The Metropolitan Police Department has announced a temporary youth curfew zone encompassing the RFK Stadium area that will be in force from 8 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12. The restriction prohibits people under 18 from gathering in groups of nine or more in public spaces and certain establishments inside the designated boundary unless they meet specific exemptions.
Where the curfew applies
Police described the zone with landmarks and streets that circle the stadium and adjacent green spaces. The area includes parts of Benning Road and Kingman Lake, covers Heritage Island, and extends to the south and west edges of RFK parking lots near Independence Avenue.
- Northern edge: Benning Road from Oklahoma Avenue NE toward Kingman Lake
- Eastern boundary: Kingman Lake, including Heritage Island
- Southern edge: south end of RFK Lot 8A
- Western boundary: from RFK Lot 8A along Independence Avenue SE to 19th Street SE, then to C Street NE and back toward Oklahoma Avenue NE
The department said the rule targets group gatherings of minors; individuals under 18 may be in the zone alone or in smaller groups but cannot congregate in groups of nine or more unless accompanied by a parent or guardian or participating in exempted activities.
Exemptions and broader curfew policy
Exemptions include being with a parent or guardian and completing routine activities such as running errands, attending school or fulfilling religious obligations. The MPD stressed that the weekend zone is in addition to a citywide curfew that remains active through July and August, which requires minors to be off the streets from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on weekdays and midnight to 6 a.m. on weekends.
| Curfew | Hours |
|---|---|
| RFK weekend zone | 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. (July 11–12) |
| Citywide (through July–Aug) | Weekdays: 11:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.; Weekends: 12:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. |
City leaders approved a permanent youth curfew ordinance in May. That law completed the required congressional review period and went into effect in early July, giving local officials the authority to set earlier or localized curfew zones when public safety concerns arise.
Officials say the measures are part of a broader effort to address recurrent incidents of disorderly behavior among groups of teens, including so-called "takeovers" that drew heightened attention this spring. The MPD distributed the curfew-zone map and enforcement details ahead of the weekend to help families and community groups plan accordingly.
Residents with questions about the RFK curfew boundaries or exemptions are encouraged to consult MPD notifications and the city’s official channels for the most current information.
