Open Streets is coming to Wisconsin Avenue this fall! The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is holding Open Streets in Ward 3 on Saturday, November 5, 2022, from 9 am to 1 pm along Wisconsin Avenue, from Tenley Circle to Western Avenue. Wisconsin Avenue will be closed to traffic and become a pedestrian-only experience. 

This is a great opportunity for Friendship Heights businesses to spill out into the street and interact with the community! Open Streets is a global initiative that offers communities the opportunity to experience their city streets in a whole new way by temporarily closing roadways to vehicles to reimagine public space, prioritize people over cars, provide easy access to recreation and health-oriented programming, and promote local economic development by helping support businesses. 

For Businesses: Respond by October 7

Friendship Heights businesses on the event route (in DC from Western to Fessenden) interested in setting up demonstrations or other activities in the street in front of their storefronts can apply to participate by submitting this Business Participation Application. The deadline for submission is October 7, 2022, at 5 pm. DDOT will review and provide notification of approvals by October 14, 2022. If you have any questions about this form or how your business can best participate in Open Streets, please email the Friendship Heights Alliance at hello@friendshipheights.com or call (202) 709-9405.

For more information about how you can participate, you can log into one of two half-hour virtual information sessions about the event: 
Monday, October 3, 12-12:30 pm: RSVP to Kim Vacca at DDOT
Tuesday, October 4, 5-5:30 pm: RSVP to Kim Vacca at DDOT

The information sessions are optional, but the Business Participation Application is required. DC businesses may apply to participate. Maryland businesses, please contact hello@friendshipheights.com. 

For Residents: 

Welcome to the first Open Streets event on Wisconsin Avenue! A full schedule of events will be posted in the coming weeks. Expect fantastic free fitness classes, art activations, live music, and plenty of space on the street for walking, biking, scooting, strollering, and people-watching. 

In addition, The Shops at Wisconsin Place will hold its fall festival on the plaza in front of Bloomingdale’s, and restaurants north of Western Avenue will be open for brunch, lunch, and happy hour! Details forthcoming on specials and promotions. 

Wisconsin Avenue will be closed at every side street from Western Avenue down to Tenley Circle. Any vehicles along Wisconsin will be towed. More details on timing are coming soon.