8th Street Southeast

Overview
The Force is strong on 8th St Barracks Row - May 2nd, 3rd &amp; 4th Barracks Row Main Street’s Unofficial Star Wars Weekend
Star Wars Weekend on 8th Street SE
Friday, May 1st, through Sunday, May 3rd
Brian Ready - Barracks Row Main Street
Event Description:
Experience the Force at Star Wars Weekend on Barracks Row Main Street
Washington, D.C. - Barracks Row Main Street is thrilled to announce the return of Star Wars Weekend, a galactic celebration of all things Star Wars, happening on May 1st, 2nd &amp; 3rd, 2026. Prepare to embark on an epic adventure through the streets of Barracks Row as we bring the beloved saga to life in our vibrant neighborhood.
Join us for a weekend filled with intergalactic fun, featuring:
<ul><li>See the Galactic Empire Band on Opening Night, May 1st</li><li>Cosplay: Channel your favorite characters from the Star Wars universe.</li><li>Cosplay Contests</li><li>Lightsaber Training: Train with the Jedi Masters and learn the ways of the Force in our interactive lightsaber training sessions for Padawans of all ages.</li><li>Star Wars-themed Food and Drinks: Indulge your taste buds with delicious Star Wars-themed food and drinks from our local restaurants and vendors.</li><li>Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music, performances, and appearances by special guests from the Star Wars galaxy.</li><li>Art and Merchandise: Browse a variety of Star Wars-inspired art, crafts, and merchandise from local artisans and vendors.</li><li>Kids Zone: Younglings can enjoy games, activities, and crafts inspired by their favorite Star Wars characters.</li><li>Interactive Experiences: Immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe with interactive experiences, photo opportunities, and more</li></ul>
<h3>Friday, May 1st – Feature Events:</h3>
<h4>Barracks Row Nighttime Spetacular</h4>
📍 701 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
🕗 Show at 7:30 PM
Experience an epic lightsaber battle set to music and lights in the heart of DC. Join us on Barracks Row for a thrilling nighttime performance you won’t want to miss.
<h4>Galactic Empire Band at The 507 on Barracks Row Venue</h4>
📍 507 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003 🕗 Doors open at 8:00 PM | Show at 8:30 PM 🎟️ $29 General Admission (plus fees)
The galaxy’s premier Star Wars cosplay heavy metal tribute band lands in DC! Prepare for an electrifying concert featuring John Williams's music, face-melting riffs, and unforgettable performances.
"Sith Happens" Star Wars Pop-Up Bar at Lola’s
📍 711 8th St SE 🕗 May 1st - 3rd
Step into a galaxy far, far away with themed drinks, DJ sets, cosplay fun, and immersive Star Wars décor. 21+ only. Costumes encouraged!
<h3>Additional Activities</h3>
<ul><li>Star Wars-Themed Art – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM @ Frame of Mine, 545 8th St SE</li><li>Themed Dining &amp; Specials – &amp;Pizza, Lola’s, Matchbox, Taco City, Ted’s Bulletin</li></ul>
<h3>Saturday, May 3rd – Feature Events:</h3>
<h4>Eastern Market Metro Park Activities</h4>
<ul><li>11:30 AM – 2:30 PM: Meet &amp; Greet Characters</li><li>12:00 PM: Jedi Training</li><li>1:45 PM: Live Lightsaber Battle / Jedi Parade</li><li>3:00 PM: Costume Contest</li></ul>
<h4>The Galactic Derby - Star Wars meets the Kentucky Derby</h4>
📍 507 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003 🕗 Doors open at 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM 🎟️ $29 General Tickets (plus fees)
A mash-up of Star Wars and the Kentucky Derby! Sample rare bourbons, enjoy Derby bites, and dress for the Dark Side.
<h4>Star Wars: A New Hope Screening</h4>
📍 The Miracle Theater, 535 8th St SE 🕗 Doors open at 7:00 PM | Showtime at 7:30 PM 🎟️ $8 (plus fees)
<h4>The Villains Ball at 507 8th St SE</h4>
📍 507 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003 🕗 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM 🎟️ Tickets from $100 (plus fees)
A night of high fashion, high energy, and high villainy! Enjoy an open bar, gourmet bites, entertainment, a cosplay catwalk, and the crowning of the 2025 "Villain of the Year."
Saturday Dining &amp; Fun
<ul><li>Star Wars Art @ Frame of Mine</li><li>Themed Food @ Lola’s, Matchbox, Compliments Only, &amp;Pizza, Taco City, Ted’s Bulletin</li></ul>
<h3>Sunday, May 3rd</h3>
<h4>Star Wars: A New Hope Screening</h4>
📍 535 8th St SE 🕑 Movie Screening at 2:00 PM 🎟️ $8 (plus fees)
A fan favorite returns! Test your Star Wars knowledge in a live game show, then watch the movie that started it all.
<h4>Sunday Specials &amp; Entertainment</h4>
<ul><li>Star Wars Art @ Frame of Mine</li><li>Costume Contest @ Lola’s – 9:00 PM</li><li>Themed Dining @ Lola’s, &amp;Pizza, Ted’s Bulletin, Taco City</li></ul>
Star Wars Weekend on Barracks Row Main Street promises to be an unforgettable experience that will transport you to a galaxy far, far away.
Follow @barracksrow and visit <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/may-the-4th-force-be-with-you-8th-street-se-unofficial-star-wars-weekend-tickets-1984970035811?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.barracksrow.org/starwarsweekend</a> for tickets, schedule updates, and galactic surprises.
May the Force be with you on 8th Street SE!
<h3>About Barracks Row Main Street:</h3>
Barracks Row Main Street is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the historic Barracks Row neighborhood in Washington, D.C. Through community engagement, economic development initiatives, and cultural programming, Barracks Row Main Street works to create a vibrant and inclusive community where residents, businesses, and visitors thrive.

Local Event: May the 4th (Force) be with you-8th Street SE Unofficial Star Wars Weekend

District of Columbia

Washington DC

District Of Columbia

May the 4th (Force) be with you-8th Street SE...

Overview
The Force is strong on 8th St Barracks Row - May 2nd, 3rd & 4th Barracks Row Main Street’s Unofficial Star Wars...

May the 4th (Force) be with you-8th Street SE Unofficial Star Wars Weekend

Overview
The mighty Galactic Empire is coming back to Washington, D.C.!
The mighty Galactic Empire is coming back to Washington, D.C.! Join the galaxy’s foremost progressive technical heavy metal Star Wars cosplay John Williams tribute band as they lay waste to Washington, D.C., Planet Earth. Prepare for an evening of the most impressive heavy metal. There’s no one to stop us this time!
Event Information:
<ul><li>Galactic Empire Band</li><li>Friday, May 1st, Doors open at 8:00 pm and show at 8:30 pm</li><li>The 507 on Barracks Row - 507 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003</li><li>General Admission Tickets are $29 per person, excluding taxes and fees</li></ul>
Bio:
Galactic Empire is the galaxy’s foremost instrumental Star Wars cosplay heavy metal John Williams tribute band. Their first two music videos were viral hits, gaining over 24 million YouTube views with national press coverage including Huffington Post, Guitar World, Entertainment Weekly, and MSNBC, along with a live TV performance on E! Entertainment during their coverage of the 2016 Academy Awards. The band went on to tour extensively, headlining multiple national and overseas tours, including Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia, along with appearances at major festivals, comic cons, sporting events, and supporting arena acts Ozzy Osbourne and BABYMETAL.
Galactic Empire released two full-length albums with Rise Records before signing to Pure Noise Records in 2023 and releasing the third in their trilogy of Star Wars albums, “Special Edition”. The upcoming album CINEMETAL sees the band journeying to other universes as they put their signature metal twist on songs from popular film franchises, including Superman, Pirates of the Caribbean, Back To The Future, The Lord Of The Rings, Batman, Avengers, and more. Comprised of the most sinister musicians in the galaxy, Galactic Empire is primed to continue its journey toward becoming the ultimate power in the universe.

Local Event: Galactic Empire Band - A Star Wars Cinemetal Experience

Galactic Empire Band - A Star Wars Cinemetal...

Overview
The mighty Galactic Empire is coming back to Washington, D.C.!
The mighty Galactic Empire is coming back to...

Galactic Empire Band - A Star Wars Cinemetal Experience

Eastern Market

Come celebrate African American Music with amazing performances!
<h2>African American Music Appreciation Month - Performances</h2>
Join us for a vibrant celebration of African American Music Appreciation Month with exciting performances showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the African American community! Get ready for a day filled with music, dance, food, and more.
Date: Fridays in June 2026
Time: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: Eastern Market Metro Plaza Park
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday, June 5th, 5 PM - 6:30 PM
<ul><li>Love Station Band - R&amp;B of the 60s, 70s &amp; 80s</li></ul>
Friday, June 12th, 5 PM - 6:30 PM
<ul><li>Too Much Talent Band</li></ul>
Friday, June 19th, 5 PM - 6:30 PM
<ul><li>The "Original" Moonlighters</li></ul>
Friday, June 25th, 5 PM - 6:30 PM
<ul><li>POCK3T-youth go-go band</li></ul>
About Barracks Row Main Street:
Barracks Row Main Street is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the historic Barracks Row neighborhood in Washington, D.C. Through community engagement, economic development initiatives, and cultural programming, Barracks Row Main Street works to create a vibrant and inclusive community where residents, businesses, and visitors thrive.

Local Event: African American Music Appreciation Month - Performances

African American Music Appreciation Month -...

Come celebrate African American Music with amazing performances!
African American Music Appreciation Month - Performances
Join...

African American Music Appreciation Month - Performances

Come celebrate African American Music with amazing performances!
<h2>African American Music Appreciation Month - Performances</h2>
Join us for a vibrant celebration of African American Music Appreciation Month with exciting performances showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the African American community! Get ready for a day filled with music, dance, food, and more.
Date: Fridays in June 2026
Time: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: Eastern Market Metro Plaza Park
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday, June 5th, 5 PM - 6:30 PM
<ul><li>Love Station Band - R&amp;B of the 60s, 70s &amp; 80s</li></ul>
Friday, June 12th, 5 PM - 6:30 PM
<ul><li>Too Much Talent Band</li></ul>
Friday, June 19th, 5 PM - 6:30 PM
<ul><li>The "Original" Moonlighters</li></ul>
Friday, June 25th, 5 PM - 6:30 PM
<ul><li>POCK3T-youth go-go band</li></ul>
About Barracks Row Main Street:
Barracks Row Main Street is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the historic Barracks Row neighborhood in Washington, D.C. Through community engagement, economic development initiatives, and cultural programming, Barracks Row Main Street works to create a vibrant and inclusive community where residents, businesses, and visitors thrive.

Brian Ready

Washington Metropolitan Area

Georgetown

Arlington County

Arlington

Rosslyn

Virginia

Clarendon-Courthouse-Rosslyn

Clarendon

Michael O'Connell

Prince George's County

Hyattsville

Maryland

Montgomery County

Takoma Park

Ballston

Alexandria city

Del Ray

Riverdale Park-University Park

3426 16th St NW, Washington, DC, 20010 #506

<table><tbody><tr><td> Panoramic views of sunset and National Cathedral from the Northbrook condominium. Freshly painted, and plastered with new appliances and fixtures. 9+ foot ceilings. Wood floors. Balcony with French doors. First time available in over 20 years.&nbsp; Sunny one bedroom, one bath with views of all of NW DC. $385,000.&nbsp; Open 12-2 Bruce Majors Long and Foster 202 704 6401 703 522 0500</td></tr></tbody></table>

Local Event: Open House - Cathedral Views

Open House - Cathedral Views

 Panoramic views of sunset and National Cathedral from the Northbrook condominium. Freshly painted, and plastered with new...

Mount Olivet United Methodist Church

Mount Olivet United Methodist Church Reopening Celebration — Free community event open to all as we join together and celebrate the reopening of Mount Olivet after three years of fire restoration. The event will include historic church tours, live music, food, and family activities including face painting and a scavenger hunt. All ages welcome!RSVPs via the link are appreciated but not required.

Local Event: Mount Olivet United Methodist Church Reopening Celebration

Mount Olivet United Methodist Church Reopening...

Mount Olivet United Methodist Church Reopening Celebration — Free community event open to all as we join together and celebrate...

Mount Olivet United Methodist Church Reopening Celebration

Alden Theatre

On Saturday, May 2 at 7 p.m., head to the Alden Theatre to enjoy the mesmerizing voices of The Doo Wop Project!&nbsp;The Doo Wop Project tells the story of the genre from the beginning: tracing the evolution of Doo Wop from the classic sound of guys singing tight harmonies to the biggest hits on the radio today. In their epic show, these vocalists take audiences on a journey featuring foundational tunes from the Crests, Belmonts and Flamingos through the vocal artistry of Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and The Four Seasons. Then, they go all the way to doo-wopified versions of modern hits! With charisma out the wazoo and stellar Broadway voices, this group can’t be missed! $45 Standard/$35 Seniors/$30 MCC district residents.

Local Event: Doo Wop at Alden Theatre!

Fairfax County

McLean

Doo Wop at Alden Theatre!

On Saturday, May 2 at 7 p.m., head to the Alden Theatre to enjoy the mesmerizing voices of The Doo Wop Project! The Doo Wop...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Brian Ready, Neighbor

Posting Activity

May the 4th (Force) be with you-8th Street SE Unofficial Star Wars Weekend

MAY

1

9:00 AM

8th Street Southeast, 8th St SE, Washington, DC

Galactic Empire Band - A Star Wars Cinemetal Experience

MAY

1

8:30 PM

507 8th St SE, Washington, DC

African American Music Appreciation Month - Performances

JUN

5

5:00 PM

Eastern Market, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC

African American Music Appreciation Month - Performances

JUN

12

5:00 PM

Eastern Market, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC

Open House - Cathedral Views

Mount Olivet United Methodist Church Reopening Celebration

Doo Wop at Alden Theatre!