Getting Ready for a Grand Prix in DC

News from Mayor Muriel Bowser banner

 

John A. Wilson Building

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

Phone: (202) 727-2643
Email: muriel.bowser@dc.gov

Chief of Staff:
Tomás Talamante

City Administrator:
Kevin Donahue

Director of the Mayor's Office of Legal Counsel:
Eugene Adams

Senior Advisor:
Lindsey Parker

Director of Mayor's Office of Community Affairs:
Lamont Carey

Director of Mayor's Office of Community Relations and Services:
Phil Thomas

Scheduling Requests:
mayor.dc.gov/page/invite-mayor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 31, 2026

Letter from the Mayor

Dear Washingtonians,

Earlier this week, we shared some initial preparations for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, which will be happening in Downtown DC on August 22 and 23. This will be the first-ever IndyCar series race in Washington, DC, and it’s another exciting opportunity to showcase our city as the Sports Capital.

Over the next several weeks, you can go to 250.dc.gov to learn more about parking and traffic restrictions near the racecourse, some of which are in place now. Of course, as we get closer to the event, we will strongly encourage everyone attending the race or heading Downtown to use Metro. Event organizers have reported that all free General Admission tickets for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix have been assigned and that admission is limited to guests with a valid ticket. If you have tickets to attend, make sure you review event policies, including the prohibited items list, before making your way there.

A map showing the race area and restricted area for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.

A map showing the secure and restricted areas for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. Learn more at 250.dc.gov.

As with other big events this summer, we want people to text DC250 to 888-777 to get real-time updates sent to your phones.

I’m grateful for all the teams who have been working tirelessly throughout our semiquincentennial summer, helping residents and visitors alike enjoy DC. People are coming to DC, they’re enjoying our beautiful city, they’re enjoying the monuments and museums, and they’re getting to know the real DC – meeting Washingtonians, going to our restaurants, and getting to experience our neighborhoods. That’s good for our visitors, good for our local businesses, and good for DC.

Sincerely,

Muriel Bowser

In This Week's Newsletter:

Next Week: Senior Drip at Banneker

Next week, DPR is hosting the final Senior Drip of the outdoor pool season.

Next week, join DPR for the last Senior Drip of 2026. Seniors are invited to Banneker 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. Don’t miss this final splash of the season! 

  • When: Thursday, August 6, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
  • Where: Banneker Outdoor Pool (2500 Georgia Ave NW)
  • RSVP: seniordrip.splashthat.com

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Save the Date: Chuck Brown Day

Chuck Brown Day is on August 22.

Mark your calendars: Chuck Brown Day is coming to Fort Dupont Park on Saturday, August 22!

Chuck Brown Day commemorates the life, legacy, and music of DC legend and the Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown.

  • When: Saturday, August 22, gates open at 1:00 p.m.
  • Where: Fort Dupont Park
  • Learn more and stay tuned for the lineup here

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#SportsCapital: Share Feedback on the Draft RFK Campus Master Plan

An image of the RFK campus.

Join the Office of Planning for an in-person hearing to share feedback on the draft RFK Campus Master Plan. This hearing is an opportunity for community members who are interested in sharing their comments on the draft plan in person instead of via the online comment form or by email.

  • Where: St. Coletta of Greater Washington (1901 Independence Avenue SE)
  • When: Saturday, August 1, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Participants can sign up to speak upon arrival at the event on a first come, first served basis until the event concludes. Each speaker will have three minutes to share their comments. All testimonies will be transcribed and considered as formal public comments alongside all other feedback received via the online feedback form or email.

Please note that there will not be a formal presentation or Q&A. This event is designed specifically as a venue for in-person comments to be made.

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