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Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the 2024 Lotus and Water Lily Festival, happening from July 19 to July 21 at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. As the ponds burst into full bloom with towering pink lotuses and acres of vibrant water lilies, join the National Park Service for three days of art, history, food and entertainment. Immerse yourself in cultural performances, unleash your creativity in art classes, and dive into a fascinating program about the history of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This year, we’re celebrating the incredible ways people use plants in art. Discover how these stunning flowers inspire creativity across the globe through art, music, dance, and more.
An unforgettable experience celebrating the connection between culture and aquatic plants, with cultural performances, art classes, history programs, and live entertainment, surrounded by blooming lotuses and water lilies.
Don’t miss out on this magical festival where nature and culture collide.
Friday, July 19
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Join art classes, nature activities including learning about plants and insects, storytelling and live birds of prey program.
5 - 8 p.m.
Enjoy an evening with neighbors and friends in your local national park! Activities include Zumba, a foraging walk, art classes, a scavenger hunt and live entertainment. Evenings are also a great time to enjoy picnics in the park!
Saturday, July 20
9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Start your day with yoga or a bike ride, make a paper lotus, join a ranger talk, or learn about local organizations in the exhibit area.
Starting at 10 a.m.
Stage performances with Asian programming that includes cultural dances from Thailand, Korean and India. Sambarta Rashit returns to the festival this year with Anirudh Alva Changakoti performing classical Indian music. In the
afternoon, programming shifts to Latin music with “Mariachi Los Amigos”, Latin dance by “Corazon Latino” and Miguelito performing flamenco music with dancers. We close out the day with the DC Strings’ Hip Hop Symphony.
Sunday, July 21
9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Start your day with yoga, paint your own lotus or lilies in a painting class, join a ranger talk, go on a walk to discover what’s in the garden or learn about local organizations in the exhibit area.
Starting at 10 a.m.
Stage performances begin with the popular local band, “King Bullfrog” that plays kid’s tunes, and local D.C. falconer, Rodney Stott with his raptors. Dance to Bachata or African beats. You’ll then get to practice your new Bachata moves as the “Sol Y Rumba” band performs Bachata and other Latin music. Have your camera’s ready for the festival’s annual fashion show and get your groove on with “The Tribe Band” to close out the festival with R&B and funk music to get the crowd moving.
Visitors can also enjoy food for sale from a variety of food trucks with food from different cultures connected to lotus and water lilies. Visit go.nps.gov/lotus for the full schedule and more information on this year’s celebrations. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens will be open until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and will resume normal hours with a 4pm closure on Sunday.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Kenilworth (Washington, D.C.), Washington D.C., Capitol Heights, United States
