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Harlem Renaissance in DC Walking Tour

4.9Washington DC

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Overview

Summer 2026 Schedule: This tour is held the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month at 5pm. This amazing walking tour will take you on a journey to an era in which U Street NW DC was the center of African American music and intellectualism. The sounds of jazz was everywhere, Langston Hughes and Jean Toomer were being established as the future writers of the day, and an effort to document the history of African Americans was underway. Take a journey through the Harlem Renaissance as it started in DC! Tour stops mid-way at the famous Ben's Chili Bowl, for optional refreshments and a bathroom break.

  • 2 hours of incredible DC History with a knowledgeable guide.
  • Not included: Food and Drink purchased at Ben's Chili Bowl or Ben's Next Door

The tour will begin in front of the Howard Theater on T Street NW.

This tour ends at Georgia Douglas Johnson's House or the "Halfway House."

Meeting and Pickup

  1. Howard Theater was the first theater in DC to offer a stage for African American performers, established in 1910. It has played a key part in the DC music and arts scene ever since.

  2. The site of the Frank Holliday's Pool Hall where Duke Ellington first started dabbling in ragtime and jazz piano.

  3. The former house of African American Opera Singer Lilian Evanti, who earned acclaim abroad before returning to her native Washington DC to make her mark on black contributions to classical music.

  4. Former Jazz icon, Bohemian Caverns was a must visit during U Street's period as DC's "Black Broadway."

  5. Major theater and show house during the Black Broadway era.

  6. Iconic eatery for three generations that has been the destination of Presidents and tourists alike, this is where the tour takes a refreshments break.

  7. Former site of Club Bali, a favorite performance spot of Billie Holiday.

  8. This home is where the Saturday Nighter's Club would meet to discuss poetry, social justice, and black culture.

Wheelchair accessible Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Service animals allowed Public transportation options are available nearby Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries Not recommended for pregnant travelers Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

English

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Reviews

4.94.9

From US$31.80