Visiting Silver Spring
We are excited to host our 13th Annual Global Youth Opportunities Summit (GYEO) at the Silver Spring Civic Center this October! Summit attendees can explore the tastes and sounds of one of the Capital Beltway’s most enjoyable cities, Silver Spring.
Learn more about what's new for this year's GYEO Summit, including musical guests and youth networking events.
Musical Guest
Dogo Tu Togo
Born in Lome, Togo Dogo was introduced at young age to music when he stayed in the house of Baudoin Amegee, a late Togolese top musician and founding member of Les As du Benin and Sassamasso.
Growing up Dogo played in different bands in the Togolese capital before acting as the leader of the band of the University in Lome.
Dogo moved to the United States in 2000 and founded the DC based Afropop/Afrofunk band Elikeh, known for their high energy live performances and original material. Elikeh released 3 albums and and EP that received rave reviews by Washington Post, NPR, Financial Times, Washington Post, Downbeat, World Music Central.
His first release as a solo artist is Von Na Agbeto
Young Professionals Networking Event
Thursday, October 3 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Denizen's Brewing Co.
Meet and mingle with fellow young professional Summit attendees in a relaxed atmosphere! This exclusive event is open to all youth attendees (between the ages of 21 and 29) and will take place at Denizens Brewing Co., a local brewery.
Featuring a rotating selection of craft beers and a full bar stocked with locally-produced spirits, Denizens is a community-based company. Their work with local governance has led to an expansion of economic opportunity in the Silver Spring hospitality industry.
Light snacks will be provided. View Denizens's current beverage offerings here.
Transportation
Town Square Garage and Wayne Avenue Garage are located closest to the Silver Spring Civics Center. A parking garage near the Silver Spring Metro Station is also available. All hotels in the Silver Spring area offer parking. Please check your hotel reservation for more details. The Summit has discounted reservations at the Courtyard Marriott. Click here to make your reservation
While many attendees have arranged for private transportation, the Washington D.C Metro Area has a robust public transportation system. Transportation from the three major airports are listed below:
Ronald Reagan National Airport
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Take the Yellow Line Metro from Ronald Reagan National Airport towards Fort Totten. Transfer from the Yellow Line at Fort Totten Station to the Red Line towards Glenmount. The Silver Spring Metro Station will be the second stop.
Dulles International Airport
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Board the 5A Metrobus at the Dulles Airport Main Terminal towards L’Enfant Plaza Station. L’Enfant Plaza Station is the fourth stop on the 5A Route. Board the Green Line Metro Train towards Greenbelt. Transfer to the Red Line Metro Train at Fort Totten Station. The Silver Spring Metro Station will be the second stop.
Baltimore/Washington International Airport
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Board the B30 Metrobus towards Greenbelt Station. Board the Green Line Metro Train towards Branch Avenue. Transfer to the Red Line Metro Train at Fort Totten Station. The Silver Spring Metro Station will be the second stop.
More Information regarding Metro fares and schedules can be found on the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA) website.
Dining
Silver Springs offers diverse dining options for all budgets. See the following suggestions below:
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There is a wide variety of ethnically diverse cuisines in the area. Ethiopian food, for example, is a popular choice for many of Silver Spring's residents. Try Bete, Abol Ethiopian Cuisine, and Lesaac Ethiopian Café.
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Other options for global cuisine include Mandalay Restaurant and Café, a popular Burmese restaurant, Olazzo, which serves American-Italian fare, and Sushi Jin Next Door, serving a variety of sushi and shashimi, as well as other Japanese dishes.
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Recommendations for American restaurants include Hen Quarter, which specializes in Southern cuisine, All Set Restaurant and Bar, serving New-England style food, and the historic Tastee Diner.
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Local coffee and tea options close to the Silver Spring Civic Center include Kefa Café, Allegro Coffee Company, and Lewi Café.
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Grab a drink at Quarry House Tavern, an eclectic bar featuring craft brews and cocktails. Other options include McGinty’s Public House and Denizen’s Brewery. Learn more about our Young Professionals Networking Event at Denizen’s Brewery here.
Entertainment
In addition to Summit receptions and networking events, attendees should take advantage of the following attractions:
Acorn Park
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This small green space is the last remains of Francis Preston Blair’s estate, “Silver Spring.” Featuring an acorn-shaped gazebo and murals by local artists, Acorn Park is a great place to unwind.
AFI Silver Theater
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The AFI Silver Theater shows an exceptional number of new and classic movies. The theater, supported by the American Film Institute, regularly hosts film festivals, panels and discussions, and other events dedicated to exploring the rich history of film.
The Outbox
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Located in the Downtown Silver Spring shopping center, the Outbox is a public workspace designed by Montgomery College’s Department of Applied Technology. Enjoy a cup of coffee and some fresh air while connected to their wireless network and charging stations.
Downtown Silver Spring
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Downtown Silver Spring is an outdoor shopping center home to a variety of shopping and dining options.
The Silver Spring Library
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The Silver Spring Library offers visitors a panoramic view of downtown Silver Spring. Take advantage of the quiet space with a book and a great view.
Public Art
Silver Spring is home to over 50 pieces of public art installations. Highlights include “Bio Wall,” located down the street from the Civics Building, and “Penguin Rush Hour,” a whimsical reimagining of a bustling commute. Art installation locations and photos can be found on the above map.