Mayor Muriel Bowser and District Leaders to Join Opening Day Celebration Featuring Live Entertainment, Culinary Experiences and 120 Vendors
Washington, D.C. (November 6, 2026) - The holiday season officially arrives in the nation's capital on Friday, November 13, as the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) kicks off the 22nd annual DowntownDC Holiday Market. Returning to F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW, the beloved seasonal tradition will feature 120 vendors, including local artisans and small businesses, alongside seasonal food and beverage offerings, festive entertainment and holiday experiences. Free and open to the public, the market will transform Downtown DC into a festive open-air shopping destination through December 23.
WHAT:
DowntownDC Holiday Market Opening Day Highlights:
Special Remarks & Ribbon Cutting: Hosted by Sherrell Duncan of WPGC 95.5 and Lorenzo Hall of WUSA 9. Mayor Muriel Bowser will join DowntownDC BID leadership and other District officials for the opening day celebration and ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Live Entertainment: Opening performances by Ruff Ridaz, a local percussion group, and Gëtte, an independent singer-songwriter from Maryland.
Special Culinary Activations: Guests can enjoy a sampling of Carmine's signature Long Lasagna and China Chilcano's Aeropuerto, a Peruvian-inspired dish featuring fried rice, egg noodles, crisp sweet potato, seasonal vegetables, soybean sprouts and watermelon radish garnishes shaped like airplanes.
Holiday Photo Opportunities: Festive inflatables, holiday characters and additional seasonal experiences.
Local Shopping: Explore 120 vendors offering handcrafted gifts, fashion, jewelry, artwork, home décor and more.
WHEN:
Friday, November 13, 2026
10:00 AM - Opening Day Celebration Begins
10:10 AM - Welcome and Opening Remarks
10:50 - Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting and Photo Opportunity
11:00 AM - Program Concludes; Market Celebrations Continue
WHERE:
F Street NW
Between 7th and 9th Streets NW
Washington, D.C.
WHO:
Confirmed Speakers:
Mayor Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, D.C.
Gerren Price, President & CEO, DowntownDC BID
Rosemary Suggs-Evans, Director for the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD)
Wendell Felder, Councilmember, Ward 7
Shayne Wells, Vice President of Communications Affairs, Events DC
Featured Entertainment:
Washington Wizards - dancers will kick off the festivities with a performance to bring holiday cheer and excitement to the market.
Ruff Ridaz - a local percussion group bringing high-energy drumming to the opening day celebration. The group will celebrate with a procession to the market stage.
Gëtte - born and raised in Maryland, Gëtte is an independent singer-songwriter known for her warm tone and soul-led storytelling. With roots in church and musical theatre, she was selected as a Strathmore Artist in Residence in 2024, selling out her residency performances at the AMP by Strathmore. Her 2025 EP, For You, marked a new chapter in her artistry as both a vocalist and producer, and was later premiered live at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Most recently, she appeared in the Broadway National Tour of The Wiz. Beyond the stage, Gëtte advocates for mental health and self-care, using music to inspire others to embrace their stories and find healing.
Special Culinary Experiences:
Carmine's: Guests can enjoy a taste of the restaurant's signature lasagna.
China Chilcano: Chef Chris Wroblewski will showcase Aeropuerto, a Peruvian-inspired dish featuring fried rice, egg noodles, crisp sweet potato, seasonal vegetables, soybean sprouts and watermelon radish garnishes shaped like airplanes.
The 2026 DowntownDC Holiday Market will return to F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW, from November 13th through December 23rd, offering visitors a festive open-air shopping and entertainment experience in the heart of Downtown DC. The free public market will feature 120 vendors, seasonal food and drinks, holiday décor, entertainment and unique gifts from local makers and artisans. The 2026 DowntownDC Holiday Market is produced in partnership with The Makers Show and sponsored by Events DC, Amazon, Capital Medical Group, and Verizon.
For media interested in attending the kickoff event or to arrange interviews with DowntownDC BID officials, please email Shelby at downtowndcbid@lindarothpr.com. All high-res photos and B-roll can be found HERE. For more information on the DowntownDC Holiday Market please visit www.downtowndc.org. Stay connected to holiday happenings in Downtown DC by texting HOLIDAY to 771-208-3007.
About the DowntownDC BID
Downtown DC is one of the most diverse and exciting neighborhoods in one of the most important cities in the world. Here, locals and visitors find all the most thrilling experiences of DC in 140 walkable and transit-rich blocks: shopping and dining; business, education and government; parks, art, music, sports, theater, history - adding up to a bright future. Founded in 1997, the DowntownDC BID’s area includes 530 properties and is defined by Massachusetts Avenue on the north, including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at Mount Vernon Square, to Constitution Avenue on the south, and from Louisiana Avenue on the east to 16th Street on the west.
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