NEW DATE: Sunday, February 22 | 2026

3:00pm — Mardi Gras Activities Begin

All across The Wharf the fun begins!

3:30pm — Parade Begins

Enjoy a spirited parade featuring stilt walkers, jugglers, the King and Queen of Mardi Gras, plenty of beads, and fantastic floats from your favorite Wharf neighborhood partners.

The parade will feature special appearances and performances by Slapshot of the Washington Capitals, Major Tuddy, Command Force and Commanders Band of the Washington Commanders, the Racing Presidents of the Washington Nationals, the Eastern High School Marching Band, Batalá Washington, and more!

4:30pm-7:00pm — Live Music

Following the parade, the celebration continues on with a dance party and live music by the Naptown Brass Band on the District Pier Stage, JoGo Project on the Transit Pier stage, Too Much Talent Band on The Grove Stage, and DJ Troy on the M Street Landing Stage.

~6:30pm — Fireworks Salute

When the sun sets, look to the sky for our big Mardi Gras fireworks finale!

What time does the parade start?
The parade begins at Blair Alley at 3:30pm near Shake Shack. The final participants will complete the parade around 4:30pm near Hell's Kitchen.

What is the parade route?
The parade begins at Blair Alley (near Shake Shack), goes along Wharf Street next to the water, and ends at Parker Row (near Hell's Kitchen).

Where is the best place to watch the parade?
The parade stretches nearly a half mile along Wharf Street, so there are lots of opportunities to spread out and watch the parade.

For a view from above, check out balcony and rooftop viewing areas at Whitlow's, Limani, Cantina Bambina, Mi Vida, 12 Stories, Del Mar, Hyatt H-Bar, and the restaurant at the Canopy. Restaurant reservations are recommended. As a bonus, all rooftop viewing areas are serving drinks!

Do I need a ticket?
Mardi Gras at The Wharf is free to attend; no tickets are needed. Drinks are available for purchase in the District Pier Party Zone and at all Wharf bars and restaurants.

What activities are there at the event?
Following the parade, the party continues on District Pier and on Transit Pier. Enjoy live music, get your photo taken with the roaming jester character, and visit the event bars to try Hurricanes made with the Wharf’s own Thrasher’s Rum. Sample snacks from Giant Food near Camp Wharf. Starting at 4:30pm meet adoptable pups from the Brandywine Valley SPCA in their Mobile Adoption Truck in M Street Landing, arrange flowers with the Calluna Flower Truck in the Grove and vote for your favorite float in M Street Landing. Don’t miss the fireworks show at 6:30pm!

What activities will you have for kids and families?
Mardi Gras Activity Stations in M Street Landing will open at 3:30pm with face painting, Mardi Gras mask making and crafts with The Britley’s School. Starting at 4:30pm vote for your favorite float and meet adoptable pups from the Brandywine Valley SPCA in their Mobile Adoption Truck in M Street Landing. 

Are there any Mardi Gras food and drink specials?
There will be plenty of New Orleans inspired food and drink specials from restaurants at The Wharf! Make a reservation at a Wharf restaurant and stay tuned for our roundup of dining specials.

Will there be music?
In true New Orleans fashion, the Mardi Gras parade and party will feature many live performances from local groups including the Eastern High School Marching Band, the Too Much Talent Band, the Naptown Brass Band, and more!

Will there be fireworks? What time?
Fireworks will be shot off from a barge in the Washington Channel around 6:30pm.

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 Southwest Shuttle. Or consider taking Bikeshare.

Is this event pet-friendly?
We expect very large crowds along Wharf Street and on our piers due to the Mardi Gras parade and party. We highly recommend that you leave your pets at home this day for their comfort.

What happens if it rains?
Due to the inclement weather forecast for Sunday, February 15, Mardi Gras at The Wharf has been rescheduled to Sunday, February 22. The event timeline will remain the same. We look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday, February 22 from 3pm-7pm.

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 drink alcohol outdoors?
As a reminder: The Wharf is not Bourbon Street; open alcohol containers are not allowed outdoors, except on restaurant patios or in the Market Square Party Zone. No outside alcohol is permitted.

What should I wear?
Mardi Gras is the perfect excuse to go all out with your most extravagant ensemble. February weather can be chilly, so plan accordingly. Think festive and fantastical—feathers, sparkles, and bold accessories are encouraged, and don’t forget the classic Mardi Gras colors: purple, green, and gold.

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.