Setup in D.C. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images
World Culture Festival, a massive three-day celebration on the National Mall, starts Friday.
Why it matters: The free festival is led by viral "Indian power guru" Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and boasts more than 450,000 RSVPs — so if it's anything like this Insta trailer, it's looking big.
What's happening: So much. Festival organizers advertise a football field-sized stage for 17,000 global music and dance artists. Plus a yoga pavilion, 80+ food trucks, wellness zones, kid's activities, and a "wisdom series" with the guru himself.
- Admission is free, but advance registration is required.
Between the lines: The festival is put on by the Art of Living Foundation, which has a presence in D.C. and teaches meditation, yoga, and holistic practices globally.
On the ground: Road closures, of course.
What we're watching: The festival coincides with an increasingly likely government shutdown on Sunday, when the National Mall may or may not close.
- Organizers say if the Mall is shut down, they'll move part of the program to a private venue and livestream. Stay tuned!
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