Freedom Forum’s 1A Fest Returns to The Wharf – Oct. 11

Washington, D.C. (Oct. 6, 2025) — Freedom Forum, a national nonprofit dedicated to fostering First Amendment freedoms for all, will host its fourth annual 1A Fest on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 2-6 p.m. at The Wharf’s District Pier in Washington, D.C.

1A Fest 2025 is a free, family-friendly celebration of the everyday freedoms brought to you by the First Amendment. This year’s festival features live music, dance, food, art, giveaways and interactive activities that showcase the power of free expression.

Program highlights include:

• 2 p.m. – Grateful Dead for Kids
  Ed Hough’s Dead Collective brings the iconic music of the Grateful Dead to life for all ages.
• 3:30 p.m. – Country Line Dancing
  DC Stampede will perform and teach line dancing to festivalgoers.
• 5 p.m. – R&B and Go-Go
  The Too Much Talent Band delivers a high-energy blend of hip-hop, R&B, pop, soul, funk, jazz and go-go.
• Host: Hot 99.5’s Elizabethany
  Radio personality Elizabethany will host the program.
• Special Appearance by WAMU 88.5’s Arts & Culture reporter Darryl C. Murphy 

New activations for 1A Fest 2025include The First Studio, presented in partnership with WAMU 88.5. The First Studio is a pop-up audio experience where attendees can step into a recording booth to share what the First Amendment means to them. These reflections may be featured on WAMU 88.5 platforms, amplifying community voices and perspectives on free expression.

Festivalgoers can also explore the interactive Freedom Experience, where they’ll engage with the five First Amendment freedoms — religion, speech, press, assembly and petition — and witness what’s at stake when those freedoms are lost.

Complimentary perks available throughout the festival include First Amendment-themed swag, a tote bag personalization station, balloon art, caricatures, face painting and the Flavor of Freedoms tent featuring free food and beverage from Colada Shop, Southwest Soda Pop Shop and Republic Restoratives Distillery.

1A Fest 2025 is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

What: 1A Fest, presented by Freedom Forum
Where: District Pier at The Wharf
760 Maine Ave., SW
Washington, D.C. 20024

When: Saturday, Oct. 11
2-6 p.m.

Who: Hot 99.5 Radio personality Elizabethany
WAMU 88.5’s Arts & Culture reporter Darryl C. Murphy
Ed Hough’s Dead Collective
DC Stampede
Too Much Talent Band