Welcome to the 27th Gaufest of Gauverband Nordamerika,
July 4-7, 2019 – Washington Hilton, Washington, DC

Below is information to assist you in planning for coming to DC! We have organized this into sections:


  • Washington DC
  • Travelling to DC
  • How to Get around inside DC
  • 4th of July Fireworks
  • Museums, Monuments, National Mall, Touring U.S. Government Buildings


We hope you enjoy your stay and if you have any questions, please contact the Gaufest Planning Committee. 


Washington DC
Washington DC Visitors Pages



Traveling to DC
Airports

  • Reagan National - Metro can be taken close to the Hotel however stations south of this airport are closed - see Section on "How to Get Around DC - Metro(S-Bahn/U-Bahn)"
  • Dulles International - Bus Service to Metro(S-Bahn/U-Bahn) station available - Metro can get you close to the Hotel.  Car and Taxi service available.
  • Baltimore/Washington International

Train

  • Amtrak/Union Station- located in Washington DC and Metro (S-Bahn/U-Bahn), Car Service and Taxi Service can get you to the hotel

Driving

  • Discounted Parking available at the Hotel
  • Other parking garages available around the hotel for reduced rate - check parking apps and websites for availability
  • ***NOTICE*** - Due to the 4th of July holiday security, expect traffic jams and closed roads within DC the closer you get to the National Mall. The earlier in the day you arrive the better as roads and traffic will be blocked south of the hotel as afternoon/evening approaches for the fireworks.



How to Get around inside DC
The best way to get around DC is using the Metro (Ubahn/Sbahn) or a Taxi/Uber. Traffic can be heavy and parking is expensive. 


Metro (U-bahn/S-bahn)

DC has a very good Metro system that can transport you around the city to most attractions and places to visit.  You need to purchase a refillable Fare Card to ride the metro - you can purchase these at the metro station and refill them  as needed.  The closest station to our hotel is approximately 5 blocks on the Red Line.

Caution:Due to construction all Metro stations south of Reagan National Airport are CLOSED on the Blue and Yellow metro lines - Bus service is available.

Metro Website and Map: www.wmata.com


Big Bus- Big Bus Tours allow hop-on / Hop-off service throughout the city and major attractions.

Uber-Lyft - Uber and Lyft cars are available in the city and provide the best rates over taxis

Taxi - Taxis are available on the street for hailing or at Hotel entrances


4th of July

What you need to know!! (Link)(Link)

  • The area around the Mall will have all Roads closed- you need to plan your travel to/from the area if you want to attend anything.  Metro is the best option but expect long lines.
  • To get into the Mall you will need to pass through Security entrances.  DO NOT bring anything you would not take on an airplane including weapons including Knives for the Baum. Alcohol, Backpacks, large coolers - See list here
  • Expect a very large crowd

















National Independence Day Parade -  Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street to 17th Street NW
11:45 a.m. — 2 p.m.
Marching bands, Army fife and drum corps, floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams and more


Salute to America - White House sponsored event

Lincoln Memorial - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Speech by the President, military bands and a flyover of military aircraft beginning at 6:30pm. 

Warning:  Tickets will be required to get into the seating area which encompasses the Lincoln Memorial and most of the Reflecting Pool.  Tickets are being sent out by the White House to their guests.  General admission will be available starting towards the back half of the Reflecting Pool on the sides.


A Capitol Fourth Concert — West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
8 p.m. — 9:30 p.m.
Sponsired by the National Park Service and the National Symphony Orchestra celebrating America with an all-star salute of the best in American entertainment. This is the event you see on PBS every year.

Gates open at 3 p.m. Get more info at PBS.org.

Fireworks Display
9:07 p.m. — 9:40 p.m. (approximate)
The fireworks will be launched from West Potomac Park and behind the Lincoln Memorial. They will be visible from locations throughout D.C. and Northern Virginia.



Museums
Smithsonian Institution- (Link)

DC’s premier civic space includes the Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Jr., World War II, Korean War Veterans, and Vietnam Veterans Memorials, as well as many Smithsonian museums and galleries. The National Park Service operates these sites, as well as more than 150 statues, circles, fountains, and parks located throughout the Capital.

National Park Service - (Link)List of all National Parks and Buildings in the DC Area
11 museums and galleries on the National Mall, as well as six other museums and the National Zoo in the DC area
Touring U.S. Government Buildings

  • United States Supreme Court
    • The U.S. Supreme Court building is open to the public, and all oral arguments are open to the public (although seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-seated basis). Free 30-minute Courtroom Lectures are available on weekdays when the Court is out of session or has adjourned.
  • National Archives
    • Reservations are recommended, especially from March to August, but not required.

Gaufest 2019

Contact us:

Web: www.dcgaufest2019.com
Email: dcgaufest2019@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DCGaufest2019
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DCGaufest2019