The Parks at historic Walter Reed has become a cultural hub for upper NW DC, and now has more than 100 community events and activities planned on the Parks’ lush green spaces, including markets, world-class music, festivals and weekly fitness classes. Last year, more than 14,000 people attended programming at The Parks, and the space is welcoming even more retail offerings this year.

Juneberry Garage is open for the season from Thursdays to Sundays, with rotating food trucks and a vibrant, welcoming bar. The Parks is also home to a JINYA Ramen Bar, The Charmery ice cream, nailsaloon, and Molly’s Dogs. A Tropical Smoothie Cafe is opening early this summer.

June brings a host of music-centric FREE community events, from jazz to a partnership with Blues Alley, to a new hand dancing series:

DJ Rick G: Join for an all ages, all abilities Hand Dancing event every two weeks on the Marketplace Plaza while Rick plays Motown classics and soul and R&B from the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Come early and Rick will walk you through the steps! (The first hour includes a tutorial for newcomers: watch a video). Dates in June: 1, 15, 29, 3-7 pm.

Happy Hour on June 6: It’s a competition between two powerhouses as the fabulous DJ Harry Hotter plays Prince and Stevie Wonder. Who will win the battle? Specials for adult drinks make this low-key Friday night a not-to-miss event.

East Rock Creek Village Jazz Concert: Their second jazz concert on the Marketplace Plaza June 8, 4-6 pm, featuring jazz singer and native Washingtonian James Keith Zimmerman accompanied by a five-piece band. Steeped in the time-honored tradition of the great jazz vocalists, Zimmerman’s voice has been described like that of a horn, and his performances are presented in an original, authentic style.

Jazz in The Parks: A partnership with Blues Alley, now celebrating its 60th anniversary, brings the region’s premier program for emerging youth jazz musicians with the Blues Alley Youth Quartet, followed by the incomparable DC native, Herm Hopkins with the Herm Hopkins Soul Quartet. The children’s opener is Baba Ras D, always a fun time with his live music performance centered on positivity and community. June 14, 5-8 pm.

Home Rule Music Festival returns June 21: The fourth annual celebration of DC’s rich and vibrant music and culture returns with headliners such as Imani-Grace Cooper - Tribute to Roberta Flack, Farafina Kan Ensemble, Plunky and Oneness of JuJu, New Impressionz and Backyard Band.