October 2026 Events at Art Place & Tz’ikin Cafe

Updated

October 2026 Events at Art Place and Tz’ikin Cafe

Enjoy the Cafritz Foundation Fall Fest & Movie Night at Art Place on October 23 and pop-ups at Tz’ikin Cafe all month long.

Fall registration for Dance Loft youth classes is open.

October 3Theater with Natasha
Interactive puppet show
10:00 am-11:30 am

Location: Tz’ikin Cafe, 475 Ingraham Street NE
October 4Matelna Bakes Cinnamon Rolls Pop-up at Tz’ikin
9:00 am-2:00 PM

Location: Tz’ikin Cafe, 475 Ingraham Street NE
October 10Ahhlilsweetie Food Truck Pop-up at Tz’ikin
11:00 am-2:00 pm

Cumbia with Mr. Sorto
2:00 pm-3:30 pm

Location: Tz’ikin Cafe, 475 Ingraham Street NE
October 11
Rescheduled to October 24 due to weather
Sam’s Favorite Things Pop-up at Tz’ikin
9:00 am-2:00 pm

Location: Tz’ikin Cafe, 475 Ingraham Street NE
October 17Sip and Paint
11:00 am-1:00 pm

Location: Tz’ikin Cafe, 475 Ingraham Street NE
October 18Glo’s Goodies Pop-up at Tz’ikin
9:00 am-2:00 pm

Location: Tz’ikin Cafe, 475 Ingraham Street NE
October 23Movie Night with Ahhlilsweetie at Tz’ikin
5:00 pm-8:00 pm

Cafritz Foundation Fall Fest, Movie Night, & Glow Party
6:00 pm-9:00 pm
Location: The Modern at Art Place, 400 Galloway Street NE
October 24Pumpkin Painting
10:00 am-1:00 pm

Location: Tz’ikin Cafe, 475 Ingraham Street NE
October 25Kids Reading with Mama Elena
11:00 am-12:00 pm

Location: Tz’ikin Cafe, 475 Ingraham Street NE

Art Place Third Time Extension Approved

At its public meeting on September 10, 2026, the DC Zoning Commission voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve a time extension for the third and fourth phases of the Art Place at Fort Totten development (known as Blocks C & D) (ZC case no. 06-10J).

On July 1, 2026, the Cafritz Foundation filed a time extension request for the final two phases of the project to seek more time to secure financing. These phases are supposed to include more apartments and cultural/civic uses. In approving the time extension, the Zoning Commission granted two waivers: one to permit more than two time extension requests (this is the third) and one to permit more than a one year extension (the developer requested two years). ANC 5A, ANC 4B, and the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA), which are all parties to the case, chose not to submit a response to the developer’s request.

Current deadlines to file second-stage PUD application:

  • December 31, 2026 (for either Block C or D)
  • December 31, 2030 (for remaining block)

Proposed deadlines to file second-stage PUD application:

  • December 31, 2028 (for either Block C or D)
  • December 31, 2032 (for remaining block)

The Zoning Commission previously approved sequential development of the second phase, known as Block B, located along South Dakota Avenue NE between Ingraham Street and Kennedy Street. Block B is supposed to include a family entertainment zone concept, more apartments, additional retail, and artist studios. Aldi grocery store opened in Block B in December 2024 but progress on this phase has been stalled since then. The housing component is supposed to be the next in line. The Foundation is still seeking financing to complete the housing portion. They are also in talks with retailers for Block B.

One of the proffered benefits of the project is a public dog park. The Foundation has stated in meetings that the dog park will deliver with the housing in Block B. In response to requests to consider building out the dog park at one of the vacant sites, at least temporarily while waiting to secure financing for the remainder of Block B, the Foundation has stated that that is too much to ask. The Foundation is also supposed to install electric vehicle charging stations for Block B. While they have constructed the parking garage for Block B, they continue to state in meetings that they will not install EV charging stations until the Block B housing is built because they say it does not make sense that people will have to pay to enter the garage to charge their vehicles.

The project was previously modified to permit the inclusion of schools as part of the development. Rocketship, an elementary public charter school, opened in 2020 at 5450 3rd Street NE. Social Justice School, a public charter middle school that previously sublet space from Rocketship, just opened up its new permanent home at 5455 3rd Street NE in time for the 2026-2027 school year after completing a full renovation of the last remaining warehouse space.

The Foundation’s filing notes that they continue to work on leasing up the remaining retail spaces in the first phase, known in previous filings as Building A, or The Modern at Art Place, which delivered in 2017 along South Dakota between Galloway Street and Ingraham Street. The first phase includes Hibiscus Medical internal medicine practice, DC Dental Studio general dentistry practice, Love & Care child development center, Shining Stars pediatric dentist, One Life Fitness gym, Tz’ikin Cafe pop-up coffee shop, and interim space for Explore! Children’s Museum which has offered children’s arts programming in the past and continues to offer youth dance classes in conjunction with Dance Loft. The filing states that “prospective tenants include a mix of fast-casual dining establishments, traditional sit-down restaurants, a coffee shop, and an upscale wine retail and tasting venue.”

In addition, the popular Fridays at Fort Totten summer concert series hosted by Art Place in conjunction with DC Fray and The Parks Main Street is wrapping up for the summer. This year they partnered with UDC’s Lamond-Riggs farmers market to have market vendors offer food and beverages during concert performances. The final make-up performance is scheduled for September 25 with performer Justin Trawick.

Riggs Park Art Walk Returns September 12 To Kick off Art All Night

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!

September 2026 Neighborhood Events: Food Pop-ups, Art All Night, & More

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.

Fall programming at Dance Loft at Explore! Fort Totten

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

UDC Lamond-Riggs Farmers Market

Every Friday through November | 4:00pm-8:00pm | 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE

Select Neighborhood Events

September 4Art 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 5Cafe 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
 

August 29: Cafritz Foundation Back to School Festival

Cafritz Foundation Back to School Festival

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

2026 Fall Dance Classes at Dance Loft Fort Totten

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.

Cancelled: July 17 – Fridays at Fort Totten Concert; July 18 – Art Place Pop Up Market & Guided Art Walk

Sadly, the poor air quality is impacting the lineup of fun neighborhood activities today and tomorrow.

Tonight’s Fridays at Fort Totten concert with Justin Trawick is cancelled.

Tomorrow’s Art Place Pop Up Vendor Market and the guided Riggs Park Art Walk are cancelled as well.

There may still be indoor activities for the Art Crawl at the Lamond-Riggs Library tomorrow. I will update the post when I learn more about these pending activities.

Update 5:00 pm, 7/17/2026: Indoor activities for the Riggs Park Art Crawl will take place at Lamond-Riggs Library on July 18 starting at 11am. Featuring music by DJ Super Sid, face painting 12-2pm, live artist painting activities, and an ANC 4B art table.

In addition, the grand opening celebration of Tz’ikin Cafe pop-up is still on July 18. From 9am-2pm, find them at their new home at 475 Ingraham Street NE. Enjoy a special opening day celebration brunch collab with Hijos del Maiz.

July 18: Riggs Park Art Crawl, Art Place Vendor Pop-Up Market, & Tz’ikin Cafe Official Pop Up Grand Opening

This Saturday, spend a little time supporting the arts and local businesses in the neighborhood. From 11am-3pm, check out the Riggs Park Art Crawl. Pick up your crawl passport at the Lamond-Riggs Library. Then from 12pm-4pm, visit the Art Place Vendor Market Pop-Up. Be sure to stop in at Tz’ikin Cafe for their official pop-up grand opening celebration to enjoy coffee, tea, and a special opening day brunch.

Riggs Park Art Walk

July 18, 2026

10:00 am-3:00 pm

Lamond-Riggs Library

5401 South Dakota Avenue NE

Join The Parks Main Street for the annual Riggs Park Art Crawl. Featuring interactive workshops, handmade crafts, and engaging activities for all ages.

Art Place Pop Up Market

July 18, 2026

12pm-4pm

5198 South Dakota Avenue NE

Join Art Place for their next vendor market pop up celebrating local creativity and community. Explore a curated selection of vendors and artists showcasing handmade goods, artwork, and unique finds. Enjoy offerings from Tz’ikin Café while experiencing live music throughout the event.

Tz’ikin Cafe Official Pop-Up Grand Opening

July 18, 2026

9am-2pm

475 Ingraham Street NE

Celebrate the official grand opening of Tz’ikin Cafe’s pop-up coffee shop at their new location.

* Single-sourced coffee beans – carefully selected from Finca San Rafael, Alegria, Usulutan
* Premium loose-leaf teas crafted for the perfect sip, hot or iced selected from Guatemala
* Special opening day brunch collab with Hijos Del Maíz

Hours

Mon – Fri | 7am-2pm

Sat & Sun | 9am-2pm

Tz’ikin Cafe Pop-Up Coffee Shop Open 7 Days A Week at Art Place

Tz’ikin Cafe Pop-Up is now open 7 days a week at their new location at 475 Ingraham Street NE.

Hours

Monday-Friday 7am-2pm

Saturday & Sunday 9am-2pm

Tz’ikin Cafe offers small batch specialty coffee sourced directly from one family farm in El Salvador. The team is still settling into their new space. They will be getting new furniture in the shop over the next few weeks. Tea products will be available in the next few weeks as well. Wi-fi available this week or pretty soon.

An official pop-up grand opening is scheduled for July 18. This is still very much a pop-up, so continue to support to help them make Riggs Park their long-term home.

Follow Tz’ikin Cafe on instagram for the most up-to-date information.

June 20: Art Place Vendor Market Pop Up

Updated 6/18/2026 with list of vendors

Art Place Pop Up Market

June 20, 2026

12pm-4pm

5198 South Dakota Avenue NE

Join Art Place for their very first Art Place Pop Up Market celebrating local creativity and community. Explore a curated selection of vendors and artists showcasing handmade goods, artwork, and unique finds. Enjoy offerings from Tz’ikin Café while experiencing live music throughout the event.

Featured Vendors

@tzikincafe
@ethiocraft
@oohlayumscents
@loopswithluvbyterkeyshia
@jnj_jewelry_artistry
@florasea.creations
@by.beezy
@ae.__.studios
@1120ceramics
@BlackSquirrelCompany
@ttcozythreads26
@tatakuabakery
@louisecroninart
@estarpottery
@dandelionbreathco
@CreatedByYasmine
@Charmm.tea
Curioso Payaso

June 29-July 31: Free Bilingual Summer Dance Camp at Explore! – Limited Spots/Advance Registration Required

Message from Explore! & Dance Loft

MOVEIUS BALLET + DANCE LOFT ON 14

FREE BILINGUAL SUMMER DANCE CAMP
June 29 – July 31, 2026
Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM–5:30 PM
Explore! Children’s Museum, 395 Ingraham St. NE, Washington DC 20011
Ages 7–9

Dance Loft OST Letter to Families

ONLY 20 SPACES AVAILABLE

Dear Families,

Dance Loft + Moveius Ballet is excited to offer a FREE five-week Bilingual Summer Dance Camp for the first 20 children to register ages 7–9 this summer at the Explore! Children’s Museum in Fort Totten.

This full-day bilingual summer program is designed to provide your children with a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where they can stay active, build friendships, develop confidence, and explore their creativity through dance, creative movement, arts and crafts, and other hands-on enrichment experiences. 

PROGRAM DETAILS

• Dates: June 29 – July 31, 2026
• Days: Monday–Friday
• Time: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Location: Explore! Children’s Museum, 395 Ingraham St. NE, Washington DC 20011
• Cost: FREE
• Ages: 7–9 years old

Activities will include:

• Dance and creative movement
• Arts and crafts
• Team-building activities
• Social-emotional learning
• Recreation and games
• Field trips
• End of camp showcase for families

Free lunch and snacks are included. 

This program is funded through the District of Columbia Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office) and is intended to provide high-quality summer opportunities for DC youth at no cost to families.

Priority enrollment will be given to students who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Eligible for Free or Reduced-Price Meals
• Have an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• Are English Learners
• Live in Wards 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8

HOW TO APPLY

Interested families should contact us as soon as possible to reserve a space and receive registration instructions. We encourage you to reach out soon as the camp is filling quickly. You can sign up online now at: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/f5d682e2/?appointmentTypeIds[]=93686763.

All participants must be registered through the CitySpan OST portal before enrollment can be finalized. Dance Loft staff can help assist you with this process once you have registered through our website through the link above.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Etta Hulcher
Chief Operations and Programs Officer & Chief of Staff
office@danceloft14.org

Kami McCracken
Senior Education Manager
kami@danceloft14.org

Main Office: 202-621-3670

We welcome inquiries in both English and Spanish. Families who prefer to communicate in Spanish may email us in Spanish, and we will gladly assist with translation and registration support.

We look forward to welcoming your child to a fun, enriching, and memorable summer experience.

Sincerely,

Etta Hulcher, COO & Chief of Staff

Dance Loft + Moveius Ballet


MOVEIUS BALLET + DANCE LOFT ON 14

CAMPAMENTO BILINGÜE GRATUITO DE DANZA DE VERANO

29 de junio – 31 de julio de 2026
Lunes a viernes | 9:00 a. m. – 5:30 p. m.

Explore! Children’s Museum
395 Ingraham St. NE
Washington, DC 20011

Para niños de 7 a 9 años

¡SOLO 20 CUPOS DISPONIBLES!

Estimadas familias:

Dance Loft + Moveius Ballet se complace en ofrecer un Campamento Bilingüe Gratuito de Danza de Verano de cinco semanas para los primeros 20 niños de entre 7 y 9 años que se inscriban este verano en el Explore! Children’s Museum de Fort Totten.

Este programa bilingüe de verano de día completo está diseñado para brindar a los niños un entorno seguro, acogedor y enriquecedor donde puedan mantenerse activos, hacer nuevas amistades, desarrollar confianza en sí mismos y explorar su creatividad a través de la danza, el movimiento creativo, las artes y manualidades, y otras experiencias prácticas de enriquecimiento.

DETALLES DEL PROGRAMA

• Fechas: 29 de junio – 31 de julio de 2026
• Días: Lunes a viernes
• Horario: 9:00 a. m. – 5:30 p. m.
• Lugar: Explore! Children’s Museum, 395 Ingraham St. NE, Washington, DC 20011
• Costo: GRATUITO
• Edades: 7–9 años

Las actividades incluirán:

• Danza y movimiento creativo
• Artes y manualidades
• Actividades de trabajo en equipo
• Aprendizaje socioemocional
• Juegos y recreación
• Excursiones
• Presentación y demostración final para las familias

Se incluye almuerzo y meriendas gratuitas.

Este programa está financiado por la Oficina de Subsidios para Programas Fuera del Horario Escolar y Resultados para la Juventud del Distrito de Columbia (OST Office) y tiene como objetivo brindar oportunidades de verano de alta calidad para los jóvenes de DC sin costo para las familias.

Se dará prioridad a estudiantes que cumplan con uno o más de los siguientes criterios:

• Son elegibles para comidas gratuitas o de precio reducido
• Tienen un Programa de Educación Individualizada (IEP)
• Son estudiantes de inglés (English Learners)
• Residen en los Distritos (Wards) 4, 5, 6, 7 u 8

CÓMO INSCRIBIRSE

Las familias interesadas deben comunicarse con nosotros lo antes posible para reservar un espacio y recibir instrucciones de inscripción. Les recomendamos hacerlo pronto, ya que los cupos se están llenando rápidamente.

También puede inscribirse en línea ahora en:
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/f5d682e2/?appointmentTypeIds[]=93686763

Todos los participantes deben completar su registro a través del portal CitySpan de OST antes de que su inscripción pueda ser confirmada. El personal de Dance Loft estará encantado de ayudarle con este proceso una vez que se haya registrado a través de nuestro sitio web utilizando el enlace anterior.

INFORMACIÓN DE CONTACTO

Etta Hulcher
Directora de Operaciones y Programas y Jefa de Gabinete
office@danceloft14.org

Kami McCracken
Gerente Sénior de Educación
kami@danceloft14.org

Teléfono de la oficina: 202-621-3670

Aceptamos consultas tanto en inglés como en español. Las familias que prefieran comunicarse en español pueden enviarnos un correo electrónico en español y con gusto les ayudaremos con traducción y apoyo durante el proceso de inscripción.

Esperamos dar la bienvenida a su hijo(a) para una experiencia de verano divertida, enriquecedora e inolvidable.

Atentamente,

Etta Hulcher
Directora de Operaciones y Programas y Jefa de Gabinete
Dance Loft + Moveius Ballet

Fridays at Fort Totten Concert Series Kicks Off June 5, 2026

The Fridays at Fort Totten summer concert series kicks off Friday, June 5, 2026. The series, sponsored by The Modern at Art Place & DC Fray, features a different artist 6pm to 8pm every Friday through August 28.

Bring a chair, hang out with neighbors, and enjoy live music and games.

Fridays at Fort Totten Free Concert Series

June 5 – August 28, 2026

6:00 pm-8:00 pm

The Modern (corner of South Dakota Avenue NE & Galloway Street NE)

2026 Lineup

June 5 – Run For Cover

June 12 – Bansy

June 19 – Rock Creek Kings

June 26 – THE BREAKAWAYS

July 3 – Too Much Talent Band

July 17 – Justin Trawick

July 24 – Love Joy Group

August 21 – Fearless Eras (Taylor Swift Tribute)

August 28 – La Unica