On Sunday afternoons, when the weather is warm and dry, a rhythm starts to sound from Meridian Hill Park around 5pm. At first it's just a few people with drums, but by its peak there may be 20 drummers and as many dancers, and several times more spectators standing, nodding, and swaying along.

The crowd is mixed, bringing together young and old, rich and poor, and a broad sample of Washington's many races. It's a friendly thing, where nobody minds being jostled or bumped, where the rhytmically-challenged are welcome to join in, and where you can let your feet carry you freely without fear of being judged for your dance moves.

Getting there

The park is on the eastern edge of Adams Morgan, a short walk from the 14th St/Columbia Heights Metro station.