May 3, 2025 • 11am – 4pm  ||  FREE Performances  ||  FREE Hands-On Arts & Crafts  ||  Carousel Rides  ||  FREE Parking

RSVP (Preferred, not required) >>     PURCHASE CAROUSEL TICKETS ONLINE >>

Join us (rain or shine!!) on Saturday, May 3, for a festival event in celebration of Glen Echo Park's 104-year-old Dentzel carousel as it opens for the season! 

In addition to riding the carousel ($2.00 per ride or $5 for an all-day pass), visitors will enjoy many FREE activities throughout the Park, including performances, hands-on art projects, open studios & galleries, and more! Food options include Praline Cafe and Timber Pizza food truck, as well as smoothies & more from Pacha Mama Juice Co. 
 

RSVP (Preferred, not required) >>

PURCHASE CAROUSEL TICKETS ONLINE >>

Find more information about visiting the park here >>

We are delighted to feature Step Afrika!, a world class dance company specializing in the art form of Stepping, celebrating their 30th Anniversary, at this year's Carousel Day. Check out this video showcasing their incredible percussive dance. Watch the video >>

We are thrilled to present these performers:

Percussive Dance on the Spanish Ballroom Stage

🎠 Step Afrika! | 11:45am - 12:30pm | Spanish Ballroom

The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture is thrilled to welcome Step Afrika! as a Carousel Day performer! Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the world’s leading authority on the art form of stepping. Under Mr. Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 60 countries across the globe and ranking as one of the top 10 African American Dance Companies in the US.

Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding. 

🎠 Furia Flamenca | 12:45pm - 1:30pm | Spanish Ballroom

The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture is excited to feature a flamenco performance by Furia Flamenca at Carousel Day! Furia Flamenca, led by artistic director Estela Velez de Paredez, is an award-winning dance company that brings the ferocity and passion of flamenco to the stage and transports audiences to Southern Spain in technically refined, emotionally explosive, and dynamically choreographed dancing. Come learn from the company how both Latin American and Spanish culture influence Flamenco music and dance. Furia Flamenca's unique style combines the traditional gypsy with the more modern flamenco to create the perfect balance. They are proud to be the most sought-after flamenco dance company in the DC-Metro area having performed in some of the most prestigious venues and festivals throughout the DC-Metro area.

 

🎠 Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance | 1:45pm - 2:30pm | Spanish Ballroom

The Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance keeps Irish dance and music alive through a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum for ages 5 through adult.

Founded in 1997 by Sean and Denise Culkin, the school prides itself on its sense of community and has been able to foster relationships that last a lifetime through the ties of Irish culture and the interest in Irish dance.

For many years, Sean has been a Branch Officer of Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann (CCE), part of a global organization devoted to Irish traditional music and culture in the Washington, DC area. Sean’s involvement in CCE has led to tremendous opportunities for Culkin dancers; they have danced to the accompaniment of world renowned Irish musicians at Strathmore, The Kennedy Center, Wolftrap, BlackRock Center for the Arts, the Irish Embassy and The White House.

 

🎠 Rhythmaya | 2:45pm - 3:30pm | Spanish Ballroom

Experience the colors of South Asian culture through dance and music!  

Rhythmaya Dance celebrates diversity by learning about Southeast Asian cultures through dance and music, exploring the many ways we are both similar and different!  Rhythmaya Dance will take you on a journey of Classical dance forms, Folk dances and Modern Bollywood dance forms. Featuring dance demos, interactive dance, and learning opportunities, all ages are welcome to join Rhythmaya on this journey! 

Rhythmaya Dance has taken their shows all over the country - from NBA games to local libraries to New York City's Holi performances to Disney's Animal Kingdom and beyond and are excited to bring it here to Glen Echo Park!

More Dance & Music Performances

🎠 Washington Revels | 11:00am - 12:00pm | Bumper Car Pavilion

To kick off the Carousel Day festivities, Washington Revels will provide a festive musical procession throughout the Park, followed by a performance by Washington Revels Gallery Voices. Gallery Voices, formed in 2002, is a select group of vocalists performing a tapestry of musical styles: Medieval, Renaissance, Early American hymns and folk songs, 19th and 20th-century part-songs, and more. After the Gallery Voices performance, join us for some joyous dancing around a Maypole!

🎠 The Rainbow Bird | 12:15pm - 1:00pm | Bumper Car Pavilion

An interactive dance performance and story, led by Carla Perlo & friends!

Based on the children's book The Rainbow Bird by author Judy Lieberman and illustrator Carla Perlo, this engaging interactive presentation includes reading the story, dancing, creative movement, play, song, sign language, and Q&A. 

Author Judy Lieberman describes The Rainbow Bird as a story of travel, hope, and finding a new home. "During the dreary days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I wrote a children's picture book about the beautiful male Painted Bunting, who found his way to Great Falls, Maryland in early Spring, and the sensation he caused in the greater Washington DC neighborhoods. It was a rare bird indeed for our northern climes and people from all walks of life and different cultures - regular birders and not so regular birders - traveled long distances to have a peek and share in the wonder of such a beautiful creature. But what was it about a flying rainbow that stirred such emotion? Maybe it was the great swaths of geography symbolically wrapped in an arc of color and hope. Maybe it was the arduous journey of leaving behind a familiar place to follow curiosity and discovery that inspired legions of fans to travel so far. Against the current backdrop of migrant children stopped at the border and separated from their families, and a great pandemic causing such loss and grief on the world, a little Rainbow Bird was a new frame of reference, one that suggested beauty and love can rise above such dark days. 

Following the dance presentation, join us for a Rainbow Bird craft in the Cuddle Up Pavilion!

 

🎠 Washington Conservatory of Music | 1:15pm - 2:00pm | Bumper Car Pavilion

For Carousel Day, the Washington Conservatory of Music (WCM) is pleased to present a musical performance. WCM, a resident arts program at Glen Echo Park's, is dedicated to fostering the joy of music and guiding students of all ages and skill levels to reach their personal musical potential.

🎠 Adventure Theatre MTC Pre-Professional Performers | 2:15pm - 3:00pm | Bumper Car Pavilion

For Carousel Day, Adventure Theatre MTC (ATMTC) is excited to present a performance by their Pre-Professional Performers. ATMTC Academy’s Pre-Professional Program rigorously prepares dedicated and talented students in grades 4-6 and 7-12 for professional auditions and collegiate-level performing arts studies. Under the guidance of a highly qualified faculty, the curriculum offers comprehensive and intensive training in Acting, Music, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Voice & Speech, and Performance.

🎠 Mark H Taiko Connection | 3:15pm - 4:00pm | Bumper Car Pavilion

Founded by Mark H Rooney in 2019, the members of the Mark H Taiko Connection (also known as MHTX) have well over 100 years of combined taiko experience in the U.S., Japan and Europe. Whether performing for store openings, casino shows or cultural events, MHTX seeks to engage and inspire audiences through a shared exploration of a contemporary taiko voice. The group combines traditional taiko rhythms and styles with modern performance and musical sensibilities to truly embody the spirit of “connection.”

Carousel Day will also include:

🎠 Family-Friendly Art Projects

Children will enjoy a range of arts and crafts celebrating spring and the magic of the carousel:

• Springtime Flutters (Butterfly and Dragonfly paper hand puppets)
• Create-Your-Own-Carousel! (THE Craft of all Carousel crafts is back!)
• Carousel Animal Fans
• Rainbow Bird craft with a special guest presenter!

🎠 Roving Artists from the Puppet Co. & Happenstance Theater

Carousel Day will feature roving artists performing throughout the Park! We'll be joined by a puppet friend from our very own Resident Group the Puppet Co., plus Sabrina Selma Mandell of Happenstance Theater. 

"Happenstance Theater is a delightfully precise group of actor/clowns, all hell bent on making you smile. It will be a smile that goes directly to your heart. If they're in your neighborhood, grab a friend or relative and hurry to buy a couple of tickets. You'll be sure to have a wonderful time." - Paul Binder, Founder, Big Apple Circus

Pictured below:

Image 1: Happenstance Theater at the Carousel Day in 2024, performing PREPOSTEROUS! A Sophisticated-yet-Ridiculous, Family-Friendly, Pocket-Sized Theatrical Clown Circus!

Image 2: the Puppet Co. at Carousel Day in 2024. 

 

🎠 Resident Artist Studios & Galleries

Glen Echo Pottery
Air dry clay activity for families | Time TBD
Open studio | Pottery Yurts

Glen Echo Glassworks
Glass blowing demonstrations and art sales | 11:00am - 4:00pm | Glen Echo Glassworks

Yellow Barn Studio & Gallery
Palisades Village Artists Exhibition | 12:00pm - 6:00pm | Yellow Barn Gallery

SilverWorks
Open studio & gallery, artist demos, and art sales | 11:00am - 4:00pm | SilverWorks
Demonstration of the little silver ring with Artist in Residence Blair Anderson | Studio 1
Hammering demonstration with Jake Vial-Golden | Studio 2
Featured Jewelry: DC Rooftop Jewelry from recycled copper
Pick a free touchstone (1 per person) 

Art Glass Center
Open gallery and art sales | 12:00pm - 4:00pm | Art Glass Center

Sculpture Studio
Open studio | 11:00am - 2:30pm | Sculpture Studio Yurts

Photoworks
Cyanotype Printing and Painting for children ages 6+ | 11:00am - 4:00pm | Outside the Arcade Building
Ready For It Student Photography Exhibition | 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Photoworks Gallery

Stone Tower Studio
Plein air painting of the Carousel with Resident Artist Jordan Bruns | 11:00am - 3:00pm | Dentzel Carousel
Egg Tempera demo by visiting artist Bennett Vadnais | Time TBD | Stone Tower Studio
Open studio and art sales | 11:00am - 5:00pm | Stone Tower Studio

🎠 National Park Service Mobile Visitor Center

Junior Ranger programs are a great way for "children" of all ages to learn about National Parks by completing fun activity booklets and earning their Junior Ranger Badges. Stop by the NPS Mobile Visitor Center, pick up the free booklets of your choice, and learn about the history of Glen Echo and the Civil Rights Movement. A selection of Junior Ranger Books and Badges will be available, including Glen Echo Park Civil Rights, Clara Barton National Historic Site, The U.S. Colored Troops from Theodore Roosevelt Island, and Captain George Pointer from Great Falls Park.

🎠 Short Films Ft. Folklife Apprenticeships & Heritage Awards artists

The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture is pleased to showcase screenings of documentary short films by Wide Angle Youth Media for the Maryland State Arts Council. These short films document traditions in Maryland through Folklife Apprenticeships and Heritage Awards. 

Thank You to our Carousel Day sponsors: Nora Roberts Foundation, Washington Waldorf School, and Child's Play!          

Also Happening in the Park on Carousel Day:

Partnership Galleries Exhibitions

The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture curates and manages three galleries: Popcorn Gallery, Stone Tower Gallery, and Park View Gallery. These spaces present work by both established and emerging artists.

On view during Carousel Day: 
Popcorn Gallery | Glen Echo Pottery | Color Wheel 2025 
Stone Tower Gallery | Eric Celarier | Evolving Worlds
Park View Gallery| Lauren Scavo-Fulk | Contemporary Landscapes

Learn More >>

Glen Echo Park Civil Rights and History Tour

10:00am - 10:45am | Meet at the Dentzel Carousel | Learn More about NPS Tours >>

Who led the Civil Rights protests to desegregate Glen Echo Amusement Park in 1960? Which amusement park ride was a focal point of the protests? How did Glen Echo Park become part of the National Park System? Explore Glen Echo Park’s history on this 45-minute free walking tour and find out the answers to these questions and more! This 45-minute ranger-led tour starts at the Dentzel Carousel at 10:00am. No registration required.

 

Glen Echo Park Aquarium

Open with ticketed admission | 9:00am - 5:00pm, timed entry | Glen Echo Park Aquarium | Schedule a visit >> ($)

"Charlotte's Web"

11:00am & 2:00pm | Adventure Theatre MTC | Purchase Tickets >> ($)

Charlotte’s mission to save Wilbur unfolds with the unveiling of her miraculous web, adorned with the proclamation “Some pig.” Thus begins a triumphant crusade, culminating in Wilbur’s salvation and a poignant gesture honoring Charlotte’s legacy. This timeless tale celebrates the power of friendship and the enduring impact of kindness, promising both actors and audience an enchanting afternoon filled with warmth and wonder.  

"Jeghetto’s Workshop"

11:30am, 1:00pm, & 3:00pm | the Puppet Co. | Purchase Tickets >> ($)

Presented by Jeghetto's Entertainment, Jeghetto's Workshop is a family show for all ages. Learn how Jeghetto builds and manipulates his original puppets over hip-hop instrumentals. This is a very interactive production, you may even be pulled up on stage and get to become part of the show!

DC Rawhides Dance

7:00pm - 11:00pm | Bumper Car Pavilion | Learn More >> ($)

Join us for DC Rawhides' dance at the Park! An inclusive, diverse, affirming, fun, high energy LGBTQ+ dance, where all are welcome, structured so all levels of dancers, including beginners, can participate.  We dance two-step, west coast, waltz, and line dances to country western and contemporary music.

A free dance lesson is included with the price of admission from 7:00pm - 8:00pm. Carousel rides are also available at $2 per ride!

"AN EVENING WITH STRAUSS" Viennese Waltz Ball

8:00pm - midnight | Spanish Ballroom | Learn More >> ($)

Waltz Time presents the annual Viennese waltz ball, An Evening with Strauss. A long-time dance presenting partner at Glen Echo Park, Waltz Time generously presents this dance as a benefit for the Park.  This year's players for Olde Vienna are Susan Brandt, flute; Alexander Mitchell, violin/viola; Elke Baker, violin/viola; Dave Wiesler, piano; Ralph Gordon, bass.

Viennese lesson: 8:00pm || Dancing to live music: 9:00pm - midnight

Formal attire suggested, no partner required. Grand March, refreshments, & dance cards included. Tickets sold at the door beginning at 7:30pm. Carousel open 8:30pm - 10:30pm (tickets sold separately)

Praline Cafe in the Spanish Ballroom lobby will be open, serving wine, beer, and much more!

Check out fun highlights from a previous Carousel Day!

🎠 Highlights from Carousel Day 2023

Suggested Donation: $10
 

Every contribution helps us present free festivals and concerts, preserve and maintain the Park's historic buildings, and more.

FREE parking in our main parking lot at 5801 Oxford Road. Search "Glen Echo Park Parking" in Google Maps. Find more information and a link to our Park Map here.

Visit our Dentzel Carousel page to learn more about the carousel's operation.

Learn more about the carousel's history and the civil rights story of the carousel here.

Learn about our 2021 Carousel 100th Anniversary Celebration here.

Watch 100 years of the carousel in photos here.