National Mall

Freedom 250 Grand Prix says “more than 215,000 spectators to the National Mall” at first-ever INDYCAR race in Washington D.C.

By Prince Of Petworth

photo by LaTur

From the Freedom 250 Grand Prix:

“Delivering capacity crowds, record broadcast viewership and worldwide attention, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. exceeded expectations and established itself as one of the most successful events in modern INDYCAR history during an unforgettable Aug. 22-23 race weekend.

As a cornerstone event of America’s 250th anniversary celebration, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix transformed the nation’s capital into a global motorsports showcase, delivering impressive attendance, the largest INDYCAR broadcast audience outside of the Indianapolis 500 in more than 30 years and record international media coverage. The event welcomed more than 215,000 spectators to the National Mall, making it one of the largest-attended INDYCAR race weekends in recent history. (more…)

Don’t Even Think About Driving* Downtown or obviously Anywhere Near the Mall

By Prince Of Petworth

photo by Christopher

Reminder from AlertDC: “On Saturday, August 22, 2026, and Sunday, August 23, 2026, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, DC will take place in the District of Columbia. In conjunction with the build out and the security requirements for this event, there will be parking restrictions and street closures that motorists should take into consideration.”

ICYMI: (more…)

NPS Posts New Sign at the Reflecting Pool: “After years of neglect by previous administrations…” (Do scroll to the bottom)

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Fay for sharing with us: “New signage!”

“The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been partially refilled to allow National Park Service staff and contractors to flush the pool’s piping system for the first time in more than a decade. After years of neglect by previous administrations, more than half of the 58 water supply ports were so clogged that they were deemed nonfunctioning. The flushing may temporarily discolor the water as buildup in the pipes is cleaned out.”

Ed. Note:

March 6, 2024 Signs of Spring: Reflecting Pool Draining/Cleaning

February 24, 2023 Signs of Spring – draining of the reflecting pool AND Yoshino cherry trees have officially hit stage one on the way to peak bloom!!

May 30, 2019 “Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to be Drained for Repairs, Cleaning”

June 9, 2017 After 80 ducklings found deceased the “Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to be Drained, Cleaned” Starting Sunday

In Happier Hirshhorn News – “On October 31, the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden reopens”!!

By Prince Of Petworth

“Rendering of “Kuen’s Surface” (2008) by Hiroshi Sugimoto on the art platform in the central garden by DarcStudio. Courtesy Hirshhorn”

Exciting news from the Hirshhorn:

“A garden takes time. Anticipation starts now. 🌿✨

On October 31, the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden reopens, reimagined by Hiroshi Sugimoto. Expect more art, more ways in, and more room for the free artist talks, performances, tours, artmaking and a-ha moments you already love. (more…)

“WTF is this???”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

So I started checking the Washington Monument live web cam back when “86 47” showed up in the Mall lawn by the WWII monument. I loved watching the numbers develop each day, and laughed at how ridiculous the attempts to then dye the grass green made the numbers even more legible from the cam.

Then—they started building something over the “86” on June 19. It’s gone from nothing to this (photo above) in under 2 weeks. I haven’t been able to find anything on what it is, except someone’s theory that it’s the private viewing area for Trump and his people to view the fireworks.

If that’s true, (more…)

MOOD – Do Not, Under Any Circumstances… And here are the Street Closures for the Great American State Fair

By Prince Of Petworth

The funniest comment I saw about the Ferris Wheel going up on the Mall said something along the lines of:

“Do not, and I can not emphasize this enough, under any circumstances take a ride on this Ferris Wheel.”

I mean what could possibly… hahaha, chef’s kiss.

I thought the photo above that a reader sent me yesterday captured the mood pretty perfectly.

From Alert DC:

“From Thursday, June 25, 2026 through Friday, July 10, 2026, the Great American State Fair will be occurring in the District of Columbia. In conjunction with this event, there will be parking restrictions and street closures that motorists should take into consideration.”

From MPD: (more…)

A Vague Heads Up: Boatload of Military Flyovers coming between June 24-July 10

By Prince Of Petworth

From Alert DC:

“The US Military has notified the District of Columbia that it will conduct aircraft flyovers near the National Mall from June 24 to July 10 as a part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. While there may be an increase in air traffic noise, there is no cause for alarm.”

As always, PLEASE: Tell your friends, tell your neighbors. Tell ’em PoPville told you. They’re going to ask…

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