It’s been an eventful week in the District with the 2026 Primary Election and the Council’s preparation for next week’s second vote on the FY27 budget. Tomorrow and Saturday also bring big events our way with the celebration of Juneteenth and Capital Pride.
Tomorrow’s holiday marks 161 years since the news of freedom reached enslaved people in Galveston, TX. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed two and half years prior, word did not reach parts of the country—including Galveston, TX—until Union soldiers advanced to share the good news, bringing an end to the centuries-long scourge and stain of slavery. Since then, generations of the descendants of enslaved people have marked June 19—or Juneteenth—as a celebration of liberation and a memorial for those for whom freedom was never fully realized. May our observance of tomorrow’s holiday deepen our commitment to true liberty and justice for all.
Please note that as the District observes Juneteenth, many government services will be modified. You can find a full overview at this link, but here’s a quick rundown:
- The Department of Public Works (DPW) will not collect household trash, recycling, or food waste on Friday, June 19. Collections will “slide” for the rest of the week into Saturday.
- The Fort Totten Transfer Station will be closed to the public on Friday, June 19. All services will resume on Saturday, June 20 for bulk trash and recycling.
- All DC Public Library locations will be closed on Friday, June 19, and will reopen on Saturday, June 20.
- All Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) recreation centers, outdoor pools, indoor aquatic centers, spray parks, and offices will be closed on Friday, June 19. Outdoor parks, fields, and playgrounds will be open. Facilities will resume normal hours on Saturday, June 20.
- All parking enforcement will be suspended on Friday, June 19, and all Department of Motor Vehicle locations will be closed.
- Metrobus and Metrorail with operate on modified schedules for the Juneteenth holiday, and on Saturday, several bus routes will be on detour due to the Pride Parade along 14th Street from T Street to Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
On Saturday, the District will hold its annual Capital Pride Parade in celebration of Pride Month! Whether you plan to join the festivities or just want to be prepared for road closures and parking restrictions, check out the parade map here. Happy Pride!
