Pope Francis' visit isn't the only thing happening in D.C. this week.
...Which is not great news for those of us trying to get to one of those other events -- or get to work, for that matter. There are major concerts and sporting events planned, which will complicate travel:
Nats vs. Orioles at Nationals Park: Sept. 21-23
The Nationals are gearing up to take on the Orioles at home this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. (Thursday's game was originally scheduled for Monday, but was moved due to rain.)
Fans are always encouraged to travel to the park via Metro, the quickest routes being the Green Line to the Navy Yard station or the Orange, Blue or Silver lines to the Capitol South station. In addition, Metro has more than 57,000 parking spaces at its "Park and Ride" lots.
Be aware that parking will be restricted around Nats Park.
Ed Sheeran at Verizon Center: Sept. 22-23
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America's favorite British redhead will be performing two shows at the Verizon Center as part of his second album tour, "X." Fans attending the Ed Sheeran concert should account for travel delays as a result of the pope’s visit.
The Verizon Center is advising people attending 7:30 p.m. shows take the Metro and allot extra travel time to and from the concert. Road closures beginning Sept. 22 at 9 p.m. may hold up fans from leaving the Verizon Center after the first show.
The big shows continue even after the Pope has moved on to New York.
Landmark Fest at West Potomac Park: Sept. 26-27
In partnership with the Trust for the National Mall, Landmark Music Festival will feature stars including Drake, The Strokes and Alt-J to promote the Trust’s Campaign for the National Mall. The concert aims to rally supporters to restore the Mall.
Ohio Drive and West Basin Drive will be closed Sept. 25-28. The nearest Metro stations are Foggy Bottom (23rd Street and I Street NW) and Smithsonian (12th Street and Independence Avenue SW). Pedestrians attending the festival will enter the grounds at the intersection of Independence Avenue and West Basin Drive.
Landmark Fest is promoting Bike and Roll D.C.’s discounted bike rental program as well as guided bike and Segway tours. Festival attendees will receive a 40 percent discount on one day or full weekend rentals at Bike & Roll D.C. locations.
A free, self-parking bike area will be available at West Basin Drive on Independence Avenue SW. Locks will not be provided.
Barracks Row Fall Festival at 8th Street SE: Sept. 26
The return of the 15th annual Barracks Row Fall Festival will make it the longest-running event in the history of Barracks Row Main Street.
The fairgrounds, located at 8th Street SE between E and I streets , will be closed off to vehicles from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees with Nationals tickets can make the 10 minute walk west on M Street to the second-to-last home game of the season.
