Below is a list of activities to enjoy and participate in throughout the coming weekend. The schedule is organized by location and date and it is
subject to change. Please check back often and especially closer to the event date for the most accurate schedule. If you have any questions about the event, please reach out
via email or call us at 202-895-6070.
Description: Discover the joy of birding—with a punk twist! Just like punk style, birdwatching is about seeing the world differently and spotting details others might miss. In this Beginner Birder’s Hike, you’ll learn how to use binoculars, practice finding movement in the trees, to locate Rock Creek’s feathered rebels. All ages and birding backgrounds are welcome to participate. It is encouraged to bring your own binoculars for better viewing of birds, as the Nature Center has a limited supply for you to borrow.
The hike is approximately 1 mile and will be on a mix of dirt and asphalt trails. Terrain can be uneven or slippery depending on weather from previous days. Wear appropriate clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, and bring water.
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Time: 10 am - 2 pm Battle Jacket Project
Description: Unleash your inner punk at our hands-on Battle Jacket Workshop! Customize your own jacket with patches, pins, and bold designs that reflect your personality and what you believe in. No experience needed—just bring your own jacket, your imagination, and get ready to create something totally original!
Location: This activity will be set up outside of the
Nature Center~~~~~~
Time: 10 am - 2 pm Pin It Punk! Buttons and Zines at Rock Creek
Description: Zines and buttons share the same spirit—they’re DIY creations born from rebels who used art to speak up and stand out. Explore Rock Creek Park’s punk roots at our pop-up, then grab some supplies and press your own punk-inspired button. These small pieces of wearable art carry big statements—perfect for your jacket, battle vest, or bag. While you’re here, don’t forget to fill out our Nature Meets Punk mini-zine booklet to celebrate the wild side of Rock Creek Park!
Location: This activity will be set up outside of the
Nature Center~~~~~~
Time: 10 am - 2 pm Rock Creek at 135: A Visual Journey Through Time
Description: Celebrate 135 years of Rock Creek Park with a visual journey through time! From stone bridges and Civil War forts to Peirce Mill and the Carter Barron Amphitheater, discover how nature, history, and community have shaped this urban oasis for more than a century. Join us as we reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the future of this beloved urban oasis.
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Time: 10 am - 2 pm Chat with a Scientist: Astronomer and Geologist Edition
Description: Curious about what’s beneath your feet—or what’s beyond the stars? Join scientists from the Carnegie Institution for Science's Earth and Planets Laboratory for hands-on pop-up activities exploring geology and planetary science! Examine real rocks and minerals and learn how scientists study how the Earth, including the land beneath our feet here, were formed. Blast off with an astronomer to discover how scientists explore planets in our solar system and exoplanets around other stars. Create your own scale model of the solar system or hand-held spectrometer (rainbow maker) to take home. Perfect for kids, teens, and curious adults—no lab coat or space suit needed! Don’t miss the chance to chat with a scientist at 11:15 am and 1:15 pm.
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Time: 10 am - 2 pm Punk Rock Selfie Station and Exhibit
Description: Step into the spotlight and snap a pic at our colorful, creativity-packed Rock Creek Park Day selfie station! Whether you're rocking a battle jacket, park merch, or your brightest smile, it's the perfect place to show your wild side and share the magic with #RockCreekParkDay. Don't miss our pop-up exhibit nearby - it's packed with punk flair and park stories waiting to be discovered!
Location: This activity will be setup outside of the
Nature Center~~~~~~
Time: 10:30 am - 1:30 pm Punk Rocks Hike to Boulder Bridge and Pulpit Rock
Description: Take a walk on the wild side of Rock Creek! Our Punk Rocks Hike starts at Boulder Bridge, cranking up the volume on history and style. Built in 1902, this stone arch is Rock Creek’s ultimate stage piece—rugged, loud, and impossible to ignore. After exploring the bridge, the hike continues to Pulpit Rock, a natural stone outcrop that has been a landmark and gathering spot for generations. You’ll see how stone has rocked the park’s story, then join our “Bridge Through the Lens” photo challenge. Snap your own raw, creative shots of Boulder Bridge first and Pulpit Rock next—find the bold angles and show us these stone icons like only a rebel photographer can! Tag us on social media @RockCreekNPS and use hashtags #RockCreekPark #BoulderBridge #PulpitRock #HikeAndSnap #StoneStories
The hike is approximately 4.5 miles and will be on a mix of dirt and asphalt trails. Terrain can be uneven or slippery depending on weather from previous days. Wear appropriate clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, and bring water.
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Time: 10:30 am and 12:30 pm Planetarium Film - One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
Description: In this free planetarium show, join Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from "Zhima Jie", the Chinese co-production of Sesame Street. Together they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth. They also journey to Zhima Jie to learn about the similarities in our view of the sky.
This program runs 25 minutes and is appropriate for families with young children. Seating in the planetarium is limited. We will give out free place holder tickets 30 minutes in advance of each showing.
Location: Rock Creek Park Planetarium
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Time: 11:30 am and 3:30 pm Planetarium Film - Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System
Description: Experience the Solar System like never before - by traveling on a spacecraft that can turn the objects in space into sound!
The audience of this stunning 35-minute show are transported inside a special spacecraft that takes them to the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (VLT) to view the stars in the night sky, before lifting them off into space to visit the Earth, Moon, Sun, and all the planets of the Solar System.
Unlike traditional planetarium shows, the soundtrack takes the lead role. Each of the objects in space are represented with sounds as well as being presented with the incredible 4K resolution visuals. The audience will listen to the stars appear and hear the planets orbit around their heads. This means that this show is an immersive experience that can be enjoyed irrespective of level of vision.
Seating in the planetarium is limited. Seating in the planetarium is limited. We will give out free place holder tickets 30 minutes in advance of each showing.
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Time: 12 - 12:30 pm and 1:30 - 2 pm Music Performances by Truth or Dare
Description: Truth or Dare is a five-piece punk band from Washington, DC, raised on feedback, fury, and feral energy. They make loud, messy, soul-splitting songs about being human, being animal, and clawing through the chaos in between - like a raccoon flipping off your picnic and stealing your chips. Catch them on Rock Creek Park Day. They'll be the ones making noise and making friends with raccoons.
Sometimes you'll scream with us.
Sometimes you'll scream at us.
Sometimes you'll just scream into the trees and we'll scream back.
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Time: 2 pm Stellar Star Show
Description: Come and enjoy a ranger-led program in the only planetarium in the National Park Service! The Stellar Star Show will be a 30 minute, ranger-led program about the planets and the night sky. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Arrive 30 minutes early to pick up a free place holder ticket for the show.
Bonus Activity: Families can grab a Junior Ranger Night Explorer activity booklet and keep the space adventure going at home!
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Time: 4 - 7 pm Peirce Mill Picnic at the Park
Description: Punk and country music may sound worlds apart, but they share deep roots in stroytelling - raw, emotional, and unfiltered. Whether it's a country ballad about heartbreak or a punk anthem railing against injustice, both genres speak from the soul and connect us through shared experiences. That same spirit of authenticity and community comes alive at Peirce Mill's Picnic in the Park as DC's Queen of the Blues, Carly Harvey, returns for an unforgettable evening of music.
Carly draws on her Native American heritage to craft a powerful blend of traditional jazz scat and indigenous vocals. Backed by her dynamic band, she'll perform a mix of 20th century jazz standards and contemporary favorites - bringing history, culture, and rhythm to life. So pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and join us at Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park for a free concert under the late summer sky. It's the perfect way to celebrate the season and the stories that shape us.
Free public programs at Peirce Mill are supported by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
Location: The lawn around
Peirce Mill, located at 2401 Tilden Street NW
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Sunday, September 28, 2025:
Time: 10 am - 1 pm B.A.R.K. Ranger Paws and Punk Edition
Description: Get ready to rock 'n' roll, fur-parents! Bring your four-legged friends to the wildest, most paw-some event of the year—Paws and Punk: The Ultimate Doggie Rock Party! Whether your dog’s got a mohawk or a leather jacket, this is the event where pups and punk lovers unite. Join us for a high-energy, tail-wagging celebration complete with punk music, a selfie photo booth, and more!
Pup-friendly activities will include:
- B.A.R.K Ranger - Learn about the principles of B.A.R.K Ranger and earn a ranger badge.
- Punk Music Pop-up Table - Learn about the punk music at a DC national park, while listening to music that’ll have you and your pooch rocking out to fast beats and fierce riffs.
- Punk-Themed Pup Photo Booth - Snap a pic with your dog in front of a graffiti-style backdrop. (Don’t forget to bring your best punk pose!)
- Doggy Style Barkery, Boutique and Pet Spa – Stop by this booth for pet treats, attend a demonstration for dog-friendly First Aid, including paw care for outdoor adventures.
- Homeward Trails Animal Rescue – Meet lovable dogs that are ready to meet their forever families. Whether you’re looking for a hiking buddy, a cuddle companion, or a playful new friend, this is your chance to make a life-changing connection.
- VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center (896) - Stop by to meet the experts from SouthPaws! Learn tips on pet health, safety, and wellness from one of the region’s leading veterinary hospitals—keeping your four-legged friends happy, healthy, and adventure-ready
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your dog, your best punk rock outfit, and get ready to let loose. We’re turning up the volume, leashing the pups, and throwing the ultimate punk rock party—one bark at a time! Mark your calendars—it’s gonna be ruff in the best way possible.
Location: This event will take place outside of the
Nature Center------------------
National Park Service - Rock Creek Park
Mailing Address: 5200 Glover Rd, NW Washington, DC 20015
Phone: 202-895-6000 - Rock Creek Park's main phone line. On the weekends when the administrative offices are closed, call 202-895-6070 to reach the Nature Center.
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