The past few days in DC have been uncharacteristically cool for August, which naturally turns thoughts to fall and all the good things that come along with the season. Per usual, local stores have jumped the gun, proudly displaying Halloween decorations and pumpkin-everything in an effort to trick us all into believing the season is officially here. But since it really is right around the corner, we’re going to go ahead and jump on that bandwagon too.
For those of you who may not be used to viewing a cemetery as your go-to social scene, might we persuade you to change your mind? Our list below isn’t even an exhaustive guide to all the ongoing events we have over the course of the next few months. It’s a corny but true to say that we really do have something for everyone: concerts, yoga, a 5k run/walk, tours and more. As always, stay tuned to our website and social media accounts for more information about our schedule and other happenings at the cemetery.
Concerts
Notes from the Crypt: Sunday, September 11, 4 pm
Join us for our first fall Notes from the Crypt! This chamber music concert is free; thus, seating is first-come, first-served, so we recommend arriving early to reserve seating. Don’t miss one of DC’s best kept secrets, with professional musicians playing in a beautiful setting, all free of charge. Save the date!
Dead Men’s Hollow Concert: October 8, 7 – 9 pm
Congressional Cemetery is delighted to host local band Dead Men’s Hollow for a macabre and spooky set in our historic Chapel. With a band name that perfectly fits the venue, this is an essential event to fit into your busy Halloween schedule. Dead Men’s Hollow’s influences include bluegrass, country, blues, and gospel, and their set will include original and traditional music (with a murder ballad or two thrown in!). Beer and wine will also be sold at a cash bar in the Chapel, so arrive early to secure your seats and grab a tasty beverage (or two) for the concert. More information and tickets here.
Cinematery
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? Friday, September 16th, 7:30 pm
Join us on the cemetery grounds for a screening of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? This creepy, campy classic is the perfect movie to start off the 2016 Halloween season. Gates open at 6:30 pm and the movie begins around 7:30 pm. Suggested donation (thank you!) of $10 for entrance. BYOB and dinner. Our rain date for this Cinematery is Friday, September 23rd.
Yoga Mortis
Every Tuesday in the Chapel (No class Sept. 13th), 6 pm
Outdoor Yoga Mortis: Saturday, September 17, 11:30 am
Jessica Woodburn.
Join us for our weekly Yoga Mortis class in the Chapel! All classes are one hour long and available to all levels of experience. No reservations are required, and the suggested donation is $10-$15. Classes are taught by Jessica Woodburn, and you can find out more about Jessica and her full schedule of classes here. Bring your own mat and come prepared to show off your very best Corpse Pose to your Hill East neighbors!
Around once a month, we also have an outdoor yoga class. Weather permitting, this class will take place on the grounds and among the headstones of Congressional Cemetery. This is a donation-based class: bring what you can (cash only please) to donate to the cemetery. The session is all levels & BYO mat. Please meet inside the front gate of the cemetery (at 1801 E Street, SE) prior to or at 11:30 am, when the instructor will lead you to the site.
Dead Man’s Run: Saturday, October 1, 6 pm
Welcome to Historic Congressional Cemetery’s Dead Man’s Run, a bare bones race for dead serious runners who want to stay one step ahead of the ultimate Reapo Man. Race starts with a toll of the funeral bell, continues throughout the cemetery and onto the Anacostia Trail for a ghostly evening run full of spooky music and fun! Join us in the beer tent after the race to reward your own survival. Costumes encouraged, with prizes for best costumes and team costume! Form a team to compete with your friends – and we love to see creative team names.
Registration is $40 and includes a t-shirt and one free beer (must be 21+; please bring ID).
For more info and registration: http://hccemetery.wix.com/deadmansrun
Soul Strolls: October 21, 22, 28, 29, 6-9 pm
They’re back! Congressional Cemetery’s Soul Strolls tours features guided lantern tours with appearances from a few of our favorite “residents.” This year brings a new cast of characters dying to tell you all about their extraordinary lives, and of course, their deaths. Soul Strolls take place over four nights, October 21st and 22nd and October 28th and 29th. Hour-long tours will depart every 15 minutes between 6 and 9 pm, and beer, wine, and cider will be for sale in our Chapel. Adult tickets are $20; children 12 and under are $10. Attendees can arrive early to grab a glass of wine, browse our HCC gift shop, and listen to music while waiting for tours to depart. Last year’s tours completely sold out, so make your Halloween plans early and secure your spot today! More information and tickets here.
When will honey be available for sale?
Likely within the next few weeks, stay tuned to our social media!