2022 Rock Creek Gala
Frequently asked questions
Thank you for your interest in joining us for the 2022 Rock Creek Gala on Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:30 pm at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center. Although we’ve done our best to anticipate any questions you may have below, please check back, as event details may change up to the date of the event.
Contact us at gala@rockcreekconservancy.org with any additional questions or concerns.
The Basics
What is the Purpose of the gala?
The Rock Creek Gala is an essential fundraising event for Rock Creek Conservancy – an official philanthropic partner to Rock Creek Park (National Park Service), and the only organization dedicated to the entirety of Rock Creek and its parklands. The event celebrates the work the Conservancy does to restore Rock Creek Park, as well as its advocacy for improved water quality throughout the watershed.
How can I join?
Tickets are required to attend. You can purchase those via this secure online donation form, or by sponsoring the event. If you’d like to mail a check for your tickets, please contact gala@rockcreekconservancy.org for assistance. All sponsors and ticket purchasers will be asked to provide a list of guest names and emails in advance of the event for check-in to the event.
Don’t delay in purchasing your tickets! Sales are limited and the Gala has sold out for the past few years!
Where is the event?
Outside of the Rock Creek Nature Center, at 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015.
Is there parking?
Complimentary valet parking will be provided to guests at the entrance to the Nature Center parking lot. From there, it is a short walk on foot to registration. Upon arrival, your car will be driven to a secure parking site, and upon departure will be driven back to you by our valet company.
What if I don’t want to drive?
The site is accessible via several bus lines, including the E4. It is about a 45-minute walk from the Van-Ness metro station (red line).
There is a bike rack near the Nature Center that guests may use.
Rideshare services can drop off guests at the valet station.
We also encourage carpooling – many of your friends and neighbors will be joining us as well!
What do I do upon arrival?
NEW this year – there are two ways to check in – Expedited or Standard.
Expedited check-in will be offered to those who pre-register with our event system Qtego. Get to the party faster! If you are attending the event, you should have received more information about this opportunity by email.
What if it rains?
The Rock Creek Gala will continue rain or shine, unless weather is particularly severe. While our event will be held underneath the canopy of the beautiful trees, we will have a large event tent in place to provide protection from inclement weather.
Look for an email from Rock Creek Conservancy staff the week of the event with last minute reminders, including weather forecasts.
What will we do?
The 2022 Rock Creek Gala will be an opportunity for Rock Creek Park lovers to gather with fellow supporters of this beautiful oasis while enjoying views of the forests less than a week off peak fall. Our event will feature music from DJ Lance Reynolds, delicious food from Tonic at Quigley's Pharmacy, signature cocktails from The Cocktail Guru, wines from Total Wine & More, and cozy outdoor seating areas by Country Casual Teak.
Special tables will also feature demonstrations of Rock Creek friendly plants, and an opportunity to share your memories of concerts at the Carter Barron Amphitheater.
What should I wear?
The dress code for the event is “campfire chic”. It is a festive rustic cocktail party, however, please wear shoes that will be comfortable on both grass and outdoor paved surfaces, and remember to dress for the forecasted weather.
It’s a park; will there be restrooms?
Restroom facilities will be available inside the Rock Creek Park Nature Center.
Covid-19 precautions
The health and safety of our Rock Creek community is of the utmost importance to the Conservancy. Event logistics may shift slightly to accommodate any local or National Park Service guidelines for Covid safety. This event is outdoors. Restrooms are located indoors.
Guests are asked to wear masks when they are unable to stay six feet from others. The Conservancy strongly recommends that all attendees have up-to-date vaccinations for our community’s safety.