National Bell Festival

Prepare to ring in the New Year like never before with the National Bell Festival in
Washington, DC, taking place this New Year’s Day. BellFest presents a full day of programming which celebrates the history of our nation through the lens of DC’s often-overlooked bells and bell towers: the jubilation of independence, the pain of civil war, the sacredness of community, and the resounding hope of tomorrow. Bells will sound overhead in a city-wide ringing with participating towers including the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Old Post Office Tower, Washington National Cathedral, and more. At ground level, special events and programming – all free and open to the public – will be presented across DC’s 8 Wards.

The festival is designed to reignite an appreciation for bell towers as sentinels of our city, and to raise critical funding for the care and restoration of historic bells. For its first service project, BellFest will refurbish the old bell at Georgetown Lutheran Church. Cast in 1780, the bell was lost in the Civil War and recovered decades later, but hasn’t rung since. In commemoration of the congregation’s 250th anniversary, BellFest will fund the restoration and installation of this bell as a historic artifact of the Georgetown community.

Looking for free New Year’s activities? Plant a tree that will benefit DC’s atmosphere for decades to come. Warm-up with coffee and cocoa at one of DC’s participating businesses or with an exclusive whisky tasting. Escape into the enchanting lyricism of Brahms and Shostakovich at a chamber music recital. Dust off your mats and join a group yoga class open to all levels. End the day with a live performance by the local favorite, Griefcat.

Learn all about campanology from bellmaker, Benjamin Sunderlin. Experience the lighthearted fun of bells on wheels as the Virginia Bronze handbell ensemble perform roving pop-up concerts throughout the afternoon from the back of a Big Bus.

BellFest invites Washingtonians to hit the ground running on their New Year’s resolutions with a 5K run/walk through scenic Anacostia Park. This free event is hosted by Mayor Muriel Bowser in partnership with AETNA. Early registration is encouraged and all walkers, runners, and supporters are welcome!

For an additional cost, countdown to 2020 with BellFest by grabbing tickets to the much-anticipated Ringin’ New Year’s Eve party, presented at the District Architecture Center. Lace-up your dancing shoes, gather your friends, and enjoy a full evening of open bar, tasty bites, and special guest appearances, while DJ Nick Names keeps the dance floor hot. When the clock strikes midnight, guests will enjoy a Champagne toast as a custom 650-lb. bell reverberates throughout the space. This event begins at 8:00 p.m. and tickets cost $150 per person. Please click here to purchase tickets and to learn more.