Jazz in the Sculpture Garden

Jazz in the Sculpture Garden

 

Location: 700 Constitution Ave NW

Metro: 
Archives/Navy Memorial - .2 miles (Green/Yellow)
Federal Triangle - .6 miles (Orange/Blue)
Judiciary Square - .5 miles (Red)

Park Website

My Opinion:

Features:

OK, so technically this is not a playground.  But when it comes to getting outside for some fun with your kids, Jazz in the Sculpture Garden is not to be missed.  My kids love this, so I think it's worth including here.  They love the music, dipping their feet in the fountain, having a picnic, dancing...  what's not to love? 

Every Friday night during the summer, the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden hosts a variety of jazz artists.  The music starts at 5:00, and the area fills up pretty quickly.   People sit on the edge of the fountain, spread blankets under the trees, and dance around the band.  The band is always facing the pavilion rather than the fountain, but if you try to stand on the stairway to watch, you'll get shooed away by a guard.  Your best best is to find a comfortable place for a picnic and just enjoy the music even if you can't see the show.  Then walk over closer to the band when the kids are ready to dance.

Check their website to find out who is playing and what style of jazz will be featured.

Restrooms:Yes

Restrooms are located behind the pavilion.  Be ready for a long line.

Sun/Shade:
If you're on the opposite side of the fountain from the stage you'll be in full sun until later in the evening.   There's lots of space under the trees, but plan on getting there early.

Nearby:

There are beverages for sale in the pavilion and at a couple little stands around the fountain.  Signs discourage you from bringing your own, but most picnickers don't seem discouraged at all.  Honestly, I never bothered with any restaurants in the area - better to stay in the sculpture garden and enjoy the music.  Just bring your own food.