WASHINGTON, D.C. — A beloved cultural landmark in the heart of Rock Creek Park is turning 75. The Carter Barron Amphitheater, a historic open-air performance venue nestled in the woods of Northwest D.C., will mark its 75th anniversary with a celebratory event on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Hosted by the National Park Service (NPS) and Rock Creek Conservancy, the event promises an evening of music, family-friendly activities, and a journey through the amphitheater’s storied past. Visitors are encouraged to bring their memories — and even their old photos — to celebrate a space that has long been a hub for arts, culture, and community connection in the District.
A Look Back: 75 Years of Legacy
The Carter Barron Amphitheater first opened on August 4, 1950, as part of the city’s sesquicentennial celebration commemorating 150 years since Washington, D.C., became the nation’s capital. With over 4,000 seats built into a natural hillside, it quickly became a unique venue for open-air concerts, plays, festivals, and community gatherings.
Named after Carter T. Barron, a native Washingtonian and civic leader who championed racial integration in arts programming, the amphitheater became a symbol of inclusion during a time of segregation in the U.S. Over the decades, it hosted legendary performers and countless local acts, drawing audiences from every corner of the city and beyond.
Unfortunately, the amphitheater has been closed since 2017, when structural concerns led to a halt in performances. An NPS inspection revealed that the stage’s substructure was no longer safe to support performers or their equipment. Today, work is ongoing to design a long-term rehabilitation plan that could restore the venue to its former glory.
Event Highlights: A Celebration for All Ages
The 75th anniversary celebration on August 7 will offer activities both inside and outside the gates of the amphitheater at 4850 Colorado Avenue NW:
Outside the Gates (near the Box Office):
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Live music by DJ Lance Reynolds
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Commemorative button making
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Interactive games for children
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Information booths on Recreating Responsibly in national parks
Inside the Amphitheater (starting at 6:30 p.m.):
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Welcome remarks from Rock Creek Park Superintendent Brian Joyner and Rock Creek Conservancy Executive Director Dan Puskar
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Ranger-led program on the history of the amphitheater
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7:15 p.m. film screening of “DC’s Heartbeat: A Carter Barron Amphitheater Story”
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Interactive timeline and memory sharing space — guests are invited to bring personal memorabilia or photos from past shows
The celebration is designed to be family-friendly and community-oriented, encouraging long-time residents and newcomers alike to reconnect with one of D.C.’s cultural gems.
Looking Forward: A Vision for Renewal
While the amphitheater remains closed for performances, its legacy lives on — and efforts are underway to shape its future. The National Park Service is currently in the process of developing a comprehensive conceptual design for its rehabilitation. The goal: to preserve the amphitheater’s historical significance while adapting it for modern, safe, and inclusive use.
Superintendent Brian Joyner emphasized the importance of this milestone:
“This amphitheater has been a stage for more than just music — it’s been a stage for memory, unity, and inspiration. As we celebrate 75 years, we also look ahead to how we can continue that legacy.”
A Community Invitation
The 75th anniversary event is free and open to the public. Whether you saw a legendary performance there or are learning about Carter Barron for the first time, the celebration offers a chance to engage with history and share in the ongoing story of this iconic venue.
Mark your calendar:
📅 Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Carter Barron Amphitheater, 4850 Colorado Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
For more information, visit nps.gov/rocr.
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