Sycamore & Oak Turns One

The Sycamore & Oak retail village located on the St. Elizabeths East campus in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Ward 8 will celebrate its first anniversary through a series of events and activities that will take place from June 14-16.

Sycamore & Oak officially opened its doors over the Juneteenth weekend last year and has established itself as a year-round destination for shopping, arts, culture and wellness. The retail village offers residents a safe community resource and gathering place with much-needed amenities and services.

This Day in History

On June 14, from 5-9 p.m. there will be “The Taste of SOAK: An Evening of Eats and Art.”

Chefs with eateries at Sycamore & Oak will be joined by other local chefs and restaurateurs to offer free tastings of some of their customers’ favorite dishes. Attendees could view and buy visual art pieces from some of the city’s most talented muralists and artists including Chris Pyrate and Keyonna Jones.

On day two from noon to 8 p.m., there will be the “Homecoming” Festival. Sycamore & Oak has become known to many Congress Heights and Ward 8 residents as a second home, a safe space to eat, shop, express themselves and gather. The Homecoming Festival will include an official first-anniversary ceremony, a new playground ribbon-cutting, and several activities for everyone, including live musical performances, free food, games and more.

The Black Alley Band is slated to perform.

On June 16, from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., there will be a “Fit Fathers and Father’s Day Brunch.” A core Sycamore & Oak value is promoting and offering fitness and wellness programming and services to Ward 8 residents.

Fit Fathers is a fitness event led by Joe Houston, owner of WeFitDC, the first privately owned fitness gym in Ward 8. Fathers, along with their families, will participate in a cardio and strength training workout.

Attendees will be treated to a discounted brunch from the eateries at Sycamore & Oak.