M Street Landing - Cultural Performances

As the sun sets, The Wharf will transform with a community light procession along the waterfront. LED candles will be distributed to event guests at M Street Landing.

The Grove - Live Music & Light Procession

Enjoy live music from local bands. 

Recreation Pier - Face Painting, Crafts & DJ

Kids can get their face painted and decorate sugar skulls on Recreation Pier. 

Do I need a ticket?
Celebración Día de los Muertos at The Wharf is free to attend; no tickets are needed. Drinks are available for purchase in the Celebración beer gardens and at all Wharf bars and restaurants. You must be 21+ to consume alcohol.

What should I wear?
Celebración Día de los Muertos at The Wharf is the perfect time to wear your most colorful and authentic ensemble. Traditionally people wear colorful colors, skulls, and flowers. We’ll light up the night during the community light procession so you can also wear something that shines and glows!

What time does the celebration start?
The festivities are from 3pm-6pm.

What activities are there at the event?
Celebración Día de los Muertos at The Wharf will offer activities for all ages including:
💀 Kids can get their faces painted and decorate sugar skulls by The Wharf Boathouse.
💀 Sip on drinks from the Modelo Beer Gardens.
💀 Watch cultural performances.
💀 Snap a photo in front of the life-sized sugar skull sign.
💀 Visit beautifully decorated altars honoring loved ones.
💀 Participate in the community light procession.
💀 Spin the wheel for prizes at the DC Lottery table.

What is the best way to get to The Wharf?
Garage 3 located at 602 Water St SW is the closest to the event. You can also ride the Metro to Waterfront Station and walk 5 minutes to The Wharf, or ride to L’Enfant Plaza and then hop on The Wharf Shuttle, a free service that stops at CVS and 7th Street Park. Or consider taking Bikeshare.

Will there be fireworks? What time?
Celebración Día de los Muertos at The Wharf does not feature fireworks. View The Wharf Events Calendar to see which upcoming Wharf events feature fireworks.

What happens if it rains?
A few sprinkles can’t keep us down! However, the safety of our guests is our top priority. If weather conditions affect the ability of participants from safely enjoying the event, we will make any necessary adjustments. In the event of inclement weather, updates will be posted on this page and on our social media channels as promptly as possible. 

Can I drink alcohol outdoors?
Open alcohol containers are not allowed outdoors, except on restaurant patios or at the Modelo Beer Gardens in the Celebracion Fiesta Zone. No outside alcohol is permitted.

Is this event pet-friendly?
Pets are allowed in outdoor spaces throughout The Wharf. 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. The recommended pet relief area is Benjamin Banneker Park near 9th and Maine Ave SW.

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

Can I bring my camera?
Guests are permitted to bring cameras and video equipment to The Wharf, provided that they are for personal use only. Cameras with a lens longer than six (6) inches may not be brought to events at The Wharf, except by credentialed media. While taking photographs, guests are not permitted to stand in the aisles, portals, or walkways, or to obstruct others from viewing the event. Monopods, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted at The Wharf. If you’re interested in a photo pass, please contact info@wharfdc.com. Please note that priority is given to established media outlets.