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Dear DowntownDC Stakeholder,

Spring arrives this week, with slightly warmer temperatures and, even better, blooming cherry blossoms. And with that come more events we’re getting excited about, including the DowntownDC BID’s 21st annual Momentum Awards and the new Jazz & Blossoms event at Franklin Park. And just in time for that warmer weather: There's a new bike lane and more e-bikes in the District. We’re also delighted to welcome new businesses to the neighborhood, enjoy brunch for a good cause, and share the stories of two destinations in our DowntownDC Spotlight. Catch up on all of this, the latest news, and more in the DowntownDC Digest below.
 
 
 
 
 
Time is running out to get your spot at the 21st annual DowntownDC Momentum Awards! Each year the DowntownDC BID honors and celebrates the past year’s top people, places, and projects — all of whom have helped make DowntownDC an amazing place to live, work, and play. Join us for an evening full of accomplishment and merriment. Indulge in cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment prior to the awards ceremony and an exuberant reception following.
 
 
Reserve your spot 
 
 
 
 
 
  • Petite Cerise: The team from the popular Dabney restaurant has brought French-inspired, all-day dining to DowntownDC. 1027 7th Street NW
  • E-Mile: Rent an electric scooter or bike, or book a tour, at this new mobile transportation enterprise. 1012 14th Street NW
  • Chick-fil-A: The chicken sandwiches with that special sauce have landed in Chinatown. 707 G Street NW
  • Parlour Victoria: This sophisticated seafood tavern boasts an impressive raw bar, a full menu of lunch and dinner options, and tasty cocktails. 1011 K Street NW
 
 
 
 
 
 
Satchel Kaplan-Allen, chief of staff for Chef José Andrés, has joined the DowntownDC Foundation’s board of directors. “Satchel will be a tremendous asset to the DowntownDC Foundation in the homeless services space, parks, as well as for events as we build on our existing work to benefit our community for years to come,” says board Chair Gigi Murphy.

Kaplan-Allen joins a dedicated group of board members for the DowntownDC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit launched in 2019 by the BID. The Foundation serves and celebrates our vibrant and diverse DowntownDC community by providing homeless services, revitalizing parks, and enhancing public spaces and experiences. Want to support those efforts? Sunday, March 26, you can enjoy brunch at the Westin D.C. City Center, where a portion of proceeds from sales between noon and 2:00 p.m. will go toward the Foundation.
 
 
Learn more about the DowntownDC Foundation 
 
 
 
 
 
Jazz & Blossoms will take over Franklin Park for a park jam Saturday, April 8. This free, family-friendly outdoor event will celebrate the beauty and nature in the city with a musical backdrop, observing the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and featuring Grammy-nominated vocalist, songwriter, and producer Bilal. Jazz & Blossoms is produced by Words Beats & Life in collaboration with the DowntownDC BID. Attendees will experience: 
  • Live music and DJs
  • Spring-inspired mocktail bar with Immigrant Food and sponsored by Betty Buzz
  • Graffiti mural walls featuring art from Jamila Okubo and Mia Duvall
  • Free swag giveaways with proof of event registration (while supplies last)
  • Lawn games
  • Food trucks and vendors
  • Rajio taiso (Japanese exercise) with Globalize DC
  • Haiku writing
  • Swing dance workshops with New Columbia Swing
  • Spring/pink/floral lawn fashions and programming with Holly Bass
  • Face painting
  • Flower balloons
 
 
learn more & Register
 
 
 
 
 
A new two-way, protected bike lane now runs on 9th Street NW from the U Street corridor to Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Mayor Muriel Bowser, officials from D.C. Department of Transportation, and local and federal partners unveiled the completion Monday, March 20, and announced the addition of nearly 700 next-generation e-bikes to the Capital Bikeshare program.

“Our newest e-bike has cutting-edge features that riders love, making Capital Bikeshare better than ever,” said General Manager of Capital Bikeshare at Lyft Dominick Tribone. “We’re making it easier than ever for people to reach jobs, family, and friends with sustainable, climate-friendly transportation that gets cars off our roads."

 
 
 
Life is a beautiful ride
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Peruvian Connection offers long-lasting, beautifully handmade products for your closet and your home. “It’s all about touch and feel,” says Laleh Pirnia, regional operations manager and store manager for the D.C. location for the brand. For instance, a crochet top looks beautiful and simple at first glance. But closer examination reveals details from the work of the four or five artisans who took 140 hours to make it by hand. Even the yarn is hand painted, so it doesn’t fade like other products. “It’s a piece of art,” Prinia says.

950 F Street NW | Read More 
 
 
 
From the murals on its exterior to the artwork throughout inside, Hotel Zena celebrates and honors women while delivering exceptional service to guests. Explore the space, try the restaurant or rooftop bar, and check the calendar of events. Sherry Abedi, area general manager for the hotel, says such events are intentional and not just for hotel guests, but for the broader local community to experience and come together in dialogue. “We want people to feel welcome and be wowed and educated by what’s around them,” she says. 

1155 14th Street NW | Read More 
 
 
chery blossom yoga
 
 
 
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