Plan your day
Everything you need to join the march: where to go, how to get there, what to bring, and how we keep each other safe.
5:00 PMFriday, Oct 23, 2026
U.S. CapitolWest Lawn, Area 1, in front of the steps
Sylvan TheaterConcert and rally at the foot of the Washington Monument
About 1.3 milesFlat, 30–45 minutes at march pace
Heads up: we arrive after dark. Sunset is around 6:15 PM, so bring a flashlight, a headlamp or a battery-powered candle. A field of lights at the foot of the Monument is something none of us will forget.
The route
We gather on the Capitol's West Lawn, march west along the National Mall, and finish at Sylvan Theater, the outdoor stage just southeast of the Washington Monument.
On a phone? Swipe the map sideways to see all of it. We'll confirm the exact street route on this page before the march.
Schedule
- 5:00 PM
Gather at the Capitol
West Lawn, Area 1, in front of the Capitol steps. Find your friends, grab a sign, and look for the marshals in bright vests.
- 5:30 PM Tentative
Opening words
A short welcome before we step off.
- About 6:00 PM Tentative
We march
West along the National Mall toward the Washington Monument, about 1.3 miles.
- About 6:15 PM
Sunset
Lights on! Turn on your flashlight or candle.
- About 6:45 PM Tentative
Arrive at Sylvan Theater
The stage is on the Monument grounds, near 15th Street and Independence Avenue.
- 7:00 PM Tentative
Rally: speakers + music
See the lineup.
Can't make the whole thing?
That's fine. You can join the march anywhere along the Mall as it passes, or skip the walk and meet everyone at Sylvan Theater for the rally.
Rain or shine
We march in any weather. If anything changes on the day, a yellow banner will appear at the top of every page of this site.
Getting there
Take Metro if you can. Parking near the Mall is scarce on a Friday evening, and some streets may be closed.
To the start (U.S. Capitol)
- MCapitol South
Closest station. About a 10-minute walk to the West Lawn. - MFederal Center SW
About a 10-minute walk. - MUnion Station
About a 15-minute walk. Best if you're on the Red Line or arriving by train.
Home from the finish (Sylvan Theater)
- MSmithsonian
About a 5-minute walk. It'll be busy when the rally ends. - ML'Enfant Plaza
About a 15-minute walk, and it serves five lines. - MFederal Triangle
About a 12-minute walk north across the Mall.
Biking
Capital Bikeshare has docks all around the Mall. Bring a lock if you ride your own; racks fill up fast.
Getting dropped off
Pick a spot a few blocks from the Capitol, such as Union Station or near Capitol South Metro, and walk from there.
Coming from out of town?
Plan your trip with WMATA's trip planner. Leave extra time on Friday evening.
What to bring
Bring
- A light: flashlight, headlamp or battery candle. We arrive after dark.
- Warm layers. October evenings in DC often drop into the 50s.
- Comfortable shoes. Parts of the Mall are gravel.
- Water and a snack
- A charged phone, plus a small battery pack if you have one
- ID, health insurance card and any medicine you need
- An emergency contact written on paper, in case your phone dies
- A hand-held sign. Make it big and readable.
Leave at home
- Weapons of any kind, including anything that could look like one
- Open flames: no real candles or torches. Battery lights only.
- Sticks or poles for signs
- Alcohol and glass bottles
- Drones. The National Mall is a no-drone zone.
- Anything you'd hate to lose. Keep valuables zipped up.
Accessibility
Everyone belongs at this march. Here's what to expect.
- The route is flat. The Mall's footpaths are packed gravel; the streets alongside are paved.
- You're welcome to skip the march and go straight to Sylvan Theater for the rally.
- Marshals along the route can help you find a slower pace group, a place to rest, or the accessible viewing area.
- Service animals are welcome.
At the rally Details soon
- Accessible viewing and seating area near the stage
- ASL interpretation of speeches
- Accessible portable restrooms
Need something specific? Email info@marchforpeacedc.com and we'll do our best.
Safety
We look out for each other. That's what peace looks like in practice.
Marshals
Trained volunteers in bright vests will guide the march. If you need help, or see something wrong, find a marshal.
First aid
First aid volunteers will be at the start and near the stage. Locations soon For emergencies, call 911.
Lost your group?
Meet at the info table at Sylvan Theater. Write your phone number on your kids' arms before you leave home.
Weak signal?
Big crowds jam cell networks. Texts usually get through when calls don't. Once you've opened this site, it's saved on your phone and works without signal.
Stay out of it
If someone tries to provoke you, don't engage. Walk away and let a marshal know.
Buddy up
Come with a friend, pick a meeting spot in case you get separated, and check in with each other through the evening.
Know your rights
Peaceful protest on the National Mall is protected by the First Amendment. A few basics from the ACLU:
- You can photograph and record anything in plain view in a public place, including the police.
- If police stop you, stay calm and keep your hands visible. Ask, "Am I free to go?" If yes, calmly walk away.
- You have the right to remain silent. Say, "I'm going to remain silent. I would like to speak to a lawyer."
- Don't physically resist, even if you think a stop is unfair. Note names and badge numbers instead.
This is general information, not legal advice. Legal support contact: Coming soon
Our commitment
This is a peaceful, nonviolent march. By joining, we each agree to:
- Stay nonviolent in words and actions, no matter what
- Bring no weapons and damage no property
- Respect everyone, including people who disagree with us. No hate speech, no harassment.
- Ignore counter-protesters and let marshals handle it
- Follow marshals and stay on the route
- Leave the Mall cleaner than we found it
Questions
Do I need a ticket? Should I RSVP?
No ticket needed: the march, concert and rally are free and open to everyone. But please RSVP. It takes 30 seconds, and knowing how many people are coming lets us plan enough water, restrooms, first aid and marshals.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes, this is a family-friendly event. Dress them warmly, bring a light for each child, and write your phone number on their arm or on a card in their pocket.
Can I bring my dog?
Service animals are welcome. For pets, we'd gently suggest leaving them home: it'll be crowded, loud and dark.
Can I bring a sign?
Please do! Hand-held signs only: no sticks or poles. Cardboard and a thick marker work great. Sign-making tip: short words, big letters, high contrast.
Where are the restrooms?
We're arranging portable restrooms at the start and at the rally; locations will be posted here. Smithsonian museums close at 5:30 PM, so don't count on them.
What if the weather is bad?
We march rain or shine. If plans change, a yellow banner will appear at the top of this website.
Can I join partway, or just come to the rally?
Absolutely. Join anywhere along the Mall, or meet us at Sylvan Theater near the Washington Monument.
How can I volunteer?
We need marshals, first aid volunteers, and people to help with setup and cleanup. See Take Action.
I can't come. How can I help?
Share this site, call your members of Congress, and look up who's funding your candidates. It all counts.
