Every winter, if and when enough snow falls in the District, residents in the know take part in a beloved tradition.
For those who look forward to the D.C. Snowball Fight Association (DCSFA)'s eponymous event, the first heavy snowstorm is a sign to check social media for a time and place — and start prepping coats and gloves for the big battle.
The first weekend of 2025 will create the perfect conditions, when snowflakes begin to fall late Sunday night and continue into Monday morning.
And then the battle commences.
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"This is our season kickoff call to battle for Meridian Hill / Malcolm X Park this Monday at 11am!" the group announced on social media.
The association began in February 2010, when more than 2,000 people showed up to Dupont Circle for a fight. (Last year, DCSFA co-founder Michael Lipin was in the midst of relaying the origin story to News4 when a stranger hit him squarely above the left eye with a snowball.)
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For the last 15 years, residents of the District have returned to keep up the tradition — not just in spite of, but because of — the less than ideal weather conditions.
"We live in a very divided city, sometimes polarized," said Max Bluestein, another member of the group. "What I love about this is, once in a blue moon, when it snows, we can all act like absolute children for hours and just chuck snowballs."
It's mostly a free-for-all, and the fight is open to anyone who wants to participate. However, there are a few guidelines, which the Association shared in 2024 "for everyone's safety and fun:"
- Anyone who participates in this event does so at his/her own risk
- Please follow any instructions given by the National Park Police or Metropolitan Police Department. DCSFA will do so
- Anyone who behaves recklessly is individually responsible for the consequences
- DO NOT THROW ICE OR PELT VEHICLES! The nearby streets are very busy
- Play safe, and by all means, HAVE FUN!
- Don't bring guns or other non-snow weapons to a snowball fight
- Don't attack small children/animals/reporters/police
- Do protect your eyes
- Do bring friends and good vibes
- Do stay at home if you're afraid, injured, or are recovering from a medical condition
- Do dress appropriately for the weather and the activity
You can find updates from the D.C. Snowball Association on Facebook, X and Instagram.
