1300 Block of H Street

During the festival.

Dancing in the Streets

Dancers from Joy of Motion entertain the crowds at the H Street Festival last Saturday.

Post Short Coming Up Short?

This Washington Post announcement regarding the H Street Festival was brought to my attention this morning. I'm not sure what the author was thinking (I actually suspect that her knowledge of the Corridor is probably limited to what's she gleaned by looking up recent Post mentions of H Street), but the language does seem more than a little unfair (not to mention ill-informed). But decide for yourself. Follow the link above to see the full announcement, but here's the quote (referring to H Street) that's ruffled a few feathers:

"Whether you love it because it's your favorite place to spend Saturday night (come on, where else can you see a flea circus?) or you abhor it as a symbol of gentrification and crass "newcomer" commercialism..."

Umm, "crass 'newcomer' commercialism"? It sounds like someone's been cruising the Style section archives & that flea circus article is only a couple of weeks old. If you are going to write something about a topic on which you are completely ignorant (which the author seems to be, but then you can't visit every venue hosting an event) it is not only good to do a bit of research (like the Post archive search the author clearly performed), but it is also probably a good idea to stay away from more extreme/gratuitous (and slightly inflammatory, to say the least) language. I look forward to reading similar Post entertainment announcements casually mentioning how Dupont has lost its soul by going all straight corporate yuppie and U Street isn't cool anymore because there are too many trendy white young people around these days. Any thoughts?

H Street Festival & Farmers Market Tomorrow

Start your festival day off right by hitting the farmers Market in the 600 block of H Street. This is a producers only market that sells fruits, veggies, honey, jam, breads, meats, pies, cheeses, sauces, sorbet, scones, & more. The market is held every Saturday from 9-12 and runs through the end of October. Sidamo Coffee (417 H Street) is also sold at the market. Another good option for early tomorrow is Naby's Island Restaurant (corner of 12th & H). Tomorrow (beginning at 10am) is the grand opening. Naturally there will be door prizes, and customers spending $20 or more will be entered to win a cruise.


12-7pm on H Street between 12th & 14th. The festival will feature live music & dance, food, drink, and all manner of arts and crafts, as well as informational booths from local business.

H Street Festival Next Saturday

Missed it last year? Don't make the same mistake this time! The festival will be held from 12-7pm on H Street between 12th & 14th. Look for a number of local vendors (i.e. local businesses), as well as plenty of new faces.

Some event highlights (as sent to me by a festival organizer) include:



-A live music stage with performances from local artists

-Smokey’s Grill (a hit last year)

-A fashion show featuring up and coming designers

-A performance by Lil’ Dutch and The Bittersweet Family Friendly Burlesque Troupe

-Free popcorn at The Palace of Wonders

-Grand opening of Naby’s Island Restaurant at 1128 H Street

-Outdoor dance demonstrations by Joy of Motion (ranging from Hip Hop to Belly Dancing)

-Body Art by Lucretia

-Meet and Greet opportunities with Councilmember David A. Catania, Councilmember Tommy Wells, Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas Jr., Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Mayor Adrian M. Fenty

-And a myriad of other amazing things to see, eat, win and listen to.

The organizer also asked me to let everyone know that there are still free exhibit spaces available for groups, businesses, & individuals in the Trinidad & H Street area. Paid sponsorship opportunities are also still available. Interested parties can visit the website, or contact Leonard A. Howell, Exhibit Coordinator H Street Arts & Humanities Festival by email or phone: lahowell@gmail.com 202-997-3784

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Update
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There seems to have been some confusion over the fact that the list above didn't include Tommy Wells. I'm assuming that this (the above list is really more of a press release that was sent to me) was simply an oversight. At any rate, I'm assured by his office that he will be attending the festival for most of the day, following a community walk in Near Northeast that morning.

Date Set For H Street Festival

I ran into one of the festival organizers this weekend and he told me that this year's festival will be held September 15th. Scheduling the festival is always a bit of a challenge because so many neighborhoods hold events at this time. Let's hope we can escape any major conflicts this year.

1300 Block of H Street

From last year's H Street Festival.