A new year means new trends. The City Cast DC team sat around at the new cafe Sook (in the old Compass Rose spot!) and put pen to paper for a non-definitive, completely subjective list of what’s “in” and “out” for D.C. in 2026.
Out: Mayor Bowser
Bowser (and several other local leaders) are stepping down, opening up 2026 to be one of the wildest election years in decades.
In: ???
Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George announced she will be running for mayor in November. Former At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie is also expected to announce his candidacy soon. (Bowser already hinted she may endorse him).
Out: Streateries
One of the great tragedies of 2025 — the tear down of D.C.’s streateries — has set us up for a 2026 with far fewer outdoor dining spots and uglier streets, imo. (But hey, at least there is parking for three more cars!)
In: ‘Fast Food Halls’
You know how we feel about the influx of the tech billionaire-backed food hall chain Wonder (not great, Bob!). But we don’t make the rules, and it looks like they are here to stay for 2026.
Out: DC Autonomy
Surprising to no one, D.C. will likely face many more threats to Home Rule and D.C. autonomy in 2026 (and beyond). Looking at you, Park Police expansion, National Guard extension, and Kennedy Center renaming. Despite it all, D.C. autonomy will always be “in” in our hearts.
In: Working Fountains!
The upside of being the poster child for the federal government’s “beautification” efforts is that we might finally get some working fountains out of it. The National Park Service just announced they are spending $54 million to repair D.C.’s park fountains, including the one in Malcolm X Park, which I’ve been waiting for for years.
Streateries in Adams Morgan that have since been torn down. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
Out: Compass Coffee
Compass Coffee just filed for bankruptcy and plans to close 11 of its local cafes in the DMV. But even before the scale down, the cafe’s lawsuits over misuse of federal funds, union busting efforts, and generally ‘off’ business practices put it on our 2026 outs list.
In: Matcha Pop-Ups
Waiting an hour for matcha is dubious, but there is no denying the popularity of D.C.’s matcha pop-ups, a trend we expect will last throughout 2026. Celeste Pop-Up Cafe, Jane Coffee and Matcha, and Dimatchai to name a few.
Out: Stoicism
D.C. is a very put together city, maybe a little too put together. But 2026 is going to be a wild (and potentially very tough) ride, so let's drop the facade, shall we?
In: Crying In Public
I’ve long been a proponent of crying in public (here are some of my favorite spots), but 2026 is the year that the rest of D.C. catches on, because let's be honest, there may be a lot to cry about.
Out: Performative Badge Wearing
If you’re not in the office, no one wants to see your badge. And no one cares what security clearance you have either. If I see one more “subtle-flex” badge at a happy hour, I’m gonna lose it.
In: Hobbies as a Personality Trait
This might be wishful thinking, but 2026 is the year of hobby flexing. Don’t talk to me about your job, I want to hear about how many hats you’ve knitted this winter, how your beehive is holding up, or how your overly complex DnD campaign is going.
