DC Turkish Festival

DC Turkish Festival

Pennsylvania Avenue NW closes between 3rd and 6th Streets for the day, and the American Turkish Association fills it with food stands, live music, folk dancing and craft vendors. The group has been around since 1965. Admission is free. There is a kids' section with games and craft activities, plus a Turkish coffeehouse and a fortune-telling booth that older kids tend to find funnier than they expect.

The food is the main event for most families. Go hungry, order a few things to share and let the kids pick one item each. Lines can build at the busiest stands, so I would eat a little before 1pm or after 2:30pm. It is a Sunday in downtown DC, so a mid-morning arrival usually means an easy Metro ride and space to walk around.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Take Metro. Sunday service is easy from most of the region, and the street closure makes driving in more of a hassle.
• ✓Eat at off-peak times. The busiest stands slow down before 1pm and after 2:30pm.
• ✓Bring cash as backup. Most vendors take cards, but small stands and craft booths can be spotty.
• ✓Head to the kids' area first. Games and crafts are easier to enjoy before the crowd builds in the early afternoon.
• ✓Check the schedule for dance times. The folk dancing draws a crowd, and you want a spot near the front for small kids.