Georgetown French Market Returns This Weekend

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The 12th annual Georgetown French Market, held in Georgetown’s Book Hill neighborhood, is a D.C. tradition that marks the arrival of spring. The popular shopping weekend—perfect for shoppers, foodies and families—will return Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The event will be located along Wisconsin Avenue between P Street and Reservoir Road in Georgetown.

Book Hill boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, salons and galleries display their discounted wares in an inviting open-air market, evoking the outdoormarkets of Paris. Neighborhood restaurants will also offer specials and French fare, including sweet and savory crepes, grilled merguez sausages, pastries and macarons. The event is presented and sponsored by the Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID).

Located a few blocks north of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street NW, Book Hill—named after nearby Book Hill Park, at Reservoir Road NW—is known for its historic charm. “The buildings along this stretch of Wisconsin Avenue were built in the late nineteenth century and now house some of the most unique local shops in the city,” said Georgetown BID Vice President Nancy Miyahira. “The French Market is a time to kick off your shopping for the season, buy items you can’t find anywhere else, at incredible prices, and to explore what makes Georgetownsuch a special place.”

On Saturday, the TD Bank parking lot at 1611 Wisconsin Avenue and the lot at Wisconsin Avenue & P Street become a community gathering spot from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring the kids and enjoy live music, strolling mimes & musicians, face painting, caricature artists and more.

Musical Entertainment at TD Bank lot

• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Rachel & Sean Jazz duo
• 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Laissez Foure Washington-based 30s and 40s-style jazz quartet

Wisconsin Avenue & P Street

• 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Yamomanem Washington-based New Orleans-style jazz band. ‘Yamomanem’ is New Orleans speak for “Your mother and the rest of your family and friends that always seem to be around the house.”
• 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Red Hot Rhythm Chiefs Hot jazz and gypsy swing

• 12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Swing Guitars DC

Parking and Getting There

Attendees can avoid parking and traffic by taking the Circulator from Downtown D.C. or from the Rosslyn and Dupont Circle Metro Stations. Circulator rides are FREE on Saturday from the K Street & Wisconsin Avenue stops to Book Hill. FREE parking will be available Saturday at Hardy Middle School across from the Georgetown Safeway (1855 Wisconsin Avenue, NW). The closest Capital Bikeshare stations to the French Market are on O Street at Wisconsin Avenue near the CVS and in the 1800 block of Wisconsin Avenue, across from the Georgetown Safeway. For additional transportation ideas, visit http://www.georgetowndc.com/getting_here/.