Created by local artists in partnership with the Anacostia BID and Busboys and Poets, the Art All Night Drive-Thru Art Gallery brings the Anacostia business corridors to life with an eclectic collection of artistic installations and original work.

Follow the CURATED MAP of artwork and businesses throughout the streets of Anacostia. The artistic installations will begin on the corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, U Street, and Shannon Place.

Visitors are invited to travel by car, bike, moped, or pedicab to fully immerse themselves in this journey into artistic and creative expression.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS INCLUDE:

The Making of Busboys and Poets

A Seat at the Table: The Making of Busboys and Poets

We’re proud to announce A Seat at the Table: The Making of Busboys and Poets, the new memoir from our CEO and Founder, which reveals the vision, challenges, and triumphs behind opening Busboys and Poets. Packed with misadventures, unexpected triumphs, and insights on race, business and politics, Andy Shallal’s memoir takes us on a “How I Built … Continued

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For Langston Hughes on His 123 Birthday

Speech given on February 1, 2024 in Havana, Cuba In 1927 Langston Hughes walked into a Cuba amid an emerging community of artists, intellectuals, and radicals.  He saw a “sunrise in a new land [– a day – in his words]sic – full of brownskin surprises, and hitherto unknown contacts in a world of color.”  … Continued

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Palestine Week 2024

January 18, 2024 – January 25, 2024 In keeping with our ongoing mission of uplifting racial and cultural connections, Busboys and Poets is hosting Palestine Week (January 18 through January 25, 2024). This week-long series of events will offer a diverse range of programming featuring Palestinian food, music, dance, poetry, discussions, and other enriching events. … Continued

Event Recap : Busboys X Anniversary Party

Event Recap : Busboys X Anniversary Party

[The] 10-year anniversary party for Busboys and Poets brought hundreds of well-wishers to the restaurant and bookstore chain’s Brookland location in Northeast Washington.”

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Everest Base Camp #8

Fasten yourself seatbelt it’s going to be a bumpy ride or There is literally nothing that duct tape can’t solve. Dawa picks me up at 5 am sharp and we make it to the airport by 5:15 for our 6:15 flight to you know where! There is no traffic to speak of. It is really … Continued

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Everest Base Camp #7

Viva la lucha! Not today. Not yet. Waking up at 2 am is never a good idea no matter where you’re going. But alas here I am sitting on the edge of my king size bed, having used every inch of it throughout the night, contemplating what’s ahead. Last night, room service hit the spot. … Continued

President Obama meets with former inmates in the Langston Room

President Obama meets with former inmates in the Langston Room

President Obama met at Busboys and Poets 14th & V to have lunch with a group of former inmates. He was joined by senior advisor Valerie Jarrett. The Obama administration chose to have their meeting with us since we banned the box in 2009.