A hidden gem in DC - part thrift store part community art incubator. Grateful that third spaces like this exist! They host a ton of regular, weekly events so check those out, or stop by to shop secondhand and buy crafts from local artisans: https://bloombars.com/contact/events/ read more

BloomBars - Art Galleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Awesome and accepting arts space in the middle of DC that holds cool events...go there a random evening if you want to take in some local culture in a beautiful space. If you're a performer you should know....the sound there is one of a kind, the mixing spot on. One of the most professional operations I've seen in terms of sound quality. No drinks or food so get your fill before you drop by. read more

How could you not give this place 5 stars? Alright, they don't serve food or alcohol. Who cares? You're coming here for the entertainment. There's plenty of bars and restaurants right outside. This venue is meant to be a safe haven for children and adults to express themselves in whatever way they choose; whether it's spoken word, singing, acting, playing instruments, or comedy. I had the pleasure of coming on a night where it was predominately spoken word...and boy, did they put on a show. One particular performer stood out, so much that my friend's jaw was practically to the floor by the time he finished. There was so much passion and energy reverberating that it gave me goosebumps.That was just the first performance. There was also a comedian that practically had me in tears, especially when she talked about being insulted for her nationality...but it was always the wrong one. This led to wondering if she should correct them or simply let it go. Girl, I feel your pain. There's a donation at the door (I believe it's $7) but its well worth the money. The show did start later than advertised, but again, IT'S WORTH IT! Afterwards, I went home and wrote so much that my hand was aching by the time I finished. If you're looking for inspiration, come here. Even by yourself. Just come, soak it all in, and allow your mind to expand. I can't wait to come back again :) read more

Just a fantastic place. Not only does it have a great atmosphere and set-up (check out the sound system! It's in a boat!) but the people are friendly and passionate about the place. It's a great place to make connections and get a taste of DC culture. I advise the open mics every Monday. They're always different, but always entertaining. Donation-driven, too. You really can't do much better for a night of entertainment. Oh, by the way, there's no bar here. I'm still not entirely sure why they put it in the name :) read more

Let me begin by saying it's a small place with no AC, parking lot, or a great sound system. However, if that really bothers you then you shouldn't be here anyways. This place is full of positive and uplifting energy. It's the kinda place that you see in those artsy movies when your younger and tell yourself you want to visit one day. It's the kind of place that they often try to recreate buy fail miserably due to either a lack of talent available or lack of support from the community. I believe it's a nonprofit business, you pay for the classes you take with a suggested donation. They offer a wide variety of workshops and classes and performances so you're sure to find something there to your liking or that you've always want to try. I loved the exposed brick which in my opinion adds to the bohemian flair and makes it less like a community center at the YMCA. Make sure to come by for open mic night and listen to poets and musicians perform prepared works or free style. Also they don't serve liquor so if you like a little buzz while listening to an open mic then take a few shots before you go, because you won't get it there. Any who, seriously just go visit and check out the website for upcoming workshops, performances, and film screenings. read more

Bloombars is a truly magical little space. Feel silly for not going sooner, as I've heard about it for so long. The spirit in the air is so welcoming and cozy it's super easy to let down your guard and join in the events - whether banging on drums till your hands hurt or standing up and spitting some spoken word. The Seed the Sound show I saw was so participatory the whole crowd wound up singing call-and-response, then singing along. Before that, a charming gal strummed about soda pop. Moving stuff - think I teared up. Obviously run by very passionate people. Art mixed with good causes. Looking forward to coming back for more. Highly recommended. read more

One of the other Yelpers that reviewed Bloombars called it a "labor of love." That is EXACTLY the right term to describe this place. The staff, though small, is so passionate about what they do and what Bloombars stands for. I served with them as a volunteer for a few months and had the opportunity to join them weekly to help manage their Monday Open Mic nights. I've got to say, the talent that rolls through there completely floored me sometimes. Some veteran slam poets and musicians would step up to the mic regularly with new material, but what is really incredible were the amateurs. Monday mornings feature a Poetry in the Morning workshop with Gowri, one of the more seasoned volunteers at Bloombars. People that attend develop their poems in the morning with an intimate group and would often return in the evening to perform on stage. The encouraging atmosphere has gotten more than a handful of people to step outside of their comfort zone and discover a side of themselves that they didn't know existed. It's been said to death but bears repeating: Bloombars does not serve alcohol. They're flanked by Wonderland and Meridian Pint, so you can head to either of those places if you want to have a drink. But don't come back too drunk. Bloombars is a great place to bring family and does an excellent job of maintaining an environment that's welcoming to all ages. Sloppy drunks aren't conducive to that image. Do yourself a favor and attend one of their classes or performances. Better yet, volunteer for them! They're always on the lookout for people to help run events. If you choose to show up, just about everything they do is donation based, so you give what you can. A lot of people might hear "free" when they hear this, and yes, if you can't afford to drop anything in the donation bucket, you won't be turned away, but please do. Smiles, while delightful, will not pay the electric bill. read more

From the giant double doors that open wide to let the music wash over 11th street to the dimmer switch in the bathroom, I love every detail about BloomBars. The amazing music of amazing artists from as near as half a block away to South Africa (that's right, South Africa) plays here. It's so much more than a cozy concert venue. Weekly concerts, check. Open mic, check. Film screenings, check. Guitar lessons, check. Djembe lessons, check. Financial literacy workshops for artists, check. As a teacher who loves giving out check marks I could give BloomBars 777 more. The art is moving. The space is intimate. You gotta experience it. read more

This is such an awesome venue and community center. Who ever thought of this is an amazing human being. One only wishes there were more of you in this world. If you wanna hear some amazing local talent, be it musicians, poets, or slam artists. And if you wanna check out what's just happening here in DC, in the "real" dc then come down to bloom bars they've got a rotating schedule of events that is something for everyone. They even have belly dancing classes and yoga which is all donation based so if you can help them out and keep the space alive. It definitely is one of my new favorite hang outs. And you don't need the booze, in fact it's great to get away from it once in a while :-) read more

Awesome Inspiring Connected That's sounds corny doesn't it? But really I felt like that when I left. Tired, but fulfilled. I read the other yelp reviews but really didn't know what to expect. I was tired when I arrived to BloomBars. I thought I'd just stay for an hour and then hit the bed but it was so entertaining, that I stayed until the very end (about 11:30 this time). The performers were AWESOME! I love the call and response they expected from the audience - one performer, Terrance Cunningham, was saying these words I think it was game, pleasure,name and I was like 'huh? the music sounds good but I don't understand the words' until he got to the end and put it all together with us, the audience, involved. That was sweet! The woman Karen, had the most soothing, voice, imagine all things soft and chill - honey, silk, walks on the beach... her performance was a mixture of singing and spoken word, it was beautiful. I came in, on a song with this woman singing (who's name I don't know) and Christylez Bacon beat boxing to it so it started off a good night and ended as one. Love the idea of a community art place. The people are really friendly, the make you introduce yourself to another person, but by that time the shyness of going there alone or being around a bunch of strangers starts to disappear. I will Definitely be going back! ! read more

RU a starving artist or are you just starving to be immersed in art of any kind? BloomBars is a very special place to spend your time...you will give sustenance to your art loving spirit. From the abundant programs and performances (music, film, spoken word, dance, photography, workshops etc.) ... ...to the cozy atmosphere hewn of aging wood & exposed brick ...to the sailboat emerging from the rafters to drift on the waves of sound (you just have to see what I mean) ...to the great people you meet there. ...to the abundant opportunities to volunteer and be part of a shared vision as co-creator and participant in a unique cultural and community exchange...Thanks to the collaborative spirit of the owner! I remember the first time I went (Thanks DC Guitar L!)...It was summer and the double doors were flung wide. People were spilling out the door mingling quietly while the performers spun musical magic to an audience relaxing in chairs and pews and lining the walls. Go without expectations of the experience resembling any bar you have ever been to...You will never come away with a hangover or negativity in your heart because something sublimely loving and positive is planted instead...whenever I go I offer either my time as a volunteer or a monetary donation because whenever I go, I am well fed (with or without the snack table! lol :) read more

This place reminds me of the student-run concert/coffee shop on my college campus. No cover (donations accepted), no line, no cursing (at least not on Thursday nights), no alcohol, no judgement. I came in for some open-mic freestyling. People were wrapping about everything from being hit by a car on their bike to their long day at work. I mean, half of it I couldn't understand cuz of the acoustics, but the energy was definitely there, and it was pretty cool to find a little gem like this in DC where everything is starting to feel so political, polished, and pompous. You can jump on stage yourself at any point and showcase your talent, it's very fluid. If you do want a drink, you can walk over to Wonderland which is right next door. The bathroom upstairs is clean, the people are nice, the beat is funk, and the experience is unique. read more

My inaugural trip to Bloombars was in 20-degree weather, traipsing through the snow to try yoga for the first time in my entire life. I arrived ... cold. And angry. And a little hungry, but that's not why we're here. First, it's a really welcoming and versatile space. My first thought was how well it would work for an open mic night. Turns out, that's precisely what it's use for when not filled to the brim with a bunch of hippies counting their breathing and trying to warm themselves from the inside out by imagining a sunset. (I say this with love. It was a really cool experience.) Yoga share is every Thursday night. Probably will write a separate review for that, because it's a great program. Oh, one tip if you go there for any winter event. It is uncomfortably cold if you sit/stand in the back. Even with a sweatshirt and threadbare yoga pants, shockingly. Stand close to the front, particularly if your event of choice involves lying on the concrete floor. It totally killed my yoga boner. read more

Can I just say...I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Go to Bloombars! That simply cannot be overstated. This is not for the spectator-spirited or the meek and lowly of heart. But even if you're prone to such timidity (like I am), Bloombars will thaw you out. I don't have an issue with the absence of alcohol, and in fact would add that that's the beauty of the space. You don't need a buzz to be nourished by the Bloombars experience. It would work against the goal that John Chambers, the owner, intended, I'm sure. I went for Seed the Sound this past Sunday (learned about it from friends & Facebook)--and enjoyed being in the bare presence of these artists: Courtney Dowe, Terrence Cunningham, Proper S.K.A.N.K.S. (who came dropping the Djeli knowledge (aaaaggghh!!!)), shoutout to Gary, Bill, Komplex of Fly Gypsy, and everybody else who may not have graced the stage, but who seemed so open to the vulnerability of it all. It feels like an open jam session. Not one person who performed seemed to really be performing, but sharing. That's why you shouldn't be comfortable spectating for long. It wouldn't be right. Went back for Mindpower last night--and that was crazy, too. Open cypher. Jabari Exum led out the evening--started with Djembe--bananas. The onscreen preshow was, too. You HAVE to go!! There's nothing like it, and the community-proper needs it. Like, tha capital CO-myoo-nuh-teeeeeeee. In ways Fenty-Rhee could never fix. (All this from a novice educator.) Indeed. Start searching yourself before you go--it's a nonprofit, they share for free, and I'm not...'endowed', but if you are, you should bless them some kind of way. So back to my chorus: Go to Bloombars. Go to Bloombars. Go to Bloombars. Go to Bloombars. New fave. Go to Bloombars. read more

Great live music on sunday nights! It's got kind of an intimate open mic feel. They don't serve booze here, so it's just about the music, but you can go to 3 other places on the same block (Wonderland, Room 11 and Rinconcito Deportivo) if you want a beer. They also have other stuff going on like dance classes, movie screenings and exercise stuff like yoga and pilates. Definitely a great addition to the neighborhood. read more

This is a really cool, chill community space in Columbia Heights. I has heard about this place opening up a few years ago, and have passed by it many many times upon moving to the Shaw area. However, I just recently made a visit to one of their events. I plan on returning often for various events. read more

Fantastic! I've lived in DC for awhile and sometimes miss the creative element in a city swamped with go getters and policy wonks. Bloombars is a welcome respite from all that offering music, classes, and a place for the neighborhood to gather. Well done sir. read more

This place almost makes me want to give up my very desk-y job and write poetry or something. I will never ever end up actually doing that, so I will rely on Bloombars for keeping my escapist tendencies alive and kicking instead. Bloombars is a cozy little concert/love performance space. They have an events schedule packed with everything from film screenings, open mic nights, guitar performances and lessons, dance workshops and capoeira (that got me particularly excited). There's an inspiring, highly creative and amazingly positive energy about it. I loved it instantly...and I think everyone needs to go see it. read more

This is a space a member of the community purchased and is using to develop a community arts scene. The few times I have attended performances I have really enjoyed it. Become a fan on facebook to keep up with upcoming events. read more

I would have given 5 stars, but for lack of booze, but Wonderland is down the street so if you're dying for a drink you can leave and return. Bloombars is awesome, however. It is a community space for the arts; mainly live music and it's just a nice welcoming happy vibe and I hope it's there for years to come. Go check it out! read more

Bloom bars is a decent spot for the artsy crowd. It features poetry, music, films and the like. It's small, but that helps with the intimate setting. There is no alcohol served, and I like that this place draws a diverse crowd. I really dislike the face that depending on who is at the door, the $10 "suggested" donation is definitely mandatory. I'm going to give, I just don't like the feeling of having my arm twisted to do do, not classy at all. read more

hooray for experimental theater! this quaint little gem is tucked away on a quiet corner in columbia heights. the corner may be quiet, but the establishment itself is not. bloombars continually tries to beckon and seduce curious passersby with funky beats, outstanding acting, and the vibrant paint that completes its eclectic façade. guess what? it works. they recently hosted their first even theatre cabaret and not only was the talent exceptional, but the support was evident with a packed house. i look forward to enjoying many more performances at bloombars and encourage everyone to go out and support the arts. who knows..you might find yourself compelled to partake in an open mic one day. :o) read more

Tiny spot showed films made by women on International Women's Day 2016. Dedicated organization to community arts near and far. International filmmakers have work shown there. I'm sure their list of shows is a huge asset for the performing, visual and fine artists in the DC area and beyond. read more

BloomBars is AMAZING. My 18 month old starts singing and dancing the minute I say "Harambe". The owner really has created an amazing and safe place for the community to get together and express themselves through music and dance. Thank you Bloombars! read more

Great place! I will come here often! Very funky-looking inside. Fun drummer. Love that it requires all events to have a vegan entree!

Bloombars is a wonderful community art space. It makes Columbia Heights feel more like a real neighborhood. Bring anyone and everyone you know and enjoy the real talent of DC! read more

Bloombars makes me want to love this city - in fact, when I made a list 2 years ago of the pros and cons of staying DC, Bloombars was on the top of my pro list. The passion, talent, and generosity that is consistently displayed by the artists, community members, and facilitators affiliated with this place is deeply felt and, dare I say, contagious. There are plenty of places that I can go to for a drink, but not that many to quench my thirst for a connection with the lovely people and talent in the midst of our community. I'm always amazed by how delighted and moved I feel whenever I leave this place at the end of the night - for that I am grateful. read more

We Love BloomBars! It's got great energy for infants, toddlers and their parents/caregivers and more than anything- safe. My son is 15 months now and we've been going to Harambee and Uno, Dos, Tres con Andres since he was just a few months old. They've just started a new event on Thursdays which I'm excited to take my son to. Love it! and so glad it's just round the corner from us. read more

I really do want to like this place, both of my kids love singing and dancing. the musicians in there are very talented, friendly and fun to the kids. however, our experience really hurt mine, and one of my kids' feelings. I took my 2 years old twins there couple of months ago during their Monday morning music session (the cost was not cheap for just that 30 minutes, we asked to pay $17 + donation at the door for one adult and two toddler). The drumming music was very much fun with the songs my toddlers like. However, my son got a little distracted when he saw a Thomas book on the bookshelf (next to the front door), he got the book and started to read it. my 2 years old toddler boy's instinct at the moment was quite normal as I thought, and he was not making any noise or bother anyone. in just a couple of minutes, a young girl (related with the manager/owner) went to him, and try to take the book away from him. She went to the manager/owner after I suggested it's ok for my son to read (instead of sing). It might be hard for a 6 or 7 years old girl having trouble understand the toddler business, but there is no reason for a grownup man take away a book from a little boy (and trying to reason with the 2 years old that he is not allowed to read book during music session...). They should not place books in the room (or should put a curtain cover the bookshelf) if they don't want the kids to read it during the music session, prevention is better than interference (especially for little toddlers). it's sad such fun place has such hidden strict rules toward kids. I will not take my kids there anymore. read more

This place is like home to me. When I walk in, everyone is soooooooo nice and friendly I wonder if I got transported to the midwest. Someone mentioned "labor of love" and someone else mentioned "Experimental Theater" and they are both right. You can find so many unique artsy events here. Everything is donation based so you can still enjoy the activities without breaking your bank. However it's important to donate so THEY can keep Bloombars up and running. I've gone for open mic nights as well and they are very encouraging, open and gracious for you to get up there and give it a shot, and there is never a single unkind word said. (I'm speaking from experience here) Definitely go to the Bloombars website and see what they have going on, because there will be something to fit your style and interest. It rarely stays the same on any given day of the week. :) Come here and let yourself enjoy some unique creativity or allow yourself to be uniquely creative. No matter what, it's a good time. read more