{#
#}
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
/ Person
Select date and participants
1

Your Product

Select participants
Child (3-12)
Min: 0 Max: 15
Youth (13-17)
Min: 0 Max: 15
Adult (18-64)
Min: 0 Max: 15
Senior (65-100)
Min: 0 Max: 15
You can select a total maximum of: 15
At least one participant is required. Please adjust and try again.

District of Punk

5 (5)
Washington, US
Share

District of Punk

5 (5)
Washington, US
Share
Please wait, fetching options!
Join us on an exhilarating journey through the rebellious streets of DC's punk scene. Experience the essence of punk and its lasting impact on the local music scene today. This tour will take you back to the 1980s, where the Reagan Administration clashed with the countercultural movement, giving rise to the DC punk culture. Discover the iconic venues that hosted legendary punk shows, including the Lansburgh Center and the first 9:30 Club. Immerse yourself in the passionate spirit that defined this unique subculture. The tour culminates at the MLK Jr. Library, home to DC's Punk Archive where you can delve deeper into this influential movement. Defy the ordinary and embrace the energy of punk on this unforgettable adventure. Book now for the last Saturday of Fall 2023!

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • 1 hours 30 minutes
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Explore DC's unique punk scene
  • Discover the major contributors to the punk culture
  • Learn about the lasting impact on local music
  • Visit iconic performance venues of the past
  • End the tour at the MLK Jr. Library with DC's Punk Archive
  • 1.5 Hours of Cool Information about DC's Punk Scene
  • Private transportation

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction:

Welcome to the District of Punk tour! Get ready to dive into the vibrant and rebellious world of DC's under-recognized punk scene. As you step back in time to the 1980s, you'll discover how this influential subculture flourished amidst a changing political landscape and became a powerful voice for social change. While London, New York, and LA often steal the spotlight, DC had its own unique punk culture that left an indelible mark on the city's music scene. Join us on this immersive tour as we explore the birthplace of DC punk and uncover the gritty stories, iconic landmarks, and lasting impact of this subversive movement.

What to expect?

On the District of Punk tour, you can expect an engaging and insightful journey into the heart of DC's punk culture. Led by knowledgeable guides with a deep passion for music history, you'll delve into the stories of the major contributors who shaped the scene. From iconic venues to hidden gems, you'll visit the very places where legendary punk bands performed, making history one raucous show at a time. Get ready to immerse yourself in the raw energy, DIY spirit, and rebellious ethos that defined DC's punk scene.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for music enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone with a curiosity for counter-culture movements. Whether you're a die-hard punk fan or simply interested in exploring the lesser-known aspects of DC's rich cultural tapestry, this experience offers something for everyone. From young rebels seeking inspiration to seasoned travelers looking to uncover hidden gems, all are welcome to join us on this exhilarating journey through the District of Punk.

Why book this?

District of Punk is not your typical tour. It goes beyond the surface-level tourist attractions, offering an authentic and immersive experience into a crucial period of DC's history. By exploring the punk scene, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the city's cultural evolution and the transformative power of music. Let the passionate guides transport you to a time when punk was a rallying cry against conformity, reminding us of the importance of individuality, artistic expression, and social change. This tour is a chance to discover the hidden stories, connect with a vibrant community, and be inspired by the enduring legacy of DC's punk scene.

Good to know

During the 1.5-hour tour, you'll be provided with a wealth of fascinating information about DC's punk scene, so come prepared to absorb all the cool facts and stories. Please note that private transportation is not included, so make sure to plan accordingly. The tour culminates at the MLK Jr. Library, home to DC's Punk Archive, where you can further explore the rich history and memorabilia of this revolutionary movement. Get ready for a captivating journey into the heart and soul of DC's punk culture.

Reviews

Customers who have experienced the District of Punk tour rave about its immersive and eye-opening nature. Many have expressed their gratitude for the knowledgeable guides who bring the stories to life, making the tour both educational and entertaining. Travelers have been particularly impressed with the unique perspective this tour offers, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of DC's music history. Overall, participants have left with a newfound appreciation for the power of punk and its lasting impact on the city. Don't miss out on the chance to embark on this unforgettable journey through the District of Punk!

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

The Lansburgh

The former location of the Lansburgh Center, a popular venue for punk shows in the 1980s.

9:30 Club

This tour visits the former location of the first 9:30 Club, now one of DC's most iconic performance venues.

Reviews

(5)

5 (5)

AnnaSMurphy

This was an amazing and unique tour that gives a side of DC you won’t get elsewhere. Katie is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. Highly recommend for visitors and people local to DC. Tour is also 100% accessible for people in wheelchairs.

Chriss_H

We did the "District of Punk" tour with Katie from Off The Mall Tours. We toured the locations that informed the DC punk scene of the 70s, the DC hardcore scene of the 80s, and the DC post punk of the 90s - including the defunct DC Space (now a Gregory's Coffee), The Lansburg Cultural Center (now a multi-purpose building/Shakespeare Theatre) and the original 9:30 Club (now a recently vacated J Crew store). While touching on the seminal DC bands of the time like The Teen Idles, Void, Bad Brains, Minor Threat and Rites of Spring, Katie also told the story of how important (yet often ignored or mistreated) the women of the DC punk scene were, like the bands Chalk Circle and Fire Party. We also went to the DC Punk Archive at the Washington DC Public Library and we were given access to leaf through their collection of zines that documented the DC scene, donated by activist and author Mark Andersen. Katie was a knowledgeable guide and I recommend this tour to any punk rock fan.

jonathanfA1847ZW

So when I signed up for the tour, I thought it was going to be elsewhere in DC, like in Adams Morgan or somewhere uptown. Instead, Katie took us on a tour in downtown DC and took us back in time to before the new development overtook the neighborhood. I learned so much about locations and buildings I walked past without batting an eye, not even realizing that those locations are important locations in the history of DC punk. Loved the experience and highly recommend this tour if you are a punk rock fan and want to learn about what DC was like in that era.

MonikaCoyote

I loved the multi-sensory approach to this Tour-- music, historical buildings, personal stories, and we even had a Punk Band musician join us for his lived experiences to share!

mddeblois

I loved learning about an important, grassroots movement from our city's rich musical history. Washington DC had a rich and influential punk culture during the late 70s and early 80s and Katie took us back to a time when the city wasn't quite as gentrified and the musical experience was incredibly authentic.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-13 11:53