State of the Union road closures and watch parties
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President Biden is delivering the State of the Union Thursday night, and that means extensive road closures and fun watch parties (we got you for both).
Why it matters: In life, nothing is certain but death and taxes. In D.C., it's traffic and political drink specials.
Driving the news: No driving around the Capitol! Especially after 5:30pm, when a lengthy series of road closures goes into effect (though some streets close as early as 6:30am). They're expected to last until around 11pm.
At 5:30pm, the following roads will be closed:
- Constitution Avenue between Louisiana Avenue, NW, and 2nd Street, NE
- Independence Avenue between Washington Avenue, SW, and 2nd Street, SE
- First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW, and Louisiana Avenue, NW
- D Street between First Street, NE, and 2nd Street, NE
- First Street between Independence Avenue, SW, and Washington Avenue, SW
- Maryland Avenue between First Street, NE, and Constitution Avenue, NE
- New Jersey Avenue between C Street, NW, and Constitution Avenue, NW
At 7pm, the following roads will be closed:
- 2nd Street between Constitution Avenue, NE, and Independence Avenue, SE
- Constitution Avenue between 3rd Street, NW, and Louisiana Avenue, NW
- First Street between C Street, NW, and Louisiana Avenue, NW
- Independence Avenue between 3rd Street, SW, and Washington Avenue, SW
- Washington Avenue between Independence Avenue, SW, and C Street, SW
- 2nd Street between Washington Avenue, SW, and C Street, SW
Between the lines: It's also the Embassy Chef Challenge at Union Station starting at 6pm, so expect that area to be busy as well.
Where to watch: Bars are busting out their bingo cards and pouring cheap drinks.
🍻 Union Pub: The Capitol Hill bar is hosting a watch party with drink specials from 8pm to close, plus SOTU bingo.
🌮 Shaw's Tavern: Come for a watch party (TVs on with sound), stay for tacos and margarita deals, and half-price wine bottles.
🆙 Busboys and Poets: The café's 14th Street location is hosting a watch party with Stand Up! for Democracy in DC. TVs will tune in throughout the restaurant.