Washington, DC, like any American setting, is no stranger to tragedy. It textured the lives of the millions of people who have called the region home. Their stories reflect our story as a nation, helping us understand the past to inform our future. In this macabre mirror, we can catch glimpses of tragic twists of fate endured by them. And while these tragedies influenced the course of their lives, it didn’t define them. Rather, it was the triumph over the tragedy, the beauty in the sorrow, that did.
Across 4 evenings this October, discover a selection of tragic tales of Congressional Cemetery’s residents. Learn how they are alive today in our memory. Encounter them, and their stories, brought back to life by our talented actors. Bear witness to their legacies. Come and experience Soul Strolls 2023: Tragic Lives and Demise.
Our annual twilight tours explore the stories of individuals buried here through a guided lantern lit tour of the grounds with costumed interpreters. Experience the history of this hallowed ground exactly the way it should be experienced in October – in twilight and darkness, immersed in vignettes of the lives of our interred residents.
Details:
Soul Strolls take place over four nights, October 20-21 and October 27-28. Hour-long tours depart every 15 minutes between 6:00 and 9:30 pm on Fridays (Oct 20, Oct 27) and between 5:00 PM- 9:30 PM on Saturdays (Oct 21, Oct 28). Gates open a half hour prior to the first tour start time. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes prior to your tour start time. Tours depart from the chapel, also known as the “Tavern of Lost Souls” during the event. Come and enjoy live music, thematic cocktails, and the ambiance of an evening in the cemetery. Costumes are encouraged and welcomed from attendees!
VIP Tours:
We offer exclusive VIP tours as a part of Soul Strolls! On Fridays, the 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM are exclusively VIP. On Saturdays, the 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:00 PM tours are VIP. A VIP Tour Ticket includes:
A smaller, more private tour group.
Two free drink tickets
A Soul Strolls swag item
An exclusive visit inside the Public Vault, including a special toast with Dolly Madison herself!
Everything included in a standard ticket
Family Friendly Tour Times and Child Tickets:
Want to bring children to Soul Strolls but are looking for a more family friendly tour? We have you covered. The 5:00 PM tour times on Saturday (Oct 21 and Oct 28) will be curated to be more family friendly. Mature topics related to the untimely demise of our residents will be dialed back with younger audiences in mind. Consider these tour times rated “PG.”
Child tickets are avaiable for all non-VIP tour times. Tickets for ages 5 to 12 are $15.00. Ages 0-4 attend for free!
ASL Inclusive Tour Times:
Want to participate in Soul Strolls but need ASL interpretation? We have you covered too! The 5:15 PM tour times on Saturday (Oct 21 and Oct 28) will include a complimentary ASL interpreter. They will accompany the tour to make sure everything being said by our actors is translated into ASL!
Other:
Please Note: The Cemetery is unable to offer refunds or tour time changes, so please keep this in mind when purchasing tickets. Tickets are non-transferable.
Comfortable shoes are encouraged, as are flashlights. Tours will not stay on the paths, so please be ready for uneven terrain.
GRAPHIC CONTENT AND TRIGGER WARNING: Soul Strolls 2023 includes dramatic recountings of traumatic events, including a school murder, domestic abuse, and other tragic and/or violent deaths.
This event is rain or shine. Any rain cancelation will be due to dangerous severe weather. There are no rain dates for the event.
Information about Congressional Cemetery: www.congressionalcemetery.org.
Questions about Soul Strolls? Email [email protected].
