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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260614T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260614T160000
DTSTAMP:20260604T170658Z
CREATED:20260409T154232Z
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UID:10002148-1781434800-1781452800@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Gays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate Pride with Us at Gays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival!\nSunday\, June 14th at Historic Congressional Cemetery 11 am – 4 pm.\nGays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival returns for a 2nd time to Historic Congressional Cemetery for a Pride celebration rooted in history\, remembrance\, and community. \nAs a National Historic Landmark and the final resting place of numerous LGBTQ+ activists and pioneers\, Congressional Cemetery offers a one-of-a-kind meaningful setting to reflect on the struggles and achievements that have shaped LGBTQ+ life in Washington and across the nation. Today\, it is not only a place of memory\, but an active civic landscape where people gather to learn\, connect\, and celebrate. \nThroughout the day\, visitors can explore an outdoor market featuring LGBTQ+ and allied artists\, makers\, and small businesses\, as well as programming in the historic chapel and the grounds focused on LGBTQ+ history and lived experience. This year’s festival will include a special commemorative wreath-laying with activist Randy Wicker at the grave of Leonard Matlovich\, alongside the unveiling of new interpretive signage for the Cemetery’s LGBTQ+ section. \nWhether you’re here to shop\, learn or reflect\, Gays & Graves is a celebration you don’t want to miss. \nMark your calendars and be part of this unforgettable day of Pride where LGBTQ+ history and legacy lives. \nDogs Allowed on Leash! \nEvent Schedule \n11:00 am – Festival Opens \n11:30 am – Opening Remarks from Miriam Julianna\, the artist behind Eon’s Cranes Project \nNoon – Panel discussion with Miriam and Chuck Goldfarb of the Rainbow History Project in the HCC Chapel \n2:00 pm – Gay Corner Rededication Ceremony with Activist Randy Wicker \n3:00 pm – Drag Story Hour with Charlemagne Chateau in HCC Chapel \n4:00 pm  – Festival Closes \nAll Day Activities (11 am – 4 pm) \nMake your own buttons and tree twirlers with HCC and Merry Pin \nZine workshop led by Lillie Jay Harris \nMake your own charm bracelet with Merry Pin (fee charged) \nCommunity Wishing Tree project with Diane D’Costa \n  \nAbout Our Speaker:\nRandy Wicker will be our keynote speaker for a special ceremony to dedicate new signage at our beloved Gay Corner. \nPhoto by Stas Ginzburg \nHe has fought for civil rights and equality for all since 1958. He was one of the youngest members of the Mattachine Society of New York\, advocating to educate the public about homosexuality more than a decade before Stonewall. He was one of the first open homosexuals to speak on radio and television\, and the first organizer of a gay picket in the United States. He ran a counterculture button shop\, and later an antique lamp shop in the Village—which employed and supported countless artists\, street people\, and queer folks from 1974 to 2003. \nWicker (in front) participated in the first organized gay protest in front of the White House on May 29\, 1965. \nFrom that lamp shop\, Wicker campaigned for an investigation into the death of his late roommate Marsha P. Johnson\, who is a transgender activist icon\, Stonewall veteran\, and the house mother of Wicker’s extended gay family. He is also the world’s first activist for \nthe right to human cloning. Wicker has continued to march for Marsha\, Sylvia Rivera\, and for all transgender people whose names have gone unrecognized\, and for queer liberation worldwide! \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/gays-graves-a-big-gay-festival-2/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dog Friendly,Festival,LGBTQ+
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IMG_1536-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260426T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260426T160000
DTSTAMP:20260421T132559Z
CREATED:20260122T145133Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T132559Z
UID:10002079-1777201200-1777219200@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Spring Fair
DESCRIPTION:Now in its second year\, the Spring Fair at Historic Congressional Cemetery is quickly becoming a beloved seasonal gathering in DC\, bringing together local makers\, neighbors\, and visitors to celebrate spring through sustainability\, creativity\, and community.\nBy joining us on April 26th\, you’ll be part of a community dedicated to promoting sustainable living and preserving our natural heritage.\n\n\n\nVendor Applications have closed.\nProgramming Schedule\n11:30am Bee Talk with DC Beekeepers Alliance\n1:00pm Tree Walk Through History\n3:45pm Spring Celebration & Parade with Batalá\, Washington’s all-female Samba Reggae Percussion Band\n\nPlant Swap Table Open 11-4!\nBring cuttings and plugs to swap with others and get some plant babies for your home and garden! \nAdmission is FREE and dogs on leash are welcome too!\n\nThank you to our sponsors!\n\nCongressional Champion
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/spring-fair-2/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dog Friendly,Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Spring-Fair-2026-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T160000
DTSTAMP:20251114T141436Z
CREATED:20250910T150402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251114T141436Z
UID:10001928-1765105200-1765123200@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:HCC Holiday Market
DESCRIPTION:Get ready to make this festive season extra special and spread cheer at Congressional Cemetery’s Holiday Market! Please see below for a list of vendors. \nSunday\, December 7th \n11am-4pm \nWe will have a diverse array of vendors\, who offer distinctive gifts\, artisanal crafts\, and delicious holiday treats against the enchanting backdrop of our historic cemetery grounds. Whether are looking for unique gifts\, handcrafted goods\, or mouthwatering confections\, we invite you to light up the holidays with us! This is your opportunity to be a part of a cherished community and showcase your holiday wares to a diverse crowd of visitors. Bring your friends and family for a day of shopping\, sipping\, and seasonal delights! \nAdmission is FREE and dogs on leash are welcome too!
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/hcc-holiday-market-2/
LOCATION:DC
CATEGORIES:Dog Friendly,Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Holiday-Market-2.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250621T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250621T160000
DTSTAMP:20250612T135928Z
CREATED:20250425T134827Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250612T135928Z
UID:10001794-1750503600-1750521600@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Gays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate Pride with Us at Gays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival!\nSaturday\, June 21st at Historic Congressional Cemetery 11-4.\nJoin us for a one-of-a-kind Pride celebration set against the backdrop of one of DC’s most iconic and historic resting places. Gays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival is a joyful gathering that honors LGBTQ+ history\, creativity\, and community spirit—all in one vibrant day of fun\, reflection\, and Pride. \nWander through a lively outdoor market showcasing LGBTQ+ artists\, makers\, and small businesses offering handmade goods\, art\, tasty treats\, and more. Enjoy an inclusive\, welcoming atmosphere filled with color\, community\, and connection. \nThroughout the day\, our historic chapel will host engaging programming centered on LGBTQ+ history.\nWe are proud to be the final resting place of many LGBTQ+ pioneers and activists—offering a unique opportunity to celebrate Pride while honoring those who came before us. \nWhether you’re here to shop\, learn or reflect\, Gays & Graves is a celebration. \nMark your calendars and be part of this unforgettable day of Pride where LGBTQ+ history lives. \nDogs Allowed on Leash!\nRSVP HERE
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/gays-graves-a-big-gay-festival/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dog Friendly,Festival,LGBTQ+
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/GG-4.5.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241208T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241208T160000
DTSTAMP:20241122T172429Z
CREATED:20241022T161955Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241122T172429Z
UID:10001591-1733655600-1733673600@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:HCC Holiday Market
DESCRIPTION:Get ready to make this festive season extra special and spread cheer at Congressional Cemetery’s Holiday Market!\nDecember 8th\, 11AM-4PM\nGrounds Surrounding the Chapel \nWe will have a diverse array of vendors\, who offer distinctive gifts\, artisanal crafts\, and delicious holiday treats against the enchanting backdrop of our historic cemetery grounds. Whether are looking for unique gifts\, handcrafted goods\, or mouthwatering confections\, we invite you to light up the holidays with us! This is your opportunity to be a part of a cherished community and showcase your holiday wares to a diverse crowd of visitors. Bring your friends and family for a day of shopping\, sipping\, and seasonal delights! \nAdmission is FREE and dogs on leash are welcome too!
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/hcc-holiday-market/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dog Friendly,Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/White-Minimalist-Christmas-Party-Flyer-2.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240922T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240922T190000
DTSTAMP:20240915T230147Z
CREATED:20240723T222652Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T230147Z
UID:10001190-1727024400-1727031600@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Circle of Life Fall Celebration
DESCRIPTION:Join the revelry during Autumn’s Equinox\nMarch with Batalá to celebrate the Equinox and kick off Congressional Cemetery’s series of Fall Events. \nSunday\, September 22\, 5:00pm* – 7:00pm \n*The drumming performance and march will begin at the cemetery’s front gate promptly @ 5:00 pm. \n \nBatalá\, Washington’s Afro-Brazilian all-female percussion band\, will lead spectators in a musical procession from HCC’s front gate to the tree-henge surrounding the Circle of Life. \n\nJoin the spirited walking parade with the rhythm of Samba-Reggae drums ( in the tradition of a New Orleans ‘Second Line’ procession)\nHear about exciting new cemetery initiatives and upcoming events\nCelebrate within the Circle of Life as the sun slips over the Western horizon\nEnjoy light refreshments in the Chapel following the event\n\nThe event is free to attend but we request that you RSVP HERE if you plan to attend. \nPlease feel free to read more from the Circle of Life designers below or click here to download the PDF! \n \nThe Circle of Life is an interpretive work of land art that celebrates nature’s perseverance. Rooted upon the cemetery’s hillside\, the distinctive ring of eight trees forms a living ‘tree-henge.’ Each young tree was precisely planted to align with a cardinal point of the compass sundial in the center. \nThe arboreal circle surrounds a labyrinthian path that meanders through a series of earthen artworks. An assemblage of benches invites passers-by to sit\, reflect\, and enjoy the surrounding landscape. \nThe earthwork design is defined by: \n\nSteppingstone paths between granite stoneworks engraved with scenes from nature;\na vantage point to observe the sun’s celestial path during solstices and equinoxes;\na 60-foot circle of linden trees aligned with the directional points of a compass rose;\na celebratory site to pay tribute to past and future stewards of the natural environment;\na peaceful space for meditating on garden benches in situ.\n\ncongressionalcemetery.org/Circle-of-Life \nThe Circle of Life is in the cemetery’s SE quadrant\, on the hillside above the family vaults as shown. \nENVIORNMENTAL LAND ART  \nLand art (also known as earth art) is an art form that connects people with their surroundings and is created using natural materials such as soil\, stones\, trees and vegetation. Inherently linked to the landscape\, earthen artworks are left in the open and change over time with seasons and weather. The Circle of Life design\, inspired by the Earthworks Art Movement\, was created with minimalist simplicity — blending the contours of the hillside with the hallowed ground of this National Historic Landmark. \nIn 2020\, Casey Trees planted eight linden tree saplings in a ‘tree-henge’ design to form a natural boundary for the Circle of Life. As the linden trees mature over 30 years to become 50’- 65’ in height\, each with branches extending 25’ wide\, their limbs will interlock to form a shade canopy. Each tree will cast its corresponding shadow across the compass centerpiece to mark the seasons of the year. \nSerpentine paths wander among granite engravings and scenes of nature. The trees\, stoneworks and open horizon invite visitors to pay homage to the environment by stopping\, listening\, walking\, and observing the surrounding flora and fauna. The slope overlooks a humming bee yard\, a row of venerable family tombs\, and a pet cemetery. In the distance beyond the tree line is the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. \n \nWinter solstice setting sun – December 22\, 2022 \nSOLSTICE AND EQUINOX VANTAGE POINTS \nNot unlike the rituals of Stonehenge\, visitors can celebrate the change of seasons by tracking the sun’s path across the aligned symmetry of the ‘tree-henge.’ The summer solstice begins its long day’s journey from the NE linden tree. The sun intensifies and then mellows as it finally casts a shadow across the NW tree 16 hours later. The winter solstice dims the light and shortens the SE to SW solar track across the Circle’s southern horizon in just over 10 hours. \nWelcome rays of sun spread dancing tree shadows across the arc of the Circle during the vernal (spring) and autumnal (fall) equinoxes. Twice a year\, day and night are of equal lengths as the sun rises above the east tree\, moves directly across the center of the compass rose\, and sets 12 hours later beyond the west tree. \nCOMPASS ROSE & NATURE ENGRAVINGS  \n \nAt the heart of the Circle is a terrestrial compass rose embedded with colorful points of stone that direct one’s gaze outward to the surrounding trees\, and inward to the monument’s core. Each tree is positioned to correspond to one of the eight directional points of the compass (North\, South\, East\, West\, NE\, NW\, SE\, SW). \nAt sea\, ancient Greek mariners used a ‘rose of the winds’ sextant to chart their course. Symbolically\, the four points or ‘winds’ of the compass represent: infinite possibility\, the present\, the past\, and the future. \nAlong the north to south axis of the Circle\, and surrounding the compass\, are eight engraved roundels that present a visual narrative of earth’s natural cycles. The  granite medallions portray the four seasons\, flora and fauna\, and sunrise and sunset. As simple contemporary depictions\, the rock carvings are somewhat akin to the petroglyphs left by indigenous peoples to teach\, warn\, or pass on significant messages to their descendants. \n \nHistorically\, Native Americans and ancient civilizations carved out comparable spaces in open landscapes to follow the sun’s movement and celebrate the seasons. Four centuries ago\, the Anacostan\, Nacotchtank\, and Piscataway tribes inhabited and roamed this area and left behind artifacts and hammered stones – later unearthed along the banks of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. Future generations may interpret this sacred space and the granite engravings found within the Circle as an appeal to environmental stewardship at a time when warming climate and pollution threatened our society. \n  \nCONSERVATION AND NATURAL BURIAL \nNatural or ‘green’ burials are designed to have minimal environmental impact and conserve earth’s resources. In keeping with its ecological focus\, Congressional is the only cemetery in Washington DC that offers this option for eco-friendly interment. The Circle of Life pays tribute to those who choose this simple and sustainable end to their existence. \nIn a typical green burial\, the body is not cremated\, prepared with chemicals\, or buried in a concrete vault. It is simply placed in a biodegradable container or shroud and interred in a gravesite to decompose fully and return to nature. The natural and organic disposition of one’s body can be a gift to the earth – one that connects our end to the beginning of life for other living organisms. Science tells us that energy and matter cannot be created or destroyed\, only converted from one form to another. Green burial eases the transformation of biomass and contributes to the complex ecosystem that continues the cycle of life. \nBACKGROUND & COLLABORATORS \nPlans for the Circle of Life began in 2019 when a group of friends\, interested in the history of Congressional Cemetery and in green burial\, collaborated with cemetery staff and Casey Trees to plant a grove of trees and create a sylvan sanctuary on the relatively barren SE hillside. \nIn partnership with Congressional Cemetery\, the Circle of Life was created and funded by Sharon Metcalf and Circle collaborators — Nancy Brennan\, Kay Tatum\, Mary Kay Blake and Margaret Tobey\, all of whom chose gravesites within the Circle for their final resting place. For details\, email metcalf.sharon@gmail.com . \nThe granite stones were sourced\, engraved\, and installed by FRAM Monument Company\, a local business providing memorial monuments to the Washington Baltimore community for over 100 years.   \n Graphic designer and photographer David Posey of Alexandria\, VA\, graphically adapted selected images to produce the vector line art for the granite engravings. \nThe circle of trees\, engraved stones\, and native plantings are a gift to preserve the cemetery’s natural environment for future generations. \ncongressionalcemetery.org/circle-of-life \nCongressional Cemetery: \nCongressional Cemetery\, a National Historic Landmark in Washington DC\, lies just one mile SE of Capitol Hill.. The 35-acre functioning cemetery\, memorial park\, and active public space\, serves as the final resting place for senators\, congressman\, Native American diplomats\, notables including John Philip Sousa\, Mathew Brady\, and J. Edgar Hoover\, and public citizens. Established in 1807\, the cemetery continues its traditions today to provide funeral ceremonies for those wishing to be buried among the 65\,000 designated gravesites. Congressional is also known throughout the city for its ongoing series of annual events\, Soul Strolls\, Twilight Tours\, Cinematery movie nights\, and other community programs. \nClick here to download the Circle of Life PDF!\n  \n 
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/circle-of-life-fall-celebration/
LOCATION:DC
CATEGORIES:Concert,Festival
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221023T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221023T150000
DTSTAMP:20220803T211647Z
CREATED:20220803T211647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220803T211647Z
UID:10000698-1666522800-1666537200@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:American Chestnut Festival
DESCRIPTION:The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) and Congressional Cemetery are proud to host an outdoor celebration of American chestnut trees. Once on the brink of extinction\, the American chestnut tree is finally on the verge of resurrection. To celebrate their revival\, the festival will include: speakers from TACF about the species’ restoration\, a Chestnut tree planting\, a complimentary informal walking tour of Congressional Cemetery\, tree themed crafts\, food and alcohol vendors\, and more! \nThe festival is free to attend and open to all. While tickets are not required\, we ask that you please RSVP HERE. \nFeel free to email or call festival organizers with any questions: \nJohn Scrivani\, VA chapter president: vachestnut@gmail.com \nAnna Sproul-Latimer\, VA chapter board member: 301 466 7362
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/american-chestnut-festival/
LOCATION:DC
CATEGORIES:Festival
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ACF.png
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