Thousands are anticipated to converge on our nation's capital to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's historic 1963 "I Have A Dream" speech in late August.
U.S. Park Police and D.C. Police say hotel bookings and tour bus reservations tell the story -- between 30,000 and 50,000 visitors are expected in the area.
Police recommend those planning to attend events surrounding the anniversary be ready to do a lot of walking, and bring some food and water especially if traveling with children or elderly individuals.
Traffic could be snarled in the area, and some roads will be closed, so public transportation is the recommended way to get around during the events:
Metrorail
In anticipation for the large crowds expected Saturday, Aug. 24, for the 50th anniversary events for the March on Washington, Metro is delaying some of its scheduled maintenance work.
Originally scheduled work on the Orange and Red lines has been canceled.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
On the Blue Line, every other train will begin or end at Van Dorn Street. There will be reduced times between Van Dorn Street and Franconia-Springfield.
WMATA plans to open stations at its normal Saturday time, 7 a.m. All lines will have eight-car trains.
The Saturday events will focus on the Lincoln and King memorials, as well as the National Mall. The busiest stations are expected to be Foggy Bottom, Smithsonian and Arlington Cemetery.
Metro will have additional travel tips as the celebrations get closer.
Metrobus
The following routes stop within one half-mile of the National Mall: 11Y, H1, N3, V9, X1, 52, V7, P1, 16F, 13G, 13F and 7Y. Visit the WMATA website for weekday and weekend schedules.
Charter Bus
The DC Rally Bus is providing round trip charter bus service to the U.S. Capitol August 24. There will be multiple departure points from Maryland and Virginia. To find out more information about locations and prices for the DC Rally Bus, click here.
DC Circulator
Taking the DC Circulator is one of your least expensive options. Its just $1 -- but only has five routes. Get off at Capitol Hill and you'll be right at the Mall. Walk about 2.5 miles west to get to the Lincoln Memorial.
Saturdays, the Circulator runs 7 a.m.- 9 p.m.
