Get ready for a full day of high-flying, tail-wagging action as Chesapeake DockDogs brings a nationally sanctioned DockDogs competition to District Pier at The Wharf. For the first time in DC, you can cheer on these canine athletes as they attempt to earn the title of Iron Dog!

This event has multiple disciplines in which dogs will compete to earn a cumulative score. 
Big Air, featuring some of your biggest jumpers, can have dogs jumping as long as 27ft. 

Speed Retrieve, featuring some of your fastest dogs on the dock, can reach the end of a 40 foot pool in less than 6 seconds! 
 
The day builds to the crowd-favorite Extreme Vertical, where dogs go head-to-head to see who can make the highest grab from a toy suspended eight feet from the dock. With some dogs reaching six and seven feet—and a world record of 9'2"—this is a can’t-miss showdown.

Stick around for the awards ceremony, raffles, prizes, massive ribbons, medals, and plenty of four-legged fun. 

10:30am–12:30pm: Speed Retrieve
1:00–2:00pm: Big Air 1
2:00–3:00pm: Big Air 2
3:30–5:30pm: Extreme Vertical
6:00pm: Awards Ceremony

Spectators are welcome to cheer on the winners as they take the podium for ribbons, medals, and prizes.
 

What activities are there at the event?
🦴 Cheer on the dogs
🦴 Get personalized pet gear courtesy of Pacifico
🦴 Hang out in the Tito’s lounge on Transit Peir with your four-legged friend and watch all the action on the big screen
🦴 Visit the Brandywine SPCA truck in Blair Circle and meet the adoptable pups and kittens
🦴And more to come!

Is this event pet-friendly?
Pets are allowed in outdoor spaces throughout The Wharf. The Wharf will provide water for pets to drink. However, we do expect large crowds during the event, and outdoor areas may be hot, 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.

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 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.

Will there be food & drink available at the event? 
Drinks are available for purchase at the designated event bar. Food and beverages are also available for purchase at all Wharf bars and restaurants. You must be 21+ to consume alcohol. 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.

What is the best way to get to The Wharf?
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.

You can also ride the Metro to Waterfront Station and walk 5 minutes to The Wharf, or ride to L’Enfant Plaza and connect to The Wharf on the free Wharf Shuttle. Or consider taking Bikeshare.

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.