The streets of Rhode Island Ave and Upper Bladensburg Road came alive with a vibrant collection of art and culture during the recent Art All Night Event in Washington DC. As the sun set over the Main Stage at 22+RIA Welcome Center on 2026 Jackson Street NE, a diverse lineup of performances captivated the audience, featuring acts like Grandsons, Tony Ade Band, The Kontrolled Khaos, and UCB. The atmosphere buzzed with creativity as community members engaged in live art activations by Dez, experienced the unique wood carvings of Chainsaw Artist Glenn Richardson, and personalized their sneakers with Sneaker Art by Nina.
Families found their way to the Kiddie Corner at Rita’s Italian Ice Lot, where Marsha & the Positrons set the tone for an evening of family-friendly entertainment, complemented by story hour and the rhythmic beats of Malcolm X Drummers & Dancers. Balloon artists, face painters, and the Animal Party Kiki added an extra layer of delight for the youngest attendees.
At the Influencer Lounge on 2214 Rhode Island Ave NE, the glamour of fashion photo booths and spirited karaoke sessions filled the air from 6pm to 9pm. Meanwhile, the Four Seasons activation at Thayer St + RIA showcased a mesmerizing outdoor projection of Liliane Blom’s installation, providing a visual feast for all in attendance.
As night fell, the Provost DC became the epicenter of “The Night Show,” featuring Deejay Music by Shi-Queeta Lee, an Art of Body Painting showcase, and a dazzling Salute to the Divas drag performance at 2129 Rhode Island Ave NE.
Bloom at Olde City Garden on 1325 Rhode Island Ave NE offered a more relaxed ambiance with activities like pumpkin painting, pressed flower art, pumpkin/tree cookie decorating, and live painting of tree trunks from 6pm to 9pm.
The Bryant Street Stage, located at 670 Rhode Island Ave NE, showcased a diverse range of performances, from the Art of Belly Dance and Bollywood to Salsa, culminating in a Kpop+ Top 40 Deejay Dance Party by DJ Asu Rock. The night concluded with the RIA GOT TALENT CONTEST, where participants vied for the top prize.
Metrobar All Night at 640 Rhode Island Ave NE offered a mix of creativity and entertainment, including custom t-shirt making with JayBird, live music from The Collective, and a DJ dance party with DJ Oso Fresh. Fire dancing with @vava_virvelvind and bourbon tasting with District Made Distillery added an extra layer of excitement.
Axe All Night brought Capoeira DC and AXE DC together, showcasing a Capoeira demo and offering a free class open to the public.
On Upper Bladensburg Road (UBR), the Sound Garden at Eden’s Kitchen Welcome Center featured BLAZZ Bluesy Jazz & Jazzy Blues, Positive Elevation Band, and Sharon Thomas, accompanied by live art painting and henna art.
Flow at DC Brau on 3178-B Bladensburg Road NE provided an immersive experience with Grand Ancestor Deejay Sounds, Cheaper than Therapy, and Cole Larravide, complemented by acro yoga, fire flow artistry, and live art displays.
Art of Zen at Body Bliss Beyond on 2618 Bladensburg Road NE offered a soothing contrast with complimentary chair massages and street performers.
DC Vibes at Spice Suite on 2201 Channing Street NE brought together music and art with @djhidef_media, UCB, live art by @blu-Murphy, and a pop-up with Smudge stick lab, all complemented by food trucks.
Feast and Senses at Jerk at Nite on 2149 Queens Chapel Rd provided a sensory feast with spray paint live t-shirt artistry, a lively DJ party, and delicious Jamaican cuisine from 5pm to 8pm. The event was a true celebration of the diverse and vibrant arts community in Washington DC, bringing together people of all ages to revel in the creativity that defines the nation’s capital.