DC Celebrates 10 Years of 202Creates With a Month of Arts, Culture and Events Across the City

Washington, DC’s creative community will take center stage throughout September as 202Creates Month celebrates its 10th anniversary, bringing a packed calendar of arts, entertainment, cultural events and opportunities to support local creatives across the District.

Launched in 2016, 202Creates was established to spotlight the artists, musicians, filmmakers, designers, performers, entrepreneurs and other creatives who contribute to DC’s cultural identity and economy. What began as a month-long celebration has since expanded into a year-round initiative supporting DC’s creative community.

This year’s anniversary arrives as the District also celebrates two other major cultural milestones: the 15th anniversary of Art All Night and the 50th anniversary of Go-Go.

A Full Month of Events Across DC

Throughout September, residents can find programming spanning music, film, fashion, food, theater, visual arts, entrepreneurship and more.

Among this year’s 202Creates Month events are:

  • Sept. 2: Majic Wednesdays

  • Sept. 2–6: DC Jazz Festival

  • Sept. 9: IPHH The Capital Movie Screening

  • Sept. 9: City Cruises Capital Sound Series – The 202Creates Edition

  • Sept. 10–13: Dine All Night

  • Sept. 11–12: Art All Night

  • Sept. 12: 10th Anniversary DC Bike Ride

  • Sept. 14: 202Creates Co-Working Day x Maker Mondays

  • Sept. 17: DC Stories at The Wharf

  • Sept. 19: H Street Festival

  • Sept. 19: Color Vision Creators Summit

  • Sept. 23: DC Stories at The Wharf

  • Sept. 24–Oct. 11: Theatre Week

  • Sept. 25–27: DC Fashion Week

  • Sept. 26: DCTV Studio Opening & Community Event

  • Sept. 26–27: Fiesta DC

  • Sept. 28: 2nd Annual 202Creates Con

  • Sept. 29–Oct. 6: March On! Festival

Art All Night Returns September 11–12

One of the biggest events on the calendar will be the return of Art All Night, taking place September 11 and 12.

Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, the two-night festival transforms neighborhoods throughout all eight wards with visual art, live music, dance, film, fashion, installations and interactive experiences.

More than 250,000 people attended Art All Night last year, making the event not only a major showcase for DC artists but also an opportunity to bring thousands of residents and visitors into neighborhood commercial corridors and local businesses.

DC's Creative Economy Is Big Business

The anniversary also highlights the economic impact of DC's creative industries.

According to the District, DC's creative economy is valued at approximately $15 billion. Over the years, investments have supported film and television productions, local artists, creative entrepreneurs, Go-Go music and other parts of the city's cultural ecosystem.

Since 2021 alone, the District reports investing $6 million to support Go-Go, including artists, organizations, events, educational programs and initiatives designed to preserve and grow DC's homegrown music.

The 202Creates Residency Program has also served more than 250 creatives, providing participants with workspace, mentorship, networking opportunities, professional development and other resources.

202Creates Con Returns September 28

The month will culminate with the 2nd Annual 202Creates Con on Monday, September 28 at 11 AM.

The free event will bring members of DC's creative community together for fireside chats, panel discussions, immersive activations, live performances and networking opportunities.

With events stretching from early September into October, the 10th anniversary of 202Creates offers plenty of opportunities to experience—and support—the people and businesses helping shape DC's creative culture.

For the complete schedule of events and additional information, visit 202CreatesMonth.com.

ARTS & CULTUREAnacostia BID202CREATES