In the summer of 1960, brave protestors brought about the end of segregation at the privately-owned Glen Echo Amusement Park. In honor of Black History Month, the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture presents two screenings of award-winning filmmaker Ilana Trachtman’s documentary telling this compelling story: “Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round.” These FREE screenings will be held in the Park's Ballroom Backroom, RSVPs required. Read the full film synopsis >>

Park visitors are also invited to attend a Glen Echo Park History & Civil Rights Tour with an NPS Ranger, meeting at the Dentzel carousel at 10:00am. Learn More >>

RSVP for the Film Screenings (Required) >> | Learn More about Black History Month Programming >> | Park Map >>

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 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.

Learn More >> | Park Map >>

As part of Heritage Montgomery's 25th annual Heritage Days weekend, the Partnership presents special programming on Sunday, June 30. 

In the summer of 1960, brave protestors brought about the end of segregation at the privately-owned Glen Echo Amusement Park. To honor the 64th anniversary of that Summer of Protest, we will present: clips from the new documentary film “Ain’t No Back to A Merry-Go-Round,” which tells the story of the Glen Echo Amusement Park protests; arts & crafts projects; musical performances featuring freedom songs by Washington Revels' Heritage Voices and I&I Riddim (Reggae band); National Park Service ranger-led tours and a civil rights photo exhibit; and free carousel rides.

View the full schedule on the event page here>>

The Washington Folk Festival returns to the Park again in 2026—this time in August—for another one-day event jam-packed with music, dancing, and storytelling ranging from American to International styles: bluegrass to Celtic, Klezmer to Americana, blues to Zydeco. Join us on August 23, 2026, starting at 12pm. Five stages, hundreds of performers, food trucks, a picnic area, and it’s all free! Donations gratefully accepted. (Please note that parking is on-site again this year, so car-pooling is highly recommended.)

Learn More >> | Park Map >>

The Washington Folk Festival returns this year after a one-year hiatus on October 19, 12pm to 8:30pm. Now a one-day event, expect a jam-packed roster full of music, dancing, and storytelling ranging from American to International styles: bluegrass to Celtic, Klezmer to Americana, blues to Zydeco, we cover folk music from around the world! Five stages, hundreds of performers, food trucks, a picnic area, and it’s all free! Donations gratefully accepted. Please note that parking is on-site this year so car-pooling is highly recommended.

Learn More >> | Park Map >>

The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture is pleased to present a family-friendly Music FREE-for-All over Labor Day Weekend! Join us for FREE live music concerts with music you can dance to—it's like an extended day-long summer concert! Live music will fill the Bumper Car Pavilion from 12pm to 6pm on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

Nowhere Men (Beatles acoustic tribute) | 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Karen Collins & the Backroads Band | 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Carly Harvey Trio | 3:00pm - 4:00pm

The Experience Band & Show | 4:30pm - 5:30pm

RSVP >>

RSVP preferred, not required. There is no check-in at this event.

In between concerts, be sure to check out the 54th Annual Labor Day Art Show in the Spanish Ballroom, 12:00pm - 6:00pm.

Learn More >> | Park Map >>

Tuesday, April 29th 2025 at 7:30pm, come explore the beauty and mystery of the natural world as found in poetry and music. A free concert in Glen Echo’s iconic Bumper Car Pavilion featuring the poetry of Robert Frost, songs of Joni Mitchell, alongside poems submitted by artists from the DC metro area and around the globe, in celebration of National Poetry Month.

Performances include: Helen Hayes award-winning actors Rick Foucheux, and acclaimed vocal artist Christopher Lane, plus, Helen Hayes nominated actor Chris Stezin, Hamner Theater artistic director Boomie Pedersen, Grammy-recognized Chicago trumpeter Markus Rutz, acclaimed jazz pianist Adrian Ruiz, composer and guitarist Richard C. Washer and vocalist Kathleen Manuel.

*This concert is presented in cooperation with The Glen Echo Partnership for Arts & Culture.

Learn More >> | Park Map >>

Tuesday, April 29th 2025 at 7:30pm, come explore the beauty and mystery of the natural world as found in poetry and music. A free concert in Glen Echo’s iconic Bumper Car Pavilion featuring the poetry of Robert Frost, songs of Joni Mitchell, alongside poems submitted by artists from the DC metro area and around the globe, in celebration of National Poetry Month.

Performances include: Helen Hayes award-winning actors Rick Foucheux, and acclaimed vocal artist Christopher Lane, plus, Helen Hayes nominated actor Chris Stezin, Hamner Theater artistic director Boomie Pedersen, Grammy-recognized Chicago trumpeter Markus Rutz, acclaimed jazz pianist Adrian Ruiz, composer and guitarist Richard C. Washer and vocalist Kathleen Manuel.

*This concert is presented in cooperation with The Glen Echo Partnership for Arts & Culture.

Learn More >> | Park Map >>

Pillowcases need a refresh? Strange spot on your favorite tee? Shibori is the answer! Shibori, aka Japanese tie dye, is a multifaceted art where you can tie, fold, and stitch your way to a whole new look for tired linens, clothes, and more. Angela Malchionno, the artist behind the current Stone Tower Gallery exhibition, will walk you through the fun and rewarding process.

Bring one or two items to transform using the Itajime method of resist, a technique that utilizes shaped blocks to create bold, geometric designs. Please be sure your pieces are natural, plant based fibers like linen, cotton, or hemp. We’ll be using indigo dye to dip into, a vibrant, striking blue you’re sure to love. 

Limited number of tea towels will be available.

Beginner friendly. Open to all ages. No experience required.

Learn More >> | Park Map >>

Join the Puppet Co. for a March Madness show for adult audiences (18+). Getcha head in the puppet game for an evening of sports, puppets, and insanity! Doors at 6:30pm, the show begins at 7:00pm. Featuring acts by: Sage Cassamas, Schroeder Cherry, Lee Connah, Isabel Dawson, Jill Kyle-Keith & Katie Quinn, The Lantern Sisters, and more, with Cecilia Cackley and Kara Turner.

Learn More & Purchase Tickets >> | Park Map >>