• Carousel lion, horse, and reindeer on blue background above flowers

    CAROUSEL DAY

    FREE Performances  ||   FREE Hands-On Arts & Crafts  ||  Refreshments  ||  Carousel Rides ($2.00/ride)


    inside of historic carousel, wide shot showing all the animals and the buildingJoin us (RAIN OR SHINE!!) for a festival event in celebration of Glen Echo Park's 103-year-old Dentzel Carousel as it opens for the season! 

    In addition to riding the carousel, families are welcome to enjoy many other FREE activities throughout the Park. Food options include Praline Cafe and Ben & Jerry's.

    Of course, the star of the show: carousel rides!
     

    RSVP  (preferred, not required)

     

    Schedule of Events  |   Event Map   |   PURCHASE CAROUSEL TICKETS ONLINE >>    (Coming Soon!)

     


    This year we are thrilled to present:

    African dancers on stage

    Coyaba Dance Theater

    Founded in 1997 by Founder/Artistic Director Sylvia Soumah, the mission of Coyaba Dance Theater is to present traditional and contemporary West African dance and music focusing on the diverse ethnic groups and various humanitarian themes of West African culture.

    Coyaba Dance Theater performs throughout the year and has been featured at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Publick Playhouse, the Lincoln Theater, the Lisner Auditorium, Dance Place, the Chicago Theater and the World Culture Open in Seoul, South Korea.
     

    Three girls in Irish outfits performing traditional Irish dance

    Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance

    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 it’s 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.
     

    comedy performers on black box stage

    Happenstance Theater

    Founded in 2006, Happenstance Theater is a professional company committed to devising, producing and touring original, performer-created visual, poetic Theatre. The current ensemble has been developing work together since 2012. It is comprised of eclectically skilled artists who craft all aspects of the pieces from concept to realization. Under the Artistic co-Direction of Mark Jaster and Sabrina Mandell, the ensemble harvests imagery from the past and re-contextualizes it in performances that address the universal themes of mortality and the ephemeral. With the simplest means -  humor, whimsy, music, silence, text, physical comedy, object manipulation, vulnerability and generosity - Happenstance Theater seeks to elevate the moment when the performers and audience meet, to lift the encounter beyond the daily and pedestrian into the realms of dreams, poetry, and art. Meaning is often found by happenstance.
     

    Founder Arianna Ross storytelling for school group

    Story Tapestries

    Guided by its mission "to use the arts as a powerful tool to create accessible, open spaces and opportunities for individuals to reach their highest potential and to work together for a more inclusive community," Story Tapestries, founded in 2010, has reached over 1 million people in 1,300 venues, primarily in communities with limited economic capacity and limited access to arts and arts education opportunities. The nonprofit provides innovative, custom-designed performances, workshops and hands-on community and educational experiences; designs programs that develop skills, connect individuals, elevate diverse voices and celebrate youth, families, adults, and seniors; and engages and impacts individuals where they live, work and thrive.
     

    Children looking over strings of grand piano

    Washington Conservatory of Music

    Washington Conservatory of Music is dedicated to fostering the joy of music and guiding students of all ages and skill levels to reach their personal musical potential.

    WCM was established as an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit community music school in 1984. As a nationally accredited community music school, WCM provides students of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to study without audition under the guidance of WCM’s international artist faculty. To serve the underserved, WCM presents weekly free early childhood music classes and instrumental music classes to children of low-income immigrants and families of color through its Tapestry Music Project. To serve the community, WCM sponsors monthly professional concerts with “give-what-you-can” admission at Westmoreland Circle, Glen Echo Park, and online.
     

    young girls dancing with spring flower crowns in their hair

    Washington Revels

    An established cultural institution in the greater Washington area for over 35 years, Washington Revels is dedicated to reviving, sustaining, expanding, and celebrating cultural traditions — in music, dance, storytelling, and drama — that bind people together in spirit and joy.

    Staged or informal, large or small, Revels celebrations involve adults and children of all ages, mixing professionals and nonprofessionals. Audience participation is a hallmark: singing, dancing or becoming part of the drama, Revels audiences are always an integral part of the productions. Whether participating in a Revels celebration from the audience or stage, people invariably leave with smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts.


    Also Happening on Carousel Day:


    Thanks to our sponsors, Nora Roberts Foundation and Washington Waldorf School!

    outline of young girl reading and holding a paintbrushthree lines mimicking school's architecture over school name

     


    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

  • Carousel Through the Years

  • colorful carousel horse 100th anniversary logo

    Carousel 100th Anniversary 2021