carter barron Alliance
Carter Barron Amphitheater: A DC Treasure Worth Fighting For
Imagine walking through the wooded trails of Rock Creek Park and discovering a 4,400-seat amphitheater nestled among the trees. For decades, Carter Barron was one of Washington’s most beloved cultural destinations. Today, it stands silent—but not forgotten.
A Stage That Helped Define Washington
Carter Barron was never just a performance venue. It was a gathering place where music, culture, and community came together.
Legendary artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Bruce Springsteen, and Chuck Brown performed on its stage. Free Shakespeare productions entertained audiences under the stars. Families returned year after year, creating memories that continue to connect generations of Washingtonians.
Carter Barron also holds an important place in our city’s history. At a time when segregation limited access to public spaces, the amphitheater welcomed diverse audiences and performers, demonstrating that arts, nature, and culture belong to everyone.
A Decade of Silence
The Carter Barron Amphitheater closed after a 2017 engineering inspection. The assessment determined that the stage structure was unsafe, forcing the amphitheater to close.
What was expected to be a temporary closure has stretched into nearly a decade. During that time, this treasured landmark has sat unused while community members, advocates, and partners have continued pushing for its restoration.
Where We Are Today
Thanks to years of advocacy, meaningful progress has been made.
The Carter Barron Alliance, a program of Rock Creek Conservancy, is a network of arts, parks, historic preservation, philanthropic, and community groups that has worked together for 7 years to support the timely, complete revitalization of the Carter Barron Amphitheater.
Through the Carter Barron Alliance, volunteer efforts, and celebrations, Rock Creek Conservancy has helped keep attention focused on the amphitheater’s future. Schematic designs for a restored venue have been completed, and the National Park Service is advancing the necessary planning and compliance work.
Yet significant challenges remain. Securing the funding needed to move from planning to construction will require continued public support and momentum. Without sustained community engagement, restoration efforts could stall.
Why Your Voice Matters
Washington fights for the places that define it—its neighborhoods, parks, schools, and cultural institutions.
Carter Barron deserves that same commitment.
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of one of DC’s most iconic public spaces and ensure future generations can once again experience performances in the heart of Rock Creek Park.
Join the alliance
Learn about upcoming opportunities to experience Carter Barron this summer and hear the latest updates on plans to restore the amphitheater.
Most importantly, show the National Park Service, elected leaders, and community partners that Washington is ready to bring Carter Barron back.
Together, we can reopen the gates and restore this remarkable place for generations to come.
Learn More About the Amphitheater
DC's Heartbeat: A Carter Barron Amphitheater Story
In celebration of the Carter Barron Amphitheater's 75th Anniversary in 2025, the Carter Barron Alliance premiered DC's Heartbeat: A Carter Barron Amphitheater Story which centers the important history of this cultural landmark and highlights the need to revitalize and reopen it.
In celebration of the Carter Barron Amphitheater's 75th Anniversary in 2025, the Carter Barron Alliance premiered DC's Heartbeat: A Carter Barron Amphitheater Story which centers the important history of this cultural landmark and highlights the need to revitalize and reopen it.
View Documentary
The reopened amphitheater will provide an introduction to nature, Rock Creek Park, and the National Park Service for a diverse audience of all ages. It is a magical setting that recognizes the significance of our nation’s parks, while also promoting and expanding our nation’s cultural heritage.
Interested in learning more about the History and Future of the Carter Barron Amphitheater?
Want to learn about the history of jazz at the carter barron?
Watch our Race, History, and Rock Creek series program:
get involved
Your financial support will make the essential work of the Carter Barron Alliance possible. Please use the secure online donation form below, or reach out to the Conservancy at info@rockcreekconservancy.org if you are interested in making a signature gift.