Fall is coming in as we say goodbye to summer, and The Parks at Walter Reed are offering some of the best local, outdoor events for music, film, fitness and gathering [safely] with neighbors and family.

Check out what’s happening this weekend:

Don’t miss a double-header showing of the Pixar movie Soul, following a quartet performance by the National Symphony Orchestra. NSO In Your Neighborhood is bringing world-class musicians to upper Ward 4 and surrounding areas throughout September. The event is free. Come early to set up and enjoy the evening.

6 to 7 pm: Quartet performance of Haydn and Mozart selections by musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra; more details on the Parks site.
7 pm: Movie event starts. Soul (2020, PG) will begin at dark, the Disney Pixar animated feature about a jazz musician who has to die to find his calling in life.

Free movie night after the free music (photo courtesy of The Parks)

Blankets will be available (if the ground isn't too wet). The event is free and all are welcome. Bring your own chairs and picnics, or purchase from local vendors. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from ANXO Cider; Kennedy Street ice cream shop Everyday Sundae; popcorn by Capitol Kettle Corn; and tacos from local favorite J&J Mex-Taqueria. The Parks events team organized this first-ever film series in partnership with Blackfilm.com and the Home Rule Music and Film Preservation Foundation, and HR Records owner Charvis Campbell. More details on the Parks site.

Coming next week:
Celebrate the opening of the new dog park at The Parks on Tuesday, September 14th from 5:30pm to 7pm with a cheerful ribbon cutting, giveaways, DJ, tacos and drinks. Doggie treats and adult beverages provided by Booze Bruvas will be free, including a fun dog-themed cocktail, wine or beer. Tacos from local favorite J&J Taqueria will be $2 apiece. More details on the Parks site.

Upcoming Events:

September 18, 5:30pm: Double-header with popular children's performer Finding Rhythm Collective at 5:30pm, followed at 6pm by jazz, folk and soul artist Rochelle Rice. This is the last Jazz in The Parks of the season, so don’t miss it!

October 2, 6pm: Movies on the Lawn presents Queen of Katwe (PG) following a soul/funk performance by StonedXrch.

October 9, 12pm to 7pm: Down in the Reeds Music Festival returns with three stages, a whole new lineup, activities and entertainment for music lovers of all ages. Down in the Reeds is a free, outdoor, day-long fall music festival celebrating the power of music to heal across communities and culture. The event is free, and will operate with strict COVID protocols. Details and full lineup on the Festival website.

Sundays through October 17, 10am to 2pm: Each Sunday, stop by the FRESHFARM Market at The Parks for locally produced items from 14 producers, including a bakery, two farms, meat producers, mushrooms, dog treats, empanadas, coffee, an orchard and more!

Weekly Fitness & Markets: Each week through September and October, visit the Great Lawn for yoga and Barre3 fitness classes on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Outdoor, in-person yoga by local studio Yoga Heights continues on the Great Lawn, Sundays from 9:30am to 10:30am through at least the end of September. Also, join Barre3 14th Street on the beautiful Great Lawn for full-body workout classes on Saturday mornings this fall. Registration is required for all fitness classes; most are free.