WASHINGTON — As Tropical Storm Ophelia brings more rain and wind to D.C., Maryland and Virginia, events across the region are being postponed or canceled, including a swimming event that had previously been postponed due to severe weather.
DC
Nats vs. Braves Saturday postponed to Sunday
Due to the severe weather, Saturday's 1:05 p.m. Nats game against the Atlanta Braves has been postponed to the next day. The game will now be played as part of a split-admission doubleheader.
All tickets and parking passes from Saturday's game will be honored for the rescheduled game on Sunday, September 24 at 6:35 p.m. Sunday's 1:35 p.m. game will be played as originally scheduled. Those who cannot attend the re-scheduled game on Sunday at 6:35 p.m. may exchange eligible tickets for Sunday's 1:35 p.m. game or for a 2024 regular-season game through June 20
'Splash' at the Anacostia River
An event that would have brought swimmers to the Anacostia River has been canceled. The event was originally planned for July 8 but was postponed due to heavy rain. Earlier this month, officials announced the event would now take place on Sept. 23, only for Ophelia to put an end to those plans.
"Due to the incoming extreme weather event and potential tropical storm that is forecast to hit the DC area this weekend, we are going to be canceling Splash on September 23rd. The forecast shows heavy rain, low temperatures, and strong gusts of wind which would make it unsafe to have swimmers in the water. We are extremely disappointed to cancel our event but for the safety of all of the splashers, staff, and volunteers, this is the correct call."
'Step Out' Walk to Stop Diabetes
The event organized by the American Diabetes Association, to help raise money to stop diabetes, has been canceled. The event was scheduled to happen Saturday, September 23 at the Ellipse in Washington, DC.
"Due to the Tropical Storm forecast and out of concern for the safety of our participants, volunteers, and staff, we are canceling the Step Out® DC/MD/NOVA event on 9/23. Please stay tuned for updates on how we will celebrate your hard work."
Maryland
Friendship Picnic
Maryland officials posted on social media that the Friendship Picnic that would have been held at the Wheaton Regional Park on Sept. 24 is now canceled.
US 50/US 301 Ramp Pilot Project
The event was canceled out of precaution for road safety and for crews to respond to any storm impacts, according to officials. The event is expected to resume next weekend.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Festival officials have decided to close the event as the region continues to feel the effects of Ophelia on Sept. 23. Those who have purchased tickets for this weekend will be refunded in full automatically.
The Festival is still scheduled to open at 10 a.m. Sunday. No refunds will be issued for this day unless the event decides to close. While the festival is still going to open, ticket sales have been suspended for the day in order to preserve the site grounds and parking.
Charles County
With Charles County being under three National Weather Service advisories due to Ophelia, Charles County Public Schools has canceled all district activities and events for Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, and Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023.
Principals at schools who were planning to celebrate homecoming with dances this weekend will be communicating directly with parents, staff and students about any make-up plans
Any additional schedule changes for the school system will be posted on the CCPS website at https://www.ccboe.com/.
Walk to End Alzheimer's Charles County
The Walk to End Alzheimer's Charles County at La Plata Town Hall was originally scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Officials have postponed the walk and say a new date will be announced soon.
Anne Arundel County Schools
AACPS says all school-sponsored activities scheduled for Saturday have been postponed.
"Out of an abundance of caution in light of the State of Emergency issued earlier tonight by Governor Wes Moore and due to poor weather and deteriorating travel conditions expected by the arrival of Tropical Storm Ophelia tonight and through tomorrow, all Anne Arundel County Schools-sponsored activities scheduled for Saturday, September 23, are postponed."
Information on when the dates will be rescheduled will be forthcoming.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Officials with the festival say festival grounds will be closed Saturday because of the storm. Any tickets purchased for this date will automatically be refunded. The festival is expected to reopen Sunday.
Virginia
Fairfax County
Fairfax County Public Schools has announced that all school-related activities or events on school grounds on Saturday have been canceled. Those activities include:
- In and out of division extracurricular activities
- In and out of division interscholastic contests
- team practices
- field trips
- professional learning and training courses
- Recreation programs and community use by outside groups not affiliated with FCPS.
Alexandria County
Alexandria City Public Schools facilities will be closed on Saturday. All scheduled activities are canceled, including:
- All athletics
- Saturday Language Academy
- Any community activities scheduled at ACPS facilities
According to Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, all essential personnel, including building engineers, custodians, maintenance shop employees and security staff may be asked to report if necessary and safe to do so.
Oktoberfest at Green Pig Bistro
An outdoor Oktoberfest event kicking off the Fall season has been called off. The event was supposed to bring a number of street closures to the Arlington area.
Friends and family, due to the impending rain & inclement weather forecasted for this weekend, we have made the unfortunate decision to cancel our Oktoberfest event this Saturday. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility, and we apologize for any inconvenience!