Things to Do DC

African American History Museum to host Hip-Hop Block Party in August. Here's how to get passes

The National Museum of African American History will bring hip-hop's signature beats to the National Mall on Saturday, Aug. 12

Photos courtesy of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

There “ain’t no party” like a Hip-Hop Block Party, especially one at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. 

The event makes its 2023 return to honor 50 years of hip-hop with performances and activities at the museum on Saturday, Aug. 12. 

“This year’s celebration will honor 50 years of hip-hop’s artistry, innovation and global transcendence — recognizing the culture and music that has been originated and shaped by Black America for decades,” the museum's website reads.

The lineup includes eleven DJs, artists and cultural influencers in the hip-hop genre. Artists like Monie Love, the first Britpop artist to be distributed worldwide and D.C.'s Vic Jagger from MAJIC 102.3. Hip-hop-focused tours of the museum will also be available along with interactive activities like graffiti art and dancing.

Doors open at 10 a.m. and the last entry is at 10 p.m. The program begins at 11 a.m.

How to get Hip-Hop Block Party passes

The free passes will be available on the museum's website Monday, July 31 at noon.

“Time slots for passes are based on arrival time and you can remain for the duration of the program. If you are signing up for multiple passes, you need to have a separate email address for each adult guest," the museum wrote.

Event highlights

  • Inside the Museum will feature hip-hop exercise classes, screenings of "Graffiti Rock and Wild Style" and more from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • At the mainstage hip-hop talent will be showcased with a stellar view of the Washington Monument from 1:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Out on the museums grounds curators will highlight new artifacts and DC Retro Jumpers will perform. 
  • The Club Café will have a hip-hop-inspired menu and music by DJs from Def Jam Recordings.
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