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.
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.
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.
The Quadrangle at Marine Barracks Washington was originally constructed in the early 19th century and remains one of the most recognizable features of the installation. While there’s no official record, George Hadfield is the presumed architect for the Quadrangle and its surrounding buildings. Enclosed by historic red-brick buildings, it serves as a central courtyard where Marines gather for training, formations, and ceremonies for over two centuries. The layout remains almost identical to its original design, preserving its historical integrity while accommodating modern operational needs. The quadrangle surrounds the parade deck, outlined by the cement sidewalk.
The original building layout was arranged in a quadrangle with the buildings enclosing a parade deck. In the very northern end of the Barracks stood the Home of the Commandants. In the northeast corner was a small stable for the Commandant's horses. Beside the stable was a building housing the officers of the Barracks and Headquarters of the Marine Corps. Additional features included a stable, water closets, bathing facilities, a swimming pool, barber shop, and commissary storage. Mid-way down the western side stood Center House. Center House was a two-story wooden building that served as quarters for the junior officers. On the southern side of Center House stood another one-story brick building.
This building was used as sleeping quarters for the guard, guard room, and the brig. In 1834 a two-story building on the south side of the quadrangle was added. It was used as a hospital, medical officers' office, armory, canteen, tailors, blacksmith, a carpenter shop, and quarters for the enlisted men. In 1837 a stone wall 2 feet thick and 10 feet high was built to enclose the Barracks. After the wall was erected, the main entrance was located on the south side of Center House.
Located around the parade deck providing coverage to portions of the quadrangle, the arcades are a distinctive architectural feature. Built in the early 19th century, the arcades serve as covered walkways with columns and arches, adding to the stateliness of the barracks.
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 precision drill performances, promotions, and ceremonies that reflect Marine Corps discipline and professionalism. It features The Silent Drill Platoon, "The Commandant’s Own" Drum & Bugle Corps, and "The President’s Own" Marine Band, with historic buildings framing the site. The deck remains a symbol of excellence, preserving the Corps’ traditions of military precision and ceremony.
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., serving as the residence of every Marine Corps Commandant since 1806. Built in the Federal architectural style, the home has undergone renovation while maintaining its historic character. During the War of 1812, the British burned much of Washington but spared the Barracks and the Home of the Commandants. Some believe it was left untouched out of respect for the Marines’ defense at the Battle of Bladensburg, while others suggest British leaders planned to use it as a headquarters. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976, the home remains a symbol of Marine Corps leadership and tradition.
The Marine Corps Family Garden is located in the Home of the Commandants' backyard, serving as a peaceful space dedicated to Marine families. Used for receptions, small ceremonies, and quiet reflection, the garden offers a contrast to the formal discipline of the parade deck. It features plaques and memorials honoring Marine families and serves as a gathering place for dignitaries and visitors. The garden stands as a tribute to the resilience and support of Marine families, reinforcing the unity of the Marine Corps community.
Center House, home of the Marine Barracks Washington Commissioned Officers' Mess located at the southeastern end of the quadrangle, began its tradition in 1801 when the original Barracks was constructed. Initially serving as Bachelor Officer Quarters, it was referred to as a "Guard or Officer's House" in the center of the Barracks, where the Commanding Officer’s quarters now stand. The original structure was destroyed by fire in 1829, rebuilt that same year, and later relocated to its present site in 1907 after the demolition of the original buildings. The name “Center House” is the only element that remains from the original building, preserving its historical significance.
Today, Center House represents more than just an officers' mess or BOQ as a modern testament to the traditions and camaraderie of Marine Barracks officers. The first floor serves as a social hub, often hosting the Commandant, distinguished military leaders, and government officials. After Evening Parades, it hosts 8th & I officers and guests.
On the second floor, Center House still serves its original purpose in a different capacity with rooms on the second floor for distinguished visitors of the “Oldest Post of the Corps”. Throughout the building, artifacts and military history are displayed, offering a reminder of the Marine Corps' rich legacy, while it continues to serve as a key location for meetings and official events.
Named for Colonel Truman Crawford, the most tenured director of "The Commandant’s Own" Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, Truman Crawford Hall serves as the unit’s headquarters. Located on the southeastern tip of 8th & I, it houses rehearsal spaces, instrument storage, and administrative offices that support the Corps’ musical mission. The hall ensures that Marine Corps martial music, a tradition for over two centuries, continues at the highest level. It also serves as an alternate parade location in inclement weather.
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 guests. These blank-firing saluting guns are maintained by Marine Barracks Washington armory Marines, ensuring they continue to play an essential role in formal military pageantry. Their thunderous reports, synchronized with the precision drill movements on the parade deck, reinforce the historic and ceremonial prestige of 8th & I.
Center Walk is the ceremonial pathway leading through the middle of the parade deck during Friday Evening Parades and official functions. Flanked by historic buildings and gardens of the "Oldest Post of the Corps", it provides an impressive setting for dignitaries, guests of honor, and Marine Corps leadership. The Official Party processes along Center Walk, making the pathway a focal point of formal events, symbolizing of the legacy and tradition upheld at 8th & I.
The ceremonial bell at Marine Barracks Washington holds deep significance in military and naval traditions, marking the start of parades, the arrival of distinguished guests, and memorial ceremonies for fallen Marines. Carefully maintained, its resonant tone symbolizes both solemnity and celebration. Bells have long been an important part of naval tradition, historically used on ships to signal time, events, and important transitions. The bell at MBW continues this practice, connecting the present to the long-standing customs of the Navy and Marine Corps.
The bell originated from the USS Nicholas, a U.S. Navy destroyer commissioned in 1942 that served as an escort for the USS Missouri during Japan's surrender in WWII. Named after Major Samuel Nicholas, the first commissioned Marine officer and regarded as the first Commandant of the Marine Corps, the original bell cracked after a Marine, challenging its durability, struck it. As a result, the bell was replaced with a new one from the USS Nicholas, which now hangs on the flagpole. The original cracked bell remains inside Center House, and the names of babies christened at the bell are inscribed under its rim, further linking it to Marine Corps traditions.
Located behind the flagpole and ceremonial bell on the Marine Barracks Washington quadrangle, a memorial plaque honors the beloved Marine Barracks Washington mascots: Sgt. Chesty XIV, retired; Sgt Chesty VII, retired; Cpl. Chesty IX, retired. The beloved English bulldog mascot represents Marine toughness and esprit de corps, attending parades, ceremonies, and official functions.
Following the death of Chesty VI, a Marine unit in Tennessee offered Lance Cpl. Bodacious Little as a replacement. Upon arrival at MBW, he was ceremoniously renamed Chesty VII, continuing the tradition of Marine mascots.
The Center Walk cannons at Marine Barracks Washington are prominent symbols of the Marine Corps’ rich history, each with its own story of military engagement. These cannons were captured during significant historical events, notably These cannons were captured during significant historical events, notably the Spanish-American War around 1898 and the Boxer Rebellion in China around 1900.
One of the cannons was captured during the Boxer Rebellion, where Marines played a pivotal role in the international effort to restore order in China. The cannon was seized by Marines under the command of Major L.W.T. Waller on 3 July 1900, during the conflict's pivotal moments. Another cannon, a larger field piece, was captured at Peking on 15 August 1900, during the same operation. These cannons, along with others from the rebellion, were later displayed at Marine Barracks Washington as reminders of the Marines' contributions to global peacekeeping efforts.