Oct 11

Applications are open for the 2021 VNMS Holiday Pop-Up! 

​Local makers, crafters and artists - applications are now open for the 6th Annual Van Ness Main Street Holiday Pop-Up on Saturday, December 11th from 11am-5pm. This event takes place outside in Van Ness, Forest Hills and Wakefield. The application deadline is November 5th - apply today!!
https://forms.gle/zX3UEYiaDewbjorQ8

Sept 21

Our Handout is now available!

Check out our ART ALL NIGHT schedule! You can pick one up in person tomorrow (Fri, 9/24) from 5-11pm at the AAN 2021 Welcome Center (4340 Connecticut Ave) + shop from 20 local artisans at the Pop-Up Gallery!
​
Then, continue your Art All Night adventure along Connecticut Ave where you'll find outdoor music, art, dance, film and fun - all evening, all free! You can even take a pedicab from Van Ness to Forest Hills/Wakefield. Learn more: vnmsaan2021.eventbrite.com

Sept 21

Thank you AAN Sponsors! 

Thank you to the sponsors of ART ALL NIGHT Van Ness, happening THIS Friday, Sept 24th, 5-11 PM!! 

Sept 12

Take a free PediCab during ART ALL NIGHT!

​We're excited to partner with DC Pedicab to help transport ART ALL NIGHT attendees between performances along Connecticut Ave in Van Ness and Wakefield/Forest Hills. We can't wait to see you on Friday, September 24th, 5-11pm for an exciting night full of art, music, dance and film! Free!

Register: https://vnmsaan2021.eventbrite.com

Aug 10

​If you're holding tickets to tomorrow night's sold-out performance of Black Panther at the UDC Amphitheater, please note there is a NEW TIME -- showtime is now at 8:30pm (instead of 9pm). The park will open at 7:30pm to gather and enjoy a picnic from one of our local businesses. See you tomorrow!

Aug 10

​If you're holding tickets to tomorrow night's sold-out performance of Black Panther at the UDC Amphitheater, please note there is a NEW TIME -- showtime is now at 8:30pm (instead of 9pm). The park will open at 7:30pm to gather and enjoy a picnic from one of our local businesses. See you tomorrow!

Aug 3

​Become a Sponsor of Van Ness Main Street's Art All Night celebration! 

Van Ness Main Street's 2021 Art All Night takes place on Friday, September 24th! It will be an evening filled with music, performance and art along Connecticut Ave in Van Ness, Forest Hills and Wakefield. To help make this event a big success, we are looking for sponsors to support that evening’s events. Interested sponsors may email Executive Director Gloria Garcia at gloria@VanNessMainStreet.org. 
 
$5000 Host
Host recognition with logo in all event materials: emails, flyers, webpage, and Forest Hills Connection, radio and TV spots
Opportunity to host one of the evening’s activations
Opportunity for branded swag giveaways to all attendees
Mentions by each performer before live performance as appropriate
Logo recognition before finale move that evening at the UDC amphitheater
Year-Round logo and hyperlink recognition on the our VNMS Donor Circle on our website
 
$2500 Benefactor
Recognition with logo in all event materials: emails, flyers, webpage, and Forest Hills Connection
Opportunity for branded swag giveaways to all attendees
Logo recognition before finale movie that evening at the UDC amphitheater
Year-Round logo recognition on the our VNMS Donor Circle on our website
 
$1000 Supporter
Recognition with listing in all event materials: emails, flyers, webpage, and Forest Hills Connection
Listing recognition before finale movie that evening at the UDC amphitheater
Year-Round listing recognition on the our VNMS Donor Circle on our website
 
$500 Friend
Recognition with listing all event materials: emails, flyers, webpage, and Forest Hills Connection
Listing recognition before finale movie that evening at the UDC amphitheater
 
In-Kind Donations
Art All Night can be made even more special with non-monetary contributions that transform the experience for all and create brand equity for contributing partners. All are welcome to provide any in-kind donations to enhance the Art All Night experience for our guests that special evening
​

July 20

​Art All Night is coming to Van Ness Main Street! Friday, September 24th! 

We're looking for local artists and artisans to show and sell their work during Van Ness Main Street's ART ALL NIGHT event on Friday, September 24th. Send an email of interest with information on what you create to info@VanNessMainStreet.org. Feel free to share! #VNMSAAN2021

July 19

​Art All Night is coming to Van Ness Main Street! Friday, September 24th! 

​Tickets now available! Van Ness Main Street celebrates Art All Night 2021 Friday, September 24th with music, art and performances popping up all around Wakefield, Forest Hills and Van Ness!
As part of our AAN 2021 celebration, we'll gather in the UDC Amphitheater for live music and a flamenco dance performance on stage prior to the film. RSVP if you plan to stay for the showing of Coco: https://aan2021coco.eventbrite.com. Stay tuned for the full schedule of events and performances.
The 2021 Art All Night Festival is funded by the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities and is made possible by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development.

June 14

​Sponsorship Opportunity! Movie Night in the Park at the UDC Amphitheater 

Join Calvert Woodley Fine Wines & Spirits, Comet Ping Pong, Superlative Events and Heidi Brown to sponsor Movie Night in the Park at the UDC Amphitheater!

In partnership with the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), VNMS is thrilled to offer Movie Night in the Park at the UDC Amphitheater. Nestled in the hillside, socially distanced movie goers will be able to enjoy a seven-movie series at no charge this summer:

We hope this will help our community enjoy the beautiful outdoor space and hit reset on group movie watching after a long year indoors! Please join us in sponsoring our movie series in these ways:
 
$5000 Host
Logo in all movie series materials: emails, flyers, webpage, and Forest Hills Connection movie series features
60 second video ad before each movie
Logo recognition before each movie
Year-Round logo and hyperlink recognition on the our VNMS Donor Circle on our website
 
$2500 Benefactor
Logo in all movie series materials: emails, flyers, webpage, and Forest Hills Connection movie series features
30 second video ad before each movie
Logo recognition before each movie
Year-Round logo recognition on the our VNMS Donor Circle on our website
 
$1000 Supporter
Listing in all movie series materials: emails, flyers, webpage, and Forest Hills Connection movie series features
Static ad before each movie
Listing recognition before each movie
Year-Round listing recognition on the our VNMS Donor Circle on our website
 
$500 Friend
Listing in all movie series materials: emails, flyers, webpage, and Forest Hills Connection movie series features
Listing recognition before each movie
Year-Round listing recognition on the our VNMS Donor Circle on our website
 
In-Kind Donations
Movie night can be made even more special with goodies to enjoy. All businesses are welcome to provide any in-kind donations to enhance the movie experience for one or all nights and if not a Host, Benefactor, Supporter, or Friend already, will receive:

Listing recognition before each movie
Year-Round listing recognition on the our VNMS Donor Circle on our website

Please send an inquiry of interest to info@VanNessMainStreet.org

June 14

​Movie Night in the Park at the UDC Amphitheater Kicks Off with Moonstruck!!

Opening night: Moonstruck. Rated PG, running time 1 hr 41 mins
Wednesday, June 23rd. Gathering time 8pm. Film begins at 9pm

Van Ness Main Street and the University of the District of Columbia are joining forces this summer to host “Movie Night in the Park @ UDC Amphitheater". Movie night reservations are required via Eventbrite but attendance is free.  VNMSMovies.eventbrite.com
We encourage everyone to bring a picnic - dinner, drinks, or snacks from one of our local eateries to enjoy before or during the film.
​
Movie Night in the Park kicks off Wednesday, June 23rd with a film full of love, family, and laughs - the timeless Oscar award-winning classic, Moonstruck, starring the iconic Cher, Nicolas Cage, Olympia Dukakis, Vincent Gardenia and Danny Aiello. A full moon, a New York City night, and love and music in the air. One of the most enchanting romantic comedies of all time assembles a flawless ensemble cast for a tender and boisterously funny look at a multigenerational Italian American family in Brooklyn, wrestling with the complexities of love and marriage at every stage of life.

"...perfectly beautiful, thoughtful, poignant, funny, and fun. Like the full moon, it is enchanting to look at time and again." -- Movie Metropolis

About the venue: Nestled in a hillside, the UDC Amphitheater is located in the woods off Yuma Street behind the UDC tennis courts. It is accessible via walking paths from either Yuma Street or Windom Place.

Movie Night in the Park at the UDC Amphitheater is Presented by VNMS and UDC. Sponsorship provided by Calvert Woodley Fine Wines & Spirits , Superlative Events and Heidi Brown. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email info@VanNessMainStreet.org

Movie Night in the Park at the UDC Amphitheater
6/23 Moonstruck
6/30 Moana
7/14 Jurassic Park
7/21 Mamma Mia!
8/11 Black Panther
8/18 Hidden Figures

May 24th

​SAVE THE DATE! Carpe Librum ("seize the book") pops up inside and outside of the VNMS office on Sat., June 5th from 10am - 5pm!

​​​SAVE THE DATE! Carpe Librum ("seize the book") pops up inside and outside of the VNMS office on Sat., June 5th from 10am - 5pm!
Come out to shop, save and support - you just might find a new treasure! Shop from thousands of gently used books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records donated by the public, all for under $6! All proceeds go to Turning the Page in support of their program initiatives. 4340 Connecticut Ave. Learn more about this wonderful organization at http://turningthepage.orgturningthepage.org

May 20th

VNMS Newsletter, May 20th, 2021

​​Coming to Van Ness Main Street - Movies in the Park!
Read all about it in today's VNMS newsletter. Be sure to sign up at the top of the page so you don't miss reopening updates and summer event news in Van Ness, Wakefield and Forest Hills! https://conta.cc/3yso1W6

May 4th

Join us for the Van Ness Main Street Virtual Annual Meeting - this Friday!

​THIS FRIDAY MORNING! Join us for the Van Ness Main Street Virtual Annual Meeting, 9-10am via Zoom. We'll take a look at 2020, where we are today, and fill you in on exciting plans we have for the future. #StrongerTogether
Read the 2020 Annual Report here.
Zoom info: https://fb.me/e/1DCNY3YVU

April 28

Join us as we Celebrate the Heart of Van Ness Main Street! 

​Celebrate the Heart of Van Ness Main Street during National Small Business Month!
Join us Sunday, May 16th from 1-4pm as we stroll the avenue in Van Ness, Wakefield and Forest Hills to enjoy food and drink specials, a Selfie Scavenger Hunt, sidewalk chalk art (for all ages), a Barks & Brews patio pop-up, our new Spring NOW plantings and more! Stay tuned for more details! Follow the event on Facebook for the latest details, or on our Eventbrite page.
 

April 22

Happy Earth Day! VNMS 4/22/21 Newsletter

Happy Earth Day! Check out this week's newsletter to catch up on the latest Spring NOW news, and learn about three VNMS Earth Week events taking place this weekend. Be sure to sign up at the top of the page so you don't miss the latest happenings in Van Ness, Wakefield and Forest Hills! https://conta.cc/3ebsYJe

April 14

VNMS Weekly Newsletter, 4/14/21

This week's VNMS Newsletter is out! Catch up on the latest and be sure to sign up at the top of the page so you don't miss the latest happenings in Van Ness, Wakefield and Forest Hills! https://conta.cc/3uOb4mI

April 8

​HRA's PET PANTRY COMES TO VAN NESS MAIN STREET this Saturday, April 10th from 11am to 1pm.

HRA's PET PANTRY COMES TO VAN NESS MAIN STREET this Saturday, April 10th from 11am to 1pm.
The Humane Rescue Alliance's Pet Pantry will be set up outside of our office at 4340 Connecticut Ave. from 11am until 1pm, giving out free cat and dog food to DC residents who need support in feeding their pets. Please feel free to share this event with those that may benefit from this service. Questions? Contact the HOPE program at 202-735-0334

Mar
​24

VNMS Weekly Newsletter, 3/24/21

This week's VNMS Newsletter is out! Catch up on the latest and be sure to sign up at the top of the page so you don't miss the latest happenings in Van Ness, Wakefield and Forest Hills! https://conta.cc/3cftqq8

Mar
​19

Connecticut Ave NW Reversible Lane Operations & Safety Study

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2021
 
Media Contacts
Lauren Stephens (DDOT)     (202) 465-6112, lauren.stephens@dc.gov
Mariam Nabizad (DDOT)      (202) 359-2678, mariam.nabizad@dc.gov
 
Connecticut Avenue NW Reversible Lane Safety and Operations Study Virtual Public Meeting
 
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will host two virtual public meetings to present an overview of the Connecticut Avenue NW Reversible Lane Safety and Operations Study including the technical analysis and preliminary concept designs. The virtual meetings will be held on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 and Thursday, April 1, 2021; the same information will be presented during both meetings.
 
The Connecticut Avenue NW Reversible Lane Safety and Operations Study assesses the multimodal (vehicular, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian) operational and safety impacts associated with removing or maintaining/improving the existing reversible lane system and improving multimodal accessibility (e.g., consideration of adding protected bicycle lanes). The project area is 2.7 miles long with the primary area from Connecticut Avenue at Legation Street NW to Calvert Street NW. The secondary project area is bordered by Wisconsin Avenue to the west, Broad Branch Road to the east, Dupont Circle to the south, and Western Avenue to the north.
Through the study, DDOT aims to:

• Reduce crashes and conflict points while enhancing safety for all modes, and roadway users as well as pedestrians
• Incorporate additional mobility options along the corridor (e.g., protected bicycle lanes)

• Assess feasibility of removing Reversible Lane Operation
• Determine feasibility of reducing capacity along Connecticut Avenue and the effect on adjacent roadways
• Advance Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Vision Zero goals

During the meeting, DDOT will offer topic-specific learning rooms which will run consecutively and allow stakeholders to concentrate on a specific project topic area. The Learning Rooms will be moderated by members of the project team and will occur either prior to or after the general meeting.
 
What: Connecticut Avenue NW Reversible Lane Safety and Operations Study Public Meeting
 
When:
Tuesday, March 30, 2021 General Meeting: 9:30 a.m.
Topic-Specific Learning Rooms: 1-hour consecutive sessions at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
11:00 a.m. - Concept Review/Evaluation
12:00 p.m. - Traffic Analysis/Parking

​Thursday, April 1, 2021 General Meeting: 7:00 p.m.
Topic-Specific Learning Rooms: 1-hour consecutive sessions at 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. - Concept Review/Evaluation
6:00 p.m. - Traffic Analysis/Parking
 
NOTE: The same information will be provided on both days.
 
Where:  To attend by Webex:
https://rebrand.ly/CTAveRevLane Event Number: 160 356 5987 Event Password: DDOTCtAve2021
 
To attend by phone – Call In Instructions:

• Dial the US Toll – Washington D.C. Phone Number: +1-202-860-2110
• Dial the meeting’s Access Code: 160 356 5987, followed by the # key.

The Webex system will prompt you for an Attendee ID, this is not required. Press the # key to join the meeting.
 
***The meeting will also be broadcast live on DDOT’s Facebook Page: facebook.com/ddotc ***
For more information about the project, please contact DDOT Project Manager, Ed Stollof, at Edward. Stollof@dc.gov or Deputy Project Manager, Cynthia Lin, at Cynthia.Lin@dc.gov. Please visit the updated project website at https://ddot.dc.gov/page/connecticut-avenue-nw-reversible-lane-safety-and- operations-study.

​Do you need assistance to participate?
If you need special accommodations or language assistance services (translation or interpretation) please contact Cesar Barreto at 202-671-2829 or Cesar.Barreto@dc.gov.
 
If you need language assistance services (translation or interpretation), please contact Karen Randolph at 202-671-2620 or Karen.Randolph@dc.gov.
 
Visit the website at ddot.dc.gov. Visit goDCgo.com for more information on transportation options in the District.
 

Mar
​11

Stronger Together - Big News to Share

Last year with the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development’s (DSLBD) and Councilmember Cheh’s help and support, Van Ness Main Street (VNMS) took a giant leap and expanded our borders beyond Van Ness to encompass the communities of Wakefield and Forest Hills. This expansion - from Van Ness Street now to Nebraska Avenue - has not only increased our local footprint, but it allows our main street program to make an even greater impact within the community, benefitting both the businesses and the residents.

read more →

Mar
​3

Spring NOW Hello March

Dear VNMS Community,

After a long winter living through the ongoing health crisis, we are all ready for Spring NOW! As we anticipate the blooming of the 1,900+ bulbs on the Avenue, VNMS invites you to mark your calendars, to volunteer, to stroll the avenue while visiting our many businesses safely, tour signature gardens, take an outdoor photography class, and support our mission. Imagine Spring NOW and it will happen.​

read more →

Feb
18

Spring NOW

JOIN THE VNMS EVENTS COMMITTEE!

We're gearing up for a season of safely-planned, community events as part of our new 2021 Spring NOW marketing and fundraising campaign. We're looking for a few new committee members to help plan, organize and staff everything from Streatery Beautification projects, a Wine Walk, Garden Tour and Connecticut Ave Artisans Pop-UP. Please send us an email indicating your interest and experience to info@VanNessMainStreet.org and thank you!​

read more →

Feb
9

Local Love is in the Air

Valentine's Day is this Sunday, February 14th!

Whether you're indulging in some much-needed solo self-care, heading out for an intimate socially-distant dinner for two, or celebrating at home, our local businesses have everything you need to make the day special. Check out the special promotions below and for added inspiration, consult our guide to the local businesses of Van Ness, Wakefield and Forest Hills for more ideas.​ ​​read more →

Feb
3

Stronger Together Through Six More Weeks of Winter​

In This Week's Newsletter:

• Fun fact: "The Super Bowl is the second-largest food consumption event in the United States, behind Thanksgiving". Check out the Super Bowl specials below to ensure you have winning Sunday feast!
• VNMS wants you! Three of our four committees, Design, Economic Development, and Events, are open to service from you, our committed residents. Please reach out to VNMS at info@vannessmainstreet.org if you're interested and willing to join us! We would love to tap into your passion and expertise to continue to make Van Ness/Forest Hills/Wakefield main streets vibrant, diverse, walkable, sustainable, and safe!
• Give Your Feedback: The Office of Planning (OP) is asking residents to complete a survey on 'Outdoor Dining and Retail during the COVID-19', designed to assess the experience of patrons of outdoor dining and retail establishments. There are two surveys, one for the public, and one for businesses.

​​read more →

Jan
28

Love Wins

In This Week's Newsletter:

• Save the date(s) to celebrate! Our small businesses have fun things planned to make your Super Bowl and Valentine's Day celebrations special. Watch our weekly newsletters and social media pages for the delicious details.
• Take a class - from home! Using paintings from the NGA as a guide, Washington Photo Safari explains the components of composition to help you be a better photographer.
• VNMS wants you! Three of our four committees, Design, Economic Development, and Events, are open to service from you, our committed residents. Please reach out to VNMS at info@vannessmainstreet.org if you're interested and willing to join us! We would love to tap into your passion and expertise to continue to make Van Ness/Forest Hills/Wakefield main streets vibrant, diverse, walkable, sustainable, and safe!
• Give Your Feedback: The Office of Planning (OP) is asking residents to complete a survey on 'Outdoor Dining and Retail during the COVID-19', designed to assess the experience of patrons of outdoor dining and retail establishments. There are two surveys, one for the public, and one for businesses.

​read more →

Jan
13

Welcome to the New Year

Like most of you, VNMS has been shell-shocked since last week’s violence at the Capitol building, here in our beautiful city. And like you, we have given ourselves a much needed few days to process, having lifted ourselves up by connecting with friends, comfort food, and some wine (always wine). We are now looking ahead, moving forward, and continuing our work because the pandemic and our emergency orders have not disappeared, our businesses are still struggling, and we have our mission to accomplish.​ ​read more →

Dec
​29

​VNMS End of Year Message

Dear VNMS Community, Thank you for all your kindness and cheer this past challenging year! We couldn’t do it without you. And our businesses won’t make it without VNMS’ financial, technical, and promotional support. As you mentally and physically put an end to 2020, placing it in the file folder... read more →

​DECEMBER 29, 2020 CHERIE

Dec
​22

​Shop, Dine and Explore Local: Van Ness, Forest Hills + Wakefield

SHOP LOCAL GUIDE 2021 LOCAL FOOD & BEVERAGE: + Acacia Food & Wine Open for patio dining, takeout and delivery. Acacia also offers gift-card or a curated selection of wines. acaciafoodwine.com + Bread Furst  Lunch, brunch, coffee, freshly baked bread, sweet treats and so much more are available for takeout and delivery.... read more →

​DECEMBER 22, 2020 CHERIE

Dec
​14

​Vote for your Favorite! Van Ness Main Street Holiday Lights

​Our small businesses from Van Ness Street to Nebraska Avenue are decked out for the holidays - vote for your favorite below. Your votes, along with our panel of judges, will determine the winner. The winning business receives a cash prize! Please vote FOR ONE OF THE BUSINESSES on the Google... read more →

​DECEMBER 14, 2020 CHERIE

Van Ness Main Street