Heritage Days

June 28, 2025 | AIN'T NO BACK TO A MERRY-GO-ROUND FILM SCREENINGS

In the summer of 1960, brave protestors brought about the end of segregation at the privately-owned Glen Echo Amusement Park. To honor the 65th anniversary of that Summer of Protest, the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture presents three FREE screenings of award-winning filmmaker Ilana Trachtman’s documentary telling this compelling story: “Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round.” This is the first time the film will be screened at Glen Echo Park! One screening will be followed by a Q&A with two of the protesters. In cooperation with the National Park Service, we will present a Park History Tour with an NPS Ranger. And rides on our historic 1921 Dentzel carousel will be free all day (on June 28 only). There will be an exhibition of civil rights protest photos on display as well.

RSVP (required for the film screenings)

*We are currently at capacity for all three film screenings. Please visit the Ain't No Back to a Merry-Go-Round website to learn more about upcoming screenings >>

**RSVPs are not required for visitors attending the Civil Rights Protests Photo Exhibition, Glen Echo Park History & Civil Rights Tour with NPS Ranger, or riding the Dentzel carousel. 

Schedule:

11:00 am – 4:00 pm | Spanish Ballroom lobby | Civil Rights Protests Photo Exhibition

11:00 am – 5:00 pm | Dentzel carousel | Free Carousel Rides (June 28 only) 

11:00 am | Ballroom Back Room | Film Screening: Ain't No Back to a Merry-Go-Round 

12:45 pm | meet at the Dentzel carousel | Glen Echo Park History & Civil Rights Tour with NPS Ranger

1:00 pm | Ballroom Back Room | Film Screening: Ain't No Back to a Merry-Go-Round, followed by Q&A with two of the original protesters 

3:30 pm | Ballroom Back Room | Film Screening: Ain't No Back to a Merry-Go-Round 
 

In The News

WAMU "New film ‘Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round’ spotlights those who fought to integrate Glen Echo Amusement Park" (5/23/25)

Read or Listen Here >>

WUSA9  "Producer of Glen Echo Civil Rights documentary talks about summer-long protest many haven't heard of" (5/16/25)

Watch it Here >>
 

Review of Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round in The Washington Post “‘Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round’ revisits a key civil rights protest” by Ann Hornaday (5/2/25)

Read it Here >>

Directions and Parking >> | Park Map >>  

FREE parking in our main parking lot at 5801 Oxford Road. Search "Glen Echo Park Parking" in Google Maps.

Suggested Donation: $10

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