Make Music Day DC is part of Make Music Day, a free, worldwide celebration of music held each year on June 21, the summer solstice. Taking place in more than 1,000 cities across over 120 countries, this international event transforms streets, parks, businesses, and public spaces into stages where musicians of all ages and skill levels can perform and share their talents. Unlike a traditional music festival, Make Music Day is open to everyone—whether you’re a professional artist, an amateur musician, or simply a music lover. Participation is completely free for performers, venues, and audiences, making it an accessible and inclusive celebration that brings communities together through the universal language of music.

The Anacostia Arts & Culture District, home to the annual Art to Go-Go festival, serves as the official Make Music Day DC Chapter Host for the entire District of Columbia. In 2023, Anacostia was designated as Washington, DC’s official Arts & Culture District, recognizing the neighborhood’s rich creative heritage and ongoing commitment to supporting artists, cultural programming, and community engagement. As the citywide host, the Anacostia Arts & Culture District coordinates Make Music Day activities across all eight wards, helping connect musicians, venues, businesses, and residents in a shared celebration of music throughout the nation’s capital.

There are two ways to participate in Make Music Day DC. If you’re already planning a performance or hosting a music event on June 21, you can submit your event to be featured as part of the official Make Music Day DC celebration. If you’re a musician looking for a place to perform or a venue interested in hosting live music, you can join our Match Program to be paired with a participating performer or host location. Whether you’re a solo artist, band, business, public space, community organization, or neighborhood gathering place, participation is free and open to everyone. Sign up today to showcase your event, find a performance opportunity, or bring live music to your community as part of this global day of music.

Support

The Anacostia Arts & Culture District thrives through collaboration with businesses, organizations, artists, community groups, and cultural institutions that share our commitment to building a vibrant creative economy in Washington, DC. We welcome partnership opportunities that support arts programming, public events, artist engagement, placemaking initiatives, sponsorships, and community-driven projects throughout the District. Whether you’re interested in co-hosting an event, becoming a sponsor, supporting local artists, or exploring a creative collaboration, we’d love to connect. To learn more about partnership opportunities and how you can get involved, please contact us at info@anacostiabid.org.

Get in touch with us at dc@makemusicday.org.