You’re invited to our garden gatherings, Harrison happenings, and more!
The U Street Neighborhood Association supports a wide range of programming in Temperance Alley — from ecology classes to music in the garden to writing workshops and more. All are welcome to host a public & non-commercial gathering in our shared backyard. We also co-host and promote various community events across the U Street Corridor, including at Harrison Recreation Center. Signing up for our newsletter is the easiest way to make sure you never miss out on an event.
Upcoming Events
Garden Volunteer Hours
Come get your hands in the soil with our partners at Farm the District, every Saturday throughout the growing season. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning veteran, all are needed to help tend to our shared backyard.
There’s plenty of projects to keep all hands busy, including weeding, watering, composting, harvesting, repairing, crafting, and ongoing side projects. Find a partner and choose your own adventure. And don’t forget to take home your portion of the harvest.
As always, we’ll also be giving an orientation tour for newcomers. Welcome neighbors!
Patchwork Poetry
Hunker down to join for some reflective fall poetry prompts on the cyclical nature of life and the garden. We will write individual poems and then cut and combine lines to form a mosaic of collective poetry. Some portions of writing from this event will be adapted into a visual media project on the history of environmental justice around Temperance Alley Garden. All levels of non-poet and poet are encouraged and anybody who wants to read the poems for an audio recording would be greatly appreciated!
hosted by Sally
Save a Tree, Plant a Forest 🌳
Join us in our ongoing efforts to restore the ecology of the Temperance Alley Sanctuary.
This afternoon we will be, gathering non-native plants for future paper-making, transplanting native plants to give away to attendees, and planting tree and understory seedlings. The goal of the event is to increase the genetic and species diversity in the sanctuary in order to restore the ecology of the space. Learn how to rescue plant seedlings around your neighborhood, how to temporarily keep them alive in a pot, and how / where to plant them so they can thrive.
The Temperance Sanctuary is a new extension of the Temperance Alley Garden – a place to quiet down, to observe, and to cultivate reciprocity between ourselves and the land. Come join us in the visioning and stewardship of Temperance Sanctuary: as a time capsule of Indigenous history and stewardship, native food/micro forest to bring back native biodiversity, and an ecological classroom to foster and practice our stewardship. If you’re interested in any of these topics, we welcome you to join us in its design and execution!
Hosted by Chandan and Amy
Fall Foliage Fandango!
Let's gather and marvel at the wonderful beauty present in the autumnal foliage that is currently peaking in our area! Take some time before coming to the garden to truly notice the details of the leaves you encounter and bring a favorite(s) to the garden for a show and tell. Look for cool coloring and/or imagery! Come prepared to explore the basic science about why and how exactly leaves put on a colorful show this time of year. Seasonal snacks will be provided :)
hosted by Stephen
Night Yoga in the Garden
FINAL MONTH OF OUTDOOR FLOWS…
All levels flow in the garden for our community donation-suggested classes with the crispy leaves, warm candles, and starry sky. Perfect for grounding and centering. Bring yourself, water, and a mat (we’ll have a few extra on hand).
hosted by a rotating group of local facilitators
Breathe Easy: Group Meditation
Our meditation community meets weekly to re-center, connect, and cultivate intentions. With a mix of guided, silent, and relational practice, we ground ourselves in presence and compassion. All levels of experience warmly welcomed.
Hosted by regulars and guests alike, bring a practice for the circle to share.
Donation Harvest for Martha’s Table
Our midweek harvest is donated to Martha’s Table through a long-running partnership with Farm the District. Join us every hump day at 7 to beat the heat and give back to the community.
Creatives Club & Community Jam
Come through for Garden music and muses!
Come gather for some productive artistic time together while the garden is blooming around us. Bring a project you're working on, your instrument of choice, or just come socialize with fellow creatives. Some basic art supplies will be provided.
hosted by Cory & Creatives Club DC
Garden Volunteer Hours
Come get your hands in the soil with our partners at Farm the District, every Saturday throughout the growing season. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning veteran, all are needed to help tend to our shared backyard.
There’s plenty of projects to keep all hands busy, including weeding, watering, composting, harvesting, repairing, crafting, and ongoing side projects. Find a partner and choose your own adventure. And don’t forget to take home your portion of the harvest.
As always, we’ll also be giving an orientation tour for newcomers. Welcome neighbors!
Embodying The Elements: Shine Your Light
Join Sisi SoulShine of Soul Shine Theater Garden for a playful dance workshop to compassionately connect to our hearts, minds, and bodies, while tending to the inner gardens of our souls.
Through dance, storytelling, and games, we will actively reflect on our interconnection with nature and embody earth, water, fire, air, and our final element, LIGHT.
You will be guided and have the space to generate your own unique movements. You do not need any previous dance experience, only the desire to explore, learn, dance, and the commitment to connect to your body and listen. Together, we will practice communal joy, inviting joy not absent of grief, heartache, tragedy but alongside and despite of. These workshops are for all (designed specifically for ages 9 and up).
I recommend children are accompanied by and participate with adults, so this can be something for the whole family!
Please consider supporting Soul Shine Theater Garden with a donation at the gate.
Aaron Swartz Day: Film Screening
NOW SHOWING :: The Internet’s Own Boy
Are you passionate about civic engagement and internet freedom? Join us for a film screening about the life of activist Aaron Swartz in honor of his legacy.
hosted by Hope
TAG StoryKeeping Circle
STARTING AT 6PM
Our dedicated time for reflective listening to all that’s budding within the Garden ecosystem. The rearview mirror where stories from the previous month can be shared in community. Bring a TAG story to share or discover one based on the evening’s prompts.
StoryKeeping Circles are held on the middle Monday of each month. All are welcome to participate fully.
hosted by Josh & Aaron
Night Yoga in the Garden
dress warm…
All levels flow in the garden for our community donation-suggested classes with the crispy leaves, warm candles, and starry sky. Perfect for grounding and centering. Bring yourself, water, and a mat (we’ll have a few extra on hand).
hosted by a rotating group of local facilitators
Breathe Easy: Group Meditation
Our meditation community meets weekly to re-center, connect, and cultivate intentions. With a mix of guided, silent, and relational practice, we ground ourselves in presence and compassion. All levels of experience warmly welcomed.
Hosted by regulars and guests alike, bring a practice for the circle to share.
Donation Harvest for Martha’s Table
Our midweek harvest is donated to Martha’s Table through a long-running partnership with Farm the District. Join us every hump day at 7 to beat the heat and give back to the community.
Creatives Club & Community Jam
Our final meet-up in the Garden for the year!
Come gather for some productive artistic time together while the garden is blooming around us. Bring a project you're working on, your instrument of choice, or just come socialize with fellow creatives. Some basic art supplies will be provided.
hosted by Cory & Creatives Club DC
Garden Volunteer Hours
Come get your hands in the soil with our partners at Farm the District, every Saturday throughout the growing season. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning veteran, all are needed to help tend to our shared backyard.
There’s plenty of projects to keep all hands busy, including weeding, watering, composting, harvesting, repairing, crafting, and ongoing side projects. Find a partner and choose your own adventure. And don’t forget to take home your portion of the harvest.
As always, we’ll also be giving an orientation tour for newcomers. Welcome neighbors!
Poetry Showcase & Open Mic 🎤
Come join the Creatives Club Biweekly Poetry Workshop for some poetry readings in the Garden!
After our workshop members read their work, the larger community is welcome to read their own pieces for the open mic portion of the evening. Some light refreshments will be provided. Everyone is welcome, no matter their experience level! 🌸
If you'd like to join us for our poetry workshop series, we meet every two weeks on Mondays from 6:30-8:30 PM in the MLK Library; check out the Creatives Club instagram for more information.
hosted by Jenny
TAGsgiving Potluck
It’s an end of year tradition—let’s prepare the Table and welcome all Neighbors to the Feast!
Bring your favorite dishes to share, especially with anything we’ve grown from the Garden this year. Our end of season bounty will nourish bodies, minds, and spirits well into Winter’s darkest days!
hosted by all the Garden’s Stewards :)
Eye Contact Exploration
What happens when we truly see each other? In this practice, we’ll explore presence and connection through sustained silent eye contact. We’ll reflect on why eye contact can feel uncomfortable or vulnerable, and how it can deepen empathy and understanding. This gathering invites curiosity, openness, and mindful connection.
hosted by Cassie
Night Yoga in the Garden
final few classes…
All levels flow in the garden for our community donation-suggested classes with the crispy leaves, warm candles, and starry sky. Perfect for grounding and centering. Bring yourself, water, and a mat (we’ll have a few extra on hand).
hosted by a rotating group of local facilitators
Breathe Easy: Group Meditation
Our meditation community meets weekly to re-center, connect, and cultivate intentions. With a mix of guided, silent, and relational practice, we ground ourselves in presence and compassion. All levels of experience warmly welcomed.
Hosted by regulars and guests alike, bring a practice for the circle to share.
Music in the Garden
details incoming…
Join the Garden plants and critters for an evening of home-grown music –– somewhere between a house show and barnyard jam. While tipping the bands is encouraged the event is free and open to all. Bring a blanket to sit on and snacks to share :)
hosted by Lucy and produced by Swataa
Pilates in the Garden
An invigorating Pilates flow meant to lengthen and strengthen. Beginner friendly.
BYO water and a mat (we’ll have a few extra on hand).
facilitated by Mikayla
Garden Volunteer Hours
FINAL FALL DAYS IN THE GARDEN…
Come get your hands in the soil with our partners at Farm the District, every Saturday throughout the growing season. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning veteran, all are needed to help tend to our shared backyard.
There’s plenty of projects to keep all hands busy, including weeding, watering, composting, harvesting, repairing, crafting, and ongoing side projects. Find a partner and choose your own adventure. And don’t forget to take home your portion of the harvest.
As always, we’ll also be giving an orientation tour for newcomers. Welcome neighbors!
Sip and Stir Society: Mocktail Crafting
Join us for a winter themed, hands-on workshop where you'll learn the art of crafting sophisticated, delicious, and beautifully presented non-alc beverages. Forget sugary, flat substitutes—this class will teach you how to create complex, high-end "zero-proof" cocktails that are just as exciting as their alcoholic counterparts.
BYO Shaker, if ya have one!
hosted by Gabi
Night Yoga in the Garden
FULL OF THANKS FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF TUESDAY FLOWS!
All levels flow in the garden for our community donation-suggested classes with the crispy leaves, warm candles, and starry sky. Perfect for grounding and centering. Bring yourself, water, and a mat (we’ll have a few extra on hand).
hosted by a rotating group of local facilitators
Garden Volunteer Hours
~HIBERNATION MODE
Come get your hands in the soil with our partners at Farm the District, every Saturday throughout the growing season. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning veteran, all are needed to help tend to our shared backyard.
There’s plenty of projects to keep all hands busy, including weeding, watering, composting, harvesting, repairing, crafting, and ongoing side projects. Find a partner and choose your own adventure. And don’t forget to take home your portion of the harvest.
As always, we’ll also be giving an orientation tour for newcomers. Welcome neighbors!
The Comedy Club Takeover: U Street Showcase
The DC Prince Hall Masonic Temple is hosting their first event this Thursday October 30th 2025 at the Historic DC Prince Hall Masonic Ballroom located at 1000 U Street NW Washington DC 20001. It’s a comely show with 4-5 nationally touring comedians. Doors open at 7pm with the show starting at 8pm. There is food and drinks for purchase.
Donation Harvest for Martha’s Table
Our midweek harvest is donated to Martha’s Table through a long-running partnership with Farm the District. Join us every hump day at 7 to beat the heat and give back to the community.
Breathe Easy: Group Meditation
Our meditation community meets weekly to re-center, connect, and cultivate intentions. With a mix of guided, silent, and relational practice, we ground ourselves in presence and compassion. All levels of experience warmly welcomed.
Hosted by regulars and guests alike, bring a practice for the circle to share.
Halloween Gong Bath
No tricks, just the treat of sweet gong sounds!
Join local artist Naoco Wowsugi and Maya Glicksman for an experience like no other. The gong's otherworldly sounds and vibrations open the door to delightful, relaxing meditative states.
Come let it wash over you – please bring a mat to lie down on and water to drink (the more you hydrate, the more you vibrate!)
Naoco Wowsugi is a community-engaged artist who blurs the lines between being an artist and an engaged citizen. As a first-generation immigrant living and working in Washington, DC, Wowsugi's cross-disciplinary projects—including portrait photography, participatory performance, sound healing, and horticulture—explore the nature of belonging and inclusive community building.
IG: Naoco @wowsugi & Maya @m.glicks
Website: wowsugi.com
Garden Gong Baths are supported by the kind people @oppagenda.
Yoga in the Garden
All levels flow in the garden for our community donation-suggested classes with the beautiful greenery and open blue sky. Perfect for grounding and centering. Bring yourself, water, and a mat (we’ll have a few extra on hand).
hosted by a rotating group of local facilitators
TAG HouseKeeping Circle
Our official calendaring meeting for our final month of the season : NOVEMBER.
Bring any business you may have or partner with at Stump Fellow to program your submitted event ideas. Anyone can join as we discuss garden event planning, budgeting, and partnerships. Your ideas and energy are more than welcome! Come early to mingle and brainstorm your ideas before submitting.
*HouseKeeping Circles happen at the end of each month, they are the functional meetings where we calendar events for the next month of programming, approve any new spending, and can vote to change any Garden policies if needed. These meetings have official minutes that keep a record of our decisions and are shared with the rest of the U Street Neighborhood Association for transparency.
Seaton St Block Party
On Saturday, October 25, join your neighbors for a block party on Seaton St! Come out from 4-7pm for a potluck and meet each other, learn about local history, get community updates, and enjoy music, food, and artmaking. This event is family-friendly and pet-friendly (on leashes)! If you'd like to contribute to the block party, you can sign up to volunteer or bring a dish/item here. Feel free to invite others, and hope to see you there!
Replenishment Gathering for Collective Struggle
We're so excited to partner with Freedom Healers DC to offer an upcoming healing space on October 25!
Join us in this immaculate garden for an afternoon of rejuvenating community care and connection. We especially encourage you to come if you've been impacted by ICE abductions, or other grief, anxiety, and violence inflicted by the federal occupation of DC.
hosted by Maggie
Improv at the Garden
Improvisational theater is an unplanned, spontaneously and collaboratively created experience that exists only in the present moment. A moment that ends as quickly as it starts, like the flame on a match.
Improv at the Garden will be a series of Improv games and warm-ups that help us align with being present in the moment. It will culminate in a 10-minute montage where we can take what we learn in the warm-ups to create an experience that will never be made again.
Temperance Alley Garden is the perfect host; much like Improv Temperance exists in a temporary space, it may not exist forever, but that does not mean the stories it tells or the relationships it fosters are not meaningful. Both Improv and Temperance teach us to truly savor the moment, pay attention, actively listen, and most importantly, engage with each other.
hosted by Kunal
Garden Volunteer Hours
Come get your hands in the soil with our partners at Farm the District, every Saturday throughout the growing season. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning veteran, all are needed to help tend to our shared backyard.
There’s plenty of projects to keep all hands busy, including weeding, watering, composting, harvesting, repairing, crafting, and ongoing side projects. Find a partner and choose your own adventure. And don’t forget to take home your portion of the harvest.
As always, we’ll also be giving an orientation tour for newcomers. Welcome neighbors!
Music in the Garden ft. SIRAN and Los Locos
Go wild for the musical talents of SIRAN and Los Locos!
SIRAN is a dark pop-rock project born out of Prince Georges County Maryland from brother-sister duo Tiara and Greg Byrd. Musicians by trade, they combine their influences being raised by a jazz musician and listening to grunge and indie rock from the 90s and 00s. We want people to let their hearts hang low as layered guitars wash over them in rapture when they hear our music. To give them the space to cry and dance at the same time, because life is f*** up and beautiful like that.
Los Locos is a musicalized poetry project that blends cumbia, rock, and jazz to explore themes of immigration, identity, and latinidad. Using a wide range of Latin American rhythms, Los Locos brings poetry into spaces where it’s rarely found - from bars and street corners to music stages and cultural gatherings. Unapologetic and unfiltered, Los Locos breaks open the space between music and poetry, daring audiences to keep up.
Join the Garden plants and critters for an evening of home-grown music –– somewhere between a house show and barnyard jam. While tipping the bands is encouraged the event is free and open to all. Bring a blanket to sit on and snacks to share :)
produced by Swataa and Lucy
Alley Wedding Celebration: Tree Planting Ceremony & Potluck/Grillout
Two beloved Temperance Alley community members, Blaire and Riley, are celebrating their love this weekend with a wedding!
Join us Thursday by 5:30pm for a Tree Planting Unity Ceremony to commemorate their union, to be followed by a potluck and grill-out from 6pm onward.
While some snacks and refreshments will be provided at 5, and we will have limited grilling supplies available, please bring a dish if you intend to eat dinner here.
hosted by Blaire, Riley, and friends
Donation Harvest for Martha’s Table
Our midweek harvest is donated to Martha’s Table through a long-running partnership with Farm the District. Join us every hump day at 7 to beat the heat and give back to the community.
Breathe Easy: Group Meditation
Our meditation community meets weekly to re-center, connect, and cultivate intentions. With a mix of guided, silent, and relational practice, we ground ourselves in presence and compassion. All levels of experience warmly welcomed.
Hosted by regulars and guests alike, bring a practice for the circle to share.
Reimagining Work: Monthly Peer Support Group
Have disability, grief, or burnout shifted your ability to keep up with the demands of a full time work schedule? Were you laid off by DOGE? Are you intentionally disengaging from hustle culture? Then this is the group for you!
Join us in the garden for a lightly facilitated peer support circle to share about your experiences, exchange information, and connect together. Community will get us through these hard times!
hosted by Milo and Ray
Gong Bath
Back for Fall!
Join local artist Naoco Wowsugi and Maya Glicksman for an experience like no other. The gong's otherworldly sounds and vibrations open the door to delightful, relaxing meditative states.
Come let it wash over you – please bring a mat to lie down on and water to drink (the more you hydrate, the more you vibrate!)
Naoco Wowsugi is a community-engaged artist who blurs the lines between being an artist and an engaged citizen. As a first-generation immigrant living and working in Washington, DC, Wowsugi's cross-disciplinary projects—including portrait photography, participatory performance, sound healing, and horticulture—explore the nature of belonging and inclusive community building.
IG: Naoco @wowsugi & Maya @m.glicks
Website: wowsugi.com
Garden Gong Baths are supported by the kind people @oppagenda.
Yoga in the Garden
All levels flow in the garden for our community donation-suggested classes with the beautiful greenery and open blue sky. Perfect for grounding and centering. Bring yourself, water, and a mat (we’ll have a few extra on hand).
hosted by a rotating group of local facilitators
Movie Night: Over the Garden Wall
Back by popular demand! Come one come all—hop over the (Temperance Alley) garden wall and get cozy for this fall favorite. We'll watch all ten mini-episodes of this charming (family-friendly!) story of adventure, courage, and brotherhood.
Bring a blanket and your favorite snacks! We'll have plenty of seating, but if you have a favorite portable chair, you're welcome to bring that.
hosted by Cory
Garden Death Cafe 💀
Gather in Temperance Alley Garden during the Day of the Dead for our third annual Death Cafe!
Death Cafe is a global movement facilitating thoughts and discussion about the often taboo subject of death. *please note that Death Cafe is not a grief support group*
Join us in a candle-lit, intimate, and informal gathering to discuss death while eating cake and drinking tea! There is not set agenda, objective, or specific theme — we are here to explore death together :)
hosted by Jacob
Prayers in the Garden
You are invited to wander, witness, and water your joy in this original theater garden (™) creation!
Prayers in the Garden is Sisi SoulShine’s ritual dance language that weaves together song, poetry, dance, and story sharing as we dialogue with the earth and Temperance Alley Garden. Sisi will be joined by esteemed guest dancer and community elder, Ms. Judith Bauer, for storytelling about the local history of the U St. neighborhood and honoring the ancestors.
Prayers in the Garden is the culmination of Soul Shine Theater Garden’s (™) first season entitled “Wild Faith: Believe. Blossom. Become.” and the 2025 Artist in Residence at Temperance Alley Garden where Sisi has facilitated monthly Embodying the Elements dance workshops. In Prayers in the Garden, Sisi’s Black Queer Woman body is the altar, prayer, and garden as she embodies and calls on the elements of nature.
Accessibility Information: There is NO BATHROOM on site. The nearest public bathroom would be the Brew on U Café or 14th Street Trader Joe’s. The space is outdoors, open air with limited shade structures. Read More Here.
+ Please consider supporting Soul Shine Theater Garden with a donation at the gate.
Hacky Sack Kickback
Come hack the sack at the Hacky Sack Kickback. Hacky sacks will be provided, just bring those feet.
hosted by Jacob
Garden Volunteer Hours
Come get your hands in the soil with our partners at Farm the District, every Saturday throughout the growing season. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning veteran, all are needed to help tend to our shared backyard.
There’s plenty of projects to keep all hands busy, including weeding, watering, composting, harvesting, repairing, crafting, and ongoing side projects. Find a partner and choose your own adventure. And don’t forget to take home your portion of the harvest.
As always, we’ll also be giving an orientation tour for newcomers. Welcome neighbors!
Plant Party + TAG’s 5th Birthday
Come dressed as your favorite plant to celebrate the turn of the seasons and play some plant themed party games! Teach us how to identify your costume or craft some new growth.
hosted by Chloe, Maggie, & Aaron
Creatives Club & Community Jam
Come through for Garden music and muses!
Come gather for some productive artistic time together while the garden is blooming around us. Bring a project you're working on, your instrument of choice, or just come socialize with fellow creatives. Some basic art supplies will be provided.
hosted by Cory & Creatives Club DC
Donation Harvest for Martha’s Table
Our midweek harvest is donated to Martha’s Table through a long-running partnership with Farm the District. Join us every hump day at 7 to beat the heat and give back to the community.
Breathe Easy: Group Meditation
Our meditation community meets weekly to re-center, connect, and cultivate intentions. With a mix of guided, silent, and relational practice, we ground ourselves in presence and compassion. All levels of experience warmly welcomed.
Hosted by regulars and guests alike, bring a practice for the circle to share.
TAG StoryKeeping Circle
Our dedicated time for reflective listening to all that’s budding within the Garden ecosystem. The rearview mirror where stories from the previous month can be shared in community. Bring a TAG story to share or discover one based on the evening’s prompts.
StoryKeeping Circles are held on the middle Monday of each month. All are welcome to participate fully.
hosted by Josh & Aaron
Yoga in the Garden
All levels flow in the garden for our community donation-suggested classes with the beautiful greenery and open blue sky. Perfect for grounding and centering. Bring yourself, water, and a mat (we’ll have a few extra on hand).
hosted by a rotating group of local facilitators
National Coming Out Day: Queer Storytelling Circle
In honor of National Coming Out Day, gather with queer folks from across generations to tell our own stories of love, loss, joy, heartbreak, and everything in between.
Share a tale of tragedy or triumph from your latest u-haul experience or friends to lovers situation. Tell us about the one that got away or even your own coming out story.
This isn’t a performance & no storytelling experience is needed. LGBTQ+ friends/allies welcome!
hosted by Sarah
Pumpkin Carving & Painting ~ Families Welcome!
Join us for a fun-filled morning in the garden as we welcome fall with pumpkin carving and painting! Bring the whole family, spend time with neighbors, and get ready to be messy!
We’ll provide the paints and some pumpkins and supplies, but any additions are welcome.
hosted by Shira
Stay in the U
Sign up for the U Street Neighborhood Association’s monthly newsletter, and we’ll keep you posted on upcoming events and neighborhood happenings. You can also subscribe to our Instagram, Twitter, Google Calendar, and iCal.