All guests, bags, clothing and other items entering the Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., are subject to screening and security checks. To ensure a smooth entry, please review the following prohibited items:
Weapons: No weapons or weapon-like items (e.g. toy or squirt guns) are allowed. Federal law enforcement agents may enter armed with credentials, while non-federal law enforcement officials can turn over side arms to Barracks guards prior to entry. All confiscated items will be held by guards and returned after the parade.
Self-Defense Equipment: Knives, pepper spray, stun guns, and similar items are prohibited.
Other Restricted Items: Restraining devices, suspicious items (e.g. box cutters, duct tape), pets (except trained service animals), disruptive items (e.g. laser pointers, air horns), folding chairs (except mobility aids), and alcohol or illegal substances are prohibited.
Bag policy: Please refrain from bringing large bags to enable easy movement throughout the bleachers. We request that guests limit bag size to 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
Military working dogs are used to screen guests; service animals should remain leashed or harnessed and under control at all times.
As an outdoor event held in the evening, guests are encouraged to plan accordingly.
Weather policy: an initial weather call will be made by noon the day of the parade.
Attire: Dress comfortably and check the evening weather forecast for potential temperature changes.
Photography: Please refrain from flash photography during the parade for the safety of the Marines and staff.
Amenities: Water stations are located around the parade deck. Medical services are available in the case of an emergency. Restrooms are located in Truman Crawford Hall. The gift shop is located in front of Truman Crawford Hall. Please let a Marine know if you need help finding anything and they'll be happy to assist.
Timeline:
7:00 p.m. -- Gates Open
8:00 p.m. -- Gates Close
8:45 p.m. -- Parade Starts
10:00 p.m. -- Parade Concludes
After the Parade Following the ceremony, guests have the opportunity to meet Marines who performed throughout the parade and take photos with the Marine Barracks mascot, Chesty XVI. This chance to interact with Marines adds a personal connection to the experience, making it truly memorable.
The Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington is a time-honored tradition that showcases the pride, precision, and professionalism of the United States Marine Corps. Set against the backdrop of the Corps' oldest active post, this event offers guests an unforgettable evening featuring the "President's Own" United States Marine Band, the "Commandant's Own" United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon, the official United States Marine Corps Color Guard and the 8th & I Marines. With its powerful performances demonstrating ceremonial excellence, the parade reflects the discipline, heritage, and dedication that continues to define the Marine Corps 250 years after its founding.
To make the most of your visit, guests are encouraged to explore the official 1801 gift shop, conveniently located near the cannons and open before and after the parade. Following the performance, a special photo opportunity is available on the right side of the Parade Deck, where guests can take pictures with Marines of Marine Barracks Washington and the beloved Marine Corps mascot, Chesty—an unforgettable way to commemorate the evening.
Water stations are available between seating sections to keep guests comfortable throughout the evening. Finally, we encourage all guests to complete the post-parade survey to share feedback about their visit and help us continue providing a memorable experience at Marine Barracks Washington. Following the parade, this survey will be emailed out to the address used for registration.
This year’s parade season holds special significance as the Marine Corps commemorates its 250th anniversary—a historic milestone marking two and a half centuries of service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. The Friday Evening Parade offers a unique opportunity to witness this moment in the very heart of Marine Corps tradition. As Marines take the Parade Deck, their performance is more than ceremonial—it is a tribute to the enduring legacy of Marines who served from 1775 to the present day.
Parades and ceremonies have been a tradition at Marine Barracks Washington since its founding in 1801. In 1934, the 16th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Maj. Gen. John H. Russell, appointed Maj. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. as Barracks commander, instructing him to make it a model military garrison. Shepherd introduced morning parades and guard mounts, later expanding them into weekly afternoon parades for military and civilian guests. By summer 1934, these events evolved into a full parade season. When Shepherd became the 20th Commandant in 1952, he used the parades to host distinguished guests at pre-parade receptions, formalizing the Sunset Parade tradition, which later influenced today’s Friday Evening Parade.
The first official Friday Evening Parade, held on July 5, 1957, drew more than 3,000 spectators, with temporary bleachers replacing folding chairs. Modeled after the “Landing Party Manual,” the parade remains a showcase of Marine Corps precision and discipline. The most significant evolution has been the growth of the Battle Color Detachment, featuring “The Commandant’s Own” Drum & Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon, and the Marine Corps Color Guard. The detachment conducts annual training in Yuma, Arizona, before traveling worldwide to represent the Marine Corps. From April through August, Marine Barracks Washington continues the tradition with Sunset Parades at the Marine Corps War Memorial on Tuesdays and Friday Evening Parades at the Barracks, welcoming guests from around the world to witness the history and excellence of the Corps.
Located around the parade deck providing coverage to portions of the quadrangle, the arcades are a distinctive architectural feature. Built in the...
The Quadrangle at Marine Barracks Washington was originally constructed in the early 19th century and remains one of the most recognizable features...
The parade deck is the centerpiece of Marine Barracks Washington, hosting Evening Parades since 1957. The 280-foot-long deck serves as the stage for...
Located at on the north side of the quadrangle, the Home of the Commandants is the oldest continuously occupied public building in Washington, D.C.,...
The Marine Corps Family Garden is located in the Home of the Commandants' backyard, serving as a peaceful space dedicated to Marine families. Used...
Center House, home of the Marine Barracks Washington Commissioned Officers' Mess located at the southeastern end of the quadrangle, began its...
Located on the south side of the parade deck, the ceremonial guns used in Friday Evening Parades are 40mm canons to render honors to distinguished...
Center Walk is the ceremonial pathway leading through the middle of the parade deck during Friday Evening Parades and official functions. Flanked by...
The ceremonial bell at Marine Barracks Washington holds deep significance in military and naval traditions, marking the start of parades, the arrival...
Located behind the flagpole and ceremonial bell on the Marine Barracks Washington quadrangle, a memorial plaque honors the beloved Marine Barracks...
The Center Walk cannons at Marine Barracks Washington are prominent symbols of the Marine Corps’ rich history, each with its own story of military...