BloomBars

Specialties

BloomBars is not a bar in the traditional sense, but rather an organization that serves up artistic performances and inspiration rather than alcohol.

BloomBars is working to inspire and unite communities through the arts. Our goal is to help foster personal and collective growth, and cultivate a legion of artists to be the catalyst for community transformation across the globe. BloomBars is a safe space for creative expression, honest conversation, personal health and wellness, and entertainment in a rich cultural environment. We redefine the perception of a bar, and provide a space for a multi-​generational community to gather in an alcohol-​free environment.

BloomBars hosts a wide variety of arts classes for people of all ages and experience levels. Every day of the week, professional instructors lead community members in dance, theater, visual arts, music, poetry, and film.

Please visit our website to see what’s happening this week at BloomBars!

History

Established in 2008.

BloomBars took shape nearly in 2008, during the run-​up to the presidential elections. John Chambers, BloomBars «Chief Executive Gardener,» came up with an idea for a community-​based venture, rooted in the arts, that could serve as an incubator for individual and community growth.

With this mission in mind, Chambers purchased the century-​old two-​story storefront that houses a performance space on the ground floor and a gallery space upstairs. Adopting the motto, «You Bloom. We Bloom,» Chambers’ vision of an alcohol-​free, all-​ages creative space became a reality.

Dedicated volunteers coordinate around specific disciplines such as dance, theater, visual arts and film. Under their direction, BloomBars hosts twelve weekly events, nine monthly events and numerous one-​off workshops, classes, concerts, exhibitions, performances and teach-​ins.

Meet the Business Owner

John C.

Business Owner

BloomBars was founded on a belief that art and artists have the power to transform communities and alter the way individuals think, feel, and experience the world.

The inspiration happened in the years leading up to the last presidential election. There was a sense that something radically different was needed to unite and inspire a diverse and demographically shifting Washington, D.C., my hometown for the last 18 years, as well as in communities across the globe.