Sugar Bomb Cakery
Time: 9:00am-2:00pm
Location: 475 Ingraham Street NE
Summer Concert Series: Fearless Eras (Taylor Swift Tribute)
An immersive Taylor Swift tribute experience brought to life by passionate musicians and devoted Swifties.
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: South Dakota Avenue & Galloway Street NE
Tz’ikin Cafe X Matelna Bakes cinnamon rolls
Time: 9:00am-2:00pm
Location: 475 Ingraham Street NE
Join for an afternoon of bingo, prizes, and community fun – Free event!
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: 475 Ingraham Street NE
Summer Concert Series: La Unica
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: South Dakota Avenue & Galloway Street NE
Join for a fun-filled afternoon the whole family will enjoy!
Time: 10:30 am-1:00 pm
Location: The Modern, 400 Galloway Street NE
Next Stop...Riggs Park 