Buddhist Monks to Walk into DC on Tuesday

Road closures planned as monks complete their peace walk to the nation's capital

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A group of Buddhist monks are scheduled to enter Washington, D.C. on Tuesday morning, marking the near completion of their walk for peace. The monks will begin their walk at 7 a.m. from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, and follow a route through Arlington and into D.C., ending at American University's Bender Arena. Several road closures will be in effect along the monks' walking route to accommodate the event.

Why it matters

The monks' walk is part of a larger effort to promote peace and unity, with planned events and ceremonies at American University and the Washington National Cathedral. The road closures will impact traffic in the area, but officials hope the public will come out to support the monks and their message.

The details

The monks' walking route will take them from Marymount University, right onto Glebe Road, right onto Chain Bridge Road, across the Chain Bridge into D.C., then along Canal Road, Arizona Avenue NW, and Loughboro Road/Nebraska Avenue NW, finishing at American University's Bender Arena. After a peace program at the university, the monks will walk to the Washington National Cathedral for an interfaith ceremony.

  • The monks will begin walking at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Road closures will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. along the monks' walking route.
  • Additional road closures will be in place from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for the monks' visits to the Washington National Cathedral and Embassy Row.

The players

Buddhist Monks

A group of Buddhist monks who are completing a walk for peace, culminating in their arrival in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday.

American University

The university where the monks will hold a peace program after arriving in D.C.

Washington National Cathedral

The site where the monks will hold an interfaith ceremony after their walk.

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What they’re saying

“The monks' walk is a powerful symbol of their commitment to peace and unity, and we're honored to host them on our campus.”

— Spokesperson, American University

“We encourage the public to come out and support the monks as they complete their journey to D.C. and participate in the events at the cathedral.”

— Reverend, Washington National Cathedral

What’s next

After the events at the Washington National Cathedral, the monks will lead a unity walk along Embassy Row in Washington, D.C.

The takeaway

The Buddhist monks' walk to Washington, D.C. is a powerful demonstration of their commitment to peace and unity, and the community is invited to support their message by attending the events and ceremonies planned throughout the day.