Experience the Art to Go-Go Village

June 21st-22nd

33rd Annual National Giant BBQ Battle

ART TO GO-GO

Washington, D.C.’s Official Arts & Cultural District

Established in Historic Anacostia in 2022

Plan YOUR VISIT

Discover the vibrant Art to Go-Go Arts & Culture District in Historic Anacostia, where creativity meets community. Plan your visit to explore local art, live performances, and cultural treasures.

EXPLORE
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Murals tour

Uncover the stories behind Anacostia’s world-class murals with our interactive map. Hear directly from the artists as you explore this vibrant outdoor gallery!

Experience

Artists Profiles

Explore the profiles of Washington, DC’s talented local artists, from visual creators to musicians, poets, and dancers. Discover the vibrant artistry that defines the heART of the city.

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Artist Portfolios

Explore the portfolios of Washington, DC’s talented local artists, from artwork, music, videos, poetry and more!

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Artist Portal

Join Art to Go-Go’s Creative Collective! Create your artist profile, share your portfolio – photos, sound bites and videos. Sign up and get noticed!

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Artist Resources

Join Art to Go-Go’s Creative Collective, an artist resource portal connecting local creatives to opportunities including grants, exhibitions, studio space, and housing. Be part of a vibrant network supporting Washington, DC’s artistic community.

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Featured news
Apr 01, 2025

Jazz Road Creative Residencies Grant Application DUE APR 2

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Mar 18, 2025

Mary’s House Ward 7 and Ward 8 Artist Call Until March 21

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Mar 18, 2025

FY26 Public Art Building Communities Grant Program Applications due July 21

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Mar 14, 2025

MAR 19 | Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color Grant Deadline

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Mar 11, 2025

Commission on the Arts and Humanities (“CAH”) seeks applications for FY25 Projects, Events, or Festivals (PEF).

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Mar 11, 2025

D.C. Commission on the Arts & Humanities Grant Programs: Applications Due April 22

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Mar 11, 2025

March 23 | Deadline to Apply for Next $1,000 Awesome Grant

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Mar 06, 2025

HumanitiesDC | Cycle II Grant – General Operating Support | Deadline May 1

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Upcoming events

23. Jun

Project Create Color the Beat of Summer Summer Camp

10.00 AM – 03.00 PM
Project Create Color the Beat of Summer Summer Camp
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28. Jun

Sound Bath in the Tiffany Gallery

02.00 PM – 03.00 PM
Sound Bath in the Tiffany Gallery
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02. Jul

Wellness Wednesdays @ the Innovation Studio: Intuitive Art Making

06.30 PM – 07.30 PM
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09. Jul

Wellness Wednesdays @ Innovation Studio: Meditation & Breathwork Practices

06.30 PM – 07.30 PM
Wellness Wednesdays @ Innovation Studio: Meditation & Breathwork Practices
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16. Jul

Wellness Wednesdays @ the Innovation Studio: Qi Gong

06.30 PM – 07.30 PM
Wellness Wednesdays @ the Innovation Studio: Qi Gong
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Why Art to GO-GO

Art to Go-Go is the arts and culture initiative spearheaded by the Anacostia BID to position the Historic Anacostia neighborhood as the official Arts & Culture District of Washington, DC. Named after DC’s iconic go-go music, Art to Go-Go encompasses a wide range of activities, programs, and initiatives aimed at preserving, celebrating, and promoting the vibrant arts and cultural identity of the area.

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The mic was 🔥 and the bars were even hotter! The Spoken Word to Go-Go Finale at the 33rd Annual Giant BBQ Battle brought out the best of lyrical mastery and DC Go-Go soul. A major thank you to our finalists @slimnegus & @chetbeencool — and a huge congratulations to our 2025 champion @2chillphyl ! 🏆🗣️ We couldn’t have done it without @theexperiencebandandshow, who laid down the custom tracks that brought every verse to life, and @orvillethepoet who hosted the entire competition with power and poise. 🙌 From the first round to the finale, every poet had the opportunity to grow their artistry, build their audience, and elevate their voice. Didn’t hit the stage this year? SWGG 2026 is coming sooner than you think. Get ready. Big love and gratitude to our partners who made this possible: @theexperiencebandandshow @americans4arts @202creates @busboysandpoets @dcbridgepark @dmped @bbqindc @mayor_bowser 📷: @imixproductions #SpokenWordToGoGo #SWGG2025 #BBQBattleDC #GoGoCulture #DCSpokenWord #2ChillPhyl #TheExperienceBand #OrvilleThePoet #ArtToGoGo #DCArts #PoetryMeetsGoGo #BlackArtMatters #GiantBBQBattle
Creativity met culture at the Art To Go-Go Village during the 33rd Annual Giant BBQ Battle! 🎨🔥 From live art and community vibes to bold expression and local talent—here are some highlights from the experience. 📷: @imixproductions #ArtToGoGo #BBQBattleDC #GiantBBQBattle #GoGoCulture #DCArtists #ArtInTheCity #CreativeDC #DCEvents
The energy was electric at the Pepsi Lay’s Art to Go-Go Stage during the 33rd Annual Giant BBQ Battle! 🎶🔥 From classic grooves to nonstop vibes, here are some highlights you had to be there to feel. 📷 credit: @imixproductions #GoGoStage #BBQBattleDC #PepsiLaysStage #DCGoGo #GiantBBQBattle #DCEvents #GoGoCulture #LiveMusicDC
Check out day one of the Giant BBQ Battle highlights! 📷 Stay tuned for day two highlights! #BBQBattle #DayOneRecap #ArtToGoGo #AnacostiaEvents #DCFoodie #GoGoCulture #SummerInTheCity
Feel the rhythm, feel the vibe 🎶🔥 The Sound Sessions Lounge is bringing electrifying energy to the community—featuring the one and only Malik Dope, plus an incredible lineup including Marcus Trotter, Lea Holz, Derrick Ransome, Roz White, and Quadri Ahmed. 🎤 Presented by Art to Go-Go, Malik Dope & E2R Collective — this is not just a show, it’s a full-on experience. #SoundSessionsLounge #MalikDope #ArtToGoGo #LiveMusicDC #GoGoCulture #E2RCollective #DCEvents
The Art to Go-Go Village is back at the 33rd Annual National Giant BBQ Battle! 🎨🔥 Join us on Constitution Ave & 3rd St NW June 21–22 for an unforgettable fusion of art, culture, and community. ✨ Immerse yourself in: • Virtual Reality • 360 Photo Booth • Artist Dens • Paint & Sip • Book Lounge • Sound Sessions w/ Malik Dope • Spoken Word to Go-Go finale on the Pepsi Lay’s Art to Go-Go Stage Don’t miss the vibes, flavors, and creativity! 🎟️ Learn more at www.bbqindc.com #ArtToGoGo #DCEvents #BBQBattle2025 #GoGoCulture #SupportTheArts
🎤🔥 It all comes down to THIS! 🔥🎤 Join us for the Spoken Word To Go-Go Finals at the National Giant BBQ Battle on the Pepsi Lay’s Art to Go-Go Stage! Watch Jamar, 2ChillPhyl, and ChetBeenCool go head-to-head for the crown, the $2500 PRIZE, and a recording session with The Experience Band & Show 🎶 🗓 Saturday, June 21 🕒 3:00 PM 📍 Downtown DC – BBQ Battle Stage The mic is hot. The stakes are high. Don’t miss the culture, the poetry, and the GO-GO vibes. #SpokenWordToGoGo #BBQBattleDC #ArtToGoGo #DCEvents #SupportTheArts #GoGoMusic #DCSpokenWord #ExperienceBandAndShow #Finals2025
Missed the magic? We’ve got you covered! 🎤🔥 Catch all the talent, rhythm, and raw expression from last night’s Spoken Word To Go-Go Semifinals! 🎥 Stream it now: 👉 bit.ly/2025-SWGG-SEMIFINALS Huge shoutout and congratulations to ALL the contestants who brought their voices, passion, and truth to the stage! @slimnegus @chetbeencool @eforexisting @2chillphyl @djart.is 💥 Special thanks to the legendary Experience Band & Show, our incredible host Orville the Poet, and the powerhouse team at OCTFME — with a special salute to Eugene Thorpe, host of Straight Crankin’! 📺 And don’t miss what’s next… New episodes of Straight Crankin’ drop this fall and will feature highlights from the Spoken Word To Go-Go competition! #SpokenWordToGoGo #StraightCrankin #EntertainDC #DCArts #GoGoMusic #SupportLocalTalent #PoetryInMotion #ExperienceBand #OrvilleThePoet #EugeneThorpe #OCTFME #WatchNow #Top5Finalists #DCEvents
LIVE STREAM UPDATE! NOW on the Anacostia BID Facebook Page Thursday, June 12th from 7-9PM!🎤✨ DC, it’s go time! ✨🎤 The Spoken Word To Go-Go Semifinals are here and we’re down to the TOP 5! 🔥 CONGRATULATIONS To The Top 5 Semifinalists 🎊 ✨ Jamar ✨ Chet Been Cool ✨ CkdaPoet ✨ 2CHILLPHYL ✨ Dj ART.Is Catch the energy, the talent, and the culture LIVE on YouTube 📅 Thursday 06/12 ⏰ 7PM – 9PM 📍 facebook.com/AnacostiaBID Hosted by the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment, this is more than a competition, it’s a celebration of DC’s voice and vibe. Don’t miss it! 🖤🎶 #SpokenWordToGoGo #EntertainDC #DCArts #GoGoMusic #PoetryInMotion #SupportLocalTalent #DCEvents #top5finalists
🎨 CALLING ALL ARTISTS! 🎨 Design the official 2025 Commemorative Juneteenth T-Shirt for Washington D.C.! ✊🏾✨ Be part of history by sharing your vision of freedom, resilience, and Black excellence. The winning design will be worn with pride throughout the city this Juneteenth! 🖌️👕 🗓️ Deadline: June 6th, 2025 📍Open to all creatives 🔗 Apply now: bit.ly/ARTIST-CALL-JUNETEENTH #Juneteenth2025 #CallForArtists #DCArtists #ArtToGoGo #BlackArtMatters #PassageToProgress #JuneteenthDesign #SupportBlackCreatives #TShirtDesignContest #DCEvents
🔥🍔🎶 Juneteenth Cookouts & Conversations is almost here! Join us in the heart of Anacostia at 1234 Marion Barry Ave SE for a powerful afternoon of free food, live music, and deep conversation as we honor our Passage to Progress. 🗓 June 19 🕒 3–6:30PM 📍 1234 Marion Barry Avenue SE 🎟 Register bit.ly/2025-JUNETEENTH-ANACOSTIA 🎤 Live performance by Off the Grid Band 🎥 WJLA News coverage 🍽️ Free hotdogs & hamburgers 🎲 Lawn games 🗣 Community panel on “Passage to Progress” This celebration is part of BBQ Battle Week—come out, bring your people, and celebrate #Juneteenth in a way that feeds the soul and the culture. #AnacostiaArts #PassageToProgress #JuneteenthDC #CookoutsAndConversations #ArtToGoGo #DCEvents
🎤🔥 ROUND 02 IS HERE! 🔥🎤 It’s time to VOTE for your favorite poets in the Spoken Word to Go-Go Championship! 💥 Help decide who moves on to the Semifinals—only the Top 5 make it through! 🗳️ VOTE NOW: 👉 bit.ly/2025-SWGG-ROUND2 SEMIFINALS: 📅 June 12th at 7:00 PM 📍 Go-Go Museum & Cafe 👑 Winner takes home: 🎙️ The Crystal Mic 🎶 A recording session with the Experience Band & Show 💰 $2,500 cash prize! #SpokenWordToGoGo #VoteNow #CrystalMic #GoGoDC #PoetryCompetition #SupportTheArts #ArtToGoGo #DCEvents #PoetsOfInstagram
🎧🎵🍷🕺🏿 The lot at 1234 Marion Barry Avenue SE will be the place to be during our SpringTime Festival! 🎉 From 3–8PM, we’re bringing the vibes: 🍷 Rosé All Day Lounge – drinks flowing all day 🍴 Delicious bites to keep you fueled 🎧 Two DJs, DJ Rodney & DJ Lance Reynolds, spinning live 🎯 Lawn games to keep it fun 👗 A fierce fashion show you won’t want to miss Grab your crew and pull up to party with us in Historic Anacostia! 👉 https://bit.ly/SPRINGTIME2025 #SpringTimeFestival #ArtToGoGo #AnacostiaVibes #RoséAllDay #DCEvents #GoGoMusic #SEDC
🔥🎤 Round 1 of the 2025 Spoken Word to Go-Go Championship is ALMOST HERE! 🎤🔥 🚨 Can’t make it in person? No worries — we’re bringing the energy straight to your screen. 🎥 Catch the full event LIVE on the Anacostia BID Facebook page! 📲 facebook.com/AnacostiaBID 📅 Tuesday, May 7th 📍 Busboys and Poets Anacostia 🕖 Show starts at 7PM
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