Adams Morgan welcomes Washingtonians with its colorful condominiums, graphic graffiti and nostalgic nightlife. The same vibrancy that make Adams Morgan legendary appeared on the distinguished neighborhood’s celebration day. Cramped between 18th St. and Columbia St., a crowd of people converged to commemorate Adams Morgan Day on Sept. 13.
The annual event, which was almost cancelled this year due to a lack of funding, delivered a day that differed from previous years. This year’s celebration offered a more organic environment, focusing on the local businesses of Adams Morgan.
Vendors crowded the streets of the neighborhood with various merchandise in honor of the celebration from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Booths were stationed outside of their restaurants for the floods of people. From Jumbo Slice Pizza’s slices to Sakuramen Ramen Bar’s bulgogi buns, Adams Morgan Day treated visitors to a collection of cuisines.
Other businesses offered special prices for patrons. Tryst gave discounts for cold brew coffee, Shenanigans sold tacos for two dollars and The Cake Room handed out free coffee or a cookie with a $15 purchase. For the duration of the day, businesses kept their doors open to attract the crowds of people.
As the aroma of diverse dishes filled the air, the sounds from the Spotluck Stage flowed into the streets. Presented by Songbyrd Music House, the Spotluck Stage entertained the audience through an assortment of local D.C. bands. Surrounding the stage, people sat and stood listening to the music.
But Songbyrd wasn’t the only venue that hosted performers. The Black Squirrel also organized a few artists, ranging from LATO to Drop Electric, and Colleen McCraken and The Capitol Heights played at Libertine. The sounds from the performers added life to the event, highlighting the culture in the neighborhood.
Adams Morgan showcased its sense of community with the festival this year, and throughout the day, strangers would randomly strike up conversations with others or help out people who dropped things. Adams Morgan Day expressed the cheerful chaos and friendliness of the neighborhood, as a collection of local businesses came together to celebrate.
Follow the writer on Twitter @Ambar_Pardilla.
