Bringing a slice of summer fun to the District this weekend, the Watermelon Festival at Cathedral Commons will be in full swing. As a heads-up to residents and visitors alike, you'll want to plan around road closures and parking restrictions if you're driving in the area. The festival is set to occur on Saturday, June 15, 2024, and with it comes some logistical adjustments to accommodate the festivities.

According to an advisory released by the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, Newark Street, stretching from Wisconsin Avenue to Idaho Avenue, NW, will be eagerly closed off to vehicle traffic from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on festival day. So, if you were planning to use this stretch, it's time to consider some alternative routes.

But it's not just those driving through who need to be aware. Parking will also be temporarily halted along the same section of Newark Street. The Emergency No Parking signs should be expected to pop up from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Cars parked in violation of these emergency conditions risk being tagged and possibly towed, leaving their drivers with the unenviable task of retrieving their vehicles from the impound.

The Watermelon Festival promises to be quite the draw with its array of activities and, of course, the star attraction—watermelons in abundance. While the event guarantees to provide good times and relief from the summer's heat, it will undoubtedly throw a little wrench into the usual traffic patterns. Festival-goers are encouraged to either use public transportation or to warmly cushion in extra travel time if they decide to drive to the event, keeping in mind the parking and street closure times..