June DC Grommoff 2025 - Banneker Pool and KBBQ

Washington
District of Columbia

Hello to all my sun-soaked (or more lately rain soaked) stout friends!

June means we return once more to Banneker Pool in DC followed by AYCE KBBQ at Gogi Yogi to round out the end of Pride Month! This has been a regular event for us, and even with the extra World Pride stuff going on, we still wanted to get a pool day in. We will spend the afternoon at the pool prior to heading to get KBBQ around 5:00PM. It is highly suggested you get something to eat prior to coming to the pool, as the pool only allows snack foods and resealable drink containers and does not have anything on offer. Also bring sunscreen, as shade can be limited!

If you are planning to join for KBBQ, please inform the organizer (FatTrainNerd) at least one week prior to the event to allow for adequate time to put in a reservation. We tend to have a larger party, so we need to plan in advance! For costs for the pool and KBBQ, see the cost section down below.

If you are interested in joining the Discord group to keep up to date on this event and future events, again contact FatTrainNerd for an invite. All planning for future DC Grommoffs is done via this group, so it is highly suggested to join to make your voice heard regarding suggestions for events and when they happen! We are currently working to follow a rotating pattern of events between DC, MD and VA, so we are always looking for suggestions of places to go. It is also a great place to find folks to go to other local events with!

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Event Costs:

Pool Access - For DC Residents, access to the pool is free, simply bring your DC Photo ID and present it at the check-in. For non-DC residents, you must purchase a pass. A day pass is $7. To purchase a pass go to (https://dcwashingtonweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?display=detail&module=PM&Keyword=Pass) and select "Aquatic Punch Pass (1) Child/Youth/Adult/ Senior" and purchase it. Be sure to print out a copy to bring, along with a valid photo ID to show at check in.

AYCE KBBQ at Gogi Yogi - There are three options to pick from for AYCE. The basic one is $33. The second, with more to pick from, is $43. The last is the Halal option, which is $49. The group at each table will need to agree ahead of time which option they want to pick. To see the breakdown of what each option includes, check the menu here (https://www.gogiyogi.com/menu)

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Directions to the event:

Banneker Pool Address - 2500 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/GciFKguE6Xd3cCcS9)

Gogi Yogi Address - 1921 8th St NW #115, Washington, DC 20001 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/fJHoLDYTEkYGH1nR9)

If taking Metro, Banneker is approximately 7 blocks north of the north exit of Shaw Howard University Metro Station, which is on the Green Line. Gogi Yogi is about 3 blocks away from the same station.

If driving, keep in mind street parking is limited, but generally available, particularly around Howard University.

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When arriving for the event:

Banneker is fairly strict about swimsuits only in the pool. You must change into a swimsuit and cannot wear regular clothes into the pool at all. DC is fairly direct in enforcing this rule, so please be aware of it. If there is poor weather on the day of the event, we will cancel the pool portion and look at just meeting for food at Gogi Yogi. Be sure to check this event page as well as the Discord the day of.

Additionally if you have plans to go to Uproar after swimming and KBBQ, please keep in mind bags/backpacks are not allowed in Uproar and there is no coat check for them generally. Other attendees that plan to go to Uproar after the event may be willing to allow you to store your bags in their car, but please be aware this isn't guaranteed and you need to plan accordingly.

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*GrommOffs are independently organized by members who've been vetted and approved as organizers, and who abide by a set of GrommOff Ground Rules which can be read in the Support link above. If you believe that these rules were not followed, please contact the GrommOff account here: https://grokio.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/4/topic/3ab9d4b8-c5d9-4822-a936-64a17a41150f/article/181731339 *

Please note well the following rules for Grommoffs:

1. Respect personal space of the group and others.

Always ask before encroaching on other's space, especially with people new to you and the group. If asked to stop or give space, respect this. Failure to do so will result in being asked to leave and potentially being barred from future events.

2. Absolutely no racism, misogyny, ableism, homophobia, transphobia or other bigotry!

This shouldn't have to be said, but bigotry will not be tolerated at any Grokio events.

3. Respect the discretion of the group in public

Oftentimes, gatherings are held in public places (restaurants, parks, beaches, bowling alleys, etc.) and there will be other people nearby. Be aware that loud voices travel—if you’re talking about sensitive or potentially embarrassing topics, use your inside voice. Similarly, a public place is not appropriate for intimacy or sexualized touching. Even if the other person is comfortable with it, respect that you’re with a group in a public place and hold off until you have more privacy. Additionally, be mindful when taking photos/video at the event and allow for members to bow out or turn their heads if they do not wish to be recorded/photographed.

4. Illegal drug/alcohol use is not allowed

The use of drugs that are illegal in the local jurisdiction before or during a Grokio Community Gathering is strictly forbidden, as is the consumption of alcohol by those under the legal age in the local jurisdiction.

5. Guests from outside the community are only allowed with prior approval

We know that attending a GrommOff, Feabie Meet or Ferzu Event for the first time can be scary, but bringing along a friend from outside the community for support can make others feel uncomfortable and force them to edit themselves the way they do in the real world (the goal of our gatherings is to let everyone stop editing!) If you absolutely must bring a friend from outside the community and you are confident they will know how to behave appropriately, you must clear it with the organizer BEFORE the event. Any portion of a gathering occurring in a bar or pub is excepted from this rule.