by Peggy Robin
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2025 Lotus & Water Lily Festival
Friday, July 18th through Sunday, July 20th10 am to 8 pm
- 10 am–10:45 am: Kids Yoga w/ Our Movement Yoga™ (R)
- Join us for a fun outdoor yoga class designed just for kids! Blending mindful movement, breathwork, and playful exploration, this class helps children build body awareness, balance, and focus. Perfect for ages 7–12; no experience required! Adults are welcome to participate alongside their children. Please bring a yoga mat if you have one—there will be a limited number of extras available.
- 10 am–2 pm: Curiosity Corner: Crafts, Facts & Fun!
- Dive into a world of creativity and discovery with hands-on crafts, interactive exhibits, and exciting trivia for kids of all ages!
FRIDAY Afternoon & Evening Programs
- 5 pm–6 pm: Guided Outdoor Journaling w/ Ashleigh (R)
- This guided outdoor journaling session helps participants slow down, tune into their emotions, and gain clarity through nature-inspired reflection. We will go through a grounding and sensory awareness exercise, then do a journaling prompt with a reflection exercise.
- 5 pm–6:45 pm: Forest Bathing w/ Sage (R)
- Participate in a Forest Bathing saunter guided by certified Nature and Forest Therapy instructor J. Sage Raindancer. Meander through the Kenilworth Aquatic Garden’s paths and ponds, providing a backdrop to prime your senses and observe nature differently. Explore and interact with the ponds with childlike curiosity and awe while taking the time to experience the therapeutic benefits of nature through forest bathing.
- 5 pm–6 pm: Lotus Garden Scavenger Hunt
- 6 pm– 6:45 pm: Guzheng Performance (Traditional Chinese Zither)
- 7 pm–8 pm: Outdoor Jazz Performance by the Washington Conservatory Jazz Players
- Set among blooming lotus blossoms and serene water lilies, this open-air jazz performance will feature an all-star jazz quintet and guest vocalist, blending soulful melodies and high-energy improvisation in celebration of one of DC’s most beloved summer traditions.
SATURDAY Morning Programs
- 10:00 am–11:15 am: Reiki Inspired Gemstone Jewelry-Making w/ Lisette (R)
- Learn how to create jewelry using wire, gemstone beads, and tools that you can easily find in craft stores or online. The intention behind the workshop is to introduce fun and creative ways to relieve stress and support mental health through art. We use colorful gemstones and metal to form jewelry that participants are excited to wear and share!
- 10:00 am–11:15 am: Pause & Bloom: Movement & Journaling w/ Laine (D)
- Begin with a brief intention-setting practice in the gardens before being guided into a restful Yoga Nidra meditation. Participants are invited to bring a journal for optional reflection after the practice, using simple writing prompts to capture what emerged during the session.
SATURDAY Afternoon & Evening Programs
- 11 am: Rhythms of Asia: Cultural Dance Showcase
- Experience the vibrant traditions of Asia through dance! Local cultural groups will perform traditional dances from Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, China, Sri Lanka, and Korea, celebrating the rich heritage and artistry of each culture.
- 12:15 pm: Kyungsoo Dan (Korean Traditional Arts)
- This year, we’re honored to welcome Kyungsoo Dan, a traditional Korean Samulnori percussion quartet, to the festival. Traveling all the way from Korea, they will share dynamic performances of drumming, dance, and song, celebrating the rich rhythms and culture of Korean heritage.
- 1 pm–2 pm: Ethiopian Dance with Bethlehem
- Bethlehem is an author, dancer of seven Ethiopian dance forms, dynamic speaker, and Wellness Coach, and the visionary founder of Kinet Bet—a movement dedicated to bridging culture, wellness, and connection. Come experience fun of the whole body engagement of Ethiopian dance from head to toe!
- 2 pm–3 pm: Fashion Show
- See the incredible talents of fashion designers in the community.
- 3 pm–4 pm: La Jeni & José: Interactive Flamenco Music and Dance Experience
- Jen Graham, a multidisciplinary movement educator and professional dancer is joined by performance partner José Moreno, Flamenco dancer, guitarist and singer to present, La Jeni & José: Live interactive Flamenco music and dance performance inviting audience participation.
- 4 pm–5 pm: Latin Dance Session with Angela
- Angela Ingram, folklore educator and professional Afro-Latin dancer and instructor, believes the essence of dance as music personified, filling the void when words falter. Join Angela in an invigorating, fun and audience engaging Latin Dance session.
- 5 pm–6 pm: Sol Y Rumba – Live Latin Band
- Established in 1993 by singer-songwriter Maria Isolina, Sol y Rumba stands as a beacon of Latin musical excellence in the heart of the D.C. metropolitan area. The ensemble comprises some of the region's most talented musicians, each boasting an impressive musical pedigree. Dancing along is encouraged!
- 6 pm–7:30 pm: Forest Bathing w/ Ashleigh (R)
- This forest bathing experience is a guided nature immersion designed to help participants slow down, reconnect with their senses, and embrace the therapeutic benefits of the natural world. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, this program promotes relaxation, mental clarity, and overall well-being through mindful engagement with the forest environment. We will be doing a short walk suitable for all fitness levels.
SUNDAY Morning Programs
- 10 am–12 pm: Acrylic Painting near the Lotus Pond
SUNDAY Afternoon & Evening Programs
- 11 am–12 pm All Levels Yoga w/ Heather (R)
- Come join Heather for a beginner friendly, all levels welcome yoga session in the park. The practice will include several aspects of yoga including: asana, meditation, breath work, sun salutations and more.
- 12 pm–1 pm: West African Drumming Performance
- 1 pm–3 pm: Acrylic Painting near the Lotus Pond
- 2 pm–2:45pm: Live Guitar Music with Calvin Thomas
- 5:45 pm–7 pm: Hips & Heart Yoga w/ Erika (R)
- Hips and Heart is a hatha vinyasa style focusing on opening up the heart and hip space for a more wholesome and responsive personal emotional practice. Participants will move through chest opening, back strengthening, hip loosening, and balancing postures to nourish and reinforce these areas where emotions are held and processed. By focusing on the hips and heart, participants are set up to release energy and ideas that stagnate them and refuel themselves with energy and understandings that empower them to respond to each moment. Participants will be encouraged to tap into the focused themes of release, tapping into inner power, and receiving joy.