Come check out 826DC at our free, all-ages open house event on Saturday, May 11th, 2024! Drop in anytime between 11 AM and 2 PM.
A Look Behind the Curtain
826DC and our Tivoli’s Astounding Magic Supply Co. storefront have been in the Columbia Heights neighborhood, in one way or another, for fourteen years now. Housed in the historic Tivoli Theatre since 2015, 826DC has remained a bit of a mystery to the community.
It’s time to change that. On Saturday, May 11th, we’re opening our doors to the world! Come explore the 826DC writing center and our magic shop, try out some activities from our free youth writing and publishing programs, and learn more about how you can get involved here.
Activities Galore
Much like some of the books we create with our field trip students, this open house is a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure event. You’ll get a map with info about 826DC and the space, as well as the locations of various activity stations. Take a self-guided tour around the writing center and participate in any activity that catches your eye.
Make a zine
Book production for the people! Use our templates and supplies to create your very own zine.
Help bind a book
We bind hundreds of student-written chapbooks in our onsite Bookbinding Studio every year. Get a peek at how that works—and help put together chapbooks for some of our recent authors.
Craft a card
It’ll be the day before Mother’s Day, as well as graduation season! Make and write a card for someone special. Letter writing is just one of the types of writing we do with our students.
Discover your next favorite author
DC students are writing incredible things. Pull up a chair and read some books by the young people we serve…you just might discover your new favorite author.
Write an ode
Experience one of the poetry-writing activities we do with our students!
Getting Involved
If you like what you see and try at the open house, there are tons of opportunities for you to get involved as a volunteer. You can also support 826DC by donating, buying something from our shop, spreading the word about our free writing programs for DC students ages 6-18, or connecting us with someone you think we should know.
No matter where your curiosity leads, we’re excited to show you what is genuinely one of the coolest spots in Columbia Heights.
Getting Here
Our main entrance is the Tivoli’s Astounding Magic Supply Co. door on Park Road NW, between Dave’s Hot Chicken and Giant. It’s also directly across the street from the Columbia Heights farmer’s market.
Anyone who needs an elevator should head around the corner to our listed address at 3333 14th Street NW, Suite M-120.
Questions? Get in touch with Sarah at sarah@826dc.org.