(Washington, DC) – Mayor Muriel Bowser and the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) are inviting residents and visitors to join in the celebration of Arts, Culture, and Community during the 15th anniversary of Art All Night. The event will take place on Friday, September 11, and Saturday, September 12, 2026, and will feature free arts, entertainment, and cultural experiences across all eight wards of the District. This year, for the first time, the festivities will extend into Sunday morning with the “Run for the Arts” 5K Run & Walk, set along the picturesque Navy Yard waterfront.
“We have been intentional about building a city where artists, makers, performers, and creative entrepreneurs can not only create but also build careers, grow businesses, and help our neighborhoods thrive,” said Mayor Bowser. The festival aims to not only showcase local talent but also stimulate economic growth by drawing people into neighborhoods, supporting local restaurants, and promoting small businesses throughout the city.
Since its inception as Art All Night: Nuit Blanche DC in 2011, the festival has evolved dramatically. From its humble beginnings in a single neighborhood with over 30,000 attendees, it has expanded to become one of the District’s largest cultural celebrations. In 2025 alone, the event welcomed more than 250,000 attendees and showcased over 1,200 artists and performers. The festival has generated significant economic impact, with arts and cultural production contributing approximately $15 billion to the District’s economy in 2023, which accounts for 9% of the economy and supports over 50,000 jobs.
“Art All Night demonstrates what happens when we connect creativity directly to our neighborhood economies,” stated Rosemary Suggs-Evans, Director of DSLBD. The festival not only highlights the vibrancy of DC’s creative community but also fosters connections between residents and local artists, encouraging exploration of different neighborhoods and boosting the visibility of local businesses.
Attendees can anticipate a rich array of activities, including visual art, live music, dance, theater, fashion, film, photography, culinary experiences, and interactive programming. This year, festivalgoers can utilize the Art All Night mobile app to discover events, explore neighborhood activations, and build personalized schedules, ensuring a memorable experience throughout the weekend.
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