By Pamela Wolf, SWBID
On a nearly perfect Saturday in May, residents of the Southwest neighborhood gathered around the Duck Pond for an event that has become a beloved local tradition. The annual Duck Pond Party, hosted by the Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID), once again brought the community together with live music, local food, and family-friendly activities, all set against the lush, tree-lined backdrop of one of the area’s most cherished green spaces.
More than just a seasonal celebration, the Duck Pond Party reflects the character of Southwest: diverse, evolving, and deeply connected. The afternoon offered the laid-back charm the neighborhood is known for. The Crush Funk Brass Band filled the park with upbeat rhythms, while King Ribs BBQ served smoky favorites. Children played duck-themed games, created duck feed, and beaded friendship bracelets, while neighbors mingled under shady trees, and newcomers found a warm welcome.
“It’s always great to have a good community event where people from the local neighborhood can come together,” said Adrian Loving, a 12-year Southwest resident. “You don’t need to know anybody. You could just come in and see what’s happening. You have it all right here.”
This year, the festivities also featured the Highway Safety Organization (HSO), which hosted a colorful, interactive set of safety-themed activities as part of its initiative for safer streets. Children participated in the “Draw the Duck with the Seatbelt” art station. In contrast, others shared visions of a “Caring Street” by writing down their ideas for safer, more inclusive roadways and pinning them to a community clothesline. Free safety equipment was distributed, and attendees snapped pledge selfies as personal commitments to safer driving and walking habits.
Next to the Duck Pond, Makemie Place SW was temporarily closed to cars and transformed into a pedestrian zone. The creative collective Chalk Riot decorated the crosswalk with duck-themed, water-inspired designs that echoed the pond’s atmosphere. These artistic interventions, while visually striking, also serve a functional purpose by improving pedestrian safety and slowing traffic through engaging, eye-catching design.
The SWBID further activated the street with classic neighborhood games. Children drew with chalk, played double dutch, and tossed bean bags in a cornhole match, turning the space into a safe and joyful zone for play.
Throughout the day, the spirit of Southwest’s community was on full display. “It’s green, it’s nice. You got a real blend of people—a diverse group, young, old,” said Nick Kaszas, a 10-year resident. “The neighborhood’s constantly evolving, which keeps it really exciting.”
Zoe Phillip, another attendee, added, “It’s really unexpected. When you dig in, it’s [Southwest] just wonderful, with lots of hidden gems like this Duck Pond area.”
With another successful year in the books, the 2025 Duck Pond Party proved again why Southwest is one of DC’s most cherished neighborhoods, where history, diversity, and a strong sense of community thrive.
For more information on future Southwest BID events, visit swbid.org or follow @swbid on social media.
