1A Fest 2025: A Celebration of Free Expression
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 @ 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT
Brought to you by the First Amendment.
Join Freedom Forum for a free, family-friendly festival to celebrate the everyday freedoms all of us enjoy and the vital role they play in American life — all brought to you by the First Amendment.
Come for free performances and activities on The Wharf’s District Pier, including:
- An interactive journey to celebrate your First Amendment freedoms — and experience what life would look like if they were taken away.
- Fun, family-friendly activities, including a tote bag personalization station, caricatures, face painting and a balloon artist. First Amendment-themed giveaways, snacks, drinks and more.
Event schedule
2 p.m.
Grateful Dead for Kids
Ed Hough’s Dead Collective introduces the music of the Grateful Dead to a new generation of music lovers by performing some of the band’s greatest hits in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Photo credit: Stuart Dahne Photography
3:30 p.m.
Country Line Dancing
DC Stampede is a high-energy line dancing group that brings engaging and inclusive performances and provides line dancing lessons for all in attendance.
5 p.m.
R&B and Go-Go
The Too Much Talent Band is a dynamic live band that brings a fresh and exciting approach to hip-hop, R&B, pop, soul, funk, jazz and go-go.
Host
Why the First Amendment Matters
Thank you to our 1A Fest partners
