ADOBO: The Flavorful Movement Uniting the DMV’s Global Community

(Left to right) Walter Alvarado and Pedro Night

When Pedro Night and Walter Alvarado launched ADOBO in 2018, it was more than a party. It was a cultural statement. What began as a response to the segregated music and nightlife scenes in Washington, D.C. has grown into a powerful, multicultural movement that reflects the rich diversity of the DMV region. 

Today, ADOBO isn't just one of the most anticipated party series in the area. It's a celebration of identity, unity, and the beauty of global influence.

"ADOBO is the DMV's multicultural party series," says Pedro, who proudly represents Montgomery Village and his Nicaraguan roots. We wanted to create something that truly looked and felt like the DMV—where the music, the people, and the culture all meet under one roof."

From its humble beginnings in a 160-person bar in Bethesda, ADOBO took its name from the seasoning found in kitchens across Central and South American, Caribbean, African, and DMV households. "ADOBO is in everybody's kitchen," Pedro reflects. "It's a shared ingredient, just like this party. Something that brings people together."

The path to prominence wasn't easy, though. ADOBO's first party had to be rescheduled at the last minute (this led to their initial name changing from Sabado Gigante to ADOBO), venues turned them away, and they faced businesses' everyday struggles. But Pedro and Walter persisted despite all these hurdles. 

A major turning point came in 2019 when ADOBO landed at Big Chief, a now-closed D.C. venue where the party found its first real home. From there, it grew steadily, even surviving the COVID-19 pandemic by re-emerging with renewed purpose, launching a three-day festival at The Kennedy Center and the DMV's first Central American-themed bar crawl on U Street—two things that had not been done before in the area.

Then came The Bullpen, a venue known for large-scale outdoor events near Nationals Park. For three summers in a row, ADOBO packed the Bullpen with attendees from all over the DMV and beyond, blending reggaetón, dancehall, afrobeat, dembow, hip-hop, R&B, gogo, and much more into one unforgettable experience. "That's where we reestablished our foothold," Pedro explains. It helped us find our rhythm again." But like any persistent business, there had to be more innovation.

On May 3rd, 2025, ADOBO leveled up again, becoming the first party ever to take over Nationals Park. "It was emotional," Pedro admits. "To go from being turned away countless times to hosting thousands at Nats Park ... it was a full-circle moment."

With venues like Echostage and AI Warehouse now in rotation, and plans for stops in cities like L.A. and New York City, ADOBO continues expanding without losing sight of its roots. Alongside the parties, the team partners with organizations like Planned Parenthood and Audelia Community Response Team to raise awareness and funds for reproductive and immigration justice.

Still, Pedro’s advice remains grounded: “If you want it enough, you have to keep going. You can’t give up.” Because ADOBO isn’t just a party, it’s a reminder that when culture and community come together with intention, the result can reshape a city.