Celebrate the 12th Annual Running of the Chihuahuas presented by Pacifico and emceed by Tommy McFly. The fun-filled and free event features the iconic Chihuahua races, a Pacifico Beer Garden, a DJ, 360 pet photo booth, and a giant inflatable Chihuahua for photo opportunities. Stop by the Tito's Chihuahua Lounge on Transit Pier for a cocktail made with Vodka for Dog People, and don't forget to visit the DC Lottery tent to spin the prize wheel to win cash and DC Lottery swag.

The highlight of the afternoon, the races features over 150 Chihuahuas racing in groups of eight on a sixty foot racetrack. All the action is captured on a huge video screen and the winners take home pet-friendly gifts, prizes, and more! All race proceeds benefit Rural Dog Rescue – a non-profit organization dedicated to pulling dogs from high-kill rural shelters.

District Pier

2:00-5:00pm — Pacifico Beer Garden, a DJ, and a giant inflatable Chihuahua for photo opportunities on District Pier and a 360 pet photo booth near Camp Wharf.

2:15pm — Chihuahua races begin, and continue throughout the event.

2:45pm — Adoptable Pet Parade with Rural Dog Rescue.

3:30pm — Dog Costume Contest (All breeds welcome).

4:15pm — Semi-Final Chihuahua Races.

4:30pm — Check Presentation and Final Chihuahua Race.

Transit Pier

1:00-1:45pm — Racer Check-In on Transit Pier.

2:00-5:00pm — Tito's Chihuahua Lounge and Pacifico Party Zone with drinks and additional big-screen race viewing.

Do spectators need to register or get a ticket?
Running of the Chihuahuas at The Wharf is FREE for spectators; no tickets are needed. Gather around the race track or watch the excitement on the big screen. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the designated event bar. Additionally, food and drinks are also available for purchase at all Wharf bars and restaurants. You must be 21+ to consume alcohol.

How can my Chihuahua participate in the races?
Chihuahuas who wish to participate in the races must register and pay the race entry fee prior to the event. All race entry fees are donated to Rural Dog Rescue. 

Please note: as of April 26, we are completely sold out of racing spots. We encourage you to come see the fun and we will take walk ups on a first-come, first served basis if we have any last minute openings or cancellations.

What type of dogs are allowed to race?
Only Chihuahuas may participate in the races, but all dogs can take part in the excitement of the day during the free all-breed dog costume contest! If you don’t have a dog yet, keep an eye out for your forever friend during the Adoptable Dog Parade that takes place between the Chihuahua races.

How do I participate in the all-breed dog costume contest?
The all-breed dog costume contest takes place around 3:30pm on the main racetrack. There is no need to sign up in advance, just bring your costumed dog (on a leash, please) to the racetrack when the emcee announces it's time for the costume contest.

Is this event pet-friendly?
Pets are allowed in outdoor spaces throughout The Wharf. The Wharf will provide water for pets to drink and small pools for pets to splash in. However, we do expect large crowds during the event, and outdoor areas may be hot or cold, so please plan ahead for your pet's comfort and safety. Please plan to keep your pet leashed throughout the event (except the Chihuahuas, when they're racing). The recommended pet relief area is Benjamin Banneker Park near 9th and Maine Ave SW.

Are there any drink specials?
Restaurants at The Wharf have crafted specialty cocktails named after an adoptable dog from Rural Dog Rescue to help raise awareness and find the dogs a home. Each cocktail is made with Tito's Handmade Vodka, which is vodka for dog people. Try out the different cocktails and support Rural Dog Rescue from April 29 through May 5. Participating restaurants include: Bar Pendry, Boardwalk Bar & Arcade, Brighton SW1, Canopy Central, Cantina Bambina, Easy Company, Hank's Oyster Bar, H-Bar, Kaliwa, Kirwan's on The Wharf, Limani, Little Chicken, Makers Union, Milk & Honey, Pearl Street Warehouse, Philippe Chow and Whiskey Charlie. 

Cocktail Menus

Will there be fireworks?
Running of the Chihuahuas at The Wharf does not feature fireworks. View The Wharf Events Calendar to see which upcoming Wharf events feature fireworks.

What is the best way to get to The Wharf?
Plan for lots of vehicular traffic and limited parking on Saturday. Instead of driving, ride the Metro to Waterfront Station and walk one block to The Wharf, or ride Metro to L’Enfant Plaza and connect to The Wharf on the free Southwest Shuttle. Or consider taking Bikeshare.

If you can’t avoid driving, The Wharf has three underground parking garages that are open around the clock. Check our garages' capacity before you arrive. Or plan to utilize one of the nearby off-site parking garages (view PDF map), including Ace Parking at L’Enfant Plaza (420 10th St SW), L'Enfant East Parking Garage (840 D St SW), or the 1100 4th St SW Garage.

What happens if it rains?
If the weather doesn’t look good for a fun day of racing on Saturday, May 4, the rain date is Sunday, May 5. In the event a rain date is necessary a decision will be made on Friday, May 3.

Where are the public bathrooms at The Wharf?
Public restrooms are located throughout The Wharf at the Fish Market, Transit Pier, 800 Water Street, in the Oculus, and at The Terrace. View the public restrooms on the Event Map.

Can I bring chairs and coolers?
Chairs and coolers are not permitted at The Wharf at any time. Learn more about The Wharf’s Code of Conduct.

Can I drink alcohol outdoors?
In the District of Columbia, it is against the law to consume alcohol in public, including in the streets, parks, and piers at The Wharf. At The Wharf, you may only consume alcohol inside restaurants, within restaurants' licensed patio areas, or within the licensed event footprint on District Pier. No outside alcohol is permitted.