2027 EVENT SCHEDULE
All programming is located on the sidewalk in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, unless otherwise noted. The schedule of events and speakers are subject to change but we will do our best to update this page with current information. In the event of inclement weather or other disruptions, the programs will be held inside the United Methodist Church Building on Maryland Ave. next to the Court. All programs will be recorded and streamed on Death Penalty Action's social media platforms.
As always, while the event itself is outside in open sun during the hot summer, we have access to the United Methodist Church building across the street from our presence, which is acccesible for people with disabilities, and has restrooms and air-conditioning for our group.
June 28th - Monday
8:00 pm - Our home-base space at the United Methodist Building (100 Maryland Ave - next door to the Court) opens to us for unloading, banner assembly, and socializing. Please come if you can help with set-up.
9:00 pm to 10:00 pm - Orientation Gathering in the United Methodist Building (100 Maryland Ave - next door to the Court) This is a chance to formally meet other participants, learn more about how the vigil works, learn tips for how to engage the people we will encounter in the days ahead, get information on the petitions we are promoting, and have your questions answered. This is especially recommended for first-time participants, but all who are able should attend.
10:00 pm to 11:45 pm - Our "Last Supper" together at the Methodist Building before fasting starts. Dinner and non-alcoholic drinks provided. While everyone is welcome (including event participants, fasters, non-fasters, supporters, and any guests and friends that you want to invite), we do need to know who is attending in advance so we can have the right amount of food. RSVP here. Note: Alcohol is NOT permitted on the premises.
11:55 pm - Meet after dinner at the Supreme Court for a 12:00 am midnight opening ceremonial gathering to start the fast together.
June 29th - Tuesday
Marks the 55th anniversary of the 1972 Furman v. Georgia decision in which the U.S. Supreme Court found the death penalty to be applied in an arbitrary and capricious manner.
12:01 am - Fasting officially starts, with a 30 minute opening gathering at the court to kick off the fast.
8:30 am - We will gather at the United Methodist Church building to get the vigil set up and going.
9:00 am to 6:00 pm - Vigil outside the court, gathering petition signatures, holding signs, and handing out pamphlets. Busloads of tourists just waiting for YOU to hand them some information, and possibly have a conversation! The adjacent United Methodist Building will be open the entire time for air conditioning, bathrooms and for drinks.
11:00 am to 11:30 am - Rally to mark the 55th anniversary of the 1972 Furman decision. This is when we want as many participants present, especially those with personal stories to share, as we will be inviting the media and press to come during this hour for photo ops and interviews. Be present if you are able.
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm - Abolition Teach-In featuring murder victim families, death row families, exonerees, state-level advocates, national organizers, faith leaders, and more. List of speaker will be posted a couple of weeks before the event.
Note that in-person presentations and discussions will also be live-streamed for remote participation. If joining remotely, watch live on our Facebook page or our YouTube channel.
June 30th - Wednesday
9:00 am to 6:00 pm - Vigil outside the court, gathering petition signatures, holding signs, and handing out pamphlets. Busloads of tourists just waiting for YOU to hand them some information, and possibly have a conversation! The adjacent United Methodist Building will be open the entire time for air conditioning, bathrooms and for drinks.
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm - Abolition Teach-In featuring murder victim families, death row families, exonerees, state-level advocates, national organizers, faith leaders, and more. List of speaker will be posted a couple of weeks before the event.
Note that in-person presentations and discussions will also be live-streamed for remote participation. If joining remotely, watch live on our Facebook page or our YouTube channel.
July 1st - Thursday
9:00 am to 6:00 pm - Vigil outside the court, gathering petition signatures, holding signs, and handing out pamphlets. Busloads of tourists just waiting for YOU to hand them some information, and possibly have a conversation! The adjacent United Methodist Building will be open the entire time for air conditioning, bathrooms and for drinks.
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm - Abolition Teach-In featuring murder victim families, death row families, exonerees, state-level advocates, national organizers, faith leaders, and more. List of speaker will be posted a couple of weeks before the event.
Note that in-person presentations and discussions will also be live-streamed for remote participation. If joining remotely, watch live on our Facebook page or our YouTube channel.
8:30 pm through the next morning - The vigil and presence outside the court becomes continuous with those who choose to do so, maintaining the vigil overnight on the sidewalk outside the court. Some people stay awake all night, and some bring a sleeping bag, mat, and pillow to sleep out on the sidewalk alongside the all-night vigil. (This is safe and legal!)
The United Methodist Building and its security personnel will remain open all night for those who need indoor nap breaks or restroom facilities.
July 2nd - Friday
Marks the 51st anniversary of the Supreme Court's 1976 decision in Gregg V. Georgia, in which new death penalty laws were upheld and state-sponsored prisoner killings were allowed to resume.
Early AM - Continuing from the all-night sleep-over presence
9:00 am to 6:00 pm - Vigil outside the court, gathering petition signatures, holding signs, and handing out pamphlets. Busloads of tourists just waiting for YOU to hand them some information, and possibly have a conversation! The adjacent United Methodist Building will be open the entire time for air conditioning, bathrooms and for drinks.
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm - Abolition Teach-In featuring murder victim families, death row families, exonerees, state-level advocates, national organizers, faith leaders, and more. List of speaker will be posted a couple of weeks before the event.
11:15 pm - Closing circle outside the Supreme Court for reflections.
12:00 Midnight - Break the fast together with a free meal outside the court. A closing circle will begin at 11:15 pm so people can share about their experiences with the group. All are welcome - including non-fasters and guests. RSVP here.
Participants are welcome to head out after the midnight meal (some buses and trains depart at this hour) or stay one more night in DC.
July 3rd - Saturday
The Fast and Vigil has ended, and participants may head back home. Unless arrangements have been made in advance, no AAC-arranged housing is available after 10:00 am.