Go-Go Museum & Cafe

GO GO NIGHT AT PIER SIX
2026-07-16 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Pier Six Pavilion, 731 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, Maryland, 21202, United States
The waterfront is about to move to a Go-Go beat.
Soul on the Water kicks off with Go-Go Night featuring Black Alley, Backyard Band and Hue.
Curated in partnership with the Go-Go Museum.
July 16 | Pier Six Pavilion
Tickets on sale now:
bit.ly/PSpSOTWGoGoNight
Where the music meets the water.

Go-Go Karaoke Every Thursday: Anacostia's Happy Hour
2026-07-16 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-09 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-02 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-25 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-18 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-11 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-04 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-28 18:00 - 21:00 and 1 more date | Go-Go Museum & Café, 1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20020, Washington, DC, United States
Join us at The Go-Go Museum & Café for Go-Go Karaoke every Thursday. Sing your favorite go-go hits and enjoy delicious food from the Diaspora. The Go-Go Museum Café & Bar will have happy hour and drink specials all night.

Karaoke will take place in our Secret Garden if weather permits and on our lower level if it does not.
Music by DJ Supa Dan.

Time: Thursday, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: The Go-Go Museum & Café

Make Go-Go 4EVA Academy Orientation
2026-07-13 18:00 - 19:00 | Go-Go Museum & Café, 1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20020, Washington, DC, United States
Backyard Band’s legendary drummer, Paul “Buggy” Edwards and friends will host free go-go drumming and percussion classes at The Go-Go Museum & Café. Open to youth ages 8 to 18.
The orientation will take place on Monday, July 13th from 6 PM to 7 PM. Sign up today!
Please email class questions to info@gogomuseumcafe.com.
Sign Up Form – Go-Go Drumming & Percussion Class By Backyard Band’s Legendary Drummer Buggy & Friends
Time: Monday, July 13th, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: The Go-Go Museum & Café

Lonnie Bee's Southside Cookout
2026-07-11 16:00 - 20:00 | Go-Go Museum & Café, 1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20020, Washington, DC, United States
Join us at Lonnie Bee’s Southside Cookout on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 4 PM to 8 PM!
Get ready for a Southside Party at The Go-Go Museum! 🎶✨ Enjoy delicious food, amazing music, and live entertainment—all at no cost!
🎤 Featuring The A Team and the fabulous First Ladies of Go-Go, it’s going to be a celebration of Southside Love! 💖
Bring your friends and family for a day filled with fun and community. See you there! 🎈🔥

CHOCOLATE: Screening at The Go-Go Museum & Café
2026-06-28 16:00 - 18:00 | Go-Go Museum & Café, 1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20020, Washington, DC, United States
Join us at the iconic Go-Go Museum & Cafe for a special screening of CHOCOLATE: A Motion-Poetry Homage to Black D.C., a lyrical short film honoring the people and resilience of Black D.C.

Directed by Eliamani Ismail, CHOCOLATE blends poetry, portraiture, music, and movement to reflect on a changing city and the communities that continue to shape its soul. The film recently screened as an Official Selection at the DC/DOX Film Festival, The Washington, DC International Film Festival, and Anacostia Shorts.

Following the screening, guests are invited to stay for a community panel conversation on gentrification, cultural memory, and the future of Black D.C.

REP YOUR FLAG | AfroBrazil Dance Class Edition
2026-06-26 12:30 - 14:00 | Go-Go Museum & Café, 1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20020, Washington, DC, United States
🚩 AfroBrazil is bringing something SPECIAL 🚩
We’re celebrating cultures from across the diaspora with our Rep Your Flag Edition, where African, Brazilian, Latin, and Caribbean rhythms collide into one unforgettable class. 🌍🇧🇷🔥
WEAR YOUR FLAG . Dance your roots. Feel the energy.
📅 June 26th
📍 The Go-Go Museum & Café
🚪 Doors 12:30 PM | Class 1:00 – 2:00 PM
🎟️ TICKETED
Spots are limited. Grab yours before it’s gone. 👀
TAG someone who needs to be there! 👇🏾
Confiança? Sempre! ✨

Love in DC
2026-06-24 19:00 - 22:00 | Go-Go Museum & Café, 1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20020, Washington, DC, United States
Love In DC is an intimate, curated poetry experience inspired by the essence of Love Jones. A space where words, connection, and atmosphere come together.
Expect a warm and inviting space, filled with sensual, loving, and though-provoking poetry. A space where the energy will linger long after the night ends. Whether you’re coming to perform or simply take it all in, this is a space to feel, connect, and be present.
🕯️EVENT FLOW
Doors open: 7pm
Show Begins 7:30pm (arrive on time to settle into the experience)
Intermission included(15-20min)
NO REFUNDS (All ticket sales are final. In the case of emergencies, transfers may be considered)
🎤OPEN MIC
10 slots available. Performers must sign up upon arrival. Performers have 5 minutes or 1 poem. Early arrival is strongly encouraged to secure a spot, list will close at 7:40pm sharp no exceptions.
🍷EXPERIENCE
Wine, food, and beverages available for purchase inside the venue.
📍LOCATION & PARKING
Street parking available, event is located at the wonderful GO-GO Museum
Come for the Poetry…..Stay for the Feeling.🌹🌹🌹🌹

Juneteenth Weekend Finale: Backyard Band Unplugged
2026-06-20 16:00 - 20:00 | Go-Go Museum & Café, 1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20020, Washington, DC, United States
The Go-Go Museum Presents:
Anacostia Renaissance Juneteenth Weekend Finale
Featuring a special live performance by Backyard Band
Unplugged in The Go-Go Museum’s Outdoor Garden Pavilion
Join us as we celebrate freedom, culture, unity, and community during an unforgettable Juneteenth Weekend Finale experience.
Powered by DC Lottery with free swag bags.
Dress Theme: Fly All Black Attire
Limited Advance Tickets: $20 plus Eventbrite processing fees.
General Admission Tickets: $30 plus Eventbrite processing fees.
For VIP tables and inquiries, please call: 202-848-4394

2026 Mumbo vs. Gumbo
2026-06-19 17:00 - 20:00 | Sycamore & Oak, 1110 Oak Dr. SE, Washington, DC, United States
MUMBO VS. GUMBO
As part of SOAK Anniversary Week 2026, we’re teaming up with Don’t Mute DC and the Go-Go Museum to bring you one of the most anticipated celebrations of culture, community, and Go-Go music!
Hosted by some of the DMV’s favorite personalities: Tob Chris, Kimise Lee, Pedro, KK, Lou, Big Sixx, J’Ta, Delvin, and Kee-Kee.
And featuring an electrifying performance by the A-Team featuring the Go-Go All Stars!
Friday, June 19, 2026 at 5 PM
Sycamore & Oak
1110 Oak Drive SE, Washington, DC
FREE EVENT
Whether you’re Team Mumbo or Team Gumbo, this is more than a party—it’s a celebration of DC’s official music, the people who keep the culture alive, and the community that continues to move it forward.

Fatherhood Men’s Summit 2026
2026-06-14 14:30 - 19:00 | Go-Go Museum & Café, 1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20020, Washington, DC, United States
Join us for an impactful afternoon at the Fatherhood Men’s Summit 2026, taking place at the Go-Go Museum.
This experience is dedicated to strengthening fathers, uplifting men, and building lasting legacies through meaningful conversations and community engagement.
Designed for fathers, future fathers, and men focused on growth, this summit creates a space to connect, reflect, and elevate. Whether you’re navigating fatherhood, leadership, or personal development, you’ll walk away with valuable insight, practical tools, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Fathers are encouraged to bring their sons and share in this powerful experience together.
What to Expect
• Powerful speakers
• Real conversations
• Growth & leadership tools
• Brotherhood & networking
• Food & great vibes
Event Details
📅 Sunday, June 14, 2026
⏰ 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM (Doors open at 2:00 PM)
📍 Go-Go Museum
Who Should Attend
• Fathers
• Sons
• Future fathers
• Mentors
• Men committed to growth, leadership, and legacy
Tickets
Multiple ticket options are available, including Early Bird, General Admission, Premium, and VIP experiences.
VIP tickets are limited.
Secure your seat today — space is limited.
Presented By
Business Art & Entertainment (B.A.E. LLC)

Beat Ya Feet Festival: Kickoff Party Mixer
2026-06-11 18:00 - 22:00 | Go-Go Museum & Café, 1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20020, Washington, DC, United States
Join us in Washington D.C. for a historic four-day festival this year honoring the 20th Anniversary of the Beat Ya Feet Kings and the rich history, culture, and future of the Beat Ya Feet dance movement.

The Kickoff Party Mixer
Details:
20th Anniversary Celebration for Beat Ya Feet Kings
We’re bringing the culture together for an unforgettable night of music, networking, and D.C. pride. This isn’t just a party—it’s the official gathering of the pioneers, the new generation of dancers, and the community that keeps our city’s heartbeat alive.
Time: Thursday, June 11th, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: The Go-Go Museum & Café
Tickets – Beat Ya Feet Festival 2026 | Beat Ya Feet

Soul Searcher: Life and Legacy of Chuck Brown Book Signing
2026-06-07 15:00 - 18:00 | Go-Go Museum & Café, 1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20020, Washington, DC, United States
Join us at The Go-Go Museum & Café for the “Soul Searcher: Life and Legacy of Chuck Brown, Godfather of Go-Go” book signing with author, Sundiata Ramin.

On Sunday, June 7th at 3 PM, Go-Go Museum Director of Tours and Curator Sundiata Ramin will sign copies of his upcoming book on Chuck Brown, the Godfather of Go-Go.
Pre-order your copy at www.sunrapublishing.com.

Chuck Brown’s Story:
Soul Searcher: Life and Legacy of Chuck Brown, Godfather of Go-Go is the first biography ever written about the D.C. legend and creator of the music genre he called Go-Go. This compelling story begins in Gaston, NC then traces Brown’s footsteps to his early life in Washington, D.C. and later throughout the world. He eventually would start his own band the Soul Searchers in 1968. The reader will not only learn about Brown’s contribution to go-go, but the countless individuals who helped to shape the music and advance its popularity in the music industry.
Finally, here’s a book that dares to tell Chuck Brown’s story with love, respect, compassion, and appreciation. The author invites you to experience the genius of Chuck Brown in literary form. Brown’s musical legacy will remind the reader how he transformed D.C. musically and performed in front of four generations of fans who danced to the beat and taught their children to do the same. This long-awaited book, will shape your understanding of go-go while celebrating the legacy of Chuck Brown.

Time: Sunday, June 7, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: The Go-Go Museum & Café

Music Sanctuary Festival
2026-06-06 14:00 - 18:00 | Go-Go Museum & Café, 1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20020, Washington, DC, United States
Step into the heart of DC culture at the Music Sanctuary Festival, a one-of-a-kind live experience rooted in the legacy and future of Go-Go music.
Taking place in Anacostia at the Go-Go Museum, this intimate festival brings together some of the most exciting voices in the city alongside legendary influences who helped shape the sound.
The evening will feature live performances from A. WAL THE SULTAN, Tafon, and Next Gen Krank (NGK), with energy curated throughout the day by DJ Bri Mafia.
Headlining the experience is Devin Denzel, performing songs from his Wammie-nominated album The Test of Faith along with brand new, unreleased music. Backed by a live band and joined by special guests, the set will blend Go-Go, Hip-Hop, and live instrumentation into a powerful, immersive performance.
A defining moment of the festival will be a historic tribute to Quentin “Footz” Davidson of Rare Essence. For the first time in over 30 years, Footz’s original drum kit will be played live—brought to life by legendary drummers:

Juju of EU
Marc from New Impressionz
Willie Howell of CCB

This is more than a concert—it’s a cultural experience that honors legacy, celebrates community, and pushes DC’s sound forward.
Where culture and music blend together.

Special "Informant" Movie Screening
2026-06-02 18:00 - 21:30 | Go-Go Museum & Café, 1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20020, Washington, DC, United States
Movie Night in SE hosted by Ron Moten, with a special screening of DC based film, “Informant.” At The Go-Go Museum & Café at 1920 MLK Jr Ave SE. The retelling of Mitch Credles’ experiences years ago working the streets of our city but told today. Conversation starts at 6 PM, film starts at 6:45 PM. Reserve your entry through the Eventbrite link. See you there!

Crate Convention
2026-05-31 12:00 - 17:00 | Go-Go Museum & Café, 1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20020, Washington, DC, United States
DC’S Dopest Community Music, Art & Vinyl Event CRATE CONVENTION is back on Sunday May 31st 12-5pm at The Go-Go Museum & Café.

Hosted by DJ RBI featuring Pop-Up Vending from TheCrateAdventure, Black Market Vinyl, The National Hip-Hop Museum, and Cookie Wear.
Powered by The Anacostia Arts Center

AfroBrazil Dance Experience | Washington DC
2026-05-30 11:30 - 13:00 | Go-Go Museum & Café, 1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20020, Washington, DC, United States
AfroBrazil Dance Experience | Washington DC
This is not just a dance class, it’s a cultural experience. 🌍🔥
AfroBrazil blends African, Brazilian, Caribbean and Latin rhythms into one high-energy, beginner-friendly movement experience. No experience needed, just bring your energy and be ready to sweat, connect, and feel the culture in every beat.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned dancer, this space is for you. Come as you are and leave feeling alive. 💛
Tickets are limited, secure your spot and we’ll see you on the dance floor!
*In case of severe weather, the event will be rescheduled. Registered attendees will be notified by email. No refunds will be issued for weather-related changes.
Confiança? Sempre. 👑

HUE EP Release Show
2026-05-29 20:00 - 23:00 | Go-Go Museum & Café, 1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20020, Washington, DC, United States
Join us on Friday, May 29th for HUE’s EP Release Show! The band will perform their new EP and more alongside special guest, DJ Bri Mafia. Don’t miss this go-go groove metal spectacular at The Go-Go Museum & Café.
Doors open at 6 PM.
About HUE:
Opposites attract, or at least in the case of HUE, this statement rings true. Bookended by polarizing genres, HUE’s music cross references and melds influence from the ‘Go-Go’ roots of their hometowns in the DMV with their love of Heavy Metal, Trap Rock and RnB. HUE’s music is the overlap in a Venn Diagram, finding the perfect balance in bringing together genres, cultures and more importantly, people. Influenced by and compared to local contemporaries like Animals As Leaders, Periphery, Bad Brains, and Turnstile & Reaction Band makes their sound the first to be captured in a professional setting.
“When you listen to a 100 new records a week you PRAY for something that feels truly original. Then…you hear Hue…and your prayers are answered.” – Alex Baker, Kerrang! Radio
“HUE put out a dope music video with a very diverse style that blends both Go-go and rock music, and I cannot wait to see what they come up with next!” – Tasha Allen, Punk Black
Be sure to check out their upcoming EP when it releases this spring.

Time: Friday, May 29th, 8 PM – 10 PM
Location: The Go-Go Museum & Café

LIVE CONVERSATION: Go-Go: Back To Vinyl
2026-05-29 13:30 - 14:30 | The Westin Old Town Alexandria, 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria, VA, 22314, United States
LIVE CONVERSATION: Go-Go: Back To Vinyl
at Making Vinyl USA 2026
Go-go music is a unique blend of funk, R&B, hip-hop, and Afro-Latin rhythms rooted in Washington, DC’s history and cultural heritage. In this panel, Ronald Moten, the Founder and CEO of the Go-Go Museum & Cafe, will be in conversation with Joe Lapan, Co-Owner of Byrdland Records and Songbyrd Music House, to discuss the process and the benefits of the current generation of Go-Go artists returning to vinyl for their releases. They will also explore how vinyl is helping to preserve the authenticity of the genre while creating new opportunities for artists and labels. The conversation will highlight the role of local scenes, independent retail, and community-driven initiatives.
Speakers:
Ronald Moten, Go-Go Museum, CEO
Joe Lapan, Byrdland Records, Songbyrd Music House, Co-Owner

Time: Friday, May 29th, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: Main Hall of the Westin Old Town Alexandria

Eventbrite Link – Making Vinyl USA 2026 Tickets, Wednesday, May 27-Friday, May 29 • 7 PM-5 PM | Eventbrite
Event Information – USA 2026 Speaker List | Making Vinyl – The Premier Vinyl Record Industry Conference

Parent & Youth Town Hall
2026-05-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Go-Go Museum & Café, 1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20020, Washington, DC, United States
Join us for a no-judgment, honest conversation about youth violence, curfew, parental resources, and accountability.
Save DC is a group of native and longtime Washingtonians who are concerned about the direction of our city and focused on saving the soul and autonomy of our city for those who value what we have stood for decades.
In partnership with Don’t Mute DC, parents, teachers, students and community who want to be a part of the solution.
We are having two conversations simultaneously. The event will close out with a unity celebration with free food and a live performance by youth Go-Go band Next Generation Krank.

About our Moderators:
Keith L. Alexander is an Editor-at-Large at Bloomberg Law here in Washington, D.C. He joined Bloomberg after nearly 25 years at The Washington Post where he covered DC crime and courts. Alexander was also part of the team that won the Pulitzer Prize in 2016 for their investigation of fatal police shootings nationwide. He also serves as a regular commentator and contributor to TVOne’s “Fatal Attraction.”
Lonnie Bee is a DC Native who grew up on Robinson Place SE Washington D.C. and understands the complexities of current issues in D.C. He is currently a radio personality and an influencer who produces stage plays that tour urban cities throughout America.
Introduction will be by Ronald Moten, a 30-year specialist in youth development and violence prevention.
Our goal is to save our youth, help our parents and save our city from going from youth takeovers to a federal takeover.

Format:

Youth panel and town hall in The Go-Go Museum’s Secret Garden
Parental discussion in the lower level

Date: Tuesday, May 26th
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: The Go-Go Museum’s Secret Garden
YouTube Livestream Link – https://youtube.com/live/DzB2k7qtqzE?feature=share

Anacostia River Festival 2026
2026-05-16 14:00 - 18:00 | 1800 Anacostia Drive, 1800 Anacostia Drive, Washington, DC, United States
The Mobile Go-Go Museum is rolling into #AnacostiaRiverFestival!

Experience the sound, history, and culture of DC’s official music up close. Step inside the mobile exhibit and connect with the rhythms that have shaped the city for generations.

Join us on May 16 from 2–6 PM for an afternoon of music, community, and celebration along the river!

Something Like A DJ Pool
2026-05-16 14:00 - 18:00 | Go-Go Museum & Café, 1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20020, Washington, DC, United States
This live listening session allows musical artists to learn more about where their music is best received, who would enjoy it most and what DJs are looking for when searching for new music. DJs will also have access to a wide range of new music from artists within their own community.

Time: Saturday, May 16th, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: The Go-Go Museum & Café

Go-Go Karaoke and Oysters
2026-05-14 17:00 - 21:00 | Go-Go Museum & Café, 1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE Washington, DC 20020, Washington, DC, United States
Join us at The Go-Go Museum & Café for Go-Go Karaoke and Oysters! On Thursday, May 14th, sing your favorite go-go hits and enjoy oysters from the WWSCO Famous Chargrilled Oyster Company. The Go-Go Museum Café & Bar will have happy hour and drink specials all night.
Music by DJ Supa Dan.

Time: Thursday, May 14th, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: The Go-Go Museum & Café
