Hillwood After Hours

Hillwood After Hours is a special summer evening event that invites guests to experience the Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens after normal closing hours. From 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, the estate comes alive with art, live music, hands-on activities, and the rare chance to explore the mansion, greenhouse, and gardens in the evening light. The highlight is the exhibition *Interwoven: A Tradition in Textiles*, with opportunities to engage directly with the curator and conservator. Live performances by The JoGo Project—a WAMMIE Award–winning fusion of jazz and Washington, D.C.’s go-go music—will take place under the CW Post courtyard tent, while guests can also create no‑sew embroidery collages, watch demonstrations by local textile organizations (including the Uhuru Quilters Guild, Chesapeake Fibershed, ReThread DC, and Chesapeake Region Lace Guild), enjoy lawn games, and purchase food and drink specials at Merriweather Café. The event proceeds rain or shine, with outdoor activities modified if inclement weather occurs.

When: Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (rain or shine).

Schedule:
- 5:30 p.m. – Hillwood opens: self‑guided touring of mansion, gardens, greenhouse, and *Interwoven* exhibition; create a no‑sew embroidery collage project; drop‑in textile demonstrations; lawn games; food and drink available at Merriweather Café; museum shop open. Members may redeem two complimentary beverage tickets per household.
- 6:15–7:00 p.m. & 7:45–8:30 p.m. – Performances by The JoGo Project under the CW Post courtyard tent.
- 6:30–6:50, 7:00–7:20, 7:30–7:50, & 8:00–8:20 p.m. – Chat with curator Megan Martinelli and conservator Katherine Hill McIntyre in the *Interwoven* exhibition.
- 9:00 p.m. – Hillwood closes.

Tickets: General admission $25; members $20; students $15; children ages 6–18 $5; children under 6 free. Purchase online in advance.

Lineup:
- The JoGo Project – a Washington, D.C. jazz/go‑go band led by saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed, known for high‑energy performances and original music. The band has performed at Blues Alley, Kennedy Center, DC Jazz Festival, and internationally, including a cultural diplomacy tour in Russia.
- Megan Martinelli, Hillwood’s curator of textiles, apparel, jewelry, and accessories, and Katherine Hill McIntyre, conservator, available for conversation in the *Interwoven* exhibition at scheduled times.
- Drop‑in demonstrations by Uhuru Quilters Guild, Chesapeake Fibershed, ReThread DC, and Chesapeake Region Lace Guild.

Run time: The event runs 3.5 hours (5:30–9:00 p.m.). Individual performance sets and curator chats are 15–20 minutes each within that window.

Ages: All ages welcome. Children ages 6–18 require a $5 ticket; children under 6 are free. No outside alcohol permitted per Hillwood’s liquor license.

Venue: Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, Washington, D.C.

Note: Members enjoy two complimentary beverage tickets per household (redeemable for wine, beer, or soft drinks). Outside alcohol is not allowed. If inclement weather occurs, some outdoor activities may be moved indoors or modified. The event is held rain or shine.