In an exciting celebration of cultural diversity, Adobo is set to make its mark as the inaugural event at the new Plaza Stage located at Nationals Park on Saturday, May 3rd. This multicultural dance party, founded by Montgomery County’s very own Pedro Night and Walter Alvarado, draws inspiration from the vibrant communities of the DMV area, particularly Montgomery Village and Gaithersburg.
Pedro Night, a proud alumnus of Goshen Elementary School, Montgomery Village Middle School, and Watkins Mill High School (Class of 2012), currently resides in Washington, D.C. Co-founder, Walter Alvarado, also hails from Montgomery Village, having attended South Lake Elementary School, Neelsville Middle School, and Montgomery Village Middle School before graduating from Watkins Mill High School in 2012. The two met at church in Gaithersburg when they were just 11 years old and have maintained a strong friendship ever since, bonding over their passion for music and cultural expression.
Adobo’s concept is deeply rooted in the diversity of the DMV, recognized as one of the most culturally rich areas in the United States. As first-generation descendants of Nicaraguan and Salvadoran families, Night and Alvarado were exposed to a tapestry of communities from around the world. This upbringing fostered in them a love and appreciation for cultures from Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the wider D.C./Maryland/Virginia region. Washingtonian magazine aptly dubbed Adobo “the Multicultural Dance Party DC Needs Right Now,” reflecting its ethos of unity and celebration.
Adobo first emerged in July 2018 at a now-defunct bar in Bethesda, launched as a platform to celebrate the multiculturalism that permeates the DMV. After a successful debut, the founders relocated to D.C. the following year, only to face challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Undeterred, they returned in 2021 with a bang, hosting a three-day festival at the Kennedy Center along with a Central American-themed bar crawl in the lively 14th and U Street corridor.
In 2022, Adobo reached new heights by partnering with some of D.C.’s largest and most iconic venues, including Bullpen, a beloved outdoor location, and Echostage, renowned by many as the #1 club in the United States. During this period, the event showcased performances by top Latin artists, such as Ivy Queen, Jowell & Randy, and Tokischa, captivating audiences and promoting a sense of cultural pride and community.
After hosting over 100,000 attendees in the past seven years, Adobo is set to continue its legacy at Nationals Park’s Plaza Stage. This inaugural event marks a significant milestone for Night, Alvarado, and their mission to represent their culture and community at one of the top venues in the nation.
As Adobo gears up to amplify the sounds and rhythms of diverse cultures, the event promises to unite people from all backgrounds in an unforgettable celebration of dance, music, and community spirit. “Join us at Nationals Park to be part of this vibrant celebration, honoring the rich tapestry of the DMV area and beyond!” The Adobo Day Party takes place on Saturday, May 3rd from 4:30pm-10pm at the Plaza Stage @ Nationals Park with tickets on sale at AdoboDMV.com
