Tim Ervin 2025 Lotus & Water Lily FestivalFriday, July 18th through Sunday, July 20thThe garden is an interconnected web of life. Whether for their medicinal and edible qualities, or for their beauty and cultural symbolism, people have admired lotuses and lilies for millennia. This year’s festival is a celebration of the connections between animals, plants, the environment and our community. 
NPS / Kelsey Graczyk Enjoy three days of fun!Schedule of EventsImmerse yourself in three days of art, wellness, music, and cultural expression surrounded by the peak bloom of lotuses and water lilies. Start the weekend with movement, mindfulness, and music in the gardens. 10:00 AM – Morning Mindfulness for All Ages
5:00 PM – Immerse Yourself in Nature
Evening – Listen to the Music
Celebrate global traditions and creativity inspired by nature. Morning – Creative Connections
Afternoon & Evening – Cultural Stage Performances (Main Stage)
A day for healing, harmony, and hands-on inspiration. 10:00 AM – Creative Mornings in the Garden
Afternoon & Evening
Accessibility at the L&L Festival
Explore the accessibility page for relevant information before your visit. 
Partner Events
View all events with the Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens 
Tim Ervin What to Bring & Safety TipsVisitors are encouraged to bring plenty of water, as the area around the ponds has limited shade and can get very hot in the summer. You’re welcome to bring a picnic or snacks; picnic tables are available in designated areas, though grills are not permitted in the park. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, and dogs on leash are allowed—please clean up after your pet. To stay safe and comfortable, wear sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy walking shoes, and stay hydrated to prevent heat exhaustion. Avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle and park only in designated areas. If you see something concerning, contact U.S. Park Police at 202-610-7500. Social MediaFollow us online and become a part of our social media community by tagging us in your photos, reacting to posts, and sharing what you love most about the Lotus and Water Lily Festival. Getting Here!DirectionsThere are three easy ways to get to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens! Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is located at 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE.The park has a dedicated parking lot that fills up quickly on busy weekends. Please refrain from parking in the neighborhood or blocking driveways. We recommend parking on the park side of Anacostia Avenue or there is additional parking parking for visitors with disabilities is located on Anacostia Avenue between Polk St. and Ord St. NE at the old Kenilworth-Parkside Recreation Center campus and is a short walk from near the park entrance. There is plenty of additional parking at this location. Enjoy a 20 minute bike ride along the scenic Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, starting from the Anacostia Skating Pavilion (1500 Anacostia Drive SE) to the festival site. You can also bike the Anacostia River Trail from Bladensburg, Md., to Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. Bike racks are available at the end of the spur trail that leads from the paved Anacostia River Trail into the gardens. Please leave your bike at the bike racks as biking on the paths around the ponds is not permitted. Take the DC Metro to the Deanwood Station. Once you are at the station you will take the Polk St NE exit. Currently, the Douglas St. Pedestrian Bridge is under construction. The alternate route will be crossing Anacostia Freeway from Eastern Ave NE northeast of Polk St NE. The alternate route should take you about 15-20 minutes to walk. Explore More
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Last updated: June 30, 2025