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  • DC’s Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Hosts Lotus and Water Lily Festival
Lotus plants at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Washington, DC.
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DC’s Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Hosts Lotus and Water Lily Festival

The annual event includes free yoga and mindfulness sessions.

By Debbie Williams July 13, 2026 at 7:31 am

Each summer, DC’s Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens invites visitors to take a stroll through its stunning blooms at its annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival. This year, the festival has a special America 250 theme to honor the country’s birthday.

The festival will be held on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It offers a variety of programming. The sessions are free, but there is limited capacity. Visitors can register in-person at the registration tent the day of the program, and classes are first-come, first-served.

Saturday’s programming includes a 9 a.m. adult yoga session that’s open to all experience levels. The 11 a.m. forest bathing walk invites participants to “slow down and immerse yourself in the beauty of the gardens.”

A 1 p.m. total body strength and conditioning class will include exercises like shuffles, light running, squat jumps, and burpees. Led by fitness professional Marita Gumbs, the full‑body workout is designed for all fitness levels.

Sunday programming includes 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. yoga classes and a noon mindfulness and meditation session.

The park notes that the areas around the ponds have limited shade, so it advises visitors to bring plenty of water. Picnics are permitted, and picnic tables are available in designated areas. Lawn chairs and blankets are also permitted, as are leashed dogs. 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE, Washington, DC

Feature image, Tim/stock.adobe.com

Debbie Williams

Debbie Williams

Senior Editor

Northern Virginia Magazine Senior Editor Debbie Williams is a George Mason University graduate and longtime NoVA resident. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for a variety of nonprofit, lifestyle, and government publications, including for AARP.org and USA TODAY magazines.

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