As part of Mayor Bowser’s Vision Zero safety initiative, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will host Open Streets on Wisconsin Avenue on Saturday, November 5, 9 am to 1 pm. Open Streets is a global initiative that enables communities to experience their city streets in a new way. Roadways are temporarily closed to reimagine public space, prioritize people over cars, provide easy access to recreation and health-oriented programming, and promote local economic development by helping support businesses. The event in Tenleytown and Friendship Heights will extend from Tenley Circle northward to Western Avenue. Community members of all ages can enjoy arts and crafts, fitness demonstrations, live music, safety demonstrations, and more.
More than 10,000 people are anticipated to participate in Open Streets Wisconsin Avenue, bringing a lot of foot traffic and potential customers. Businesses along the event route can take advantage of the foot traffic by activating the space in front of their storefronts. Retail businesses can display merchandise on the sidewalk or in the street, while all other businesses can set up activations in the street.
Tenleytown businesses can learn more about ways they can benefit from Open Streets at an upcoming online Information Session. Sessions are available October 3 at noon and October 4 at 5 pm. RSVP by emailing Kim Vacca at kimberly.vacca@dc.gov with your name, business, and which session you plan join.
Tenleytown businesses along Wisconsin Avenue between Tenley Circle and Fessenden Street that want to activate their storefronts must apply to participate by submitting this form. The deadline to apply is October 7 at 5 pm; limited funding is available to support business participation. Click here for a downloadable Small Business Participation Guide.
If you have questions about the application or how your business can best participate in Open Streets, email Tenleytown Main Street at info@tenleytownmainstreet.org or call 202-362-1815. Free one-on-one consulting is available to Tenleytown businesses to ensure Open Streets is the best experience possible.
Key Dates
- October 3, noon: Virtual Business Information Session
- October 4, 5 pm: Virtual Business Information Session
- October 7, 5 pm: Business Participation applications due
- October 14: Selected businesses notified
- November 4, 9 am – 1 pm: Open Streets Wisconsin Avenue