Festival Venues
LightReel takes place across multiple venues within Washington, DC’s Union Market District. All festival locations are easily walkable, creating a seamless flow between screenings, conversations, and celebrations.
Festival Map
Explore the Union Market District footprint and see how LightReel’s venues connect within a compact, walkable campus designed for discovery and community.
All LightReel venues are located within a five-minute walk of one another, allowing audiences and filmmakers to move fluidly throughout the weekend.
The LightReel Campus
LightReel is anchored in the Union Market District, a vibrant creative corridor in Washington, DC where film, food, art, and community intersect.
By centralizing screenings, conversations, and celebrations within one walkable neighborhood, the festival creates an immersive experience that encourages discovery, connection, and spontaneous exchange between filmmakers and audiences.
The result is more than a series of events. It’s a shared cultural gathering space designed for dialogue, access, and celebration.
Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market
Flagship Screening Venue
Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market serves as the primary home for LightReel’s film screenings, offering a comfortable, modern cinema experience in the heart of the district.
Located steps from the festival’s central gathering spaces, the venue anchors the weekend’s premieres, conversations, and shared cinematic moments.
Screening titles and event details will be announced closer to the festival.
Additional Festival Venues
Beyond its flagship cinema, LightReel activates a curated network of creative spaces across the Union Market District, each hosting signature moments throughout the weekend.
Songbyrd Music House
Home to live conversations and the Cocktails & Cinema Party, blending music, culture, and community.
Balcón
Host of the Opening Reception and select IndustryInsight Conversations, welcoming filmmakers and guests into the festival’s opening exchange.
Closing Night AfterParty Venue (To Be Announced)
Site of the Closing Night AfterParty, where the weekend culminates in celebration.
Elegancia
An intimate setting for the Filmmaker Happy Hour, designed for connection and conversation.
Ron David Studio & Cafe
Host of the Opening Night Afterglow, extending the premiere experience into shared reflection.
The Hub @ 1270
A central gathering space for networking and festival activations.
Estudio
LightReel’s Podcast-in-Residence hub, featuring live recordings and conversations throughout the festival.
Together, these spaces transform Union Market into a dynamic festival campus where film extends beyond the screen.
Getting Around the LightReel Campus
LightReel’s venues are located within close proximity in the Union Market District, creating an easily walkable campus experience.
The neighborhood is accessible by Metro, rideshare, and multiple nearby parking options, making it convenient for both local audiences and visiting filmmakers.
Accessibility at LightReel
LightReel is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible festival experience for all attendees, filmmakers, and guests.
All primary venues are ADA-accessible, with accessible seating and entrances available throughout the campus.
If you require specific accommodations, please contact our team in advance so we can ensure a comfortable and welcoming experience.
Experience LightReel in the Heart of DC
Join us June 3–6, 2026 in the Union Market District for four days of film, conversation, and celebration.