At the heart of downtown Washington, DC, Woodrow Wilson Plaza is more than a historic landmark—it’s where community, commerce and culture converge. This 36,000-square-foot cobblestone courtyard connects the National Mall to the city’s bustling business district along Pennsylvania Avenue. Framed by neoclassical architecture and featuring original works of art like the striking Bearing Witness sculpture and serene Federal Triangle Flowers, the Plaza offers a setting that is both inspiring and accessible.
Wilson Plaza serves a dual purpose: as a welcoming public square, offering free events to the community, and as one of the largest outdoor event venues in downtown DC, hosting private celebrations, cultural showcases, and corporate gatherings.
Host Your Event at One of DC’s Largest Outdoor Spaces
Woodrow Wilson Plaza is a premier destination for private and large-scale events. Its 36,000 square feet of flexible outdoor space, combined with onsite parking and direct Metro access, make it one of the most convenient and versatile venues in Washington, DC. The Plaza can accommodate gatherings of all kinds—from intimate weddings to large-scale festivals and brand activations.
Brand Activations
Woodrow Wilson Plaza offers unmatched visibility for brand activations in Washington, DC. Positioned between the National Mall and the city’s commercial corridor, the Plaza naturally draws a diverse audience. Major brands including Samsung, Google, Coca-Cola, and Domino Sugar have staged memorable campaigns here, ranging from vehicle showcases and product demonstrations to interactive pop-ups that invite the public to engage with their brand. With its size and central location, the Plaza is ideal for companies looking to make a bold statement in the nation’s capital.
Corporate Events
For organizations, the Plaza offers the flexibility to host press conferences, networking receptions, and company celebrations all within one dynamic outdoor setting. Its open design allows planners to pair formal programming with complementary elements such as product displays, breakout sessions, or networking lounges. The ability to combine indoor meeting space at RRB/ITC with outdoor activations on the Plaza creates a seamless experience for attendees, all within steps of Metro and parking.
Culture a Entertainment
With its expansive layout, Woodrow Wilson Plaza has become a stage for festivals, concerts, sporting exhibitions, and cultural showcases that attract audiences from across the region. There’s ample room for professional staging, lighting, sound, and vendor tents, as well as space for large crowds to gather comfortably. From lively performances to heritage celebrations, the Plaza provides the infrastructure and atmosphere to support events that highlight DC’s cultural diversity and creativity.
Weddings
Couples searching for a DC wedding venue that combines elegance with openness will find Woodrow Wilson Plaza a breathtaking option. The neoclassical architecture, tree-lined pathways, and cobblestone courtyard create a romantic backdrop for ceremonies, receptions, and wedding photography. With customizable layouts and the ability to bring in tents, décor, and lighting, the Plaza offers flexibility for celebrations that are classic, contemporary, or entirely customized to the couple.
Free Community Events on the Plaza
Throughout the year, Woodrow Wilson Plaza at Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (RRB/ITC) comes to life with programs that celebrate creativity, community, and culture. These events are free and open to the public, offering Washingtonians and visitors a chance to gather and enjoy the city’s most vibrant open-air setting.
Capital Harvest on the Plaza (CHoP)
Each Wednesday from May through October, CHoP transforms the Plaza into a lively farmers market, complete with fresh, seasonal produce, prepared foods, and handmade artisanal goods. Visitors can also enjoy special chef demos by RRB/ITC’s culinary team and dining al fresco for lunch on the Plaza.
Capital Arts Collective
Coinciding with CHoP every first and third Wednesday from May to October, the Plaza becomes a gallery under the sun with Capital Arts Collective. Guests can browse one-of-a-kind pieces—jewelry, paintings, textiles, and home décor—created by talented local artists and makers. More than just shopping, the event celebrates DC’s creative community and provides artists a platform to display and sell their works directly to the public.
Marketgoers line up at Wilson Plaza as CHoP and Capital Arts Collective tents fill the space.
CHoP vendor, Fat Kale serves one of their popular dishes: curry chicken pasta.
The Crepe Shoppe prepares fresh, made-to-order crepes.
On the first and third Wednesdays of each month, CHoP coincides with Capital Arts Collective, offering a perfect pairing of art and food.
Capital Arts Collective vendor, IndiBlossom by Anuradha Mehra, displays whimsical fashion and home accessories.
A Capital Arts Collective vendor showcases handcrafted jewelry.
Artist Aleme paints live at the market, capturing DC scenes in watercolor.
Overhead view of Wilson Plaza buzzing with activity during CHoP and Capital Arts Collective Wednesday.
Live! Concert Series on the Plaza
From July through September, downtown comes alive with the sounds of LIVE! Concert Series, offering free lunchtime performances every weekday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. The lineup spans a wide range of genres—from go-go and jazz to reggae, pop, rock, and more—showcasing the best of local and regional talent. Since its debut in 2000, the series has grown into a signature summer tradition, drawing office workers, locals, and visitors alike to gather in the heart of the city.
Below are highlights from this summer, when the LIVE! Concert Series returned for its 24th season.
Shopper browsing gently used books at the Capital Book Fest.
Capital Book Fest pops up on Wilson Plaza, featuring gently used books, CDs, DVDs, and more.
Local authors engage the community during the annual Children’s Book and Learning Festival with interactive activities.
Families enjoy Storytime with the National Children’s Museum.
A family participates in reading and hands-on activities with their children.
Local author, Ann McCallum Staats, showcases Fantastic Flora: The World’s Biggest, Baddest, and Smelliest Plants with a fun “Two Truths and a Lie” activity using plant pots
Kids proudly display the crafts they made during the festival.
Capital Book Fest
Held on the third Thursday each month from March through November, the Plaza transforms into an outdoor pop-up bookstore. It offers thousands of gently used books, CDs, and DVDs—all priced at $7 or less. Presented in partnership with Carpe Librum, proceeds benefit Turning the Page, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting public schools, families, and the community to enhance education.
In addition to the monthly book sales, RRB/ITC also hosts Turning the Page’s Children’s Book and Learning Festival each year. This family-friendly event brings stories to life with author meet-and-greets, interactive storytelling, and hands-on activities. Now in its fourth year, the festival featured authors from the Children’s Book Guild of Washington, DC alongside community partners who offered creative and educational experiences throughout the Plaza.
Fall Festival
Each October, RRB/ITC celebrates autumn with family-friendly fun on the Plaza. From pumpkin decorating and a hay bale maze to balloon twisting and a live DJ, this midweek festival attracts both downtown professionals looking for a festive break and families seeking seasonal cheer in the city. Save the date for this year’s festival, coming up on October 29, 2025. Register for free here!
A Place for Everyone
Woodrow Wilson Plaza truly is a space that brings people together. By day, it’s a lively corridor connecting downtown DC to the National Mall. Throughout the year, it’s a hub for free community programs that celebrate food, art, music, and culture. And for clients and event planners, it’s one of Washington, DC’s most powerful outdoor venues, offering unmatched, charm, convenience, visibility, and versatility.
Contact our team today to learn how we can help you create moments that inspire and events that matter.