Join hundreds of biking enthusiasts as you explore the city at night, culminating in an amazing afterparty. You’ll love the experience from the first peddle to the last.
The Background
Since 2012, DC Bike Party has been bringing people together every month for an unforgettable cycling extravaganza. Each Bike Party is one-of-a-kind with a different route, theme, and afterparty bar. Dress to impress. Then, sing your heart out amidst the monuments. After the ride, the evening’s bar is open just for you and your fellow peddlers, DJ and custom drink included.
The Standout Features
Here are a few reasons to join this wild ride:
- Just Plain Fun – It’s a blast waving at cars honking their support or cheering the crowd. After all, the best kind of date is a fun one.
- Multi-Level Connection – A Bike Party gives you a unique experience. When you’re biking with hundreds of others, you simultaneously feel part of a vast community and like you’re the only two people there. The resulting intimacy gets you closer to your partner and city.
- Free – Don’t we all love free dates? Forget about who pays the bill. Instead, relax and enjoy the ride.
- Get Exercise – It’s refreshing to be active on a date. The leisurely route not only keeps you fit but also boosts attraction through endorphins.
- Eye-catching Views – It’s magical to see the monuments at night. Add a sea of dazzling neon lights and cheery music from massive mobile speakers and you have a sight to behold.
Dupont Circle as the Cyclists Wait to Get Started
The Experience
Date Lead Up - The Pre-game
It’s 7:30 pm as I pull up to the Dupont fountain on my bicycle. The area is full of cyclists. I told my partner to meet me at the word “Congress” on the fountain’s edge (see the picture below). Now, I’ll be easy to find. While I wait, a variety of interstellar creatures stroll by. The theme is space and the outfits don’t disappoint. Then my date arrives. “Sorry I’m late,” he replies, out of breath. “I metroed and tried to grab a Capitol Bike Share here in Dupont, but they were all taken. I searched a few blocks over and found one,” he explains.
“Let me show you what I brought,” he tells me. Then, he reaches into his backpack. and pulls out an astronaut onesie. While he puts it on, I smile, thinking about how fun he is. “You look great,” I say when he’s in costume. He beams. Music flows through the square. To my surprise, I even spy a full DJ setup connected to a bike. These folks mean business! Around 8pm, someone announces that we’re starting soon. Soon after, hundreds of people move onto today’s route. Each month, the path through the city’s blocked-off streets is different.
Date Main Event - Party Time
My date and I bike side-by-side, lost in leisurely conversation. We’re in our own world, yet still part of something bigger. The city lights at dusk offer a romantic backdrop. We flow through the streets in a river of other riders, captivating those nearby. We wave at a group of smiling and curious faces as we pass by. Halfway through the journey, we stop for a midway dance fiesta.
Finally, we near the course’s conclusion. Our caravan grows restless with excitement. Participants enjoy exclusive access to an afterparty bar at the end of the route. When we arrive, wheels and handlebars fill the street to the brim. We use the Capitol Bike Share app to locate a station and return our bicycles. When we enter the party, an astronaut DJ spins tunes for an elated crowd to our immediate left. We order the event’s signature cocktail and embrace the friendly, lively surroundings. Soon after, the bartender serves our purple concoctions.
Despite the energetic ambiance, we find a secluded spot. Once settled, we replay the best moments of the evening and laugh. As I sip my drink, I know this won’t be my last bike party. We toast to a fantastic experience before slipping back into our discussion; the time passing away.
Date Wrap Up - Last Call
Despite the lively environment, we locate a more secluded spot in the back of the bar. Though there are people here and there, it feels like It’s just the two of us. We both recount our favorite moments of the evening and chuckle at the sights we’ve seen. As I take a sip of my drink, I’m so glad we did this. It won’t be my last bike party, that’s for sure. My date and I cheers to a fantastic time before getting lost in conversation once again, the night slipping past us.
The Planning
No need to figure out all the logistics. We did it for you.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for... | ✔ First date ✔ A few dates in ✔ Steady couple |
| Seasons | Runs year-round |
| Typical Hours | Usually the second Wednesday of every month. Gather at 7:30pm. Peddling starts at 8pm |
| Duration | Typically 8 miles in about two hours (including a halfway point party). Additional time for the after party. |
| Cost | The event is free. If you don't have a bike, rent a red Capitol Bike Share bike for 5 cents/minute. Cost varies by how fast you bike but a total estimated cost is $5.50/bike. |
| Website | Follow DC Bike Party on Facebook or on Instagram to get details on the next event. |
| Address | Dupont Circle Fountain 21 Dupont Cir NW, Washington, DC 20036 |
| Transportation | Parking in Dupont is challenging so I wouldn't recommend it. The closest metro station is Dupont Circle. The closest Capitol Bike Station is at Massachusetts Ave & Dupont Circle by the PNC bank. If you’re early, you may have luck finding a bike at this station. That said, this station could be empty with the large summer crowds. I recommend getting bikes from a nearby spot and riding over together. |
| Attire | Dress according to the theme or in whatever makes you comfortable. A whole range of outfits will be displayed at the event. |
| Contact Information | Email: dcbikeparty@gmail.com |
The Pre- and Post-Date Options
Do you want to continue after the ride? I love this date because it comes with a built-in post biking activity. Easy, right? Your course always ends at a bar where you can grab a beverage, meet your fellow cyclists, or sneak off to a corner for some personal time.
Now, since the route changes every month, it’s tough to plan other pre- and post-date options. I don’t think you’ll need it, though. When the cycling stops, it’ll be near 10:00 pm. A drink may be your max on a Wednesday night. If not, ask the other friendly peddle enthusiasts for ideas. The afterparty bartender knows the neighborhood and can offer a tip or two.