“Saturday, August 22nd | 2pm – 7pm
GATES OPEN: 11 A.M.
Fort Dupont Park
Minnesota Ave SE”
Thanks to a reader for passing on from the official Chuck Brown Facebook page:
“Statement from the Chuck Brown Family about Chuck Brown Day:
The Brown family has decided that due to their marginalization over the past three years with regard to the planning and substance of Chuck Brown Day, which we notified DPR of on Feb 3rd of this year, we no longer support the Chuck Brown Day event and do not want it to continue unless a new director and project leadership is in place to ensure that our duty to protect the integrity of Chuck Brown’s legacy is respected, and that his family’s wishes are taken seriously at all times. We can no longer risk allowing the event’s organizer’s lack of communication, professionalism, and inability to abide by guidelines in contractual agreements to be interpreted as the family’s approval of the event and its management.”
Full release from DPR:
“The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) invites residents to celebrate Chuck Brown Day 2026, an annual community tradition honoring the life, legacy, and music of DC icon and Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown. This year’s celebration features a full lineup of live performances, family-friendly fun, and the undeniable energy of DC’s own musical sound.
“Chuck Brown Day is always a special moment for our city—an opportunity to come together, celebrate DC’s cultural legacy, and honor the man who helped shape Go-Go music,” said DPR Director Thennie Freeman. “This year, we’re excited to deliver an even more dynamic event for families, music lovers, and fans of Go-Go from across the nation.”
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early with their group and prepare to celebrate the historic DC Go-Go at the iconic Fort Dupont Summer Stage. Gates open at 11:00 AM, with music beginning at 2:00 PM. The event features live performances, a kids’ zone, local vendors, food trucks, and the vibrant spirit of the city’s signature sound as we honor five decades of Go-Go and the birthday of the man who helped shape it!
Live Performances by:
Junkyard Band
Backyard Band
Experience Unlimited (EU)
Major League Band
A-Team feat. Go-Go All-Stars
DJ Kool (DJ)
DJ Flexx (MC)
Chuck Brown Day takes place at the Fort Dupont Summer Stage. Attendees are encouraged to take the Metro, with shuttles available from Minnesota Avenue Station. There is very limited parking on the F Street side of Fort Dupont Park.
To ensure safety and security, attendees may be required to undergo a search upon entering the venue.
WHAT TO BRING:
Friends
Lawn Chairs
Blankets
Non-alcoholic beverages
Snacks
WHAT NOT TO BRING:
Alcohol
Glass containers
Illegal substances
Tents
Umbrellas
Weapons
Pointed objects including knives
Aerosols
Firearms, Ammunition, Fireworks, Laser Pointers, Stun Guns, Tasers, Mace/Pepper Spray, Toy Weapons
Any other items determined to be potential safety hazards
Grilling or open flames
Coolers larger than 29.5” x 16” x 19”
Remote-controlled flying devices or UAVs (drones)”