The temporary "No Parking" placards that line 8th Street, SE, every Friday from May to August aren't the signs of another impending construction project. They're actually the hallmark of a 45-year-old Marine Corps tradition: the Evening Parade.

Beginning at 8:45 pm, the parade showcases the precision and showmanship of the Marines’ performing groups, most notably the United States Marine Corps Band.  "The parade takes place inside the barracks, on our parade deck," said Sgt. Chad Adams, public affairs chief for the 8th and I Marine Barracks. "It's an historic military parade; we don't leave the facility.”

The ceremony begins with a concert by the renowned Marine Corps Band, made famous by band leader and composer John Philip Sousa. "We have two companies of light infantry who perform the rifle manual and the silent drill platoon," Adams explained. "We have two musical units and the Color Guard of the Marine Corps, which carries the official colors of the Corps and the mascot."

Seating for the parade requires reservations. Reserved seating opens at 6:30 pm, and there is limited seating available in the grandstand on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 7:30 pm.

The parade lasts an hour and fifteen minutes.  Parking is located at the Southeast Federal Center at 3^rd and M Streets, SE, with shuttles available between the lots and the barracks.

For more information, including inclement weather schedules, please call (202) 433-6060. Seating reservation requests marked "Attention: Protocol" may be faxed to (202) 433-4076.