Join Mayor Bowser & DMPED on October 29 at 9 AM for Downtown Defined—a summit on the future of DC’s downtown and emerging mixed-use neighborhoods. Register today: s.dc.gov/DowntownDefined2026

Last Monday, we closed out 202Creates Month at the brand-new National Geographic Museum of Exploration. A huge shoutout to Mayor Bowser and OCTFME for hosting an inspiring conference! One key takeaway: DC’s creative economy is thriving, valued at $15.9 billion and offering countless roles and opportunities for creators across the city. We remain committed to supporting DC’s creator economy and advancing the talent and innovation that drive our city forward.

🗓️Save the date: The Downtown DC Holiday Market opens November 13. Get ready to find unique gifts, support local businesses, and enjoy live entertainment at the 22nd DC Holiday Market.

Get ready for the 2nd Annual 202Creates Con! Join us for a free convention celebrating the 10th anniversary of 202Creates. Connect with national industry leaders and DC’s top creative voices, and be part of the next wave of innovation in sports, entertainment, and technology across the District. 📅 September 28 🕐10:00 AM 📍 National Geographic Museum Reserve your spot: 202creates.com/202creates-co…

DC Theater Week is here! Now through October 11 is the perfect time to celebrate the incredible theater community at discounted prices. When visitors come for unforgettable performances, they stay to explore our world class city. They dine in our restaurants, stay in our hotels, shop in our neighborhoods, and experience the creative energy that makes DC unlike anywhere else. So, during DC Theater Week, get out there—see a show, support local artists, and experience the creative energy that sets DC apart. 📸- Kevin Parisi

Your business may qualify to receive up to $500,000 in down‑payment assistance to purchase a commercial building in Washington, DC. Apply today by visiting wdcep.co/CPAF.

H Street Festival is back this Saturday, September 19 at noon! Come out to enjoy the entertainment, food, and community spirit while supporting local artists and businesses along one of DC’s most vibrant corridors. 📸- Josephine Hill

We’re proud to celebrate PARK(ing) Day with our friends at the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). The DMPED Downtown Transformation Team helped transform a parking space near the corner of 9th Street NW and F Street NW, in the soon-to-be redesigned Gallery Square plaza. Throughout the day, they spoke with neighbors to learn what they’d like to see in the future Downtown and shared updates about the plans for Capital One Arena. Thank you, DDOT and our Downtown Transformation team, Nate Klass, Maria Espinoza, and Andree Entezari, for driving this work. To learn more about the District’s investments in Downtown, visit bedowntown.dc.gov/.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the culture, history, and contributions of DC’s Latino community. From small businesses to arts and culture, their influence is woven into the fabric of our city – driving economic growth and shaping the neighborhoods we call home. At DMPED, we’re proud to support the Latino-owned businesses and entrepreneurs who help keep that fabric strong.

Art All Night returns this weekend, September 11-12! On Friday and Saturday, DC’s creative community will take over the city, turning neighborhood blocks into stages, galleries, and dance floors. Make the most of every moment by mapping out your experience with the Art All Night App. dcartallnight.org/aan-app

You’re invited to DC Art Now 2026, an exhibition featuring selected works by finalists for the FY27 Art Bank Program grant, administered by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. This year, the Art Bank celebrates its 40th anniversary. Established in 1986, the program supports local artists by purchasing original works and placing them in public spaces throughout District government buildings. The kickoff reception takes place tomorrow, September 10, from 6:00–8:00 PM. Reserve your spot: ow.ly/N8HC50ZLwZZ

202Creates Month is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and we’re marking the milestone by spotlighting the people, ideas, businesses, and cultural institutions that make Washington, DC a creative capital. One of the annual signature events is Art All Night, the District’s largest free, two-night arts festival, which welcomed more than 250,000 attendees last year. Art All Night returns this weekend, September 11–12. Make the most of every moment by mapping out your experience with the Art All Night App: dcartallnight.org/aan-app

This summer, Anthony Moore, Project Manager for St. Elizabeths at DMPED, led a campus tour at St. Elizabeth’s East for students from the Wise Builders Summer Camp. The program introduces students to careers in construction, and Anthony gave them a firsthand look at major projects, including Sycamore & Oak and the CareFirst Arena. Colleagues from the on‑site General Contractor and Events DC also joined, giving students an exciting opportunity to see inside the stadium. This work reflects Mayor Bowser’s commitment to preparing youth for future careers in growing industries.