By: Natalie Aponte
DC really knows how to throw a block party. And this time, we had two stages to prove it. What started as one unforgettable day on Pennsylvania Avenue is quickly becoming one of DC’s most exciting new traditions.
After the iconic Chris Lake Block Party earlier this year, I was beyond excited to see what Club Glow had planned for round two. This time, on Saturday, October 3rd, Diplo and Westend were taking over, fall was finally making its way into DC, and we were getting another opportunity to turn one of the country’s most recognizable streets into a dance floor.
After experiencing the first block party, I had a pretty good idea of what we were walking into. Or so I thought. Club Glow came back with a fresh lineup, revamped production, and a few exciting changes that made round two feel like an entirely new experience. It was clear they weren’t just bringing the party back; they were building on something that had already made a huge impression on DC.
A Bigger Stage for DC’s Homegrown Talent
One of my favorite upgrades was the Homegrown stage. Bigger, better, and now positioned directly in front of the National Gallery of Art, it had a whole new presence. Both stages received a refresh, but seeing our local talent performing against such an iconic backdrop was especially exciting. And judging by the crowd, I wasn’t the only one who thought so.
What I loved most was that the Homegrown stage truly lived up to its name. DC has no shortage of talented DJs, artists, and creatives who have spent years shaping the electronic music community we know today. Giving them a stage of this scale, right in the heart of the city, felt like a celebration of everything they’ve helped build. It wasn’t simply another stop between headliners; it was a place people genuinely wanted to be.
Two Stages, One Incredible Lineup
With artists like Guillermo, Deuxchat, Fátima, and Avishek holding it down on the Homegrown stage, there was plenty of reason to make your way across the party. Over on the main stage, Ratalina, Monty Kiddo, and Anabel Englund kept the momentum going before Westend and Diplo took us through the final sets of the evening. The lineup offered a little something for everyone, and I loved seeing the supporting artists get the recognition and energy they deserved. From the opening sets to the final tracks, DC showed up ready to dance.
More Than Just the Music
And the music was only part of the experience. Between the vendors, activations, and everything happening throughout the venue, the block party had that festival atmosphere I love so much. One minute I was exploring the grounds, the next I was catching another set, dancing with friends, or running into familiar faces in the crowd. There was always something happening, but that’s part of what made the day so fun.
Looking back, what made this second block party special was seeing how much the experience had evolved. The first time around, we were all trying to wrap our heads around the fact that we were actually dancing on Pennsylvania Avenue. This time, we knew what was possible, and somehow that made it even more exciting. It wasn’t about recreating the first event, but watching a new tradition take shape right in the heart of DC.
A New DC Tradition in the Making
I’ve been attending shows throughout DC for years, and watching our music community continue to evolve has been one of my favorite parts of being involved in this scene. A weekend like this reminds me that the people behind these events, from the artists and production teams to the attendees showing up to support them, are what make it all happen.
Round two was a success, and what better way to welcome fall than with another day of music, friends, and dancing in the heart of DC?
Thank you, Club Glow, for bringing us back to Penn Ave! This block party series has been such an exciting addition to our city, and we’re not done just yet. The Chainsmokers and MK are closing things out on Saturday, October 24, and I have no doubt DC will show up for one final dance!