June 18, 2026
Dear Washingtonians,
School is out for DCPS! It was a great school year, we ended the year #1 for post-pandemic academic recovery, and I want to thank all the teachers, staff, school leaders, and families who went above and beyond for our students.
Now, let's work together to make it a great summer.
In just over a week, more than 13,000 young people will begin their summer jobs through the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program. The Department of Parks and Recreation will welcome kids to the first summer camp session on Monday. This year, we have 64 camp locations and more than 8,300 camp slots. And teen-specific programming like Late Night Hype is already well underway.
Below are some important resources we want families to know about.
Free Summer Meals
While school is out this summer, children and teens ages 18 and younger can access free meals and snacks at more than 100 DC Youth Meals sites across all eight wards. The DC Youth Meals program will officially begin on Monday, June 22. No application or ID is required; all a student needs to do to receive a free meal is show up during posted mealtimes. Sites and daily hours will be posted here.
Pools, Spray Parks, and Late Night Drip
Outdoor pools will be open six days a week starting Monday, June 22. Find locations and schedules of outdoor pools at dpr.dc.gov/outdoorpools. And starting this weekend, spray parks will be open seven days a week. Find your closest spray park at dpr.dc.gov/sprayparks.
Also, mark your calendars and RSVP for Late Night Drip, a fun-filled, late-night pool party featuring inflatables, upbeat music, and fun interactive games.
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July 11 – Anacostia Pool, 1800 Anacostia Drive SE
- July 18 – Langdon Park Pool, 2860 Mills Avenue NE
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July 25 – Banneker Pool, 2500 Georgia Avenue NW
Teens: Mark Your Calendars for Late Night Hype
Happening on Fridays throughout the summer from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at multiple locations around the city, Late Night Hype is a fun, safe space for District teens to gather and have a great time. Learn more and register here.
DC Public Library Discover Summer
Discover Summer with DC Public Library runs through August 31. This all-ages, citywide celebration of reading and learning invites readers to dream about what America can become over the next 250 years. Learn more and register at any Library location or at dclibrary.org/discover-summer.
Together, let's have a safe, fun summer! And throughout the summer, visit summer.dc.gov to learn more about programming and opportunities for children and teens.
Sincerely,
 The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is hosting a Juneteenth Pop Up Hike on Saturday, June 20. This free three-mile hike will feature great vibes, community, and culture.
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When: Saturday, June 20
- Meetup: 10:00 a.m.
- Hike begins: 10:30 a.m.
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Where: Anacostia Recreation Center, 1800 Anacostia Drive SE
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RSVP and learn more about this hike and others at dprhikeclub.splashthat.com
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Next week, join DPR for the first Senior Drip of the summer! Seniors are invited to Ridge Road Pool for a refreshing day of water fun, music, and dancing. Senior Drip is a great way to cool off, connect with friends, and celebrate the summer.
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 The weekend of June 27 and 28, get your Fourth of July barbecue celebrations started early at the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle, America’s Food & Music Festival. Officially part of the DC250 festivities, the festival will honor service members and spotlight veteran initiatives and businesses.
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When: Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28
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Where: Pennsylvania Avenue NW (3rd to 7th Streets)
- Learn more and get tickets at bbqindc.com.
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The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) will not collect household trash, recycling, and food waste on Juneteenth, Friday, June 19. Collections will “slide” from Friday to Saturday.
Learn more about modifications to District services here.
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