National Pickleball Day 2025: National Mall of Pickleball Returns to D.C. September 19–21

Susan McLain Sullivan August 8, 2025

0 4 minutes read

National Mall of Pickleball Day 2 — Washington D.C.’s National Mall will be again a pickleball playground, September 19-21.

Happy National Pickleball Day—YES, it’s a Big Deal

To some, August 8 is an occasion to celebrate for extra minutes today—on thousands of remarked tennis courts, not just in your neighborhood, but around the world—land and sea!

To others, it will likely mean that the dull pop-pop from an unassuming, tennis-ball sized plastic sphere with lots of holes—typically 40 holes in the outdoor model—could be more frequent today. Lots of pickleballers out on the courts this summer, including myself (also a lifelong tennis player), getting in some exercise and soaking up Vitamin C and D, etc.

Even bigger news for players and the Nation: In honor of National Pickleball Day today, Humana and the Trust for the National Mall will release the full schedule for this year’s National Mall of Pickleball.

Support Good News Journalism, Subscribe >>

Returning September 19–21, this free, three-day event will once again transform America’s Front Yard into a pickleball lover’s dream—with 11 temporary courts and nearly 250 hours of play just outside the Smithsonian Metro station. Programming at this year’s event will feature nearly 250 hours of pickleball on America’s Front Yard and celebrate “Moves That Serve.”

National Mall of Pickleball Day 3 — National Mall of Pickleball is coming again to Washington D.C. September 19-21.

That programming includes clinics with pros, walk-on play, advance court sign-ups, and daily themed events. Highlights include:

DMV Invitational Tournament (Friday, 9/19): Local leagues go head-to-head in friendly competition.
Ultimate Duo Challenge (Saturday, 9/20): Eight finalist pairs from across the U.S. will compete for the title of Ultimate Duo. Submissions are open through August 15th here.
Veteran Valley (Saturday, 9/20): U.S. Veterans of all ages will take to the court in a round-robin tournament honoring service and strength.
APP + DCPT Showcase (Sunday, 9/21): Pro athletes from the Association of Pickleball Players and D.C. Pickleball Team face off on Center Court.

Court reservations open Wednesday, September 10^th at 12 PM ET

WHAT:

The National Mall of Pickleball 2025

Back by popular demand, the Trust for the National Mall and Humana are once again bringing America’s favorite sport—pickleball—to America’s Front Yard. Join us September 19-21 at 12th St SW, right outside of the Smithsonian Metro Station, for three, free days of pickleball fun.

This year’s event, “Moves that Serve,” celebrates the inclusive, accessible, and fun spirit of pickleball. With programs ranging from Center Court pro showdowns to open play, the event is open to all ages and experience levels. Stay tuned for additional information on opportunities for walk-on play, advance court sign-ups, pickleball lessons and clinics with pickleball pros from the USA Pickleball Ambassadors, Association of Pickleball Players (APP) and D.C. Pickleball Team (DCPT), and more!

To emphasize the importance of community, this year the Trust is selecting eight pairs of finalists that will participate in the Ultimate Duo Challenge on Saturday, September 20^th for their chance to be named the National Mall of Pickleball’s Ultimate Duo.

Courts will be available to reserve ahead of time on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 12:00pm ET HERE.

Schedule at-a-glance:

Friday, Sept. 19

In the Kitchen: Presented by the Humana Foundation in partnership with the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, In the Kitchen will feature healthy and nutritious recipes to fuel players’ minds and spirits throughout the weekend.
DMV Invitational Tournament: Local leagues will compete on the courts for some friendly competition.
Media Match: Members of the Washington Press Corps will take to the courts for some friendly competition and their chance to be crowned the best press picklers in D.C.
Play with the Pros Raffle: Enter your name for a chance to face off with the pros on Center Court.
Knock Out: Anyone who considers themselves a pickler will be invited to play on Center Court and play for the title of National Mall of Pickleball Knock Out Champion in a friendly game of knock out to close out the courts each day.

Saturday, Sept. 20

Veteran Volley: Our armed service members know the true meaning of what it takes to ‘serve.’ To honor their commitment and service, US Veterans of all ages will participate in a round-robin style tournament.
Ultimate Duo Challenge: Finalists from across the U.S. will participate in a tournament for their chance to be named the National Mall of Pickleball’s Ultimate Duo.
Changemaker Cup: We’ll search for teams from non-profit organizations dedicated to serving the senior community across health and well-being, celebrating their devotion and empowerment of healthy aging.
Play with the Pros Raffle: Enter your name for a chance to face off with the pros on Center Court.
Knock Out: Anyone who considers themselves a pickler will be invited to play on Center Court and play for the title of National Mall of Pickleball Knock Out Champion in a friendly game of knock out to close out the courts each day.

Sunday, Sept. 21

APP + DCPT Showcase: Professional athletes from the Association of Pickleball Players and D.C. Pickleball Team will face off against each other on Center Court.
Play with the Pros Raffle: Enter your name for a chance to face off with the pros on Center Court.
Knock Out: Anyone who considers themselves a pickler will be invited to play on Center Court and play for the title of National Mall of Pickleball Knock Out Champion in a friendly game of knock out to close out the courts each day.

WHEN & WHERE:

Friday, September 19^th– Sunday, September 21^st

12^th ST SW

Washington, DC 20004

*To learn more about the National Mall of Pickleball, the planned activities and how to sign-up for court time or clinics in advance, please visit: https://nationalmall.org/pickleball

Post Views: 1,115