Who couldn't use a boost of confidence? Luckily, this new year promises to be full of it. The Year of the Dragon is upon us and DowntownDC is celebrating in a major way. Join us next Saturday, February 3, from 11:00am - 4:00pm, as we kickoff the Chinese Lunar New Year in Chinatown Park for a day of food, fun and culture complete with wellness activities, live entertainment, games, and more.

The celebration doesn't end here, though! On Sunday, February 11, at 2:00pm, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Washington, DC in partnership with the DC Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs will host the annual Chinese Lunar New Year parade in DowntownDC's own Gallery Place-Chinatown corridor. The dynamic community-based parade will feature a range of colorful contingents, performances, and a can't-miss firecracker finale in the middle of H Street. Mark your calendars, both events are free and open to the public!

Winter Restaurant Week has been extended to January 28! Get your taste buds excited for thrilling Vietnamese flavors at Moon Rabbit, the latest culinary gem nestled in the heart of DowntownDC. Led by the acclaimed Chef Kevin Tien, this innovative hotspot promises a dining experience of traditional Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist. Each plate is a work of art that not only honors Chef Tien's heritage but also invites you to savor the beauty and complexity of Vietnamese cuisine. Embark on an adventure that blends centuries-old tradition with a dash of contemporary flair. It's worth a trip just to find out about the name.

After much input from the neighboring community, streetlights in Gallery Place - Chinatown — and across the District — will receive some much-needed TLC thanks to the District Department of Transportation's (DDOT) DC Smart Streetlight Project. This program provides neighborhoods like Chinatown with better, more efficient, and more modernized streetlights for improved safety and accessibility. DDOT anticipates streetlights in the Gallery Place - Chinatown area will be completely upgraded by the end of February 2024 with work already underway along 7th and F Streets NW. The project comes as a welcome step in the city's efforts to bring new energy to the area via Mayor Muriel Bowser's recently announced Gallery Place-Chinatown Task Force.​

Exciting news! Lukas Umana has joined our team as the DowntownDC BID's Director of Public Space Operations. With 16 years of business executive experience in the hospitality industry, Lukas leads our dedicated team of 60+ Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance Ambassadors, overseeing the daily management of downtown public spaces and addressing safety and security concerns. Join us in welcoming Lukas to #DowntownDC!