Freedom Plaza, constructed in 1980, is probably the most versatile civic space in D.C. It’s closed right now for reconstruction and is scheduled to reopen in May.
Here are some of the variety of things we’ve seen happening on Freedom Plaza over the past years:
Caribbean Festival 2025
Jane Fonda climate protest 2022
Iran protests 2023
Skateboarding
Birds
Most of the plaza is a flat stone plane, beloved by pigeons. But the plantings on the edges of the plaza also host birds, especially the ubiquitous house sparrows.
Juneteenth celebration 2022
World Cup viewing 2014
Viewing the U.S. v Belgium match on Jumbotrons set up at Freedom Plaza.
World Pride display 2025
The history of Pride was displayed in large panels on the plaza.
Women’s Marches
2020
2021
2023
2024
Miscellaneous usage
Any time you walk by Freedom Plaza, even if there is not an event, there are usually people using it for their own purposes. Here, a reporter is speaking with the view of the Capitol in the distance, while a man is skateboarding in the background.
March on Washington 2014
Immigration rally 2017
Occupy D.C. 2011
While the main Occupy D.C. encampment was in McPherson Square, a second encampment was on Freedom Plaza under a permit that lasted for four months.
Rally for AIDS 2012
Tango 2016
Health care rally 2017
Climate protest 2021
Flashmob for Hillary 2016
Emancipation Day 2022
Little Amal 2023
Little Amal, a giant puppet representing a young Syrian girl, walked through many cities to raise awareness of displaced children.
Empty
Freedom Plaza is rarely empty, but even when nothing is happening there, it offers a perfect view down Pennsylvania Avenue toward the Capitol, and plants and foliage around the perimeter.
