Laura W.
Yelp
What a lovely location next to the Anacostia River in the up and coming Navy Yard area in SE DC! I have yet to see the actual park in the daylight, but I went to a really fun event here in the evening- Sideyards- and can not only recommend the event itself but also, I can confirm this is an awesome location for events in general. It's location is next to Ice Cream Jubilee as a point of reference. Surrounded by numerous eating establishments for partaking in before or after an event, and only a stone's throw away from the Navy Yard metro, this was perfect for Sideyards (and I'm sure things like evening concerts and festivals too).
The actual event we went to was awesome and free (save alcohol and Agua 301 food booth) as long as you RSVP'd in advance. It was basically a mixed act side show- fire jugglers, sword swallowers, a guy walking around with snakes! Fortune telling, face painting, balloon artists, live music, a cute photo booth with costumes. It billed itself as family friendly, and I think this was true- for the first 90 minutes. Once the burlesque started (which was pretty interesting to say the least) and the jokes got a little raunchier by the performers, most people had their kids out of there- which was a good thing. The event was partially tented, the beer garden was under one of the tents. Drinks were kinda pricy- $9 margaritas, $8 wine, $8 beer. Margaritas were strong and wine pours were big though. I didn't try Agua 301, but Nandos was there for a bit with free stuff- wings, wrap samples, sandwich samples, nuts. You could spin their wheel and get free stuff too- I got a free bottle of peri sauce and my BF got a free 1/4 chicken. The event was 6-10 and we stayed until about 8:30 and were occupied the whole 2.5 hours. I would definitely return for this event next year and to view the park in the daytime.