FAQ

How do I find the Rally? Where Exactly will it be held?

The rally will take place on the National Mall just east of 14^th Street NW and the Washington Monument. It will be between the Department of Agriculture building and the Smithsonian Museum of American History and Culture on the grass between Jefferson Drive and Madison Drive.

Here is a link to a map of the area.

Can I bring signs?:

Yes, but no poles or sticks are allowed!

Can I bring a chair or blanket on which to sit?

Yes.

Will there be a Sign Language Interpreter?

Yes.

Where is the best place for the disabled & handicapped to be dropped off?

On Jefferson Drive or Madison Drive near the Rally. All pedestrian crosswalks have sidewalk ramps. Note: METRO Rail has escalators and is wheelchair accessible via elevators.

What should I wear for the weather?

The average high temperature for late March in DC is 60 degrees F. The record high is 83 degrees F. But you should be prepared for possible cooler or windy weather.

What food or drink should I bring?

Bring a picnic lunch with non-alcoholic drinks if you wish. Nearby the Rally, food will be available from:

There are snack food vendors in vans along Independence and Constitution Avenues with hotdogs, pretzels, snack food and beverages.
The Smithsonian Museums have food services (cafeterias and cafés in each Museum).
Food Court – 16 fast food vendors in the Underground at the Ronald Regan International Trade Center: 2 block walk to the Rally. 14^th.
Street NW in the first block north of Constitution Avenue. (11am-6pm. Photo ID required to enter this US Government building. for details, visit //www.itcdc.com/explore.php?p=13
Refreshment Kiosks on the Mall in front of Smithsonian National History Museum
If you see a man handing out loaves and fishes – approach with caution!!

For after-the-rally food – here are neighborhoods where you can find a large selection of restaurants in downtown DC:

Dupont Circle area ( METRO Red Line, Dupont Circle station – 20^thand P Streets NW)
Gallery Place and 7^th Street NW between E and H Streets NW (Chinatown) – METRO Green/Yellow line between Achieves and Gallery Place Stations and Red line: Gallery Place Station.
Capitol Hill: along 8^th Street SE. METRO Blue/Orange lines – Eastern Market station
Union Station: METRO Red Line, Union Station.

How do I get there?

By AMTRAK train: From Union Station you can take the Red Line Metro train to Metro Center and walk 5 blocks south to the Mall or; at Metro Center, transfer to the Blue/Orange line and go two stops to the Smithsonian Station and use the “National Mall” exit.
Taxies: All DC taxies are metered. Fares are: $3.00 initial charge + $1.50 per mile + $1.50 each extra passenger.

Sample fare: Union Station to the Rally: about $6 plus tip

Tell your driver to take you to any of the following locations for the Rally:

Jefferson Drive or Madison Drive on The National Mall near 14^th Street NW.
The south or Mall entrance to the Smithsonian Museum of American History on Madison Drive.
14^th Street NW at the National Mall and walk 2 block east (toward the Capitol) to the Rally.

By METRO subway:

How to buy tickets for the METRO:

Washington has a very clean and safe underground train METRO system. To ride the METRO you must use a fare card which one can purchase at the entrance to all stations from vending machines which accept credit cards or cash and give change. Consult the panel at the station kiosk to determine the price or fare for you ride. Calculate the round trip cost. You may use cash or credit cards to make your purchase. The card can be used for multiple trips. Buy or put enough value on your card to pay for all of your METRO trips. It is possible to add value later but this means waiting in line again at the vending machines. For more information, Go to www.MetroOpensDoors.com or call 202-636-7000 to plan your trip. DC METRO riders are friendly and helpful. Ask other riders if you get lost or confused.

Which METRO stations are closest to the Rally?

The nearest METRO stations to the Rally are:

Smithsonian Station (Blue and Orange lines: ) use the “National Mall” exit – which is on the Mall next to the Rally! The elevator for this station is on Independence Avenue at 12^th Street SW – a 2 block walk to the Rally.
Metro Center Station (Red Line) – 5 block walk to the Mall; or transfer to the Blue/Orange line to go two stops to Smithsonian station: use the “National Mall” exit.
Federal Triangle Station ( Blue/Orange lines) – a three block walk to the Rally.

Note: If you are coming from the North Bethesda area hotels (Twinbrook Station), it is about a 35 minute and $ 2.75 weekend fare ride to Smithsonian Station. (take Red Line to Metro Center, then transfer to Blue/Orange line to Smithsonian station) . Visit the web site www.MetroOpensDoors.com to plan your trip.

Driving: Where can I park?

Parking is always difficult in downtown Washington. Some street parking along the Mall in front of the Smithsonian Museums is free but limited. Some Street parking is metered (some even on Saturdays). READ the signs and parking meters carefully!

Some parking garages in office buildings north of the Mall, along D, and E, Streets NW will be open. Parking rates on Saturday are around $15/day.

Here are some Parking lots/garages near the Rally:

Ronald Regan International Trade Center: 2 block walk to the Rally. $13/day.
2 entrances on 14^th Street NW in the first block north of Constitution Avenue. Photo ID required to park in this US Government building Visit //www.itcdc.com/about.php?p=2 for a map.
415 11th Street, NW – 4 block walk to the Rally: PMI Parking* $16/day
875 D Street, NW – 5 block walk to the Rally: PMI Parking* $ 15/day
1220 E Street, NW – 4 block walk to the Rally: PMI Parking* $15/day
500 12th Street, NW – 4 block walk to the Rally: PMI Parking* $15/ day

*PMI Parking web site: //www.pmi-parking.com/home.aspx

What items are prohibited?

DO NOT bring the following items to the Rally:

Sticks or poles to hold signs.
Alcoholic beverages
Glass containers
Commercial signs – sales
Weapons (except your brain, of course)

Can I engage in debates with the religious protestors?

We prefer not, it may create a disturbance. Please do not argue or fight with them. We are here to have a good time.

Remember: Be Happy!

What activities are disallowed?

Selling anything.
Exchanging cash for goods.
Being Rude – even to the protesters! !
Causing a disturbance or breaking any local laws.
Unhappiness!

Can I pick up my shirts and hats at the event?

Yes, If you order after March 9th, you will have to pick up your items at the event. Please bring a copy of the receipt you received via email with the barcode on it or you can bring your smart phone with the email on it and we can scan it directly from your phone.

Can I purchase shirts and hats at the Rally?

NO! Sales are not allowed on the National Mall. Only pre-purchased items can be picked up.

Where are the bathrooms?

Porta-potties will be set up near the Rally. Also, there are restrooms in all of the Smithsonian museums, which will be open from 10 am to 7:00 pm.

For general information about visiting Washington, DC, go to the Official Tourism web site: www.washington.org