The Wharf, a waterfront neighborhood in Southwest D.C., hosts celebrations year-round that draw thousands of visitors, including the upcoming Mardi Gras celebration on Feb. 15, when the streets will come alive with music and dancing.
The fun starts with a festive parade featuring stilt walkers, jugglers and beautifully decorated floats. The celebration will continue with live, local music across multiple stages, including the Naptown Brass Band, JoGo Project, Too Much Talent Band and DJ Troy. After an evening of dancing through Wharf Street, visitors will end the night with a fireworks show over the Potomac River.
Keep an eye out for more events as The Wharf regularly holds other seasonal celebrations, as well as dance lessons, group yoga activities and much more.
What to Do
Roast S’mores
Stop by the vintage Airstream trailer at Camp Wharf to purchase a s’mores kit filled with graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows. Guests can roast their treats over a wood-burning fire surrounded by lounge chairs overlooking the Potomac River.
Camp Wharf is open from 6 to 11 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 4:30 to 11 p.m. on Saturdays, and 4:30 to 10 p.m. on Sundays. S’mores cost $5 each or get four for $17. A portion of the proceeds benefits charities in Southwest D.C.
See a show at the Anthem
This waterfront concert hall brings in big names and rising stars across all genres of music. The venue features an open-floor layout and tiered seating with great views throughout. Catch your favorite artist before heading out to explore nearby restaurants. To get tickets, visit https://theanthemdc.com/.
Create Your Custom Shade
The Lip Lab has a location at The Wharf, where visitors can make an appointment or walk in to create custom lipsticks, lip balms, lip glosses or blush. Guests work with a color expert to design their own shade. You can also choose a scent for your new gloss or lipstick, select the packaging and even add a personalized engraving. It’s a fun activity to enjoy solo or with a group.
Get on the Water
If you’re looking to enjoy a sunny day out on the Potomac River, The Wharf offers several boating options. City Cruises departs from Transit Pier and offers sightseeing cruises, as well as brunch and cocktail cruises. The Water Taxi also docks at Transit Pier, providing scenic rides to Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor. Prices start at $22.
The Wharf Jitney is a free boat service that ferries passengers between Recreation Pier and East Potomac Park. It operates from noon to 6 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from late March through early December.
For a more hands-on experience, GoBoat offers electric boat rentals that seat up to eight people. Prices range from $160 to $420, depending on the rental duration.
Join a bike tour
Unlimited Biking offers guided tours of the city on bicycles and Segways with stops among all of D.C.’s famous attractions. Leave from The Wharf and explore the city on wheels with a guide. You can even see the monuments lit up at night with the three-hour Monuments at Night bike tour. The company also offers bike and rollerblade rentals. Prices for tours start at $45.
Games and events at the Pier
From live music to movie screenings and festivals, there is always something happening at Transit Pier at The Wharf. During the summer, there’s Rock the Dock, a free concert series featuring a range of genres including rock, pop, R&B, jazz and reggae.
Visitors can also attend free movie screenings during Sunset Cinema. On activity days, you’ll spot salsa dancers taking lessons on the pier or yoga mats sprawled around in time for the free waterfront yoga sessions.
There are games for all ages, including giant Jenga, Connect Four and Battleship. For something more relaxing, sit on a swings near Recreation Pier overlooking the water.
Where to Eat
Colada Shop
This Cuban restaurant features colorful décor and a welcoming atmosphere designed for good food, coffee, cocktails and conversation. The menu includes Caribbean-style pastries, empanadas, sandwiches and tropical drinks. Most entrées range from $15 to $20.
Gordon Ramsay Fish and Chips
Gordon Ramsay’s fast-casual restaurant serving up the popular English street food, fish and chips, opened its fourth location in the country at the Wharf. The menu features fish with sustainably caught cod coated with custard powder and fries with dipping sauces like parmesan and chives. Combo options are priced around $16 to $20.
Fat Fish
Brightly decorated and committed to locally sourced ingredients, Fat Fish focuses on raw seafood and plant-forward dishes. The menu includes poke bowls, sushi-style hand rolls and vegan soft-serve with seasonally rotating flavors. Entrée prices start at $16.
Boardwalk Bar and Arcade
This waterfront, beach-themed restaurant offers a mix of vintage and modern arcade games, including basketball, pinball, table football and Skee-Ball. The menu features boardwalk favorites such as homemade corn dogs, hot dogs, thin-crust pizzas, fish tacos and club sandwiches. Happy hour deals are available, and regularly priced meals start at about $12.
